2022 Ford Maverick vs 2022 GMC Canyon

The 2022 Ford Maverick presented a conventional pickup aesthetic, reminiscent of larger Ford trucks like the F-150 and Ranger, with its prominent wheel arches and taillights. However, its front end diverged from this pattern, featuring large headlights and a grille crossbar that didn't make a strong styling statement. Despite being smaller than the Ford Ranger, the Maverick maintained a substantial presence, measuring 5,073 millimetres in length and standing 1,879 mm tall. It utilized a C2 unibody platform shared with the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport, differing from the traditional body-on-frame construction of larger Ford trucks. The Maverick's interior was a standout feature, with a design that made economical use of plastic materials, incorporating multicoloured and speckled elements. Even the base XL trim offered seats with a unique weave pattern, and higher trims added luxury features like leather upholstery and heated seats.

The 2022 GMC Canyon, in contrast, exuded a premium look and feel, particularly in the luxury-oriented Denali trim. This version boasted a unique chrome grille, 20-inch diamond-cut machined alloy wheels, and a host of upscale interior features, including heated and ventilated perforated leather seats and a Bose premium audio system. The rugged AT4 off-road version also offered premium touches, such as a black chrome grille and premium heated leather seats with Kalahari accents. While the Canyon's lower trims, like the Elevation and Elevation Standard, featured more typical GM materials, the overall material quality was above expectations for its class. The Canyon's cabin was inviting and luxurious, with a bold and capable exterior look, especially in the AT4 trim.

The 2022 Ford Maverick came standard with a hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a CVT, delivering a total system output of 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. An optional 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged engine offered 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid was available only with front-wheel drive, while the EcoBoost variant offered all-wheel drive. The Maverick FX4 package added off-road capabilities, including different suspension tuning and additional underbody protection. On-road, the Maverick's unibody platform provided a car-like driving experience, with superior ride quality compared to body-on-frame vehicles. The hybrid powertrain was noted for its smoothness and refinement, while the EcoBoost offered more towing capability and spirited acceleration.

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 when equipped with the Trailering package. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available on all trims. The V6 engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided abundant power, while the turbodiesel was noted for its robust towing capabilities and fuel efficiency. The AT4 trim, equipped with off-road features like 31-inch Wrangler Duratrac tires and an Autotrac two-speed electronic transfer case, offered solid and steady performance both on and off the pavement. The Canyon AT4 was a capable off-roader, rivaling the Jeep Gladiator with its off-road equipment.

The 2022 Ford Maverick was available exclusively in a four-door crew-cab configuration, offering more legroom than the larger Toyota Tacoma and slightly more than the Hyundai Santa Cruz. Interior storage was a highlight, with numerous cubbies and storage spaces, including under the rear seats. The Maverick's 1,382 mm bed, though shorter than the Ranger's, offered a 680-kilogram payload capacity and featured innovative FlexBed options for maximizing utility. The Maverick's towing capacity reached 1,814 kilograms with the 4K Tow Package, providing useful capability despite being less than some crossover SUVs.

The 2022 GMC Canyon offered an extended cab with a 6'2" bed or a crew cab with either a 5'2" or 6'2" bed. The crew cab provided ample space for rear-seat passengers, while the extended cab was less accommodating. The Canyon's seats were comfortable and supportive, with power adjustments and heating available. The AT4's taller ride height improved visibility, and features like a rearview camera and rear park assist made maneuvering easier. The cargo bed, with two-tier loading and 13 tie-down points, facilitated gear storage, and the integrated corner step rear bumper enhanced accessibility.

The 2022 Ford Maverick featured the older Sync 3 infotainment system, offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, though not wirelessly. An 8-inch touchscreen and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot were standard, while wireless charging was available. The system's graphics and functions were basic, but Ford ensured the essentials were covered. Hybrid models included a brake-coaching feature to optimize regenerative braking.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's technology offerings varied by trim. The Elevation Standard trim included a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Elevation trim upgraded to an 8-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The AT4 added wireless charging, and the Denali trim featured navigation and a high-definition rearview camera. The optional GMC infotainment system with navigation, available on the AT4, included an 8-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, and a Bose premium audio system, providing a straightforward and satisfying user experience.

The 2022 Ford Maverick's safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams as standard under the Ford Co-Pilot360 banner. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane centring, and evasive steering assist. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's safety features varied by trim. The base Elevation Standard lacked advanced driver aids but included tire-fill alert and the Teen Driver system. The Driver Alert package, available on higher trims, added 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 received lower ratings for its headlights and front crash prevention.