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2021Small Pickup Trucks 4WDRegular

2021 GMC Canyon 4WD

EPA ID: 42553
16
City MPG
18
Combined MPG
18MPG· Below Avg
22
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2021 GMC Canyon 4WD achieves an EPA-estimated 18 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 3.6L 6-cylinder engine paired with a automatic 8-spd, this small pickup trucks 4wd features 4-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2021 Canyon 4WD produces approximately 494 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Canyon 4WD has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $3,300, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $5,750 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassSmall Pickup Trucks 4WD
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine3.6L 6-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic 8-spd
Drive Type4-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions494 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score3/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$3,300
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $5,750

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
18.2
Impact vs EPA
$-38
/ year
💨

The Brick Effect: Highway Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Because the Small Pickup Trucks 4WD has a large frontal area, expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by up to 25% at high speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$720/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$16,800
38.9%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$14,583
33.8%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$11,400
26.4%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
0.9%
Total 5-Year Cost$43,183

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #21V497000·2021-08-17
critical
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Canyon vehicles. The load carrying capacity printed on the Tire and Loading Information placard is 22.5 kg (51 lbs.) more than intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will mail owners a new B-pillar label, free of charge. Owners may apply the label, or bring it to a dealer for installation. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 17, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212340735.

Campaign #20V811000·2021-01-29
critical
Component: SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all GMC Canyon 4WD configurations.

View Model History

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Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$3,300
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $5,750

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City16 MPG
Highway22 MPG
Combined18 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

98.8 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 122 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 8.2 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.