2022 GMC Canyon vs 2021 Toyota Tundra

The 2021 Toyota Tundra had a somewhat awkward appearance compared to other new trucks, with its design rooted in the mid-2000s. It featured a massive grille paired with disproportionately small headlights, creating an oversized look in peculiar ways. Despite its dated underpinnings, the Tundra's "Cement" paint colour, blacked-out wheels, and badging lent it a modern touch. Inside, the cabin was dominated by hard plastics and large monotone panels, reflecting mid-2010s truck cabin styling. However, the layout was intuitive, with all buttons and dials within easy reach. The Tundra's interior was not luxurious or modern, but Toyota kept it fresh with a standard 7-inch infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2022 GMC Canyon, on the other hand, boasted a premium look and feel, especially in the luxury-oriented Denali trim. It featured a unique chrome grille, 20-inch diamond-cut machined alloy wheels, and a Bose premium audio system. Even the rugged AT4 off-road version came with premium features like a black chrome grille and LED signature lighting. The Canyon's cabin was inviting and luxurious, with soft-touch materials and premium heated leather front seats. While the base trims had typical GM switchgear, the overall material quality exceeded expectations for the class.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came standard with a 5.7-litre V8 engine, producing 391 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offering a towing capacity of 4,400 kilograms and a payload capacity of 599 kg. While the Tundra's towing capacity was below that of some competitors, its V8 engine provided strong acceleration and confident performance. The truck was comfortable over various surfaces, with a width that prevented it from feeling top-heavy in corners. The steering was vague at low speeds but settled on the highway, where the Tundra felt most at home.

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. The V6 engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided abundant power and smooth shifts. The Canyon AT4's off-road equipment, including 31-inch Wrangler Duratrac tires and special suspension, made it capable off-road. The Canyon felt solid and steady on and off the pavement, with the AT4 trim offering a worthy rival to the Jeep Gladiator.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra offered two cab sizes and three bed sizes. The Double Cab had conventionally-opening rear doors and was available with either a 2-metre or 2.48-metre bed. The CrewMax, a full four-door crew cab, came with a 1.695-metre bed and provided ample legroom for rear-seat passengers. The front seats offered plenty of room, with a massive centre console and multiple storage options. The rear seats folded up, creating a large cargo area protected from the elements.

The 2022 GMC Canyon was available 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 offered spacious seating for rear passengers, while the extended cab was less accommodating. The Canyon's crossover SUV-like seat height made entry and exit easy. The seats were comfortable and supportive, with power adjustments and heating available. The AT4's taller ride height provided excellent visibility, and the cargo bed featured two-tier loading and 13 tie-down points for easy gear storage.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra featured an updated infotainment system with a standard 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was easy to operate, with a sensible layout and redundant hard buttons. The Tundra also came with multiple USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and a standard seven-speaker stereo, with an available JBL premium audio system offering 12 speakers.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's technology offerings varied by trim. The Elevation Standard trim had a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Elevation trim offered an 8-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The AT4 added a wireless smartphone charging pad, and the Denali trim included navigation and a high-definition rearview camera. The Canyon also came with a free trial of SiriusXM satellite radio, a WiFi hotspot, and OnStar telematics.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came standard with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Tundra also had eight airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a tow package.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's safety features varied by trim. The base Elevation Standard had tire-fill alert and the Teen Driver system. The Driver Alert package, available on higher trims, included forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning, and rear parking assistance. The Canyon received four out of five stars for overall crash protection from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, though it had some lower ratings in specific areas.