2015 GMC Canyon

The GMC Canyon and its cousin the Chevy Colorado aim to reinvigorate the midsize truck segment. Powered by a 3.6-liter, direct-injected V6 making 305 horsepower, the 4WD SLE model we tested proved a worthy alternative to a full-size truck, with better maneuverability and fuel economy thrown in.

The 2015 GMC Canyon offers a long list of tech-features, including Wi-Fi, a large color touch screen, a rearview camera and automatic four-wheel drive. It is also the first midsize pickup truck to offer forward collision warning and lane departure warning.

The optional 3.6-liter V6, the same motor found in the V6 Chevy Camaro, is strong, but, unusually for a truck engine, produces its power relatively high in the RPM range. Peak horsepower arrives at a sports car-like 6,800 RPM, and peak torque doesn't come on until 4,000 RPM. This makes towing a rather noisy business, as the 6-speed automatic finds itself often downshifting to maintain momentum. The plus side is sprightly acceleration.

The Canyon SLE's 4-wheel drive system features an electric 2-speed transfer case for off-roading and a locking rear differential. It works smoothly on wet or dry pavement, and should make GMC's midsize pickup a capable dirt-road workhorse. Our cardinal red test truck came with the $1,190 all-terrain package, which included hill-descent control, a stiffer, raised suspension and all-terrain tires.