Page Loading

GMC Canyon vs. GMC Terrain

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the GMC Canyon and GMC Terrain contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the GMC Canyon and the GMC Terrain.

When we compare the GMC Canyon's and the GMC Terrain's specifications and ratings, the GMC Canyon has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value and base engine power. The GMC Terrain has the advantage in the area of new vehicle base pricing. The GMC Canyon and GMC Terrain have the same overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the GMC Canyon's and the GMC Terrain's specifications and ratings, the GMC Canyon is a better car than the GMC Terrain.

Pricing: For a new model, the GMC Canyon's price is between $41,730 and $58,884, with the GMC Terrain priced between $31,618 and $44,902.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the GMC Canyon loses 38.2 percent of its value and the GMC Terrain loses 49.3 percent of its value. This means the GMC Canyon retains 11.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the GMC Terrain.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the GMC Canyon and GMC Terrain is 7.9 out of 10. This results in the GMC Canyon being ranked 3 out of 7 Best Midsize Trucks and the GMC Terrain being ranked 8 out of 19 Best Small SUVs.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the GMC Canyon is 8.1 out of 10. For the GMC Terrain the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the GMC Canyon a slight advantage in reliability compared to the GMC Terrain.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the GMC Canyon’s base engine makes 310 horsepower, and the GMC Terrain base engine makes 175 horsepower.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the GMC Terrain has higher safety ratings than the GMC Canyon, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.

See More See Less
Model & Pricing
GMC Canyon
GMC Terrain

2026 GMC Canyon
Change Vehicle
Vehicle Image
GMC Canyon for Sale

2026 GMC Terrain
Change Vehicle
Vehicle Image
GMC Terrain for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

41730 - 58884

Starting MSRP:

38900

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)

34483

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)

32150 - 38900

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

31618 - 44902

Starting MSRP:

30100

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)

29401

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)

24635 - 34995

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

Price Range:

-

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)

41803

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)

41803 - 41803

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

35543

Price Range:

30386 - 43023

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

33932

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

31731 - 35755

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

15104

Depreciation %:

0.38828901

Resale Value $:

23796

Residual Value %:

0.61171099

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)

0.41437655

Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)

0.38828901 - 0.42794783

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

14906

Depreciation %:

0.49523123

Resale Value $:

15194

Residual Value %:

0.50476877

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)

0.45209006

Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)

0.32910269 - 0.51594441

GMC Canyon Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

7.9 / 10

Reliability:

8.1 / 10

Retained Value:

8.6 / 10

Safety:

7.0 / 10

GMC Terrain Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

7.9 / 10

Reliability:

7.7 / 10

Retained Value:

7.9 / 10

Safety:

8.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for GMC Canyon

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

14.6

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)

13.1

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)

12.7 - 14.6

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.305

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for GMC Terrain

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

10.7

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

11.3

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

9.6 - 15.6

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.11



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

Typical Category Recalls:

N/A

Category Range for Recalls:

N/A

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

Typical Category Recalls:

N/A

Category Range for Recalls:

