2021 GMC Canyon
Bed Covers
Refreshed styling meets proven capability. Protect the updated Canyon with a tonneau cover that matches its sharpened design and enhanced features.
The 2021 Canyon: A Fresh Face for the Second Generation
The 2021 GMC Canyon received the most visible cosmetic update since the second generation launched in 2015. A new grille design sharpened the front fascia, giving the truck a more modern and aggressive appearance that aligned it with the larger Sierra's styling language. The updated front end was more than a surface-level change—it signaled GMC's continued commitment to the Canyon as a premium midsize truck as the second generation entered its later years.
Beyond the styling refresh, the 2021 Canyon introduced enhanced safety features across the lineup. Updated forward collision alert, improved lane departure warning technology, and additional standard driver-assistance systems made every trim safer. The AT4 gained more standard equipment, including upgraded off-road content that further distinguished it from the SLT and bolstered its position against competitors like the Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road and Jeep Gladiator Rubicon.
For tonneau cover buyers, the 2021 refresh is purely cosmetic and safety-oriented. The bed dimensions remain completely unchanged from previous second-generation models, maintaining full compatibility with the extensive catalog of existing Canyon tonneau covers. Whether you are buying new or transferring a cover from a previous Canyon, the 2021 model accepts every cover designed for the 2015-2022 platform without modification.
2021 Canyon Bed Dimensions
The 2021 Canyon's bed specifications carry over unchanged from the 2020 model and every other second-generation year. These are the same dimensions that tonneau cover manufacturers have perfected fitment around for seven model years.
5'2" Short Bed (Crew Cab)
The 61.7-inch short bed with Crew Cab remains the Canyon's best-selling configuration. Nearly every 2021 AT4 and Denali rolls off the lot with this setup. The compact bed offers more than enough space for weekend gear, tools, and everyday cargo. Tonneau cover catalogs reference this as the 5-foot bed.
6'2" Long Bed (Extended Cab)
The 74.0-inch long bed with Extended Cab continues for owners who prioritize cargo capacity. This configuration excels at hauling sheets of plywood, long toolboxes, and recreational equipment that would overhang the short bed. Referenced as the 6-foot bed in aftermarket listings.
Between-wheel-well width: 44.9 inches. Bed depth: 20.9 inches. These measurements have been unchanged since 2015, which means the aftermarket has had seven years to perfect fitment. A tonneau cover purchased for the 2021 Canyon today will fit with the same precision as one specifically designed for this model year, because the design specifications are identical across the entire second-generation run.
Tonneau Cover Options for the Refreshed 2021 Canyon
The 2021 Canyon's updated front styling gives owners another reason to invest in accessories that complement the truck's refreshed appearance. Here is how each cover type pairs with the latest design.
Hard Tri-Fold Covers
The hard tri-fold remains the most popular premium choice for the 2021 Canyon. Three rigid aluminum panels deliver robust security, excellent weather sealing, and on-top load capacity in a design that folds completely for full bed access. The 2021 Canyon's sharpened grille looks even better when the body lines flow uninterrupted into a flush-mount hard cover. Available in matte black, gloss black, and painted-to-match finishes, hard tri-folds complement both the AT4's rugged aesthetic and the Denali's chrome-forward elegance. Pricing spans $500 to $1,200 depending on materials and finish options.
Retractable Covers
Retractable tonneau covers represent the pinnacle of bed cover technology for the 2021 Canyon. Low-profile aluminum slats glide open on sealed bearing tracks, retracting into a canister near the cab. The flush-mount profile when closed creates the cleanest visual appearance of any cover type, making it particularly suited to the 2021's refreshed front styling. Manual and electric-powered options are both available, with electric models offering push-button convenience. The 2021 AT4 with its upgraded standard equipment pairs naturally with a premium retractable cover that matches its elevated feature content.
Soft Roll-Up Covers
The reliable entry-level option that continues to satisfy the majority of Canyon owners. Marine-grade vinyl with UV stabilizers resists fading and cracking across seasons of sun, rain, and snow exposure. The roll-up mechanism provides full bed access in seconds, and the low-profile design barely adds visual height to the bed rails. For 2021 SLE and SLT owners who want quick weather protection without a major investment, soft roll-ups remain the smart starting point at $200 to $400.
Snap-On Covers
The most budget-friendly option for 2021 Canyon owners who want basic weather protection. Vinyl sheets stretch across the bed and attach with snap fasteners along the bed rails. While they lack the convenience of roll-up or folding mechanisms, snap-on covers cost under $200 and weigh only a few pounds. They work best for owners in mild climates who need simple rain protection without the complexity of a full tonneau system.
2021 AT4 Enhancements and Cover Pairing
The 2021 AT4 received notable upgrades that make choosing the right tonneau cover even more rewarding. Here is how the AT4's enhanced equipment pairs with different cover types.
Updated Grille Design
The 2021 Canyon's new grille gives the truck a bolder, more sculpted front end. A flush-mount tonneau cover extends this design language rearward, creating a cohesive profile from the aggressive grille through the bed. Matte black hard covers pair naturally with the AT4's dark grille accents, while chrome-trimmed retractable covers complement the Denali's updated chrome grille.
