Vehicle Overview
The GMC Canyon is almost identical to the Chevrolet Colorado, sharing the same platform but adding some style and trim differences that appeal to those who want a little more flash in their midsize pickup truck.
Available in Work Truck, SLE, SLT and Z71 off-road models, as well as a variety of cab styles, there’s a Canyon to fit just about every need. While the Canyon is smaller than its Sierra full-size siblings, it can still seat up to six people in certain configurations. Its cargo capacity is impressive, with a 6-foot-1-inch bed on regular- and extended-cab models and a 5-foot-1-inch bed on crew-cab trucks.
New for 2012
The Canyon sees only some minor changes for 2012. A Bodyguard Package provides bed rail covers and molded splash guards, and an available Chrome Accessory Package includes a chrome exhaust tip and fuel door. For off-road enthusiasts, four-wheel-drive models come with an automatic rear locking differential, which is also standard on crew-cab models.
Exterior
While there’s lots of news about the upcoming redesigned Chevy Colorado, the Canyon hasn’t strayed from its current platform. The Canyon’s exterior still offers more chrome and tasteful accents that distinguish this truck as a premium offering. As of publication, there’s no word whether the 2013 Canyon will share the new Colorado’s platform, but it’s probable, and GMC will likely add additional trim and accents. Exterior features include:
- Two-position tailgate
- Sixteen-, 17- or 18-inch wheels
Interior
With a variety of interior packages, the Canyon offers something for everyone. The Work Truck Package isn’t all that bland, as it comes standard with chrome door handle bezels, air conditioning and Bluetooth connectivity. Both WT and SLE1 interiors come with cloth seats, but only the SLT offers leather upholstery, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a six-way power-adjustable front-passenger seat and front seat heaters.
All models come standard with a tilt steering wheel and a leather-wrapped rim. A rear sliding window is only on SLE2 and SLT trims. Interior features include:
- Standard cruise control
- Standard AM/FM stereo; CD stereo available
- Available satellite radio
Under the Hood
The Canyon is available with a choice of three engines, and rear- and four-wheel-drive versions are available. Mechanical features include:
- Base 185-horsepower, 2.9-liter four-cylinder makes 190 pounds-feet of torque
- Available 242-hp, 3.7-liter inline-five-cylinder makes 242 pounds-feet of torque
- Available 300-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 makes 320 pounds-feet of torque
- Standard five-speed manual transmission on four-cylinder models
- Four-speed automatic transmission is standard with the five-cylinder and V-8, and available with the four-cylinder engine
Safety
Standard safety features include:
- Side curtain airbags
- Antilock brakes
- Electronic stability system
