GM's small pickups, the Canyon and its Chevrolet Colorado twin, are more maneuverable than full-sized trucks and better equipped than their Nissan and Toyota competitors. In our tests the V6 version got 18 mpg overall, and the four-cylinder diesel bumped fuel economy to 24 mpg. V6 versions feature a tow-haul mode. A four-cylinder gasoline engine is also available. The ride is rather choppy, but handling is responsive. Rear- and four-wheel-drive versions are available. Inside are the latest electronics, including the MyLink Bluetooth audio system. These are the first small trucks to offer forward-collision and lane-departure warnings; a backup camera is standard. New for 2017 are an eight-speed automatic and more horsepower to the V6. Reliability has been below average.

This version of the Canyon represented the first redesign of the model in 11 years. While it drew lots of praise upon introduction, the reality of the situation is the truck stands out because its competitors are so weak. Ride quality is choppy and jostling, while interior quality is low. If you plan to tow a trailer, save yourself some money and look for one with the trailering package already fitted. Updates for 2016 include Apple CarPlay and an available 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine.

The compact Canyon has an unsettled ride and the body quivers constantly. Handling is sound, but unexceptional, and the 48-foot turning circle makes parking maneuvers a chore. The optional four-wheel-drive system is part-time only. Until 2009, the Canyon offered only crude and noisy four- and five-cylinder engines, when a smooth and powerful V8 was added. Updates for 2009 also included standard electronic stability control, as well as the 300-hp V8. The Canyon was dropped after 2012 -- then re-emerged for the 2015 model year.