N/A

GMC Canyon Rankings

Best Midsize Trucks for Towing

1 / 7

Most Comfortable Midsize Trucks

1 / 7

Best Midsize Trucks Under $40k

1 / 2

Most Reliable Midsize Trucks Under $40k

1 / 2

Midsize Trucks with the Most Horsepower

2 / 7

Best Midsize Trucks

3 / 7

Best Midsize Trucks for Tall People

3 / 7

Midsize Trucks with the Most Legroom

3 / 7

Most Reliable Midsize Trucks

3 / 7

Safest Midsize Trucks

3 / 7

Midsize Trucks with Best Resale Value

4 / 7

Best Gas Mileage Midsize Trucks

5 / 7

Best Off-road Midsize Trucks

5 / 7

Best Midsize Trucks for the Money

6 / 7

Most Affordable Midsize Trucks

6 / 7

GMC Terrain Rankings

Most Comfortable Small SUVs

1 / 19

Most Reliable Small SUVs Under $30k

5 / 13

Most Reliable Small SUVs

6 / 19

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

7 / 67

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $30k

7 / 20

Best Small SUVs for the Money

7 / 18

Best Small SUVs Under $30k

7 / 13

Best Crossover SUVs Under $30k

8 / 20

Best Family Small SUVs

8 / 19

Best Small SUVs

8 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Tall People

9 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

10 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

12 / 56

Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

12 / 19

Best Family Crossover SUVs

13 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs

13 / 19

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

13 / 19

Most Affordable Small SUVs

13 / 18

Best Small SUVs for Towing

14 / 19

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

15 / 67

Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

15 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs

17 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

20 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

24 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

25 / 56

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

29 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

29 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

39 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

45 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

45 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

51 / 67

Summary Review

The GMC Canyon is a near-twin of the Chevrolet Colorado. They are made on the same assembly lines with the same key components. GM markets the GMC Canyon as a more upscale or professional grade version of the same Colorado design. Even the warranty is identical.

See More See Less

Summary Review

The GMC Terrain is a compact SUV that seats five people with a roomy cabin and impressive fuel economy. The current Terrain was redesigned for the 2020 model year, with new models costing an average of $31,939 and 3-year-old models averaging $24,337.

See More See Less

Pros and Cons

  • Well-rounded modern design
  • Turbodiesel option
  • Solid infotainment technology
  • Big discounts off new sticker price are common

  • Big discounts off sticker price make used Canyon values unclear
  • Reliability issues in past models include transmission
  • Standard four-cylinder engine feels inadequate in an upscale model

Pros and Cons

  • Spacious interior
  • Fuel efficient engine
  • Smooth ride

  • Limited cargo space
  • High starting price
  • Base engine needs more power

Available Body Styles

Pickup Truck

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Cab Types

Crew Cab

Available Cab Types

Not applicable

Available Bed Length(s)

61.7 inches

Available Bed Length(s)

Not applicable

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

GMC Canyon Trim Levels

AT4, AT4X, Denali, Elevation

GMC Terrain Trim Levels

AT4, Denali, Elevation

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years / 60000 miles

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not yet available

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not yet available

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

310 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque:

430 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.070 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

7700 lbs

Max Payload:

1670 lbs

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

175 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque:

184 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.051 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.7 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

4X2 / 4X4

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


Not yet available

Range (city/hwy):

Not yet available

Recommended Fuel Type:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

1.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / 4X4

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


Not yet available

Range (city/hwy):

Not yet available

Recommended Fuel Type:

Not yet available

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Navigation System:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Trailer Hitch:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Internet Radio:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Power Lift Gate:

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Navigation System:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Standard

Heated Steering Wheel:

Standard

Internet Radio:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

Available

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.3 inches

Front Leg Room:

45.2 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

57.4 inches

Rear Head Room:

38.3 inches

Rear Leg Room:

34.7 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

56.1 inches

Cargo Space:

Not yet available

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

Not yet available

Overall Interior Volume:

Not yet available

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.6 inches

Front Leg Room:

43.9 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

57.7 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.2 inches

Rear Leg Room:

39.7 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

55.7 inches

Cargo Space:

29.8 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

63.5 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

133.8 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4410 lbs

Width:

84.4 inches

Height:

79.8 inches

Length:

213.2 inches

Wheelbase:

131.4 inches

Ground Clearance:

9.6 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3446 lbs

Width:

74.5 inches

Height:

65.8 inches

Length:

181 inches

Wheelbase:

107.5 inches

Ground Clearance:

5.8 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 8.5 inches

Wheel Type:

painted aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

P265/65R18SL

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 inches

Wheel Type:

polished aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

235/65R17

Exterior Colors

Black

Onyx Black

Blue

Rapids Metallic

Gray

Sterling Metallic

Red

Volcanic Red Tintcoat

White

Coastal Dune / Summit White

Exterior Colors

Black

Ebony Twilight Metallic

Blue

Rapids Metallic

Gray

Riverstone Metallic / Sterling Metallic

Red

Volcanic Red Tintcoat

White

Summit White

Interior Colors

Black

Jet Black

Gray

Not available

Interior Colors

Black

After Dark

Gray

Gideon Gray/After Dark

Popular Canyon Model Year Comparisons

Popular Terrain Model Year Comparisons

Related Car Comparisons

Popular Canyon Trim Comparisons

Popular Terrain Trim Comparisons

Popular Car Comparisons