2022 Ford Maverick vs 2023 GMC Canyon

The 2022 Ford Maverick presented a conventional pickup truck appearance, reminiscent of larger Ford models like the F-150 and Ranger, with its prominent wheel arches and taillights. However, its front end diverged from this pattern, featuring large headlights and a grille crossbar that didn't make a particularly strong styling statement. Despite being smaller than the Ford Ranger, the Maverick maintained a substantial presence, measuring 5,073 millimetres in length and 1,879 millimetres in height. It utilized a unibody platform shared with the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport, distinguishing it from Ford's larger body-on-frame trucks. The Maverick's interior was a standout feature, with a design that made economical use of materials while maintaining a stylish and unique character. The use of multicoloured plastic and exposed fasteners added to its charm, and even the base model offered seats with an attractive weave pattern.

In contrast, the 2023 GMC Canyon exuded a more aggressive and muscular look, with its headlights and daytime running lights positioned alongside a broad grille and a pronounced front bumper. The body sides featured bulges and creases, enhancing its tough appearance. Sharing dimensions with the Chevy Colorado, the Canyon boasted a longer wheelbase and an "Ultra Wide Track" stance, providing a commanding presence. The Canyon's interior, particularly in the Denali trim, offered a touch of luxury with laser-etched open-pore wood trim and leather upholstery. The AT4X model added a splash of drama with its red-and-white upholstery and red dashboard trim. Overall, the Canyon's design aimed to combine ruggedness with a touch of sophistication, appealing to those seeking a bold and distinctive midsize truck.

The 2022 Ford Maverick offered a standard hybrid powertrain featuring a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), delivering a total system output of 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. An optional 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine provided 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid variant was available only with front-wheel drive, while the EcoBoost version offered all-wheel drive. The Maverick's FX4 off-road package added features like different suspension tuning, underbody protection, and specialized drive modes, enhancing its off-road capabilities. On-road, the Maverick's unibody platform contributed to a car-like driving experience, with smooth ride quality and improved maneuverability compared to larger pickups.

The 2023 GMC Canyon, on the other hand, came equipped with a single powertrain option: a 2.7-litre gasoline turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the Canyon was offered exclusively with four-wheel drive, featuring a single-speed transfer case on the Elevation model and a two-speed transfer case on other trims. The AT4X model was designed for serious off-roading, with features like electronic lockers, skid plates, and 33-inch mud terrain tires. The Canyon's performance struck a balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability, with quiet cabs and solid handling. The AT4X model excelled in off-road scenarios, showcasing its versatility and ruggedness.

The 2022 Ford Maverick was available exclusively in a four-door crew-cab configuration, offering more legroom than the larger Toyota Tacoma and slightly more front legroom than the Hyundai Santa Cruz. Interior storage was a highlight, with numerous cubbies, under-seat storage, and the innovative Ford Integrated Tether System (FITS) for customizable accessories. The Maverick's 1,382 mm bed, though shorter than the Ranger's, provided a 680-kilogram payload capacity and featured practical elements like an in-bed power outlet and tailgate tiedowns. The FlexBed system allowed for creative use of the bed space, with options for dividers and a multi-position tailgate. The Maverick's towing capacity reached 1,814 kilograms with the 4K Tow Package, offering a balance of utility and versatility.

The 2023 GMC Canyon, available only in a crew cab with a 5.2-foot bed, offered a fair amount of interior space for a midsize truck. It boasted more first-row legroom than most competitors, with second-row legroom surpassed only by the Honda Ridgeline and Jeep Gladiator. The Canyon introduced the MultiStow tailgate, featuring a waterproof storage compartment, although its utility was somewhat limited. The truck's towing capacity reached 3,492 kilograms for most trims, with the AT4X offering a slightly lower rating. The Canyon's payload capacity of 716 kilograms was higher than its predecessor but fell short of some rivals. Overall, the Canyon aimed to provide a balance of interior space and utility, with a focus on innovative features like the MultiStow tailgate.

The 2022 Ford Maverick featured the older Sync 3 infotainment system, offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, though not in wireless form. An 8-inch touchscreen and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot were standard, providing basic connectivity options. The infotainment system's graphics and functions were straightforward, with a focus on essential features. The Maverick also included a brake-coaching feature for hybrid models, helping drivers optimize regenerative braking. While the Maverick's tech offerings were not groundbreaking, they provided the necessary functionality for an entry-level vehicle.

In contrast, the 2023 GMC Canyon boasted a more advanced infotainment system with an 11.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Google Built-In functionality. The system featured Google Maps as the navigation system and offered a seamless experience for Android users. The Canyon's tech package included a digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and a Bose premium audio system on higher trims. The Off-Road Performance Display added valuable information for off-road enthusiasts, while the surround-view camera system enhanced visibility during challenging maneuvers. The Canyon's tech offerings catered to tech-savvy buyers, providing a comprehensive and visually appealing experience.

The 2022 Ford Maverick's safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams as part of the Ford Co-Pilot360 package. Optional extras included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane centring, and evasive steering assist. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2023 GMC Canyon offered a comprehensive safety package, with the standard Canyon Pro Safety Package including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. The optional Safety Plus Package added features like rear cross-traffic alert and blind-zone steering assist. Higher trims included additional safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and a Safety Alert Seat. Like the Maverick, crash-test ratings were not available for the Canyon at the time of publication.