2021 Jeep Gladiator vs 2021 GMC Canyon

The 2021 GMC Canyon, a midsize pickup, had been around since its second generation debuted in 2015. It received a refresh in 2021, featuring an enlarged grille and revised front bumper, aligning its aesthetics more closely with the larger GMC Sierra. Despite these updates, the Canyon largely retained its previous design, which was not a significant drawback in the midsize truck market, where competitors like the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma also had older designs. The Canyon's interior focused on functionality, with a sensible layout for controls, though it featured hard plastics and average fit-and-finish. The truck offered various trims, including the base Elevation Standard, the off-road-inspired AT4, and the range-topping Denali, each with distinct features and equipment.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, derived from the Wrangler, was designed for serious towing and hauling, featuring a short 5-foot cargo bed. Its unique appearance, with a tall, long, and narrow profile, took some getting used to, but it excelled in off-road environments. The Gladiator introduced a new Willys grade and a High Altitude luxury model, expanding its lineup. Pricing for the Gladiator started at $49,315 for the Sport S trim, with options like the Overland trim and a new turbo-diesel engine pushing the price to $77,475. The Gladiator's interior, while durable, was not focused on luxury, with materials designed for rugged use. It shared its cabin design with the Wrangler, emphasizing utility and purpose, and included Jeep's signature Easter eggs.

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 Elevation, AT4, and Denali trims came standard with a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 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, generating 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, offered off-road capabilities without compromising on-road performance.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator introduced a new 3.0-litre EcoDiesel turbo-diesel V6 engine, producing 260 horsepower and an impressive 442 pound-feet of torque. This engine option, available for an additional $9,190 in Canada, provided substantial low-end power and improved fuel efficiency compared to the standard 3.6-litre Pentastar gasoline V6. The Gladiator's towing capacity varied, with the Sport S trim capable of towing up to 3,469 kilograms (7,650 pounds) with the standard engine. The diesel engine, while offering strong torque, had a lower towing capacity due to cooling restrictions. The Gladiator excelled in off-road environments, with features like Selec-Speed off-road cruise control and a robust suspension system, making it a formidable off-road vehicle.

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, suitable for children or small cargo. The Crew Cab offered more usable rear-seat space with four full doors. The Canyon's driving position was commanding, though seat adjustment could be awkward. Interior storage included a centre console, cupholders, and small door trays. The truck 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 Canyon featured GM's CornerStep rear bumper for easy bed access and an EZ lift-and-lower tailgate with remote power locking.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator prioritized off-road capability over comfort. Its seats provided adequate support, but the cabin's small door openings and snug seating positions required adjustment. The Gladiator's side steps or rails, while preserving breakover angle, made entry and exit challenging. Interior storage included netting on door panels, a small centre console bin, cupholders, and a dash-top tray. The Gladiator's 1,531 mm (5-foot) steel cargo box offered 1,005 litres of cargo space, with multiple tie-down hooks and an adjustable tailgate. Payload ratings varied depending on trim and engine, with the Sport S trim offering the highest capacity.

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 had crisp graphics and an intuitive menu layout, with hard buttons and dials for ease of use. An optional 8-inch screen with navigation was available on higher trims, and the Denali trim included HD radio and a wireless charging pad. The Denali also featured a 4.2-inch colour driver display for easy access to vehicle settings and information.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, while maintaining an old-school charm, offered modern technology. The Uconnect 4 system with a 7-inch touchscreen was standard, providing Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The High Country trim featured the Uconnect 4C system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and navigation, along with an Alpine premium sound system. The Uconnect 4C system, though user-friendly, showed signs of aging with slower response times. The Gladiator also offered a forward-facing Trail Cam for off-road navigation, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2021 GMC Canyon included 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 added 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 towing assistance.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator's standard safety features were minimal, with a reversing camera as the primary offering. Depending on the trim and options, advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were available, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. The Gladiator received a four-star frontal-impact rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rollover resistance rating.