Extended stands for 15 extra inches in the wheelbase of the 2008 GMC Canyon SLE-2 Extended Cab. This accommodates a second row of seats, albeit undersized, while maintaining the 6-foot bed in this rear-wheel drive pickup. Though it's a four-door, the rear doors are three-quarter size and reverse-hinged. The bigger size means the 2008 Canyon SLE-2 Extended can tow up to 5500 pounds with the optional trailer wiring. Tow hooks are standard, along with tie-downs and a folding tailgate.

Under the hood is a standard 3.7-liter DOHC I5 matched to a 4-speed automatic, delivering 242-hp and 242 ft-lbs of torque. Fuel economy is around 17/24 mpg. Safety features include 15-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, side impact beams, and dual front airbags. With the Extended trims, 18-inch wheels are optional. One year of OnStar is newly standard, along with a tire monitor, automatic headlights, foglights, and halogen lamps. Side curtain airbags for both rows cost extra. An auto-dimming rearview mirror, traction control, and a locking rear differential are also available.

The bed is separated from the cabin by a sliding rear window. There are only two cupholders up front, along with two power outlets. Remote entry, power windows, locks, and mirrors, and cruise control are standard conveniences in the 2008 Canyon SLE-2 Extended. Also included are intermittent wipers, a CD/MP3 player with radio data, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, tilt steering, a trip computer, tachometer, and tinted glass. With the Extended version, there are now cupholders for both rows of seats. The Extended Cab offers more options than the Regular, such as a sunroof. Also offered are satellite radio, a 6-CD changer, and an off-road suspension.