2015 GMC Canyon
Bed Covers
The all-new second-generation Canyon is here. Discover tonneau covers engineered for the redesigned 5'2" and 6'2" beds.
All-New Second Generation
The 2015 GMC Canyon is a complete ground-up redesign with new engines, new bed dimensions, and modern technology. First-generation bed covers (2004-2012) are NOT compatible with this truck. You must purchase a cover specifically designed for the 2015+ second-generation Canyon.
The All-New 2015 GMC Canyon Has Arrived
After a two-year production hiatus, the GMC Canyon returns for 2015 as an entirely new truck. The second-generation Canyon is not a refresh or update of the original. It is a ground-up redesign that shares virtually nothing with the first-generation models produced from 2004 through 2012. From its more muscular exterior styling to its substantially upgraded interior and powertrain lineup, the 2015 Canyon represents a quantum leap forward for GMC's mid-size pickup.
The engine lineup alone demonstrates how seriously GMC took this redesign. The base 2.5L inline-four produces 200 horsepower, a notable improvement over the first-gen's 185-horsepower 2.9L. The available 3.6L V6 delivers a commanding 305 horsepower, making the Canyon genuinely powerful enough to challenge many full-size trucks. Perhaps most exciting is the available 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel, producing 181 horsepower and an impressive 369 lb-ft of torque that delivers best-in-class fuel economy and serious towing capability.
With all this engineering effort poured into the new Canyon, protecting its bed with a quality tonneau cover is essential from day one. Unlike the first generation, the 2015 Canyon features new bed dimensions, updated rail profiles, and different mounting geometries. Every cover must be purpose-built for the second generation, which means understanding the new specifications before you shop.
2015 Canyon Bed Dimensions: New Sizes for a New Generation
The second-generation Canyon features slightly larger bed dimensions compared to its predecessor. While the difference may seem minor on paper, it is enough to make first-generation covers incompatible. Every inch matters for proper fit and weather sealing.
Short Bed (Crew Cab)
5'2" (61.7 inches)
Slightly longer than the first-gen's 5'1" bed. This is the standard bed for Crew Cab configurations and the most popular choice among retail buyers.
Long Bed (Extended Cab)
6'2" (74.4 inches)
One inch longer than the first generation. Available with Extended Cab and offering expanded cargo capacity for work truck applications and long-distance haulers.
Beyond the length changes, the 2015 Canyon features a wider bed floor, redesigned bed rail profiles, and different bulkhead geometry. The stake pocket positions and tailgate dimensions also differ from the first generation. These changes collectively mean that no first-generation cover can be adapted to fit the 2015 model. Always verify that any cover you purchase explicitly lists "2015 GMC Canyon" or "second-generation Canyon" compatibility.
Tonneau Cover Types for the 2015 Canyon
The fresh platform has attracted immediate attention from every major tonneau cover manufacturer. As a result, the 2015 Canyon launched with a comprehensive selection of cover styles from day one.
Hard Tri-Fold Covers
Hard tri-fold covers are the most popular choice for new 2015 Canyon owners. Three rigid aluminum or composite panels fold toward the cab, providing full bed access when needed and a secure, weathertight seal when closed. Premium models feature integrated LED bed lights, enhanced mounting brackets designed specifically for the second-gen rail profile, and weight capacities exceeding 400 pounds. The matte-black or textured finish complements the Canyon's bold new exterior design. Discover all the options in our hard bed covers guide.
Soft Roll-Up Covers
For 2015 Canyon owners seeking affordable protection, soft roll-up covers remain a proven option. Updated designs for the second generation feature improved tension systems that keep the vinyl taut across the wider bed, enhanced seal profiles that mate perfectly with the new rail geometry, and lower-profile aluminum frames that sit nearly flush with the bed rails. These covers install in under fifteen minutes and roll up completely for unrestricted bed access.
Retractable Tonneau Covers
The 2015 Canyon's more refined design pairs beautifully with retractable tonneau covers. These premium systems slide along sealed tracks and retract into a low-profile canister behind the cab. They lock at any position along the bed, making them ideal for hauling items taller than the bed walls. The second-generation Canyon's wider track design provides a more stable mounting platform for retractable systems, resulting in smoother operation and better long-term reliability.
One-Piece Hinged Covers
Fiberglass one-piece covers can be color-matched to the 2015 Canyon's paint for a seamless factory look. Gas-assisted struts lift the cover from the tailgate end, providing full bed access similar to opening a hatchback. The second generation's improved body lines and bolder styling make a color-matched one-piece cover particularly attractive, creating the appearance of a built-in truck cap without the permanent commitment.
Engine-Specific Considerations for Your Cover Choice
The 2015 Canyon's diverse powertrain options influence which tonneau cover features matter most to different owners. Understanding how your engine choice affects cover selection helps you make the smartest investment.
2.5L I4 (200hp)
The base engine benefits most from the aerodynamic gains of a flush tonneau cover. Reducing drag translates directly to better fuel economy, which is a primary reason owners choose the four-cylinder. A low-profile soft roll-up or hard tri-fold maximizes these aerodynamic benefits.
3.6L V6 (305hp)
V6 owners often use their Canyons for more demanding tasks including towing and heavy hauling. A hard folding cover with high weight capacity makes sense, allowing cargo stacking when needed while protecting the bed during towing runs when the bed may be empty.
