2020 Toyota Tundra vs 2021 GMC Canyon

The 2020 Toyota Tundra was available in three models in Canada: SR, SR5, and Platinum, with various package configurations for the SR5 and a 1794 Edition package for the Platinum. As one moved up the trim levels, the Tundra became more luxurious. It offered Double Cab and CrewMax cab styles, with three bed lengths depending on the cab and trim. Prices ranged from an MSRP of $40,650 to $63,190, excluding destination charges and options. The test model, a Toyota Tundra TRD Pro CrewMax, featured a 4WD drivetrain and was painted in an exclusive Army Green colour, giving it a military-grade appearance. Inside, the TRD Pro had black leather with red stitching and embroidery, though the interior was criticized for its industrial-grade plastic, which seemed out of place at higher price points.

The 2021 GMC Canyon, a second-generation model, received its first refresh after six years, featuring an enlarged grille and revised front bumper to align with the GMC Sierra. Despite these updates, the Canyon largely remained the same truck, which was less of an issue in the midsize pickup market. The cabin maintained a functional layout with hard plastics and mediocre fit-and-finish, but it was considered handsome and useful. The Canyon offered trims like Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4, and Denali, each with distinct features. The AT4 trim, driven during the test, was off-road-inspired with 17-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and off-road suspension, while the Denali added luxury touches like 20-inch wheels and a premium audio system.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra was powered by a 5.7-litre V8 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, delivering 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. It had a maximum towing capacity of 4,536 kilograms and a payload capacity of up to 784 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The TRD Pro model featured BBS forged aluminum wheels, Fox off-road shocks, a TRD-tuned dual exhaust system, and an aluminum skid plate. The V8 engine provided robust power, though it was loud, and the transmission was flawless. The Tundra's steering and brakes were satisfactory, and it had a tight turning radius. However, fuel efficiency was unimpressive, with an average consumption of 16.4 L/100 km.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came standard with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. A 3.6-litre V6 engine, standard on higher trims, delivered 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Canyon also offered a 2.8-litre Duramax turbodiesel engine with 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The AT4 trim, tested with the V6 and 4WD, included an automatic locking rear differential and hill-descent control. The Canyon's towing capacity reached 3,493 kilograms with the turbodiesel engine, and it had a maximum payload capacity of 734 kg.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra, built in Texas, featured a spacious interior, especially in the CrewMax variant, which offered ample rear seating space. The front seats were large and comfortable, but storage options were limited, with a small glove compartment and few practical spots in the backseat. The Tundra's bed was basic, lacking advanced features like locking storage wells or multifunctional tailgates.

The 2021 GMC Canyon was available in Extended Cab and Crew Cab variants, with the latter offering more usable rear-seat space. The driving position was commanding, though seat adjustment was awkward. The Canyon provided some storage space in the centre console and doors, but it was limited. It offered two bed sizes, with the Crew Cab providing a choice between a short and long bed. The Canyon featured GM's CornerStep rear bumper for easy bed access and an EZ lift-and-lower tailgate with remote power locking.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra's infotainment system, though recessed and glare-prone, was up-to-date with a 7-inch or 8-inch display, depending on the trim. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports. The TRD Pro trim featured dynamic navigation, voice recognition, and a 12-speaker JBL audio system. However, the Tundra lacked advanced towing technology, offering only a reversing camera.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the latest GMC infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The system had crisp graphics and an easy-to-use menu layout, with hard buttons and dials for convenience. A larger 8-inch screen with navigation was optional on higher trims and standard on the Denali, which also included HD radio, a wireless charging pad, and a 4.2-inch colour driver display.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra came with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams. However, its crash-test performance was lacking, with Marginal and Poor ratings in small-overlap frontal-impact tests from the IIHS. The NHTSA ratings were more favourable, with 5 stars for side-impact protection and 4 stars for frontal-impact protection.

The 2021 GMC Canyon included standard safety features like a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring, and the Teen Driver system. The Driver Alert package, standard on the Denali and optional on other trims, added forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning, and rear parking alert. The Denali also featured an upgraded HD backup camera and Hitch Guidance.