Intended for utilitarian use, the 2008 GMC Canyon Work Truck is minimally outfitted. A 2.9-liter, 185-hp DOHC I4 engine and 5-speed manual transmission deliver 190 ft-lbs of torque in this rear-wheel drive mid-size pickup. A 4-speed automatic is optional, along with the 242-hp, 3.7-liter I5 engine. The 2008 Canyon Work Truck sits on 15-inch wheels with all-season tires and rides on an independent front and live axle rear suspension. It features a 6-foot pickup bed with tie-downs and a light. The tailgate opens out 90 degrees or at a 55 degree angle so you can rest long objects on top of the wheelwells. There is one row of seats for two passengers, which is available as either a bench or reclining bucket seats.

4-wheel disc and ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, dual front airbags with a passenger sensor, side impact door beams, automatic headlights, and a tire monitor earn four and five stars in crash tests. Side curtain airbags, foglights, OnStar, traction control, and a locking rear differential can be added. Though just a work truck, the 2008 Canyon WT does come with cruise control, tilt steering, air conditioning, a radio, intermittent wipers, a tachometer, and front power outlets. Vinyl upholstery is standard. A CD/MP3 player and cloth seats are available. The 2008 Canyon WT rides smoothly and gets decent 17/24 mpg, but its I4 engine can only tow 4000 pounds.