Which year to buy
Best bet2021Fewest serious problems: 0.2× usual
Newest we'd buy2025The latest year rated a good buy
Avoid2015, 2023Far more serious problems than usual
Be careful2016, 2024More problems; check the recalls were done
Too new to judge: 2026. Give a new year a year or two of owner reports.
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2012GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.6× usual Extended coverage
17 serious complaints of 29, the most about air bags (4) and structure (3); per car on the road, 0.6× this model's usual year. 2 recalls.
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage On some 2008 model year (MY) Saturn Outlook; 2008-2009 MY Buick Allure, Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Uplander, Pontiac G8, Pontiac Montana SV6, Pontiac Torrent, and Saturn VUE; 2008-2010 MY Hummer H3 and Pontiac G6; 2008-2011 MY Cadillac CTS, Cadillac SRX, and Chevrolet Impala; 2008, 2011-2012 MY… (GCUS-9-939, Sep 2015)
- Extended coverage On some various model year vehicles, the throttle-position sensor may cause the engine to run rough, cause the malfunction-indicator lamp and/or an engine reduced power message to illuminate, and reduce the engine's power. 14582A - Special Coverage (2012 model year Buick Enclave, Lacrosse, Regal;… (GCUS-9-1009, Oct 2015)
- Extended coverage On some 2012 model year chevrolet silverado, express, colorado and gmc sierra, savana, and canyon vehicles equipped with a 4.3l, 2.9l, or 3.7l engine (rpo lu3, llv, or llr) and a 4l60e automatic transmission (rpo m30), the malfunction indicator lamp (mil) may be illuminated and the transmission… (15111, Jun 2015)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
29 owner complaints · 2 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 16–21 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2012 trims and features
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
Engines: 2.9L 4-cyl; 3.7L 5-cyl; 5.3L 8-cyl · Drive: 4WD, RWD
2012 Canyon trims
| Base | SLE | SLE-2 | SLT | Work Truck |
|---|
base price, seating and driver-assistance equipment from NHTSA's vehicle database (vPIC), as GMC reports it. Tech and comfort features (CarPlay, heated seats, sunroof) for GMC aren't in our data yet. "—": not verified in our sources. "Varies": standard on some versions of the trim.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2.7L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD, RWD | 16–20 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 8 | Power train (3) | — |
| 2025 | 2.7L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD, RWD | 16–20 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 8 | Service brakes (3) | Yes |
| 2024 | 2.7L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD, RWD | 16–20 mpg | 4 of 5 | 3 | 206 | Exterior lighting (159) | Yes |
| 2023 | 2.7L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD, RWD | 16–20 mpg | 4 of 5 | 3 | 62 | Electrical system (20) | Yes |
| 2022 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel 3.6L 6-cyl | 4WD, RWD | 19–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 1 | 26 | Electrical system (12) | Yes |
| 2021 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel 3.6L 6-cyl | 4WD, RWD | 18–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 11 | Steering (2) | Yes |
| 2020 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel 3.6L 6-cyl | 4WD, RWD | 19–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 0 | 14 | Power train (6) | Yes |
| 2019 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel 3.6L 6-cyl manual available | 4WD, RWD | 15–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 0 | 17 | Power train (7) | Yes |
| 2018 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel 3.6L 6-cyl manual available | 4WD, RWD | 15–25 mpg | 4 of 5 | 1 | 52 | Power train (27) | Yes |
| 2017 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel 3.6L 6-cyl manual available | 4WD, RWD | 15–25 mpg | 4 of 5 | 1 | 66 | Power train (18) | Yes |
| 2016 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel 3.6L 6-cyl manual available | 4WD, RWD | 16–25 mpg | 4 of 5 | 4 | 270 | Steering (180) | Yes |
| 2015 | 2.5L 4-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl manual available | 4WD, RWD | 16–22 mpg | 4 of 5 | 8 | 321 | Steering (228) | No |
| 2012 | 2.9L 4-cyl 3.7L 5-cyl 5.3L 8-cyl manual available | 4WD, RWD | 16–21 mpg | Not rated | 2 | 29 | Electrical system (10) | No |
| 2011 | 2.9L 4-cyl 3.7L 5-cyl 5.3L 8-cyl manual available | 4WD, RWD | 16–21 mpg | Not rated | 5 | 23 | Unknown or other (9) | No |
| 2010 | 2.9L 4-cyl 3.7L 5-cyl 5.3L 8-cyl manual available | 4WD, RWD | 16–21 mpg | Not rated | 2 | 13 | Unknown or other (4) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Apple lists CarPlay for: Canyon 2016–2025 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | GMC CANYON - AT4X AEV PU/CC N/A 4WD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 2 | 8 |
| 2026 | GMC CANYON PU/CC N/A 4WD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 8 |
| 2026 | GMC CANYON PU/CC N/A RWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 8 |
| 2025 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 2 | 8 |
| 2025 | GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 2 | 8 |
| 2025 | GMC Canyon AT4X AEV PU/CC 4WD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 3 | 206 |
| 2024 | GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 3 | 206 |
| 2024 | GMC Canyon AT4X AEV PU/CC 4WD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 4 |
| 2024 | GMC Canyon AT4X AEV PU/CC RWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 4 |
| 2023 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 3 | 62 |
| 2023 | GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 3 | 62 |
| 2022 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 26 |
| 2022 | GMC Canyon PU/EC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 26 |
| 2022 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 2WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 26 |
| 2022 | GMC Canyon PU/EC 2WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 26 |
| 2021 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 2WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 11 |
| 2021 | GMC Canyon PU/EC 2WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 11 |
| 2021 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 11 |
| 2021 | GMC Canyon PU/EC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 11 |
| 2020 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 14 |
| 2020 | GMC Canyon PU/EC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 14 |
| 2020 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 2WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 14 |
| 2020 | GMC Canyon PU/EC 2WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 14 |
| 2019 | GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 17 |
| 2019 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 17 |
| 2019 | GMC Canyon PU/EC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 17 |
| 2019 | GMC Canyon PU/EC RWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 17 |
| 2018 | GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 52 |
