2021 GMC Canyon vs 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD

The 2021 GMC Canyon, a midsize pickup, had been around since its second generation debuted in 2015. After a six-year run, it received its first refresh, which included an enlarged grille and a revised front bumper, aligning it more closely with its full-size sibling, the GMC Sierra. Despite these updates, the Canyon largely retained its original design, which was less of an issue in the midsize truck market where competitors like the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma were also aging. The interior of the Canyon prioritized function over form, with a sensible layout for controls but a prevalence of hard plastics and mediocre fit-and-finish. The trims ranged from the base Elevation Standard to the off-road-inspired AT4 and the luxurious Denali, each offering varying levels of features and amenities.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, redesigned for the 2020 model year, boasted a bold exterior with a tall hood, squared-off lines, and a massive grille, giving it a commanding presence. Inside, while functional, the Sierra HD's interior materials didn't quite match the quality of its competitors from Ram and Ford. The Sierra 2500HD was available in five trim levels, with the AT4 and Denali trims offering off-road capabilities and luxury features, respectively. The AT4 trim, which we tested, featured black chrome accents, C-shaped LED lighting, and a premium interior with heated and ventilated leather seats, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, and a Bose premium sound system, making it a rugged yet refined choice for off-road enthusiasts.

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 more powerful 3.6-litre V6 engine, standard on the Elevation, AT4, and Denali trims, delivered 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, 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 turbodiesel engine, making it a strong contender in its class.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, on the other hand, featured two powerful 6.6-litre V8 engines: a standard gas engine and an optional Duramax turbodiesel. The Duramax engine, paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission, produced 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque, allowing for a maximum trailering weight of 8,391 kilograms (18,500 pounds) on the AT4 trim. Despite its impressive power, the Sierra 2500HD was not the most capable in its class, with competitors like the Ford F-250 Super Duty and Ram 2500 offering higher towing capacities. However, the Sierra 2500HD excelled in off-road capabilities, particularly in the AT4 trim, which included features like an automatic-locking rear differential, a two-speed transfer case, and an X31 off-road suspension.

The 2021 GMC Canyon was available in Extended Cab and Crew Cab configurations, with the Extended Cab featuring rear-hinged half-doors and small jump seats best suited for children. The Crew Cab offered more usable rear-seat space with four full doors. The Canyon's interior 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 Canyon 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), with the Extended Cab only available with the long box.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered three cab configurations, two pickup bed lengths, and a range of convenience features. Most versions seated five, but a front-row bench seat allowed for up to six passengers. The Sierra 2500HD provided ample passenger space in both the front and rear seats, with plenty of headroom, legroom, and hip room. Accessing the truck required some effort due to its height, but features like the side assist step and corner-step rear bumper aided entry and cargo access. Inside, the Sierra 2500HD offered a wide and deep centre console, dual glove boxes, and hidden storage compartments in the rear seats. The truck also featured a 120-volt household-style power outlet and multiple USB ports for added convenience.

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 offered crisp graphics and an easy-to-use menu layout, with hard buttons and dials for added convenience. A larger 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 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered a range of infotainment systems, with either a 7-inch or 8-inch colour touchscreen, depending on the trim level. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were standard on SLT and above, with a navigation system available on SLT and AT4 trims. The Sierra 2500HD also featured hitch guidance, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, a WiFi hotspot, and OnStar with connected services. The Bose premium audio system provided rich sound, while the truck's 15 available camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view, made towing and manoeuvring easier.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came with 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 included 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.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered a range of advanced safety and driver-assistive features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, and more. The Teen Driver system was standard, allowing parents to monitor their teen's driving habits. Due to its high gross vehicle weight rating, the Sierra 2500HD had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but its numerous safety features provided peace of mind.