The 2009 GMC Canyon is a compact pick-up sharing a basic design with the Chevrolet Colorado. The 2009 model gets an available V8 engine and a few new features. It comes in Regular and Extended Cab body styles with a 6-foot bed, while the Crew Cab models have a 5-foot bed. The 2009 Canyon has handsome looks and offers an impressive towing capacity of 6000 lb. The Canyon is offered in SLE1, SLE2, SLE3, and SLT trim levels.

The 2009 GMC Canyon is offered in a wide variety of body styles and trim configurations. The two-door Regular Cab seats up to three passengers. Extended Cabs have rear-hinged back doors and seat up to five with two rear jump seats. Crew Cabs have four conventional doors and seat up to six with a folding rear bench. A pair of suspension choices available includes the rugged standard Z85 suspension and the available Z71 off-road suspension. A large chrome grille; dark smoke gray front fascia; chrome bumpers; and halogen fog lamps highlight the exteriors. Significant interiors include leather-wrapped steering wheel; AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 player; and XM Radio. Power adjustable, heated leather appointed bucket seats; a power convenience package; and a sunroof are some available optional convenience features.

The 2009 Canyon has three powerful engine options including a new V8 engine. A 2.9-liter, inline, four-cylinder engine produces 185-horsepower; and the more powerful 3.7-liter, inline, five-cylinder engine delivers 242-horsepower. New for 2009 is a 300-hp 5.3-liter V8 which is available on Extended and Crew Cab models. The transmission choice comprises of a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission. The choice of a two-wheel or four-wheel drive type is available.

Standard safety devices on the 2009 Canyon include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes; driver and right-front passenger air bags with passenger sensing; lower anchors and top tethers for children; theft-deterrent system; and OnStar communication system. Head curtain side-impact air bags are optional.