With the 2012 GMC Canyon 4WD ranging in price from $17,490 to $31,790, consumers can feel secure, knowing that they will be getting an overall great truck at an affordable price. The exterior could use some modernization however, with its unimpressive lines and a body style remarkably similar to a Chevy Colorado of 4 or 5 years ago. The bed of the truck would prove useful to someone in the construction or similar line of work, with divided compartments, tie-downs and even a raised and slanted bed, to allow liquids to drain out of the back. The tailgate also has two settings. One of these settings is a partially lowered, at roughly a 45 degree angle with the bed of the truck. The second setting if fully lowered, to make room for extra-large loads. The SL and SLE models come standard with a keyless remote entry into the truck.
The interior of the Canyon is decently equipped with upscale features, such as the under seat storage compartments available on all extended cab models. The rearview mirror will automatically dim or brighten, according to the light hitting it. This means that if some driver has their brights on behind you, you won’t be blinded every time you glance in the mirror. Engineers at GMC remarkably constructed this medium-size truck to comfortably accommodate 6 adult passengers. On the SLT model, there are power adjustable heated front driver and passenger seats.
For those times when you feel the need to test the limits of the Canyon say, in a muddy, rock-strewn canyon, the automatic locking rear differential will provide maximum traction and off-road capabilities. Once initiated, this mechanism will automatically evenly distribute power between the two rear wheels, while locking the rear axle once the wheels start slipping and transferring torque to whichever wheel has the most traction. This technology makes the GMC Canyon 4WD one of the best off-road trucks in its class. For those of us who really like to get crazy with the off-road experience, the manufacturer has included an option for the Z71 High Stance Off-Road Suspension Package, which is essentially a lift kit.
As for under the hood, consumers will have three choices. The first is a 2.9-liter Dual Overhead Cam 4-cylinder engine with 185 ponies, a best-in-class rating. This model is also able to get 25 MPG highway. The second option is a slightly more powerful 3.7-liter 5-cylinder Dual Overhead Cam engine with 242 horsepower. Lastly, truck enthusiasts will be glad to hear about the 5.3-liter V8 engine with a rip-roaring 300 horsepower and over 320 lbs./ft. of torque. The StabiliTrak installed on all models ensures that brakes are automatically applied to the proper wheels in the event of a skid or slid.
The Bluetooth will allow consumers to speak directly to their friends, family and coworkers through a microchip in the truck, while listening to them through the speakers in the cab. GMC has generously included a free six-month trial of OnStar, so in the unfortunate event of a crash, emergency crews can be dispatched to your location. Sirius XM satellite radio also comes free for 3 months with all models.
However, as far as safety is concerned, the crash test ratings given to the 2012 GMC Canyon were dishearteningly low. While it comes with all the standard front and side airbags of most modern cars and trucks, it has little else to protect consumers from injury or death in a grizzly accident.
The 2012 GMC Canyon 4WD may not be perfect, but for under $32,000 consumers will get a truck that can handle nearly any off-road condition that Mother Nature can hurl at it.
