2015 GMC Canyon Preview: Detroit Auto Show

The 2015 GMC Canyon is General Motor's second prong in its mid-size pickup attack.  Completely redesigned this year, and unveiled shortly after its mechanical twin, the Chevrolet Colorado, in Los Angeles, the GMC Canyon offers styling remarkably similar to that of the full-size Sierra.  It's in a tough spot to take back market share from the perennial entry-level truck champion, the Toyota Tacoma, but it's in a far better position than ever before thanks to a much more modern chassis and a trio of appealing engine options.

What’s New for the 2015 GMC Canyon:

• All-new platform
• Two new gas engines
• No more V-8 option
• Upcoming turbodiesel motor

2015 GMC Canyon Debut: Styling and Design

The 2015 GMC Canyon takes the upright lines and rounded fenders of the full-size GMC Sierra and shrinks them down to three-quarters scale.  It's definitely a handsome truck, with a more 'professional' vibe than the Chevy Colorado, according to GMC, and it's easy to see their perspective when comparing the two mid-size trucks side-by-side.  You get the choice between either an extended cab or crew cab body style with the Canyon, and bed lengths include five and six-footers.

2015 GMC Canyon Debut: What’s Under the Hood

The 2015 GMC Canyon's base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine pushes out 193 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, while its sizeable 3.6-liter V-6 upgrade is rated at 302 horses and 270 lb-ft of twist.  Each of these motors is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission, although a six-speed manual is also available with entry-level four-cylinder trucks.  Four-wheel drive can be added as an option with either mill, but the most exciting piece of available equipment is the GMC Canyon's 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder that will be available next year.

2015 GMC Canyon Debut: Features and Technology

The 2015 GMC Canyon doesn't push too many boundaries when it comes to features, which is just fine considering the segment of the market that it caters to.  An All-Terrain package is available to ensure more surefooted off-roading, and General Motors has extended its soft-opening tailgate design to the smaller truck.  The company is also rolling out LTE wireless connectivity across its line-up, and the GMC Canyon will be one of the first vehicles to make this available as an option when it eventually goes on sale.  Finally, GMC is taking a page out of Ford's MyKey book and installing a system in the pickup that allows for parental units to control the speed of the vehicle (and record its antics) when it's lent out to teenagers.

2015 GMC Canyon Debut: What Autobytel Thinks

The 2015 GMC Canyon is a good-looking pickup, and with the addition of such an interesting range of engine options - not to mention a chassis that is a cut above that of the last-generation model - it once again becomes relevant in the mid-size market.  We are most intrigued by the turbodiesel engine option, which sets both the Canyon and its Colorado sibling apart from the rest of the not-full-size pack, and we can't wait to get behind the wheel of what promises to be the most fuel efficient model in its class.