2021 Ford F-150 vs 2022 GMC Canyon

The 2021 Ford F-150 retained its iconic design with oversized wheel arches and a tall hood, giving it a robust appearance. The new model introduced a refreshed front fascia with larger headlights and a rounder grille, offering 11 design options. Ford emphasized improved aerodynamics with active grille shutters and an automatically-deploying air dam, enhancing fuel efficiency. The aluminum bodywork, consistent with the previous generation, reduced weight and improved fuel economy. Inside, the F-150 maintained its distinctive design with large angular air vents and a high centre console. The interior materials varied across trims, with the King Ranch model featuring luxurious leather upholstery and wood trim.

The 2022 GMC Canyon, particularly in the Denali trim, boasted a premium look with a unique chrome grille and 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. The Denali's interior featured heated and ventilated leather seats, Ash wood trim, and a Bose audio system. The AT4 off-road version offered premium features like a black chrome grille and LED lighting, with a luxurious cabin despite its rugged exterior. Lower trims like the Elevation and Elevation Standard had more basic materials, but overall, the Canyon's material quality exceeded class expectations.

The 2021 Ford F-150 offered a range of powertrains, including a base 3.3-litre V6 with 290 horsepower and a 5.0-litre V8 producing 400 hp. Two EcoBoost V6 engines were available: a 2.7-litre with 325 hp and a 3.5-litre with 400 hp. A 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 provided 250 hp. The PowerBoost hybrid combined a 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 with an electric motor, delivering 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque. The F-150 excelled in payload and towing, with a maximum payload of 3,325 pounds and towing capacity of 14,000 pounds with the non-hybrid 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6. The hybrid offered a smooth ride, though transitions between electric and hybrid modes were occasionally rough.

The 2022 GMC Canyon offered three powertrains: a 200-hp 2.5-litre four-cylinder, a 308-hp 3.6-litre V6, and a 181-hp 2.8-litre turbodiesel with 369 lb-ft of torque. The V6 and diesel engines had a maximum tow rating of 3,175 kg. The Canyon's V6 provided ample power, and the eight-speed automatic transmission shifted smoothly. The AT4's off-road tires were slightly noisy but didn't compromise grip. The Canyon handled well on and off-road, with the AT4 equipped for off-roading with features like an off-road suspension and hill-descent control.

The 2021 Ford F-150 catered to mobile office needs with a fold-flat shifter creating a work surface for a 15-inch laptop. Higher trims offered fold-flat Max Recline Seats for resting. The F-150 provided ample storage, including a large centre-console bin and cupholders. It came in regular, SuperCab, and SuperCrew configurations, with bed sizes of 5.5, 6.5, and 8 feet. The tailgate featured rulers and power opening/closing, and the Pro Power Onboard system offered in-bed power outlets.

The 2022 GMC Canyon was available with an extended cab and 6'2" bed or a crew cab with 5'2" or 6'2" beds. The crew cab offered spacious seating, while the extended cab was less roomy. The Canyon's seat height made entry and exit easy, and the seats were comfortable and supportive. The AT4's taller ride height improved visibility, and the cargo bed featured two-tier loading and 13 tie-down points. The corner step rear bumper facilitated bed access.

The 2021 Ford F-150 featured the Sync 4 infotainment system with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An 8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 12-inch option available. The system included physical buttons for key functions. The F-150 offered Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Trailer Reverse Guidance for easier towing.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's Elevation Standard trim had a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Elevation trim offered an 8-inch version with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The AT4 added wireless charging, and the Denali included navigation and a high-definition rearview camera. The Canyon's infotainment system was user-friendly, and the Bose audio system delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Ford F-150 had standard safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring were available. The F-150 was set to receive Ford's BlueCruise system for hands-free driving later in 2021.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's base trim lacked advanced driver aids but included tire-fill alert and the Teen Driver system. The Driver Alert package, available on higher trims, offered forward-collision alert and lane-departure warning. The Canyon received four stars for overall crash protection from NHTSA and mixed ratings from IIHS, with some areas needing improvement.