Canyon and Colorado ushered in a new breed of midsize pickups. These new trucks boast roomier cabins, and Crew Cab versions whose back seats are quite suitable for adult human beings. More than their competitors, however, Canyon and Colorado are tuned for car-like ride and comfort. Towing capacity was deliberately limited in favor of a smooth ride and good fuel economy.

In short, the GMC Canyon was designed to do what small pickups do most: Carry people and occasionally haul heavy loads in the bed. Even the Z71, the off-road model, seems remarkably civilized; and now there's a ZQ8 Sports model that emphasizes sporty handling. On the highway, the Canyon feels solid and stable.

Yet Canyon is still a serious truck capable of serious duty, thanks in part to a full-frame chassis that's stronger than that of the Sonoma compact pickup that the Canyon replaced. Properly equipped, Canyon is rated to tow 4,000 pounds, enough for transporting ATVs, dirt bikes, personal watercraft, light boats or small camping trailers. Heavy-duty towing should be left to full-size trucks.

The GMC Canyon was launched as an all-new model for 2004, and there are no significant changes for 2006.