America? It’s time you got over your fear of diesel engines. It’s a prejudice unworthy of the Home of the Brave and perhaps an indictment of our nation’s schools. Then again, it might be a holdover of what our parents thought of diesel engines.
Diesel is good. Diesel can be our friend. If anyone needs yet another vehicle to prove the viable option of a diesel power plant, you can get a hold of the GMC Canyon with its Duramax Diesel engine.
The GMC Canyon was a welcome addition to GMC’s line when it debuted in 2014. In a pickup market dominated by bigger vehicles like the Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan, Chevrolet Silverado, Dodge Ram and massively successful Ford F-150, the Canyon gave buyers the option to choose a more compact pickup with a smaller, less thirsty engine.
As constructed for 2016, the standard, gasoline-powered GMC Canyon offers a 181 horsepower, inline four cylinder engine. That’s enough to pull its smaller payload, especially in urban setting with less demanding terrain.
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However, the diesel version of the Canyon offers the same horsepower as its gas version with higher potential fuel cost savings. The diesel system in the Canyon was designed and engineered exclusively for this small pickup, aimed at buyers looking to max out the capability of their truck for tougher duty.
Equipped with a Duramax Diesel, a Canyon can offer the maximum trailering rating of 7,700 pounds for two-wheel-drive models and 7,600 pounds for four-wheel-drive versions. It also provides all of the advantages of a diesel engine — pluses that many American drivers simply don’t grasp.
It’s not a Diesel-phobe’s fault. Diesel engines of generations passed were awful. But, those preconceived understandings are outmoded and silly.
Let’s get this straight once again: The modern diesel is more efficient than standard engines. They improve mileage and overall energy output. They’re more reliable because they don’t need a high powered electrical ignition system. For the eco-obsessed, diesel cars are better for the environment as they burn less fuel and give off cleaner emissions.
However, the final proof is in the driving. During a weeklong test run of the 2016 GMC Canyon Diesel, I put the truck through its paces on and off road, with and without a heavy payload. I towed with it. I drove street and highway. I gave the diesel engine every possible opportunity to disappoint me.
The Canyon DIesel never did. And, more importantly, GMC’s current generation of Duramax diesel engines show no signs of failing any buyer looking into the Canyon as a small pickup solution.
