2012 GMC Canyon Oil Type & Capacity

The 2012 GMC Canyon oil type depends on the engine: the 2.9L takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the 3.7L takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the 5.3L takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.

Factory-spec answer

It depends on the engine:

2.9L: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
2.9L: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
2.9L: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
2.9L: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
2.9L: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
2.9L: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
2.9L: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
2.9L: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
2.9L: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
3.7L: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
3.7L: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
3.7L: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
3.7L: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
3.7L: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
3.7L: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
5.3L: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
5.3L: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
5.3L: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
5.3L: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter

Oil capacity by engine

Engine	Oil Type (viscosity)	Capacity w/ Filter	Capacity w/o Filter	Notes
2.9L — 2D Pickup, 2.9L Eng VIN 9, 4WD, Automatic Trans, 2.9L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	4.50 QTS.	Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
2.9L — 2D Pickup, 2.9L Eng VIN 9, RWD, Standard Trans, 2.9L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	4.50 QTS.	Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
2.9L — 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.9L Eng VIN 9, 4WD, Automatic Trans, 2.9L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	4.50 QTS.	Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
2.9L — 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.9L Eng VIN 9, RWD, Automatic Trans, 2.9L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	4.50 QTS.	Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
2.9L — 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.9L Eng VIN 9, 4WD, Standard Trans, 2.9L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	4.50 QTS.	Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
2.9L — 2D Pickup, 2.9L Eng VIN 9, 4WD, Standard Trans, 2.9L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	4.50 QTS.	Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
2.9L — 2D Pickup, 2.9L Eng VIN 9, RWD, Automatic Trans, 2.9L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	4.50 QTS.	Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
2.9L — 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.9L Eng VIN 9, RWD, Standard Trans, 2.9L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	4.50 QTS.	Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
2.9L — 4D Pickup, 2.9L Eng VIN 9, 2.9L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	4.50 QTS.	Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
3.7L — 2D Pickup, 3.7L Eng VIN E, RWD, 3.7L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	5.50 QTS.	Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
3.7L — 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.7L Eng VIN E, RWD, 3.7L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	5.50 QTS.	Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
3.7L — 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.7L Eng VIN E, 4WD, 3.7L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	5.50 QTS.	Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
3.7L — 2D Pickup, 3.7L Eng VIN E, 4WD, 3.7L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	5.50 QTS.	Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
3.7L — 4D Pickup, 3.7L Eng VIN E, 4WD, 3.7L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	5.50 QTS.	Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
3.7L — 4D Pickup, 3.7L Eng VIN E, RWD, 3.7L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	5.50 QTS.	Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
5.3L — 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 5.3L Eng VIN P, 4WD, 5.3L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	5.50 QTS.	Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
5.3L — 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 5.3L Eng VIN P, RWD, 5.3L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	5.50 QTS.	Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
5.3L — 4D Pickup, 5.3L Eng VIN P, 4WD, 5.3L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	5.50 QTS.	Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
5.3L — 4D Pickup, 5.3L Eng VIN P, RWD, 5.3L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	5.50 QTS.	Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.

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More factory specs & repair guides for your Canyon

🛞 2012 GMC Canyon Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2012 GMC Canyon Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2012 GMC Canyon Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2012 GMC Canyon Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)

Coolant capacity

10.4 quarts (9.84 L) — 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL and clean, drinkable water. All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level. Recheck the fluid level after filling.

Frequently asked questions

What type of oil does a 2012 GMC Canyon take?

It depends on the engine: 2.9L uses 5W-30; 3.7L uses 5W-30; 5.3L uses 5W-30.

What is the oil capacity of a 2012 GMC Canyon?

Oil capacity depends on the engine: 2.9L holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 3.7L holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 5.3L holds 6.0 quarts with filter.

How often should I change the oil in my 2012 GMC Canyon?

Most 2012 GMC Canyon owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — GMC recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.

Can I use synthetic oil in my 2012 GMC Canyon?

Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2012 GMC Canyon. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.

Other GMC Canyon years

2025 Canyon 2024 Canyon 2023 Canyon 2022 Canyon 2021 Canyon 2020 Canyon 2019 Canyon 2018 Canyon 2017 Canyon 2016 Canyon 2015 Canyon 2011 Canyon 2010 Canyon 2009 Canyon 2008 Canyon 2007 Canyon 2006 Canyon 2005 Canyon 2004 Canyon