2021 GMC Canyon vs 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2021 GMC Canyon, a second-generation model, had been on the market since 2015, following a two-year hiatus. This break was likely beneficial, given the lacklustre performance of its first generation. The Canyon, along with its sibling, the Chevrolet Colorado, received its first refresh after six years, which was longer than the typical mid-cycle refresh. The most significant updates included an enlarged grille and a revised front bumper, aligning it more closely with the GMC Sierra. Despite these changes, the Canyon largely retained its original design, which was less of an issue in the midsize pickup market where competitors like the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma were also aging. The interior of the Canyon prioritized functionality over luxury, featuring a sensible layout but with hard plastics and average fit-and-finish. The trims ranged from the base Elevation Standard to the premium Denali, each offering varying levels of features and comfort.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, with its compact footprint, evoked memories of mini trucks from the past but was more akin to a modern Subaru Baja or a smaller Honda Ridgeline. Measuring 4,970 mm in length, it was significantly shorter than the Toyota Tacoma, yet nearly as wide. Its design was unconventional, resembling an SUV with a bed, featuring a distinctive grille and integrated headlights. The Santa Cruz offered 20-inch wheels, with 18-inch options for off-roading. Inside, the design was straightforward, with materials appropriate for its price range. The Santa Cruz was marketed as a rugged adventure vehicle, with features like integrated air vents and practical storage solutions. Despite its compact size, it aimed to provide a balance of utility and style.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came with a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Higher trims like the Elevation, AT4, and Denali featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. A 2.8-litre Duramax turbodiesel engine was also available, offering 181 hp and a robust 369 lb-ft of torque. The Canyon's base engine struggled with performance, making the V6 a more viable option, though it required aggressive driving to feel lively. The AT4 trim, equipped with the V6 and 4WD, excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to features like an automatic locking rear differential and hill-descent control. The Canyon's towing capacity reached up to 3,493 kg with the turbodiesel engine, making it a leader in its class.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, available in Canada with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, produced 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It came standard with all-wheel drive, enhancing its performance. The Santa Cruz's multi-link suspension provided a fun driving experience, with a self-leveling feature for a loaded bed. Despite its impressive ride quality and low cabin noise, the Santa Cruz was not designed for serious off-roading, lacking features like low range and locking differentials. Its towing capacity was 2,268 kg, more in line with midsize SUVs, and it offered a payload capacity of 864 kg, suitable for recreational use.

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 was somewhat awkward. Storage options included a centre console and small door trays. The Canyon offered two bed sizes: a short bed at 1,567 mm and a long bed at 1,880 mm. The Extended Cab came with a long box, while the Crew Cab offered both options. The Canyon featured GM's CornerStep rear bumper for easy bed access and an EZ lift-and-lower tailgate with remote power locking.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, with a maximum payload capacity of 864 kg, had a small truck bed measuring 1,323 mm, limiting its utility for larger cargo. Hyundai included features like a lockable tonneau cover, height-adjustable tailgate, tie-down points, and in-bed LED lighting to maximize space. The Santa Cruz was available only in a four-door crew-cab configuration, with limited rear-seat space but decent front-seat room. Storage solutions included a centre console and under-seat compartments. The Santa Cruz's controls were well-placed, though touch pads for audio and climate functions were less user-friendly while driving.

The 2021 GMC Canyon featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. The system had crisp graphics and an intuitive menu layout, with hard buttons for ease of use. An optional 8-inch screen with navigation was available on higher trims, standard on the Denali, which also included HD radio and a wireless charging pad. The Denali trim featured a 4.2-inch colour driver display for easy access to vehicle settings and information.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, and a digital instrument cluster. The digital cluster displayed blind spot images from the optional surround-view camera system. Hyundai's Blue Link telematics service provided smartwatch and Google Assistant connectivity. The 10.25-inch touchscreen and digital cluster were responsive and visually appealing, with unique graphics like a radio-station display with vacuum tubes.

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

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with standard safety features including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Ultimate grade offered a surround-view camera system and Highway Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane centring. Hyundai's system performed well for highway driving but struggled with curves, a common issue among similar systems.