2021 Toyota Tacoma vs 2022 GMC Canyon

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma presented itself as the quintessential pickup truck, with its boxy fender flares, tall hood, and shield-like grille, all contributing to its rugged aesthetic. This design choice set it apart from the more streamlined looks of competitors like the Ford Ranger and General Motors' midsize offerings. Certain Tacoma models, such as the Nightshade Edition and TRD Pro, featured unique styling elements like blacked-out trim and model-specific grilles, enhancing their visual appeal. Despite its body-on-frame construction, which typically sacrifices ride comfort for towing and off-road capabilities, the Tacoma maintained a robust presence.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Canyon offered a more premium look, especially in its Denali trim, which boasted a chrome grille, 20-inch alloy wheels, and luxurious interior features like leather seats and a Bose audio system. Even the off-road-oriented AT4 version retained a sense of luxury with its premium materials and comfortable cabin. While the base trims of the Canyon had more standard materials, the overall quality was above average for its class, providing a comfortable and inviting environment for both on-road and off-road adventures.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. It featured Toyota's D4S fuel-injection system for improved efficiency and offered both 6-speed automatic and manual transmissions. The Tacoma's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its part-time 4WD drivetrain, coil-spring front suspension, and leaf-spring rear suspension. The TRD models further improved off-road performance with features like Bilstein shock absorbers, Multi-Terrain Select drive modes, and Crawl Control. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with slow acceleration and poor ride quality attributed to the six-speed automatic's hesitance to shift. The Tacoma's towing capacity was respectable at 2,948 kilograms, but it fell short compared to some competitors.

The 2022 GMC Canyon offered three engine options: 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 V6 and diesel engines provided a maximum tow rating of 3,175 kilograms with the Trailering package. The Canyon's performance was commendable, with the V6 engine delivering abundant power and the eight-speed automatic transmission shifting smoothly. The AT4's off-road capabilities were bolstered by features like an Autotrac two-speed electronic transfer case and off-road suspension. Despite the off-road tires, the Canyon maintained stable handling and a comfortable ride on the road.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma's interior space was limited, particularly in the Double Cab configuration, where rear headroom and legroom were the worst in the segment. The front seats also offered below-average space, contributing to a bunker-like feel. Storage options were limited, although the rear seats folded up to reveal storage cubbies. The Tacoma's bed featured a standard rail system with tie-down cleats and an available 120-volt outlet, but it lacked clever storage solutions found in some competitors.

The 2022 GMC Canyon, available in extended and crew cab configurations, offered a more spacious interior, especially in the crew cab form, where rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample room. The Canyon's seats were comfortable and supportive, with power adjustments and heating available for the front seats. The AT4's taller ride height provided excellent visibility, and features like a rearview camera and rear park assist made manoeuvring easier. The cargo bed was versatile, with two-tier loading and 13 tie-down points, and the integrated corner step rear bumper facilitated easy access to the bed.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen on the base model, while other trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, with SiriusXM satellite radio available on higher trims. The infotainment system was functional but lacked standout features, with plain graphics and basic functions. The TRD Pro model offered an optional Multi-Terrain Monitor surround-view camera system, useful for off-road and parking situations.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's technology offerings varied by trim level. The Elevation Standard trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims like the AT4 and Denali offered an 8-inch touchscreen with additional features like navigation and a Bose audio system. The Canyon also included a WiFi hotspot and OnStar telematics. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with seamless smartphone integration and a high-quality sound system.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma received top "Good" scores from the IIHS in most crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the passenger-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating, with five stars in side crash tests. The Tacoma's standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's safety features varied by trim, with the base model lacking advanced driver aids. The Driver Alert package, available on higher trims, included forward-collision alert and lane-departure warning. The Canyon received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, but it was criticized for its poor headlights and lack of advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control.