The Canyon last year was launched as an all-new truck with an all-new nameplate. Canyon is longer and taller than the Sonoma pickup it replaced, and it looks tougher and more truck-like, with aggressive styling that represents a major departure from the smooth-sided Sonoma. And although the Sonoma's long-bed option is gone, Canyon's standard beds are deeper, for more volume; and Canyon's chassis is rated for higher payloads.

As the first all-new GMC truck in its class for more than a decade, the Canyon is significantly improved over the Sonoma, with a stronger frame and a suspension that's friendlier to the fanny. Canyon is roomy and comfortable inside and has a nice, quiet ride. Even the Z71, the serious off-road model, seems remarkably civilized. On the highway, the Canyon feels solid and stable. Yet this a true pickup, with a unique frame not shared with any SUV (although it is shared by Chevrolet's mid-size pickup, the Colorado).

Canyon's towing capacity is considerably less than the old Sonoma's because GM designed it to do what mid-size pickups do most: Carry people and, occasionally, haul heavy loads in the bed. So Canyon is tuned for ride comfort rather than brute trailer-slogging strength. If you and your buddy Ben need to schlep four Arabians to the chariot races, then GMC can sell you a full-size Sierra pickup instead.

Canyon is available with a choice of two engines, both all-new last year and more powerful than the corresponding offerings in the Sonoma. Both have an inline configuration, one with four cylinders and the other with five. The five-cylinder delivers good performance, better than some competing V6 engines.