2021 Jeep Gladiator vs 2022 GMC Canyon

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator was a unique creation, derived from the Wrangler but with a stretched and reinforced frame to enhance its towing and hauling capabilities. It featured a compact 5-foot cargo bed, designed to maintain a favourable departure angle while offering the utility midsize pickup buyers sought. Initially, its appearance seemed unconventional, with its tall, long, and narrow stance, especially when paired with the Wrangler-based bodywork. However, driving the Gladiator, particularly in remote locations with the top down, was an experience that many came to appreciate. The 2021 model introduced a new Willys grade with distinctive features and a High Altitude luxury model, adding a touch of elegance to its rugged persona. Pricing for the Gladiator started at $49,315, but our test model, equipped with the Overland trim and a turbo-diesel engine, reached a total of $77,475. The interior, while luxurious with options like heated seats and leather upholstery, remained true to its rugged roots, emphasizing durability and utility.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Canyon offered a more premium look and feel, especially in the Denali trim, which boasted a chrome grille, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a luxurious interior with leather seats and a Bose audio system. Even the off-road-oriented AT4 version maintained a sense of luxury with features like premium leather seats and a soft-touch instrument panel. The Canyon's cabin was inviting and comfortable, with a focus on providing a refined experience. While the base trims offered standard GM materials, the overall quality of the Canyon's interior and exterior was above average for its class.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator introduced a new 3.0-litre EcoDiesel turbo-diesel V6 engine, offering 260 horsepower and an impressive 442 lb-ft of torque. This engine option, priced at 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. During testing, the diesel engine averaged 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the estimated 9.8 L/100 km. The Gladiator Sport S, with its standard engine, could tow up to 3,469 kilograms and haul up to 771 kg of payload. However, the diesel powertrain had lower towing capacity due to engine-cooling restrictions but still managed to pull between 2,720 to 2,948 kilograms. Off-road, the diesel engine excelled, providing ample torque for challenging trails. On paved roads, the Gladiator exhibited its characteristic charms and quirks, with a stiff ride and wind noise, but the diesel engine added to its appeal.

The 2022 GMC Canyon offered three powertrains: a 200-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder, a 308-hp 3.6-litre V6, and a 181-hp 2.8-litre Duramax turbodiesel with 369 lb-ft of torque. The latter two engines had a maximum tow rating of 3,175 kilograms with the Trailering package. Our test vehicle, a Canyon AT4 4WD, featured the V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering abundant power and smooth shifts. The Canyon's ride and handling were solid, with the AT4's off-road tires providing stability and grip. Off-road, the AT4 was well-equipped with features like an electronic transfer case and hill-descent control, making it a capable rival to the Gladiator.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator prioritized utility over comfort, with agreeable seats but cramped interior space. The small door openings and snug seating positions required some adjustment, and side steps or rails, while preserving breakover angle, made entry and exit challenging. In-cabin storage was limited, but the Gladiator's 5-foot steel cargo box offered ample space with multiple tie-down hooks and an adjustable tailgate. Payload ratings varied depending on the trim and engine, with a maximum of 696 kilograms.

The 2022 GMC Canyon provided a more spacious cabin, especially in the crew cab configuration, which offered ample room for rear-seat passengers. The extended cab model was less accommodating for adults. The Canyon's seat height made entry and exit easy, and the seats were comfortable and supportive. The cargo bed featured two-tier loading and 13 tie-down points, with an integrated corner step rear bumper for easy access.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, while old school in design, offered modern technology with the Uconnect 4 system, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The High Country trim included the Uconnect 4C system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and navigation. The system was user-friendly but showed signs of aging with slow response times. The forward-facing Trail Cam was a useful addition for off-road adventures.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's technology offerings varied by trim. The Elevation Standard trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Elevation trim offered an 8-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The AT4 added a wireless charging pad, and the Denali trim included navigation and a high-definition rearview camera. The GMC infotainment system was straightforward to use, and the Bose audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator's standard safety features were basic, with a reversing camera as standard. Depending on the trim, advanced driving assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available. The Gladiator received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's safety features improved with higher trims. The base Elevation Standard trim included tire-fill alert and the Teen Driver system. The Driver Alert package, available on higher trims, added forward-collision alert and lane-departure warning. The Canyon received a four-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and mixed ratings from the IIHS, with some areas needing improvement.