| 2018 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 52 |
| 2018 | GMC Canyon PU/EC RWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 52 |
| 2018 | GMC Canyon PU/EC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 52 |
| 2017 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 66 |
| 2017 | GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 66 |
| 2017 | GMC Canyon PU/EC RWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 66 |
| 2017 | GMC Canyon PU/EC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 66 |
| 2016 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 270 |
| 2016 | GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 270 |
| 2016 | GMC Canyon PU/EC RWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 270 |
| 2016 | GMC Canyon PU/EC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 270 |
| 2015 | GMC Canyon PU/EC RWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 8 | 321 |
| 2015 | GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 8 | 321 |
| 2015 | GMC Canyon PU/EC 4WD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 8 | 321 |
| 2015 | GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 8 | 321 |
| 2012 | GMC Canyon PU/CC AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 29 |
| 2012 | GMC Canyon PU/EC AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 29 |
| 2012 | GMC Canyon PU/RC AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 29 |
| 2012 | GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 29 |
| 2012 | GMC Canyon PU/EC RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 29 |
| 2012 | GMC Canyon PU/RC RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 29 |
| 2011 | GMC Canyon PU/RC AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 23 |
| 2011 | GMC Canyon PU/EC AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 23 |
| 2011 | GMC Canyon PU/CC AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 23 |
| 2011 | GMC Canyon PU/RC RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 23 |
| 2011 | GMC Canyon PU/EC RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 23 |
| 2011 | GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 23 |
| 2010 | GMC Canyon Crew Cab 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 13 |
| 2010 | GMC Canyon Extended Cab w/SAB (Later release) | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 13 |
| 2010 | GMC Canyon Extended Cab w/SAB (Early Release) | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 13 |
| 2010 | GMC Canyon Regular Cab w/SAB (Later release) | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 13 |
| 2010 | GMC Canyon Regular Cab w/SAB (Early Release) | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 13 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 20 |
| 2026 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 19 |
| 2026 | Canyon AT4X 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 17 |
| 2026 | Canyon AT4X AEV 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 16 |
| 2026 | Canyon Mud Terrain Tires 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 18 |
| 2025 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 20 |
| 2025 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 19 |
| 2025 | Canyon AT4X 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 17 |
| 2025 | Canyon AT4X AEV 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 16 |
| 2024 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 20 |
| 2024 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 19 |
| 2024 | Canyon AT4X 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 17 |
| 2024 | Canyon AT4X AEV 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 16 |
| 2024 | Canyon Mud Terrain Tires 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 18 |
| 2023 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 20 |
| 2023 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 19 |
| 2023 | Canyon AT4X 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 16 |
| 2023 | Canyon Mud Terrain Tires 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo | 18 |
| 2022 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
21–23 |
| 2022 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
19–22 |
| 2021 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
21–23 |
| 2021 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
18–22 |
| 2020 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
20–23 |
| 2020 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
19–22 |
| 2019 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
20–23 |
| 2019 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
19–22 |
| 2019 | Canyon Cab Chassis 2WD | Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 15 |
| 2018 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
20–25 |
| 2018 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
19–23 |
| 2018 | Canyon Cab Chassis 2WD | Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 15 |
| 2017 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
20–25 |
| 2017 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
19–23 |
| 2017 | Canyon Cab Chassis 2WD | Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 15 |
| 2016 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
21–25 |
| 2016 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
20–23 |
| 2016 | Canyon Cab Chassis 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 16 |
| 2015 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
21–22 |
| 2015 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
20–21 |
| 2015 | Canyon Cab Chassis 2WD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 16 |
| 2012 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
16–21 |
| 2012 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
16–20 |
| 2012 | Canyon Cab Chassis Inc 2WD | Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L | 17 |
| 2012 | Canyon Cab Chassis Inc 4WD | Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L | 18 |
| 2012 | Canyon Crew Cab 2WD | Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
16–21 |
| 2012 | Canyon Crew Cab 4WD | Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
16–18 |
| 2011 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
16–21 |
| 2011 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
16–20 |
| 2011 | Canyon Cab Chassis Inc 2WD | Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L | 17 |
| 2011 | Canyon Cab Chassis Inc 4WD | Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L | 18 |
| 2011 | Canyon Crew Cab 2WD | Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
16–21 |
| 2011 | Canyon Crew Cab 4WD | Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
16–18 |
| 2010 | Canyon 2WD | Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
17–21 |
| 2010 | Canyon 4WD | Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
16–20 |
| 2010 | Canyon Cab Chassis Inc 2WD | Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L | 17 |
| 2010 | Canyon Cab Chassis Inc 4WD | Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L | 18 |
| 2010 | Canyon Crew Cab 2WD | Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
17–21 |
| 2010 | Canyon Crew Cab 4WD | Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
16–18 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.