2022 GMC Canyon vs 2023 Toyota Tundra

The 2022 GMC Canyon, particularly in its Denali trim, offered a premium aesthetic that set it apart from many of its competitors. The Denali trim was distinguished by its unique chrome grille, 20-inch diamond-cut machined alloy wheels, and chrome assist steps. Inside, it featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation, heated and ventilated perforated front leather seats, and open-pore Ash wood trim. The cabin was further enhanced with sill plates and floor mats embossed with the "Denali" logo, and a Bose premium audio system. Even the rugged AT4 off-road version maintained a luxurious feel with features like a black chrome grille, LED signature lighting, and premium heated leather front seats with Kalahari accents. The Canyon's overall material quality exceeded expectations for its class, providing a comfortable and inviting interior.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Tundra presented a bold and imposing exterior with its massive grille and interlocking design elements. The truck's purposeful and solid appearance was complemented by slim, high-mounted headlights and a character line that added visual length. The Tundra was available in ten different trim levels, offering a range of features from the basic SR to the luxurious Capstone. The TRD Pro trim, in particular, stood out with its off-road enhancements like clearance lamps, a skid plate, and a distinctive "TOYOTA" stamp on the grille. Inside, the Tundra boasted expansive seats and a spacious cabin, with a massive 14-inch touchscreen available from the Limited trim upwards. Despite its polarizing exterior, the Tundra's interior prioritized space and comfort, making it a desirable choice for those seeking a full-size truck.

The 2022 GMC Canyon offered a range of powertrains, catering to different performance needs. It featured a 200-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, a 308-hp 3.6-litre V6, and a 181-hp 2.8-litre Duramax turbodiesel engine with 369 lb-ft of torque. The latter two engines provided a maximum tow rating of 3,175 kilograms (7,000 pounds) with the Trailering package. The Canyon came standard with rear-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive available across all trims. The V6 engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivered abundant power and smooth shifts, even with the added weight of the AT4's off-road features. The Canyon's ride and handling were stable, with the AT4's off-road equipment enhancing its capability on rough terrain.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra marked a significant shift from its predecessor, offering two six-cylinder engine options. The standard 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 produced 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, while the Tundra Hybrid's i-FORCE MAX engine delivered an impressive 437 hp and 583 lb-ft. The hybrid engine was available on several trims and standard on the Capstone. A 10-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth power delivery, and the Tundra's new multi-link rear suspension improved ride quality over various terrains. The Tundra's maximum towing capacity was 5,045 kilograms (11,122 pounds), with a payload capacity of 880 kilograms (1,940 pounds). The TRD Pro trim excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its lift, Fox shocks, and advanced off-road technology, although its large size could be a limitation on narrower trails.

The 2022 GMC Canyon offered versatility with its extended cab and crew cab configurations. The crew cab provided ample space for rear-seat passengers, while the extended cab was less accommodating. The Canyon's crossover SUV-like seat height made entry and exit easy, and the seats were comfortable and supportive. Features like power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a sliding rear window added to the comfort. The cargo bed was practical, with two-tier loading and 13 tie-down points, and the integrated corner step rear bumper facilitated access to the bed.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra emphasized practicality and thoughtful design. It combined modern technology with user-friendly controls, featuring large physical buttons for essential functions. The Tundra's centre console was spacious, with a clever sliding door for easy access. The CrewMax configuration offered generous rear-seat space, and the backseat could be flipped up for additional storage. The Tundra was available in various size specifications, with different bed lengths to suit different needs. The TRD Pro and Capstone trims were limited to the CrewMax body with a short bed, providing a balance of space and functionality.

The 2022 GMC Canyon, while not the most technologically advanced, offered essential features. 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 trim added a wireless smartphone charging pad, and the Denali trim featured navigation and a high-definition rearview camera. The Canyon also came with a free trial of SiriusXM, a WiFi hotspot, and OnStar telematics. The optional Bose audio system provided excellent sound quality, and the infotainment system was user-friendly.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra showcased significant technological advancements, with an available 14-inch multimedia screen on higher trims. The system featured new software, crisp graphics, and fast response times. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims, while a wireless phone charger was included from the Limited trim upwards. The Tundra also offered a 12-speaker audio system on higher trims, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel providing impressive visuals. Overall, the Tundra's technology represented a major leap forward from previous models.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's safety features varied by trim level. 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. However, the Canyon lacked features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. The NHTSA awarded the Canyon four out of five stars for overall crash protection, while the IIHS gave it "Good" ratings in most tests, with some areas needing improvement.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a sway warning system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available but not standard across all trims. The IIHS awarded the Tundra CrewMax a Top Safety Pick+ rating, highlighting its strong safety performance.