2022 Toyota Tundra vs 2023 GMC Canyon

The 2022 Toyota Tundra marked the beginning of its third generation, showcasing a complete redesign from its predecessors. Every component, down to the turn signal stalks, was re-engineered, giving the Tundra a more dynamic and expressive exterior. The truck featured a large hexagonal grille with various finishes, and the TRD Pro trim stood out with "TOYOTA" badging in retro letters. The Tundra's muscular side styling and neatly tucked rear with LED taillamps added to its robust appearance. Inside, the Tundra embraced premium materials and amenities, with a 14-inch touchscreen display standard on higher trims, aiming to position itself as a family adventure vehicle.

The 2023 GMC Canyon, on the other hand, adopted a bold and aggressive design, with headlights and daytime running lights positioned alongside a broad grille, giving it an assertive look. The body sides featured bulges and creases reminiscent of tensed muscles. Sharing dimensions with the Chevy Colorado, the Canyon boasted a longer wheelbase and an "Ultra Wide Track" stance. The Canyon's trims offered varying ground clearances, with the AT4X model providing the most off-road capability. The Denali trim offered a luxurious interior with laser-etched wood trim and leather upholstery, while the AT4X interior featured dramatic red-and-white upholstery, appealing to those seeking a unique cabin experience.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra introduced two new engines, moving away from the previous 5.7-litre V8. The base engine, the i-Force, was a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 producing 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, with slightly lower figures for the SR trim. The i-Force Max hybrid powertrain combined the V6 with an electric motor, delivering 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Tundra's fuel consumption varied slightly between the RWD and 4WD models, with the hybrid matching the 4WD's combined rating of 12.2 L/100 km. The new chassis and suspension improved handling, with a switch to a multi-link rear suspension enhancing ride quality. The Tundra excelled in off-road conditions, especially with the TRD Off-Road package.

The 2023 GMC Canyon offered a single powertrain option, a 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the Canyon came standard with 4WD, featuring a single-speed transfer case on the Elevation and a two-speed transfer case on other models. The AT4X trim added off-road features like electronic lockers and Multimatic DSSV dampers. The Canyon balanced on-road comfort with off-road capability, with the AT4X excelling in challenging terrains. While the steering was typical for a pickup, the engine and transmission provided adequate acceleration, though towing and payload capacities varied across trims.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra was available in Double Cab and CrewMax configurations, both offering four-door crew cabs with seating for five. The CrewMax provided generous rear legroom of 1,057 mm, while the Double Cab offered 846 mm. Bed options included a 6.5-foot or 8.1-foot bed for the Double Cab and a 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot bed for the CrewMax. The Tundra featured an aluminum-reinforced composite bed, enhancing durability and reducing weight. Towing capacity reached up to 5,443 kg, with standard trailer sway control and TOW/HAUL mode. Inside, the Tundra prioritized smart storage solutions, such as a sliding tray in the centre armrest and a conveniently placed 12-volt power tap.

The 2023 GMC Canyon was offered in a single crew cab configuration with a 5.2-foot bed. While the bed size was standard for midsize trucks, the Canyon no longer offered a longer bed or other cab options. The interior provided ample space, with first-row legroom leading the midsize segment, and second-row legroom surpassed only by the Honda Ridgeline and Jeep Gladiator. The MultiStow tailgate introduced a waterproof storage compartment, though its utility was limited. The Canyon's towing capacity reached 3,492 kg for most trims, with the AT4X offering lower ratings. Payload capacity was 716 kg, slightly lower than some rivals.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra featured a new infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard on lower trims and a 14-inch display on higher trims. A 12-speaker JBL audio system was available on upper grades, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota Connected services, Safety Connect, and a Qi-compatible charge pad were standard on higher trims. The Tundra offered a digital instrument panel, with a 12.3-inch display on upper trims, and a 10.1-inch head-up display on Platinum models. Off-road features included a multi-terrain select system and a multi-terrain monitor system.

The 2023 GMC Canyon came with an 11.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A digital instrument cluster was standard, with sizes varying by trim. The Denali and AT4X trims included a 6.3-inch head-up display and wireless phone charging. The infotainment system featured Google Built-In functionality, with Google Maps as the default navigation. An Off-Road Performance Display provided detailed off-road metrics, and a surround-view camera system with an underbody view was available, aiding in off-road navigation.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra had not yet received crash-test ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA. It came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, including features like a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The Star Safety System and eight airbags were standard, along with LATCH connectors and child-protector rear door locks. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on most trims.

The 2023 GMC Canyon also lacked crash-test ratings at the time of publication. The standard Canyon Pro Safety Package included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. The optional Safety Plus Package added features like rear cross-traffic alert and blind-zone steering assist. Higher trims included these features as standard, along with a Safety Alert Seat and adaptive cruise control.