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2012 GMC Canyon Regular Cab Review
What's New for 2012
Interior
By KBB.com Editors
KBB Expert Rating: 6.0
With the demise of the Ford Ranger, the 2012 GMC Canyon pickup truck (and its sister vehicle, the Chevrolet Colorado) are the sole domestic occupants of the compact-pickup market. And, while at first glance competing with the two biggest names in the Japanese auto industry (Toyota and Nissan) may seem a daunting task, the 2012 GMC Canyon actually has some attractive prospects. The GMC Canyon pickup truck's 4-cylinder engine has significantly more horsepower and torque than the 4-cylinder engines of the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier, and unlike the Nissan Frontier, the Canyon offers a regular-cab model. You can also opt for a V8 engine, something neither the Tacoma nor Frontier provides. And, while it's true that the 2012 GMC Canyon pickup is not as wide as its competition, it can still do most jobs required of a compact pickup for a lot less money.
You'll Like This Car If...
If you're looking for a simple, clean and inexpensive compact pickup to be used the way a compact pickup was intended (working, not cruising), the 2012 GMC Canyon is about as no-nonsense as you can get.
You May Not Like This Car If...
If you're looking for a more upscale interior big on roominess and comfort, the upper-end models from Nissan and Toyota make a better choice. Those who need to tow more than 6,000 pounds will be better served by a full-size GMC pickup.
What's New for 2012
For 2012, GMC adds improved Bluetooth connectivity to the Canyon's option list, while a sliding rear window becomes standard on the SLE-2 4WD Extended Cab model. All 4WD and Crew Cab models gain an automatic locking rear differential.
Driving the Canyon Regular Cab
Driving Impressions The 2012 GMC Canyon's greatest strength can be found in its unique engine offerings and rigid frame. The 2012 GMC Canyon pickup's rigid chassis contributes to the truck's excellent road...
manners, as well as its stability off-road. Even over washboard roads, the Canyon exhibits none of the dash-rattling or squeaks that might be expected, although the rear axle does hop around quite a bit. On the flip side, the Canyon does have an unusually wide turning radius that sometimes requires a 4- or 5-point maneuver when making a 180-degree direction change. Power for the 2012 GMC Canyon pickup is provided by a peppy 4-cylinder engine that easily out-powers the base engines from Toyota and Nissan. A 242-horsepower 5-cylinder engine is optional, as is a stump-pulling 300-horsepower V8. Fuel economy is also impressive, especially on 4-cylinder models equipped with a manual transmission.
Favorite Features
Tailgate Design
The 2012 GMC Canyon's tailgate can be set at a 55-degree angle that aligns the top of the tailgate with the tops of the wheel housings, thus allowing easy loading and hauling of large, flat panels.
Side-Curtain Airbags
Standard side-curtain airbags are an important safety feature that can protect occupants in the event of a side-impact accident.
2012 GMC Canyon Regular Cab Details
Interior
While we wouldn't call the 2012 GMC Canyon pickup truck's interior innovative or elegant, it is clean and functional, with simple-to-read gauges and essential switchgear placed within easy reach of the driver. We like the Canyon's seats as they offer firm foam that provides good lumbar and lower thigh support; the seats are also covered in a durable and easy-to-clean cloth fabric. In the Crew Cab models, a rear seat is offered, but we think its upright seatback will be a bit uncomfortable on long trips. Extended Cab models feature two flip-down seat bottoms intended for passengers looking only for a quick lift to the job site or, preferably, their own vehicle. Upper-level models offer a bit more contrast and upgraded seating, but the overall hard plastics and drab primer-gray color aren't very uplifting.
Exterior
The 2012 GMC Canyon distinguishes itself by its slab-sided sheet metal punctuated with bulging fender flares and big, bright alloy wheels. A sort of miniaturized GMC Silverado, the Canyon has the definitive look common to all of GMC's work trucks. Rolling on a 111.3-inch wheelbase, Regular Cab Canyon models are shorter than the Extended and Crew Cab trucks, which ride on a 126-inch wheelbase. Bed lengths vary too, with Regular and Extended Cab models supporting a 6-foot bed, and Crew Cab models offering a 5-foot bed. The 2012 GMC Canyon pickup truck's tall bed walls allow more storage and give the Canyon best-in-class cargo volume. Another clever and useful feature is the Canyon's 2-stage tailgate that can be opened flat or propped at a 55-degree angle. This prop feature allows long items such as plywood or sheet rock resting on the tops of the wheel housing to remain level as they pass over the tailgate's top edge.
Notable Equipment
Standard Equipment
The 2012 GMC Canyon SLE-1 comes standard with a 2.9-liter 4-cylinder engine that develops a healthy 185 horsepower. You'll also find a 5-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, cruise control, anti-lock brakes (ABS), StabiliTrak stability control, head-curtain airbags, chrome front and rear bumpers, dual outside mirrors, automatic headlights, a tilt steering wheel, AM/FM stereo with SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and tachometer. Various additions for the SLE levels of trim include a CD/MP3 player and upgraded upholstery, as well as engine-upgrade options for the SLE-1.
Optional Equipment
Options include 4-wheel drive, a 4-speed automatic transmission, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, running boards, automatic locking rear differential, the Z71 off-road package, a tow package, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, a chrome package featuring chrome fuel door and exhaust tips, power and heated leather seating, ZQ8 sport suspension and 17- and 18-inch wheels.
