2016 GMC Canyon — Full Specifications
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The 2016 GMC Canyon is a pickup offered with 3 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 2.8L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 30 mpg (UK) / 25 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 24–30 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a GMC Canyon workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2015 GMC Canyon: Fuel economy improves from 26 to 30 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. EPA lists new engine options for 2016: 2.8L 4-cyl turbo. It carries the same 4★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.8L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.5L 4-cyl · 2.8L 4-cyl turbo · 3.6L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic 6-spd |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Pickup |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 30 combined / 26 urban / 36 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 25 combined / 22 city / 30 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 254 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,850 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 7 configurations for the 2016 GMC Canyon across 3 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 2.8L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 20 to 25 mpg (US), or 24 to 30 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (19/24) | 265 | $3,200 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (20/26) | 249 | $3,050 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (19/26) | 254 | $3,050 |
| 2.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (20/28) | 278 | $4,150 |
| 2.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (22/30) | 254 | $3,850 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (17/24) | 280 | $3,350 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (18/25) | 265 | $3,200 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2016 GMC Canyon
Running Costs: 2016 GMC Canyon
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2016 GMC Canyon at 30 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,212 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,850 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2016 GMC Canyon Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 GMC Canyon (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2), Fuel system (1), Latches/locks/linkages (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Fuel system — campaign 18V358000, reported 31 May 2018. Risk: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Air bags — campaign 17V621000, reported 5 October 2017. Risk: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in a crash.
- Air bags — campaign 16V125000, reported 2 March 2016. Risk: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury.
- Latches/locks/linkages — campaign 15V807000, reported 1 December 2015. Risk: If the console compartment door does not remain closed in a crash, the contents stored in the console may strike the vehicle occupants, increasing their risk of injury.
Owners have filed 270 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 GMC Canyon. The most-reported areas are Steering (180), Power train (39), Electrical system (37). Complaints include 8 reported crashes, 2 reported fires, 4 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 26 complaints across the 15 GMC Canyon model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2016 GMC Canyon
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Steering (180 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
- Transmission & drivetrain (39 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Electrical system (37 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Engine (21 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the GMC Canyon compare to similar pickups? For context, pickups in our database average around 25 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 30 mpg figure is 5 mpg better than that average. Its 254 g/km CO₂ figure is 29 g/km lower than the 283 g/km average for pickups on this site. This comparison is based on 264 pickups in our dataset.
GMC models in our database average about 26 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2016 GMC Canyon's 30 mpg is 4 mpg above that make average. Its 254 g/km CO₂ figure is 18 g/km lower than the 272 g/km GMC average.
Of the 15 GMC Canyon model years we cover, the 2016 is the most economical on its best configuration (30 mpg UK combined). See every GMC Canyon year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2016 GMC Canyon
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2016 GMC Canyon have?
EPA lists 3 engines for the 2016 GMC Canyon: 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.8L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.8L 4-cyl turbo with a automatic 6-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 GMC Canyon?
The most efficient configuration returns around 30 mpg (UK) combined, or 25 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 24 to 30 mpg.
How much does the 2016 GMC Canyon cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,850 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2016 GMC Canyon have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2016 GMC Canyon have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 GMC Canyon (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2), Fuel system (1), Latches/locks/linkages (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2016 GMC Canyon?
Among the 270 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Steering (180 complaints), Power train (39 complaints), Electrical system (37 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the GMC Canyon's fuel economy good for a pickup?
Yes — it returns around 30 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 25 mpg among the pickups we track, making it one of the more efficient options in its class.