Enhanced Safety Systems
The 2021 Canyon's improved forward collision alert and lane departure warning systems help prevent accidents that could damage your truck and cargo. Pairing these active safety features with a tonneau cover provides comprehensive protection—the safety systems protect the truck on the road, while the cover protects the bed contents from weather and theft when parked.
AT4 Standard Equipment Gains
The 2021 AT4 comes with more standard off-road equipment than its 2020 predecessor. This increased feature content positions the AT4 as a more complete package from the factory. Adding an AT4-specific tonneau cover is the logical next step to finalize the truck as a fully equipped adventure rig without aftermarket gaps.
Late Second-Generation Value
As one of the final years of the second generation, the 2021 Canyon benefits from peak reliability and aftermarket maturity. Every component has been tested across millions of miles by earlier model year owners. Tonneau cover designs have been perfected, warranties are generous, and replacement parts are abundant—making this the ideal time to invest in long-lasting bed protection.
Installing a Tonneau Cover on the 2021 Canyon
The 2021 Canyon's bed mounting points are identical to every second-generation model before it. Installation follows the same proven process with zero modifications needed for the refreshed model.
-
1
Clear and clean the bed. Remove all cargo and wipe the bed rails with a clean cloth and mild cleaner. Focus on the top rail surface where clamps will make contact to ensure secure grip without slipping.
-
2
Unbox and organize components. Lay out all mounting hardware, seals, and panels on a clean surface. Verify everything against the packing list before starting. Modern kits include labeled hardware bags and illustrated instructions that minimize confusion.
-
3
Install the rail clamps starting at the cab bulkhead. Position each clamp on the inside of the bed rail at the locations specified in the instructions. Hand-tighten to allow for adjustment during cover placement.
-
4
Place the cover and fine-tune alignment. Set the cover onto the rails, close it, and check for even gaps on all four sides. Adjust the rail and clamp positions until the cover sits perfectly flush with consistent seal compression around the perimeter.
-
5
Final tightening, drainage, and testing. Torque all clamps to the recommended setting. Attach drain hoses to the bed's factory drain holes. Test the cover by opening and closing it repeatedly, then spray water along every seal to confirm zero leakage.
Installation time averages 20 to 45 minutes depending on cover type. The 2021 Canyon uses the same bed rail profile as all second-generation models, so any installation experience with a 2015-2020 Canyon transfers directly.
Benefits of Adding a Cover to the 2021 Canyon
Complementing the refreshed design is a benefit unique to the 2021 model year. The updated grille and front styling give the Canyon a sharper, more modern appearance. A sleek tonneau cover extends that contemporary aesthetic across the entire truck, preventing the visual disconnect that an open bed can create on an otherwise refined vehicle.
Leveraging enhanced safety with cargo protection creates a comprehensive approach to vehicle care. The 2021 Canyon's improved safety systems protect you on the road, while a tonneau cover protects your belongings when the truck is parked. Together, they address both active driving risks and passive theft and weather exposure.
Fuel economy optimization continues to be a measurable benefit. The closed bed surface reduces aerodynamic drag at highway speeds, with owners consistently reporting 1 to 3 MPG gains. As fuel costs remain elevated, every marginal improvement matters, especially for owners who accumulate significant highway mileage commuting or traveling to outdoor destinations.
Maximizing second-generation residual value is a forward-thinking benefit. The 2021 Canyon represents some of the last second-generation models produced, and trucks in excellent condition will hold their value well as the platform transitions to the third generation. A tonneau cover protects the bed from the wear and tear that depreciates resale value, keeping your truck in top condition for future trade-in or private sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 2021 Canyon received a mild refresh featuring updated front styling with a new grille design, enhanced safety features including improved forward collision alert and lane departure warning, and additional standard equipment on the AT4 trim. The powertrain options, interior layout, and bed dimensions remain unchanged from the 2020 model year.
Not at all. The 2021 refresh only affected the front fascia, grille design, and safety electronics. The bed structure, dimensions, rail profile, and mounting points are identical to every second-generation Canyon produced from 2015 through 2022. Any tonneau cover built for the second-generation Canyon fits the 2021 model without any modification or additional hardware.
The 2021 Canyon adds enhanced safety technology across all trims, including an updated forward collision alert system with improved response accuracy, enhanced lane departure warning with more sensitive detection, and additional standard driver-assistance features. The AT4 specifically gained more standard safety content that was previously optional on the 2020 model.
The 2021 Canyon is among the final years of the second generation that began with the 2015 model year. The third-generation Canyon arrived for the 2023 model year with an entirely new design, updated dimensions, and different bed specifications. Second-generation tonneau covers (2015-2022) are not compatible with the third generation, so make sure to verify your truck's generation when ordering.
The 2021 AT4 gained additional standard equipment including enhanced off-road content, more standard technology features, and the updated exterior styling with the new grille design. Items that were previously optional or part of packages became standard, increasing the AT4's out-of-the-box value proposition. The off-road fundamentals—locking differentials, skid plates, Goodyear DuraTrac tires—carried over from the 2019 model that introduced the AT4 trim.
Protect Your Refreshed 2021 Canyon
Browse tonneau covers engineered for the 2021 GMC Canyon's refreshed AT4, Denali, SLT, and SLE trims.
Also explore: 2020 Canyon