OREANDA-NEWS. GMC Canyon today was named Autoweek’s Best of the Best/Truck for 2015. Editors praised the all-new premium midsize truck for its design, utility, features and “perfect size.”

“It’s truly a truck in the most honest sense…but refuses to forego the requirements a modern buyer has in a vehicle: refinement, modern conveniences and amenities, high-quality build, practicality and style,” said Autoweek’s editors, who also noted the Canyon is “brimming with a near-luxury experience.”

Autoweek’s annual Best of the Best awards are based on the evaluations of eight vehicle finalists selected for their performance, design, build quality, value and significance. A three-day test session at Michigan International Speedway by the editors determined the awards, which include one car and one truck.

“Of the hundreds of vehicles Autoweek tests each year, only a relative few truly stand out from the rest,” said Autoweek editor Wes Raynal. “The GMC Canyon is not only one of the best new vehicles on the market, it’s one of the most important, signaling an exciting return to the mid-sized truck segment.”

Said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing: “Delivering class-leading capabilities with GMC’s signature refinement was our goal for Canyon from Day One and Autoweek’s recognition affirms our instincts. It’s an efficiently sized, maneuverable package for those who want the cargo-hauling and trailering versatility of a pickup, combined with modern amenities and connectivity today’s customers tell us they expect.”

Canyon starts at \$21,880 and is available in base, SLE and SLT models, and in extended cab and crew cab body styles. It offers the segment’s best horsepower and EPA-estimated fuel economy: 200 horsepower (149 kW) and 27 mpg highway (2WD) from a standard 2.5L I-4; and 305 horsepower (227 kW) and 26 mpg (2WD) from an available 3.6L V-6.

The V-6 engine enables a segment-leading 7,000-pound trailering rating.

Canyon is the only truck in the segment to offer AutoTrac automatic four-wheel drive, which allows the driver to select manual or automatic 4WD engagement. It also offers the G80 locking rear differential, for sure-footed traction in slippery conditions and when trailering.

Additionally, OnStar with 4G LTE and its standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected. The hotspot is on whenever the vehicle is on and comes with a three-month/three-gigabyte data trial, whichever comes first.