2021 GMC Canyon vs 2022 GMC Canyon

The 2021 GMC Canyon, a second-generation model, had been on the market since 2015, following a brief hiatus. It received its first refresh after six years, featuring an enlarged grille and revised front bumper, aligning it more closely with the GMC Sierra. Despite these updates, the Canyon largely retained its original design, which was less of an issue in the midsize pickup segment where competitors like the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma were also aging. The interior of the 2021 Canyon prioritized functionality with a sensible control layout, though it featured hard plastics and average fit-and-finish. The trims ranged from the base Elevation Standard to the luxurious Denali, each offering varying levels of features and aesthetics.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Canyon continued to offer a premium look, especially in the Denali trim, which boasted a unique chrome grille, 20-inch diamond-cut wheels, and luxurious interior touches like open-pore Ash wood trim. The AT4 trim, while rugged, also provided a comfortable and inviting cabin with premium features. The lower trims, Elevation and Elevation Standard, offered more basic materials and switchgear, but overall, the Canyon's material quality exceeded expectations for its class. The 2022 model maintained a balance between rugged capability and interior comfort, appealing to a broad range of buyers.

The 2021 GMC Canyon offered a range of powertrains, 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 more powerful 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 turbodiesel engine was available, offering 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 diesel engine, making it a leader in its class. The AT4 trim, equipped with the V6 and 4WD, provided confident off-road performance without compromising on-road manners.

The 2022 GMC Canyon continued to offer three powertrains: the 200-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder, the 308-horsepower 3.6-litre V6, and the 181-horsepower 2.8-litre Duramax turbodiesel. The latter two engines, when equipped with the Trailering package, had a maximum tow rating of 3,175 kilograms (7,000 pounds). The V6, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided ample power and smooth shifts, even with the AT4's off-road enhancements. The AT4's off-road capabilities were further enhanced by features like an Autotrac two-speed electronic transfer case and hill-descent control. Overall, the 2022 Canyon offered solid performance both on and off the road, with the AT4 trim standing out for its off-road prowess.

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, with four full doors, offered more usable rear-seat space. The Canyon provided a commanding driving position, though seat adjustment was somewhat awkward. Storage options included a centre console, small door trays, and decently sized cupholders. The truck offered two bed sizes: a short bed (1,567 mm) and a long bed (1,880 mm), with the Extended Cab only available with the long box. The Canyon featured GM's CornerStep rear bumper and an EZ lift-and-lower tailgate for easier bed access.

The 2022 GMC Canyon offered similar configurations, with an extended cab and a 6'2" bed, or a crew cab with either a 5'2" or 6'2" bed. The crew cab provided ample space for rear-seat passengers, while the extended cab was less accommodating. The Canyon's seat height made entry and exit easy, and the seats were comfortable and supportive. The AT4 trim offered power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a sliding rear window. Visibility was excellent, aided by a rearview camera and rear park assist. The cargo bed featured two-tier loading and 13 tie-down points, with an integrated corner step rear bumper for easy access.

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 8-inch screen with navigation was optional on the Elevation and AT4 trims and standard on the Denali, which also included HD radio and a wireless charging pad. The Denali's 4.2-inch colour driver display provided easy access to vehicle settings and driver information.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's technology offerings were modest, with the Elevation Standard trim featuring a 7-inch touchscreen. The Elevation trim upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The AT4 added a wireless charging pad, while the Denali included navigation, a high-definition rearview camera, and additional driver-assist features. All models came with a free trial of SiriusXM satellite radio, a WiFi hotspot, and OnStar telematics. The AT4's infotainment system, with navigation and a Bose premium audio system, provided a seamless user experience.

The 2021 GMC Canyon's standard safety features included a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system, front-and-side-impact airbags, traction control, and the Teen Driver system. The optional Driver Alert package, standard on the Denali, included forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning, and rear parking alert. The Denali also featured an upgraded HD backup camera and Hitch Guidance for easier towing.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's safety features varied by trim level. The base Elevation Standard included tire-fill alert and the Teen Driver system, which allowed parents to monitor driving habits and set limits. The Driver Alert package, available on the Elevation and AT4 and standard on the Denali, included forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning, and rear parking assistance. However, features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking were not available. The 2022 Canyon received four out of five stars for overall crash protection from the NHTSA and mixed ratings from the IIHS, with some areas needing improvement.