The Inside

The cabin looks like it's from another truck era, and that's because it is. The Canyon first launched for the 2004 model year, and it hasn't changed a lot on the inside since. Some of the buttons — like the ones for the audio system — look a little crude compared with the newer interiors of GM's full-size trucks. There are also some shoddy trim pieces, like the panel covering the passenger-side front airbag. For the most part, however, the interior is a functional space that's easy to get used to, though I do wish the tilt steering wheel had more range than its few predetermined positions.

While you might think a crew cab would offer comfortable seating for people riding in either the front or rear of the cab, it only fulfills on one end of the deal. Leather-covered front bucket seats are optional, and my test truck had them. They're comfy, if a bit flat — you slide to the side when cornering.

The crew cab's rear bench seat, however, is anything but comfortable. Legroom isn't the problem, as it's manageable for taller people, but the backrest will make your passengers cranky in a hurry — a church pew is more comfortable. The issue is the angle of the backrest, which is nearly vertical and can't be reclined. The situation isn't much better in full-size trucks like the Canyon's big brother, the Sierra, though you can find much more accommodating digs in a model like the Toyota Tundra CrewMax, with its reclining rear bench seat. Now that's what I call living.

    See also:

    Instrument Panel Storage
    For vehicles equipped with an instrument panel storage area, it is located above the glove box. Access the storage area by pressing and holding in the driver side of the handle and pull out on the ...

    Tire Pressure
    Tires need the correct amount of air pressure to operate effectively. Notice: Neither tire underinflation nor overinflation is good. Underinflated tires, or tires that do not have enough air, can re ...

    When Should an Airbag Inflate?
    Frontal airbags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes to help reduce the potential for severe injuries mainly to the driver's or right front passenger&# ...