Under the Hood
Engine choices for the 2012 GMC Canyon compact pickup include 4- and 5-cylinder powerplants, as well as an optional V8. The standard 2.9-liter 4-cylinder and the optional 3.7-liter 5-cylinder might seem small, but they are both big on power. The 2.9-liter produces an impressive 185 horsepower and offers up most of its 190 pound-feet of torque between the ranges of 1,200 and 5,600 rpm. That's enough power to muscle any lightly equipped 4-wheel-drive vehicle through the toughest terrain. The optional 3.7-liter engine makes 242 horsepower. Both of these engines produce class-leading horsepower while returning outstanding fuel economy. While the 5.3-liter V8 offers impressive power, its fuel-economy figures fall far short of its smaller stablemates.
2.9-liter in-line 4-cylinder
185 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
190 lb-ft of torque @ 2,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25 (2WD), 18/24 (4WD, manual), 17/23 (4WD, automatic)
3.7-liter in-line 5-cylinder
242 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
242 lb-ft of torque @ 4,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/23 (2WD), 17/23 (4WD), 16/21 (4WD, Crew Cab)
5.3-liter V8
300 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
320 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 (2WD), 14/19 (4WD)
Pricing Notes
The 2012 GMC Canyon Regular Cab Work Truck, which features slightly less content than the SLE-1, has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting just over $18,000, while the Extended Cab starts closer to $20,000. A fully loaded, 4-wheel-drive SLT Crew Cab with 4WD tops out around $35,000. A look at kbb.com's Fair Purchase Price shows the Canyon selling for slightly less than MSRP. When compared to the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier, the 2012 GMC Canyon holds a less-than-average projected residual value over time.
To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used GMC Canyon Regular Cab vehicles for sale near you.
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2012 GMC Canyon Consumer Reviews
Based on 264 Ratings for the 2004 - 2012 models.
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ValueQuality
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ReliabilityPerformance
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ComfortStyling
Not bad for small truck
By BOB (OH) on Thursday, August 01, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,850
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
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Pros: "good on gas .Rides nice."
Cons: "arm rest not locked down."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8
"I have a 2012 canyon sle ext cab 2,850 miles on it so far.Iam retired so i don't drive it a whole lot.gets good gas milage around 23 mpg so far.Only problem so far is that left side is 3/8to1/2 inch lower then right side.Took it back to dealer they said it was 1/8 whithin ride hiehgt.I will be taking it back to them.Don't care for center arm rest open to fast and every flies back with top.Would remmend if they still made them."
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very good truck
By stevieb (WI) on Thursday, August 01, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 45,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
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Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"the interior is simple,comfortable.easy truck to service,very reliable.only recall were brake lights;our's was good.one battery,nomal maitenace,no prolems.i would recomend this vehicle to anyone looking for a very depedable,inexpesive,economic,work horse;very good truck!"
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Better than a sedan
By Big Guy (NE) on Monday, April 08, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 16,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
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Pros: "Good quality useful truck"
Cons: "A little basic, but that is money in your pocket"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I was considering a sedan for my next car, but was excited to buy this 2009 truck from someone who rarely drove it. I knew they had no problems with it so far. To get a good sized car you really can see the price tag get high. A lot of people look at this as a “small” vehicle, but compared to the cars out there now, it seems huge. I found even a small truck can be very useful for hauling a number of things for yard and home. Even if it takes a couple of extra trips when hauling, save a ton on gas over all. I was dreading what kind of new tiny car I would be stuck with and realized a truck solved the problem. I like how basic it is, it is hard to get a car that has some basics without these huge package upgrades. There is a reason why trucks are the best selling vehicles."
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful
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lots of compliments on its looks
By chippy (NE) on Saturday, March 23, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
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Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"bought a used 07 with 59000.so far i like everything about it.gas millage could be better but i knew that going in."
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful
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Great Truck Tranny should have been tougher!
By Boss (CT) on Wednesday, February 20, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 62,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
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Pros: "Excellent looking, quick, great in snow"
Cons: "Needed head work warranty @ 7k miles. trans @52k"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"I bought the truck new in 2006. Crew cab. Automatic tranny. Had a spray in bed liner. Had a fisher plow LD mounted on it at the dealer and only this blizzard of 2013 with 36 inches of snow proved a bit too much for my baby! However, it did drive in 2 solid feet of snow once you kept it moving.! The tranny blew at exactly six years and 52000 miles but it did plow five winters and about 3000 driveways. I will definitely recommend this truck. My family drives it reliably. Had a head displacement issue taken care of under warranty and truck drives great now."
5 people out of 5 found this review helpful
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great mid size truck very dependable
By mike (NJ) on Sunday, February 17, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 57,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
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Pros: "great economy,fun to drive,good looking ,"
Cons: "zilch"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I bought this truck used,50,000 on the clock.its been very reliable, economical,fun to drive with the 5 speed,very comfortable.rides like a car. And I hauled many a bed full of stuff with no complaints from the engine. Pretty quick too with a intake and magnaflow exhaust. This is probably the best truck I've owned. And definitely the best looking."
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful
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Available Canyon Regular Cab Models
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GMC Canyon Regular Cab Pickup
2012 GMC Canyon Regular Cab Photos
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