2012 GMC Canyon
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Based on analysis of 45 Canyon reviews and test drives.
U.S.News Scores
| Overall: | 6.4 |
| Performance: | 6.8 |
| Exterior: | 7.4 |
| Interior: | 6.6 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: |
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Pros and Cons
- Four- and five-cylinder engines net good gas mileage
- Straightforward dashboard Available V8 engine
- Substandard interior materials quality
- Poor fuel economy in V8 models
- Uncomfortable seats
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GMC Canyon Review - What the Auto Press Says
The 2012 GMC Canyon ranks 5 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."
Other Trucks to Consider
While reviewers say that the GMC Canyon is an adequate truck, you should also take a look at the Toyota Tacoma. It ranks at the top of its class for its combination of utility, off-road prowess and interior comfort. Its starting price is a bit lower than the Canyon’s, but watch out: The Tacoma’s price can climb quickly with optional equipment.
If you’re considering a compact truck for improved fuel economy, you should consider a full-size Ford F-150 Ecoboost. It has a turbocharged V6 engine that reviewers say is capable and powerful, and with two-wheel drive, it gets the same gas mileage as the Canyon’s underpowered five-cylinder engine. The F-150 is significantly more expensive than the base GMC Canyon, but reviewers say the improved interior comfort, performance and fuel economy are worth the extra money.
Details: GMC Canyon
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.
- "GMC's Canyon, like the similar Chevrolet Colorado, focuses on the light-duty noncommercial user--assuming heavy haulers will move up to the large Sierra. Given that mission, these are useful, well-balanced small trucks." -- Consumer Guide
- "Practical and built for work, these trucks aren't exactly great for commuting." -- Car and Driver
- "Buyers looking for a compact or midsize pickup typically want rugged styling, multiple engine and body styles, and optional four-wheel-drive and off-road packages. The 2012 GMC Canyon meets all the criteria, yet is still a truck we hesitate to recommend. It simply lacks the overall refinement and creature comforts of contemporary rivals." -- Edmunds
Canyon Performance - 6.8 (Mediocre)
Reviewers say the 2012 GMC Canyon has adequate performance that comes with major trade-offs. Read More
Canyon Exterior - 7.4 (Good)
Even though the 2012 GMC Canyon hasn’t had a facelift in a while, reviewers say it looks pretty good for its age. View Photos
Canyon Interior - 6.6 (Mediocre)
Though the inside of the 2012 GMC Canyon is basic and no-nonsense, it’s outclassed by its hardworking rivals in most ways. Car and Driver says that the Canyon uses "Appalling interior materials.” Read More
Canyon Safety - NA
The 2012 GMC Canyon does well in crash tests performed by the federal government, but does poorly in those conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Read More
Canyon Reliability - 3.0 of 5
The 2012 GMC Canyon reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. GMC covers the 2012 Canyon with a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Read More
