Used 2016 GMC Canyon for Sale nearSan Diego, CA

How much does the 2016 GMC Canyon cost?

Prices have softened 2.21% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 585 listings available, which gives you a decent amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2016 GMC Canyon a good car?

Generally — the 4.21/5 user rating and 6.33/10 expert rating point to a truck that lands in the solid middle ground for used shoppers. The standout strength is Technology at 9/10.

Owners most often praise the comfortable ride, good looks, and the balance of power and economy. The Canyon’s appeal is strongest if you want a midsize truck that feels like a practical alternative to a full-size pickup, especially for buyers who value capability without moving up in size.

30.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there are still some attractive opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2016 GMC Canyon reliable?

Owners rate it 4.21/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a truck that many people found dependable enough to appreciate its comfortable ride, good looks, and balanced power-and-economy mix. The same feedback also mentions unexpected mechanical issues, so you should treat condition and maintenance history as especially important on the used market.

The expert review also describes the Canyon as a strong, robust truck, which supports the case for durability in everyday use. GMC also reduced the powertrain warranty and free service visits for this model year, so long-term ownership risk is worth weighing carefully if you’re buying a higher-mileage example.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 GMC Canyon?

At 63.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle-history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the truck has been used for towing, hauling, or off-road driving. Pay close attention to body condition, mechanical wear, and signs of deferred maintenance, since owner feedback includes complaints about unexpected mechanical issues and condition.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Canyon was offered in SL, Canyon, SLE, and SLT trims, and the lower trims are where you’re most likely to notice feature gaps. The cabin is described as having a lot of hard plastic, and the more upscale trims add more polish and equipment.
• Powertrain: Most Canyons use a 3.6-liter V6 with 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic. It’s responsive and capable, but it can feel thirsty in city use and may need to rev to reach peak power.
• Safety package: An optional forward-collision warning system and an available lane-departure warning system are mentioned, along with OnStar automatic crash response. Blind-spot information and rear cross-traffic alert are not offered.
• Infotainment: The available IntelliLink system adds Apple CarPlay, uses a touchscreen interface, supports text messaging, and includes Wi-Fi access through OnStar subscription services.
• Fuel efficiency: The expert review cites 20 mpg in combined driving for the 4WD V6 test truck, and notes that a tonneau cover can help highway mileage.

Which 2016 GMC Canyon trim should I buy?

The 2016 GMC Canyon is offered in 4 trim levels: SL, Canyon, SLE, and SLT.

Here's the short version:

• SL: This is the entry point, so it makes sense if you want the lowest-cost path into the Canyon lineup. It’s the trim most likely to leave you wanting more comfort and tech, but it can still work if you mainly care about getting the truck basics.
• Canyon: This trim sits above SL and is the one to watch if you want a more balanced starting point without jumping too far up the price ladder. It’s the best-value choice if you want a sensible mix of equipment and cost.
• SLE: This is the trim to target if you want a more satisfying everyday truck with more features than the lower trims. It should be the sweet spot for many used buyers who want comfort and convenience without paying for the top trim.
• SLT: This is the most upscale trim and the one to choose if you want the richest feature set and a more premium feel. It’s the right pick if you care most about equipment and appearance rather than value.

The safety-package note to keep in mind is that forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning are available, while blind-spot information and rear cross-traffic alert are not.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 GMC Canyon?

The market looks moderately favorable if you’re a selective buyer.

• Deal availability: 30.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 585 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.21% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 63.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,874, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 GMC Canyon's resale value?

The current average of $18,589 sits slightly below last year's $19,010.

That softer pricing suggests the Canyon has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right price. If you purchase near the lower end of the current range, you may have a better chance of limiting your loss when it’s time to sell.

The market also appears reasonably active, which can help support resale if your truck is clean, well maintained, and equipped with desirable features. Strong owner satisfaction can also help keep demand steady over time.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.21/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 GMC Canyon safe?

The 2016 GMC Canyon earns a Good rating from IIHS in moderate overlap frontal-impact testing, and it earns a three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA.

It earns a 5/10 safety score from our experts.

The Canyon includes OnStar automatic crash response, which can alert authorities if the airbags deploy, and GMC also offers optional forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning. The forward-collision warning system is described as overly sensitive, and blind-spot information and rear cross-traffic alert are not offered.

The crash-testing picture is incomplete, so you should not treat the available results as a full clean bill of health. The rollover result is the main caution point in the published testing.

Should I buy a 2016 GMC Canyon or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 30.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 63.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.21% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.21/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 adds Apple CarPlay and a refreshed midsize-truck setup.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $20,044, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $18,589 average.
• It is described as the best among midsize pickup trucks at towing, hauling, and just about everything else.

The bottom line: If you want the better value play, the 2016 is the smarter starting point because it’s cheaper and still well liked by owners. If your priority is maximum capability and you’re willing to pay more, the 2017 is the stronger upgrade path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.