2.8L Duramax Diesel (181hp)
Diesel Canyon owners prioritize maximum efficiency and torque. The 369 lb-ft of torque means this truck works hard. A durable hard cover or retractable system protects cargo during work use, while the aerodynamic benefit complements the diesel's already impressive fuel economy.
Installing a Cover on the 2015 Canyon
The second-generation Canyon's redesigned bed includes several features that make tonneau cover installation cleaner and more secure than on the first generation.
- Prepare the new bed by removing any protective film or wax applied at the factory. Wipe down the bed rails with isopropyl alcohol to ensure the cleanest possible surface for clamp adhesion. New trucks often have a waxy coating that can cause clamps to slip.
- Utilize the integrated stake pockets as reference points. The 2015 Canyon's stake pockets are specifically positioned to work with aftermarket accessories. Many cover manufacturers use these pockets as anchor points, providing an additional layer of mounting security beyond standard bed rail clamps.
- Position the cover precisely using the updated bulkhead contour as your alignment guide. The second-gen's bulkhead has a more defined shape than the first generation, which actually makes centering the cover easier and more repeatable.
- Engage the clamps progressively using the same cross-pattern technique recommended for all truck models. Start with the front clamps, then the rear, alternating sides to maintain even pressure. The 2015 Canyon's stiffer bed rails tolerate proper clamping force well without deformation.
- Test the integrated drain system on your new cover. The 2015 Canyon's bed design includes channels near the tailgate that align with most cover drain tube outlets. Verify water flows freely from the cover surface through the drain system and exits near the rear of the truck.
Why the 2015 Canyon Changes Everything
Full-Size Capability, Mid-Size Efficiency
The 305-horsepower V6 and available diesel deliver performance that rivals many full-size trucks. A tonneau cover enhances this efficiency advantage, helping the 2015 Canyon achieve remarkable fuel economy numbers that full-size trucks simply cannot match.
Premium Interior Demands Premium Protection
The 2015 Canyon's interior quality surprised the industry, featuring materials and technology previously reserved for luxury vehicles. A truck this refined deserves equally refined bed protection. A premium tonneau cover signals that every aspect of this Canyon has been thoughtfully equipped.
Diesel Towing Champion
The 2.8L Duramax diesel's 369 lb-ft of torque makes the Canyon a serious towing vehicle. When towing, an empty bed creates maximum drag. A closed tonneau cover streamlines airflow, reducing fuel consumption during highway towing sessions where aerodynamics matter most.
Protect Your Investment from Day One
The 2015 Canyon carries a higher price point than the outgoing first generation, reflecting its substantially higher quality and capability. Installing a tonneau cover immediately preserves the factory-fresh bed condition, maintaining maximum resale value from the start.
Compatibility Warning
First-generation GMC Canyon tonneau covers (designed for 2004-2012 models) will NOT fit the 2015 Canyon. The second-generation truck has different bed dimensions (5'2"/6'2" vs. 5'1"/6'1"), different rail profiles, different stake pocket positions, and a different bulkhead contour. Always purchase a cover explicitly listed for the 2015+ Canyon or second-generation Canyon. If upgrading from a first-gen truck, your old cover cannot be transferred to the new model.
The 2015 Canyon represents the dawn of a new era for GMC's mid-size truck. Whether you chose the efficient four-cylinder, the powerful V6, or the torque-rich Duramax diesel, a properly fitted tonneau cover is an essential first accessory. Compare with the 2014 production gap information or browse all model years from the homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The 2015 Canyon is built on a completely new platform with different bed dimensions, rail profiles, and mounting points. First-generation covers (designed for 2004-2012 Canyons) cannot be adapted or modified to fit the second-generation truck. You must purchase a cover specifically engineered for the 2015+ Canyon.
The 2015 Canyon Crew Cab comes with the 5'2" (61.7-inch) short bed. This is the only bed option for the Crew Cab configuration. When ordering your cover, select the 5-foot or short bed option. The 6'2" (74.4-inch) long bed is only available with the Extended Cab.
The engine does not directly affect cover fitment since all 2015 Canyons share the same bed dimensions regardless of engine choice. However, diesel owners tend to prioritize fuel economy, making the aerodynamic benefits of a flush-mount cover especially valuable. A tonneau cover can improve highway fuel economy by reducing bed turbulence, which complements the diesel's already impressive efficiency numbers.
Major brands including BAK Industries, Extang, TruXedo, UnderCover, and Retrax all released second-generation Canyon covers quickly after the truck's launch. Each brand offers different strengths: BAK for retractable quality, Extang for hard folding innovation, TruXedo for soft cover durability, UnderCover for one-piece designs, and Retrax for premium retractable systems. The best fit depends on your usage priorities, budget, and preferred cover style.
Independent tests have shown fuel economy improvements ranging from 5 to 13 percent with a closed tonneau cover at highway speeds, depending on driving conditions and cover style. For the 2015 Canyon with the 2.5L four-cylinder or 2.8L Duramax diesel, even a modest 5 percent improvement translates to meaningful annual fuel savings. Flush-mount covers that sit level with the bed rails provide the greatest aerodynamic benefit, while raised covers may provide slightly less improvement.
Complete Your New 2015 Canyon
The all-new second-generation Canyon deserves a tonneau cover that matches its premium quality. Protect your investment from day one with a cover engineered for the new platform.