The GMC Canyon II Crew Cab, specifically equipped with the 2.8-liter Duramax TD engine producing 181 horsepower and paired with an automatic transmission, was a mid-size pickup truck sold primarily in North America from 2016 to 2018. It represented GMC’s entry into the increasingly popular mid-size truck segment, offering a blend of capability, comfort, and fuel efficiency. This variant occupied a middle ground in the Canyon II lineup, positioned between the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and the more powerful 3.6-liter V6 options. It aimed to appeal to buyers seeking diesel torque for towing and hauling without the higher price tag of the V6.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | GMC |
| Model | Canyon |
| Generation | Canyon II Crew Cab |
| Type (Engine) | 2.8 Duramax TD (181 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 181 Hp @ 3400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 65.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 500 Nm @ 2000 rpm (368.78 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 5000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | LWN |
| Engine displacement | 2776 cm3 (169.4 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 94 mm (3.7 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 100 mm (3.94 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10.6 l (11.2 US qt | 9.33 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2024 kg (4462.16 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2722 kg (6000.98 lbs.) |
| Max load | 698 kg (1538.83 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 1169 l (41.28 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 79.5 l (21 US gal | 17.49 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 3493 kg (7700.75 lbs.) |
| Length | 5395 mm (212.4 in.) |
| Width | 1886 mm (74.25 in.) |
| Height | 1795 mm (70.67 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3258 mm (128.27 in.) |
| Front track | 1586 mm (62.44 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1586 mm (62.44 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 214 mm (8.43 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.6 m (41.34 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 17.4° |
| Departure angle | 22.1° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 22.0° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission Hydra-Matic |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Disc, 324×18 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 324×18 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 265/70 R16; 255/65 R17; 265/60 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16; 8J x 17; 8.5J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Canyon variant is the 2.8-liter (2776 cc) Duramax turbocharged diesel engine, designated with the engine code LWN. This engine is an inline-four cylinder configuration, utilizing a cast iron block and aluminum cylinder head. It features a common rail direct fuel injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures for optimized combustion. The engine employs a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, enhancing volumetric efficiency. A variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) and intercooler work in tandem to boost power and improve torque across a broad RPM range. The automatic transmission used is a six-speed Hydra-Matic, known for its smooth shifting and durability. This transmission was specifically tuned to complement the diesel engine’s torque curve, providing adequate acceleration and towing capacity.
Driving Characteristics
The 181 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque delivered by the 2.8-liter Duramax, when coupled with the six-speed automatic, provided a noticeably different driving experience compared to the gasoline-powered Canyon models. While not as quick off the line as the V6, the diesel offered significantly more low-end torque, making it well-suited for towing and hauling heavy loads. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were optimized for fuel efficiency and towing, resulting in a relaxed cruising experience. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the same engine, the automatic traded some responsiveness for ease of use, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. The automatic also smoothed out power delivery, making it more accessible for a wider range of drivers.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.8 Duramax Automatic Canyon II typically came in the SLE and SLT trim levels. Standard features included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a rearview camera, and a basic infotainment system with a touchscreen display. The SLT trim added features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, a premium audio system, and additional chrome exterior accents. Optional extras included a navigation system, a trailering package, and various safety features like lane departure warning and forward collision alert. Interior upholstery was typically cloth on the SLE and leather on the SLT. Dashboard configurations were consistent across trims, with a focus on functionality and ease of use.
Chassis & Braking
The Canyon II Crew Cab featured a body-on-frame construction, providing a robust platform for hauling and towing. The front suspension utilized an independent coil spring design, while the rear suspension employed a traditional leaf spring setup. This configuration balanced ride comfort with load-carrying capacity. Braking duties were handled by disc brakes on all four wheels, measuring 324x18mm. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard. The rear leaf springs were tuned to handle the added weight of the diesel engine and potential payloads. Stabilizer bars were included to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
Critics generally praised the Canyon II 2.8 Duramax Automatic for its fuel efficiency and towing capability. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could be somewhat noisy compared to gasoline engines, and the acceleration wasn’t particularly brisk. Compared to the 2.5-liter four-cylinder Canyon, the Duramax offered a significant increase in torque and towing capacity, albeit at a higher price point. Against the 3.6-liter V6, the Duramax provided comparable towing capacity with better fuel economy, but less overall horsepower. The Duramax variant appealed to buyers who prioritized fuel efficiency and towing performance over outright speed.
Legacy
The 2.8-liter Duramax engine proved to be a relatively reliable powertrain, with few widespread issues reported. Proper maintenance, including regular oil changes and fuel filter replacements, is crucial for long-term durability. In the used car market, Canyon II Crew Cabs equipped with the 2.8 Duramax command a premium over their gasoline-powered counterparts, reflecting the engine’s reputation for fuel efficiency and longevity. These trucks remain popular choices for those seeking a capable and reliable mid-size pickup for work or recreation. The Hydra-Matic transmission, when properly maintained, also demonstrates good long-term reliability.
