2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2023 GMC Canyon

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 had undergone a styling update in 2022, which refined its already impressive full-size truck design. The changes included a wider, more commanding grille and updated headlights, maintaining its sharp appearance. However, these exterior modifications were more of a lateral move rather than a significant transformation. The interior, on the other hand, marked a notable shift from its predecessor. The cabin was redesigned to resemble more of a daily driver car or SUV, featuring a large screen that replaced the simpler layout of the previous model. While this evolution aligned with industry trends, it might have been seen as unnecessarily complex for those seeking a straightforward work truck. The new infotainment system relocated controls lower on the dash but retained traditional climate controls, a volume dial, and a home button.

The 2023 GMC Canyon, in contrast, presented a bold and aggressive look, with its headlights and daytime running lights positioned alongside a broad grille and a prominent front bumper. The body sides featured bulges and creases reminiscent of tensed muscles, giving it a tough appearance. Sharing dimensions with the redesigned Chevy Colorado, the Canyon boasted a longer wheelbase and an "Ultra Wide Track" stance, along with a standard factory lift kit. The Canyon Denali trim added chrome accents and 20-inch wheels, while the interior featured laser-etched open-pore wood trim and leather upholstery. The Canyon AT4X interior stood out with its red-and-white upholstery and red dashboard trim, offering a dramatic contrast to conventional monochrome interiors.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered four powertrain options, starting with a 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. The optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbocharged inline-six diesel engine delivered 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, with increased horsepower and torque for 2023. Two gas V8 engines were also available: a 5.3-litre V8 generating 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, and a 6.2-litre V8 producing 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The gas four-cylinder engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the other engines used a 10-speed automatic. The Sierra's towing capacity reached up to 5,987 kilograms (13,200 pounds) with the diesel engine and RWD, and it had a maximum payload capacity of 1,093 kilograms (2,410 pounds) with the turbo-four and 5.3-litre V8 engines. The Sierra excelled in power delivery and smoothness, though maneuverability in tight spaces was challenging due to its size.

The 2023 GMC Canyon, like the Chevy Colorado, featured a single powertrain: a 2.7-litre gasoline turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the Canyon came standard with four-wheel drive, 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, skid plates, and 33-inch mud terrain tires. The Canyon balanced on-road comfort with off-road capability, offering quiet cabs and solid construction. The AT4X excelled in off-road scenarios, handling various obstacles with ease, while maintaining good road manners.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered various cab and bed configurations, including regular cab with a standard-size bed, single cab with a long bed, double cab with a standard bed, and crew cab with short or standard beds. Our test model featured the crew cab/short-bed setup, providing ample cabin space with generous head and legroom for both rows. The interior included large storage trays in the doors, multiple spots for large water bottles, and a centre console with cup holders and a deep storage compartment. The rear bench folded up for additional secure storage. The Sierra also featured the GMC MultiPro tailgate, offering multiple configurations for convenience, and bed steps cut into the rear bumper corners for easy access to the cargo bed.

The 2023 GMC Canyon was available only in a crew cab with a 5.2-foot bed configuration, similar to the Chevy Colorado. Despite the lack of longer bed options, the Canyon offered a fair amount of interior space for a midsize truck, with more first-row legroom than most competitors. Second-row legroom was surpassed only by the Honda Ridgeline and Jeep Gladiator. The Canyon introduced the MultiStow tailgate, featuring a waterproof storage compartment, though its utility was limited by its narrow design. The Canyon's towing capacity matched the previous diesel model at 3,492 kilograms (7,700 pounds) for most trims, with a slightly lower capacity for the AT4X. The payload capacity was 716 kilograms (1,580 pounds), higher than the previous generation but lower than some rivals.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the base Pro trim, while other trims received a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. The updated infotainment system included Google-connected apps, a logical layout, and large icons. The Sierra Denali Ultimate added a wireless charging pad, USB ports, and a wall-style power outlet. All trims except the base Pro had a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, complemented by a head-up display on higher trims.

The 2023 GMC Canyon came standard with an 11.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a digital instrument cluster. The Denali and AT4X trims featured an 11-inch cluster and a 6.3-inch head-up display, along with wireless phone charging and a Bose premium audio system. The infotainment system included Google Built-In functionality, with Google Maps as the default navigation system. The Canyon also offered an Off-Road Performance Display menu and a surround-view camera system with an underbody camera view, aiding off-road navigation.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 came standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and GM’s Teen Driver system. Higher trims, like the Denali Ultimate, included additional features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and GM’s Super Cruise driver assist system. The Sierra also featured a rear-vision camera mirror for enhanced visibility.

The 2023 GMC Canyon's standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beams, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and forward collision warning. The optional Safety Plus Package added rear cross-traffic alert, blind-zone steering assist, and rear park assist. Higher trims like the Denali and AT4X included these features as standard, along with a Safety Alert Seat and adaptive cruise control.