2022 Toyota Tacoma vs 2022 GMC Canyon

The 2022 GMC Canyon, introduced in 2015, offered a premium aesthetic, especially in its Denali trim. This version featured a distinctive chrome grille, 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and luxurious interior elements like heated and ventilated leather seats, Ash wood trim, and a Bose audio system. The AT4 off-road variant also maintained a high-end feel with its black chrome grille, LED lighting, and premium leather seats, while still exuding a rugged, off-road-ready appearance. Even the lower trims, such as the Elevation, maintained a quality feel, surpassing expectations for the class.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma, part of the third generation introduced in 2016, showed signs of aging despite a 2020 facelift. Its exterior remained modern with an aggressive grille and headlights, but the interior revealed its age with hard plastics and outdated switchgear. The Tacoma offered various configurations, including the Access Cab and Double Cab, with features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added more amenities, such as leather seating and advanced off-road capabilities, but the overall cabin design felt dated compared to newer competitors.

The 2022 GMC Canyon offered three engine options: a 200-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder, a 308-hp 3.6-litre V6, and a 181-hp 2.8-litre Duramax turbodiesel with 369 lb-ft of torque. The latter two engines could tow up to 3,175 kilograms when equipped with the Trailering package. The V6, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided ample power, while the turbodiesel excelled in towing and fuel efficiency. The AT4 variant, with its off-road enhancements, delivered a stable and capable ride both on and off the pavement, making it a formidable competitor in the midsize truck segment.

In Canada, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma came standard with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. It offered a maximum towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms and a payload capacity of 583 kilograms. While the V6 provided decent acceleration around town, it struggled at highway speeds due to its transmission gearing. The TRD Pro variant excelled off-road, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, making it a capable trail vehicle. However, its on-road performance was less impressive, with steering that felt cumbersome at low speeds.

The 2022 GMC Canyon was available in extended and crew cab configurations, with bed lengths of 6'2" or 5'2". The crew cab offered ample space for rear passengers, while the extended cab was more limited. The Canyon's interior was comfortable, with power-adjustable front seats and available heated options. Its SUV-like seat height made entry and exit easy, and the cargo bed featured two-tier loading and 13 tie-down points for convenience.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma offered Access Cab and Double Cab body styles, with bed lengths of five feet or six feet one inch. The Access Cab's rear jump seats were tight on legroom, while the Double Cab provided slightly more space but remained cramped for adults. The front seats offered good legroom, but the steering wheel's limited adjustment could be an issue for taller drivers. The Tacoma's interior included ample storage and cupholders, and the bed featured in-bed lighting and a power outlet.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's technology offerings were modest, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen on the Elevation Standard trim and an 8-inch screen on higher trims. The AT4 added wireless smartphone charging, while the Denali included navigation and a high-definition rearview camera. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and the Bose audio system delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth compatibility, with an 8-inch screen and SiriusXM on higher trims. The infotainment system was straightforward, with large icons and easy navigation. The Tacoma also included a wireless device charger, though it required manual activation. While the technology was not cutting-edge, it was reliable and user-friendly, catering to those who prefer simplicity.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's safety features varied by trim, with the base model lacking advanced driver aids. Higher trims offered the Driver Alert package, including forward-collision alert and lane-departure warning. However, features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking were absent. The Canyon received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and mixed ratings from the IIHS, with some areas needing improvement.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma came standard with driver assistance features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Tacoma received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in side crash tests. While the backup camera image was grainy, the Tacoma's safety features were comprehensive and effective.