The 2012 GMC Canyon Details

The 2012 GMC Canyon ranks 4 out of 6 Compact Pickup Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 45 published reviews and test drives of the GMC Canyon, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Reviewers say that while the 2012 GMC Canyon is a decent compact pickup truck, it’s outdone by rivals in nearly every way.

Though the GMC Canyon is practical and useful for shoppers who want a basic, utilitarian pickup, its engines and interior are subpar. Its smaller engines lack power, and its powerful V8 comes with the trade-off of especially poor fuel economy. Plus, its interior quality and materials are seriously lacking when compared with rivals like the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma.

But if you’re in the market for a sharp-looking truck that’s a good value, test drivers say the GMC Canyon might be the truck for you. It hasn’t seen many significant updates since its last redesign in 2007, but it still manages to look up-to-date and brawny, much like its full-size GMC Sierra sibling. "The 2012 GMC Canyon looks sharp and offers good light-duty pickup truck value," writes Edmunds. “But in just about every other area, it doesn't measure up to its competition."

The 2012 GMC Canyon comes in a variety of trim levels: Work Truck (WT), SLE-1, SLE-2 and SLT. Little has changed for this model year except the addition of a standard automatic locking rear differential on four-wheel drive and crew cab models.

If you’re shopping for a 2012 GMC Canyon, you should also consider the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado because the two trucks are nearly identical.

Although the Canyon is impressive from the outside, sharing tips with chiseled Sierra full-size car is a bit 'dated. More competitors to hone their interiors, however, forges ahead with Canyon cabin materials mediocre, a lot of hard plastic trim and seats that support a short-or long-distance comfort.

Controls and instruments are logically arranged, however, a dense, heavy knobs designed to accommodate the work-gloved fingers. There's also a lot of legroom in front. Rear seats, extended cab models, twist and bend to reach the line, and when it fails to find a ton or elbow room for the legs.

Outside Canyon is removable tailgate to be partially open on a par with the top of the wheel wells, allowing a flat loading area or more elements of 4x8 panels.

2012 GMC Canyon cabin is pretty quiet around town, but wind noise leaks considerable at highway speeds. The engine with four cylinders and five working smoothly, but lags behind in several lengths V6 offered by competitors. The four-speed automatic transmission offers practical, timely changes.

The 5.3-liter V8 offers no surprise the best power and towing capacity, up the canyon with the brawny V8 Dodge Dakota, but incorporates a proportional and thirst.