New Denali and All Terrain X trim levels plus a new engine and transmission combo highlight the changes for the 2017 GMC Canyon.

2017 GMC Canyon Denali front 3/4 view

GMC Canyon

Both the GMC Canyon and its Chevrolet Colorado twin are largely responsible for the resurgence in the midsize pickup truck segment. Introduced as a 2015 model, other than a couple of limited-edition models, the only other change to it was the introduction of a 2.8-liter turbodiesel in 2016. But that is about to change.

2017 GMC Canyon Denali rear 3/4 view

2017 GMC Canyon

While the changes for the 2017 model year don't involve any sheetmetal, they are significant nonetheless.

"Canyon continues to carve out its own niche as the only premium truck in the midsize segment," said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. "With a broader 2017 Canyon lineup …, GMC is offering more choices for finding the premium truck… that matches customers' design preferences and capability needs."

2017 GMC Canyon Denali wheel and side rail detail

Changes throughout the lineup include:

• IntelliLink radio with 7-inch-diagonal color touchscreen
• Standard Teen Driver Mode through IntelliLink
• Optional heated steering wheel
• New exterior colors - Dark Slate Metallic, Mineral Metallic and Red Quartz Metallic

2017 GMC Canyon Denali front fascia

2017 GMC Canyon Denali

2017 will see the addition of the upscale Denali trim level to the Canyon model lineup. In keeping with tradition, this means a blinged-out chrome grille, 20-inch bright alloy wheels, chrome tubular assist steps, a polished exhaust tip for V-6-equipped models and a spray-on bedliner (not chromed).

Inside, the steering wheel in front of a "unique" instrument panel is heated, the leather-trimmed seats are heated and ventilated in front, automatic climate control and a full-color driver information center are standard along with remote start, Bose audio system, 2 USB charging port on the rear of the center console (and another inside), an 8-inch (diagonal) color touchscreen with GMC IntelliLink with Navigation and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot.

Rounding out the package are Denali-logo sill plates and floor mats, forward collision alert and lane departure warning.

2017 GMC Canyon Denali bedliner detail

2017 GMC Canyon All Terrain X

Calling the 2017 Canyon Terrain X a "special version" of the All Terrain package on the SLE model, GMC notes that it's also the most off-road-capable Canyon for those who travel beyond the paved path. Checking the "X" box on the order form adds Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac P255/65R17 all-terrain tires and all-weather floor liners to the All Terrain's content, which already includes off-the-beaten-path niceties such as an off-road suspension, transfer case shield, Hill Descent Control and 3-inch-diameter round step bars.

2017 GMC Canyon Denali seat stitching detail

Standard exterior upgrades include a body-color grille surround and rear step bumper, a spray-on bedliner and model-specific 17-inch alloy wheels, while additional flourishes to the interior include red stitching and heated front seats, automatic climate control, a sliding rear window and remote start.

The All Terrain model requires the new 3.6L V-6/eight-speed automatic propulsion system. The 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine is available.

Wait a minute, there's a new V-6 engine/8-speed transmission combo available?

2017 GMC Canyon Denali dashboard

2017 GMC Canyon 3.6-liter V-6

Glad you asked, because there's even bigger news under the hood, as 2017 sees a new Canyon engine option. That would be a new 3.6-liter V-6 equipped with continuously variable valve timing, direct injection and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) that generates an SAE-certified 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. The new V-6 is paired with, what else, a new 8-speed automatic transmission (Hydra-Matic 8L45) that was jointly developed with Ford.

According to GM, the combination supports a 7,000-pound max trailering rating – second only to the segment-leading 2.8L Duramax diesel, which is rated at 7,700 pounds.

2017 GMC Canyon Denali sill plate