2021 GMC Canyon vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma

The 2021 GMC Canyon, a second-generation model, had been on the market for several years, having first appeared in 2015 after a brief hiatus. This break was likely beneficial, given the lacklustre performance of its predecessor. The Canyon received its first refresh after six years, which was longer than the typical mid-cycle update. The most noticeable changes included an enlarged grille and a revised front bumper, aligning it more closely with the GMC Sierra. Despite these updates, the Canyon largely retained its original design, which was less of an issue in the midsize pickup market where competitors like the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma were also aging. The interior of the Canyon was functional, with a sensible layout for controls, though it featured hard plastics and average fit-and-finish. The trims ranged from the base Elevation Standard to the off-road-inspired AT4 and the luxurious Denali, each offering varying levels of features and aesthetics.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma, a staple in the North American market since 1995, was part of the third generation introduced in 2016. Despite a facelift in 2020, the Tacoma was beginning to show its age, particularly in the cabin, which featured a mix of contemporary and outdated elements. The Tacoma was available in various configurations, including Access Cab and Double Cab, with a range of trims from the base model to the off-road-focused TRD Pro. Standard features included a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims offered additional amenities like wireless charging and a power-sliding rear window. The Tacoma's design was rugged and trail-ready, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control enhancing its off-road capabilities. Despite its aging design, the Tacoma remained a popular choice for those seeking a reliable and capable midsize truck.

The 2021 GMC Canyon offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The more powerful 3.6-litre V6 engine, standard on the Elevation, AT4, and Denali trims, delivered 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, a 2.8-litre Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel engine was available, offering 181 horsepower and a robust 369 pound-feet of torque. The Canyon's towing capacity reached up to 3,493 kilograms (7,700 pounds) with the turbodiesel engine, making it a leader in its class. The AT4 trim, equipped with the V6 and 4WD, featured off-road enhancements like an automatic locking rear differential and hill-descent control, providing confidence on trails without compromising on-road comfort.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma in Canada came standard with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, paired with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. The Tacoma's maximum towing capacity was 2,948 kilograms (6,500 pounds), with a payload capacity of 583 kilograms (1,285 pounds). While the V6 offered decent acceleration in urban settings, it struggled at highway speeds due to its transmission gearing. The Tacoma excelled off-road, particularly in the TRD Pro trim, which featured a TRD-tuned suspension and advanced trail technologies like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control. These features allowed the Tacoma to navigate challenging terrains with ease, making it a favourite among off-road enthusiasts.

The 2021 GMC Canyon was available in Extended Cab and Crew Cab configurations. The Extended Cab featured rear-hinged half-doors and small jump seats in the second row, suitable for children or storage. The Crew Cab offered more usable rear-seat space with four full doors, though legroom remained limited. The Canyon's interior provided a commanding driving position, but seat adjustments were somewhat awkward. Storage options included a centre console, small door trays, and decently sized cupholders. The Canyon offered two bed sizes: a short bed measuring 1,567 mm (5-foot-2) and a long bed at 1,880 mm (6-foot-2). The Extended Cab came with a long box, while the Crew Cab offered both options. The Canyon featured GM's CornerStep rear bumper for easy bed access and an EZ lift-and-lower tailgate with remote power locking.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma was available in Access Cab and Double Cab body styles, with a choice of a five-foot or six-foot-one-inch bed. The Access Cab included clamshell rear half-doors and tight rear jump seats, best used for storage or short trips. The Double Cab offered seating for up to five, but rear legroom was still limited. The front seats provided ample legroom, but the tilt/telescoping steering wheel's limited range could be uncomfortable for taller drivers. The Tacoma's cabin featured numerous cupholders and storage compartments, while the bed included in-bed lighting and a power outlet for added convenience.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with crisp graphics and intuitive menus, complemented by hard buttons and dials for easy operation. An optional 8-inch screen with navigation was available on the Elevation and AT4 trims, and standard on the Denali, which also included HD radio and a wireless charging pad. The Denali trim featured a 4.2-inch colour driver display, providing easy access to vehicle settings and information.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma's base infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth compatibility, while higher trims offered an 8-inch screen and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system's older design was straightforward and familiar, with large icons and a simple layout. Apple CarPlay integration was seamless, though the tuning and volume dials were undersized. The Tacoma also featured a wireless device charger, requiring manual activation. While lacking advanced tech features, the Tacoma's infotainment system was reliable and easy to use.

The 2021 GMC Canyon offered standard safety features such as a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system, front-and-side-impact airbags, traction control, and the Teen Driver system. The optional Driver Alert package included forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning, and rear parking alert, standard on the Denali trim. The Denali also featured an upgraded HD backup camera and Hitch Guidance for easier towing.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma came standard with driver assistance features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The backup camera's image quality was grainy, requiring extra caution when reversing. The Tacoma received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in side crash tests.