2023 Jeep Gladiator vs 2023 GMC Canyon

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator retained much of its previous design, with only a few updates such as the introduction of a new High Velocity Yellow paint colour and additional standard equipment for the Willys model. The High Altitude model received a new Capability Package, which included a winch-capable steel front bumper, steel rock rails, and a front off-road camera system. The Canadian lineup offered six trim levels, starting with the Sport S trim at $52,295 and reaching up to $68,890 for the High Altitude trim, excluding destination charges. The Gladiator Mojave, our test model, was equipped with features like Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, a 2.5-centimetre front suspension lift, and 33-inch all-terrain tires, making it ideal for high-speed desert driving. Despite its higher price, the Gladiator's unique features, such as a removable top and doors, and its exceptional off-roading capabilities, made it a standout choice for enthusiasts.

Inside, the Gladiator's design mirrored that of the Wrangler, with a focus on practicality and durability. The interior featured easy-to-clean plastic and rubber materials, with drain holes in the floorboards for easy maintenance. The Mojave model added orange air vent surrounds, contrast stitching, and fabric seats with patterned inserts, enhancing the cabin's quality. While the Gladiator's interior was basic, it offered a sense of rugged charm reminiscent of older Jeep models. The Gladiator's extended wheelbase and fortified frame gave it a unique appearance, though the proportions were somewhat unconventional. The Mojave model's hood scoop and high-clearance fender flares added to its distinctive look, while the interior's practical design and thoughtful details contributed to its overall appeal.

The 2023 GMC Canyon, on the other hand, presented a bold and aggressive design, with a front grille and bumper that exuded a sense of toughness. The Canyon shared its dimensions with the redesigned Chevy Colorado, featuring a longer wheelbase and an "Ultra Wide Track" stance. The Elevation, AT4, and Denali models boasted a 5 cm lift, while the AT4X model offered a 7.6 cm lift for enhanced ground clearance. The Canyon's launch included the AT4X Edition 1 model, which added features like a front safari bar, light bar, and winch. The Denali trim stood out with its chrome accents and 20-inch wheels, while the interior featured laser-etched open-pore wood trim and leather upholstery, setting it apart from other midsize trucks.

The Canyon's interior offered a blend of luxury and functionality, with the Denali trim providing a premium experience. The materials used in the base Canyon Elevation were competitive, especially when compared to older models like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma. The AT4X interior, with its red-and-white upholstery and red dashboard trim, added a touch of drama to the cabin. Overall, the Canyon's design and interior features made it a compelling choice for those seeking a midsize truck with a strong presence and a touch of luxury.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator offered two engine options: a standard 3.6-litre V6 engine with 285 horsepower and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 with 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The turbodiesel option, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, was primarily aimed at improving fuel economy rather than towing capacity. The Gladiator featured Command-Trac part-time four-wheel-drive (4WD) with a two-speed transfer case, with options to upgrade to Selec-Trac full-time 4WD or the exclusive Rock-Trac 4WD system on Rubicon models. The Mojave model, equipped with the gas V6 and Command-Trac, delivered a fuel consumption of 13.6 L/100 km during testing, slightly higher than the expected 12.3 L/100 km.

The Gladiator's powertrain was calibrated for off-the-line acceleration and low-speed throttle response, though passing power was only adequate. The Mojave's Fox shocks excelled in absorbing rough terrain, making it a joy to drive both off-road and in urban settings. However, the Gladiator's length posed challenges in tight spaces, and its on-road noise and steering imprecision could be tiring. Despite these drawbacks, the Gladiator's unique dynamic qualities and off-road prowess made it an appealing choice for those seeking adventure.

The 2023 GMC Canyon, in contrast, was powered by a 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, provided ample power for the Canyon's various models. In Canada, the Canyon was offered exclusively with four-wheel drive (4WD), featuring a single-speed transfer case on the Elevation and a two-speed transfer case on other models. The AT4X model, designed for serious off-roading, included features like front and rear electronic lockers, skid plates, and 33-inch mud terrain tires.

The Canyon's performance struck a balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability. The Elevation and AT4 models offered quiet cabins and a solid feel, while the AT4X model excelled in off-road conditions, handling obstacles with ease. The Canyon's engine and transmission worked well together, providing adequate acceleration, though the steering was somewhat slow and imprecise. Overall, the Canyon's performance made it a versatile choice for those seeking a midsize truck with both on-road and off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator's interior required some practice to navigate, especially when entering or exiting the back seat through the narrow rear doors. Optional side steps, while preserving ground clearance, were more of a hindrance than a help. The manually height-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, though it required regular readjustment. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were available, extending the top-off driving season. The rear seats offered ample room for adults, with supportive cushions and good legroom, though taller passengers might find the plastic front seatback panels uncomfortable.

Storage options in the Gladiator included netting on door panels, cupholders, and a dashboard tray. The centre armrest bin and glove compartment were narrow, but a generous storage bin under the back seat was available with a locking lid. The Gladiator's 1,531-millimetre (five-foot) long cargo box, while lacking depth, offered features like a spray-in bedliner, tonneau cover, and Trail Rail Management System. The Gladiator's best-in-class payload capacity of 775 kilograms (1,710 pounds) added to its utility.

The 2023 GMC Canyon was available only in a crew cab configuration with a 5.2-foot bed, similar to other midsize trucks. Despite the wheelbase stretch, the crew cab's dimensions provided ample interior space, with more first-row legroom than most midsize models. Second-row legroom was surpassed only by the Honda Ridgeline and Jeep Gladiator. The Canyon's MultiStow tailgate, with a waterproof storage compartment, addressed the issue of minimal secure storage space in pickups.

However, the Canyon lacked a standard telescoping steering wheel and power-adjustable front seats, which seemed at odds with GMC's premium brand positioning. The Canyon's towing capacity matched the previous diesel model, with a maximum of 3,492 kilograms (7,700 pounds) for most trims. The redesigned Canyon's 716-kilogram (1,580-pound) maximum payload capacity was higher than its predecessor but lower than some rivals.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator, despite its rugged appearance, offered a range of tech features. The Mojave test truck included an Off-Road+ driving mode and an optional TrailCam forward-facing camera. The Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system, available in 7-inch and 8.4-inch sizes, provided Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a range of connected services. The test vehicle featured a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system and a portable Bluetooth speaker. However, the voice recognition system was less reliable, and the adaptive cruise control and safety features were optional.

The 2023 GMC Canyon's standard infotainment system featured an 11.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Bluetooth streaming audio. The digital instrument cluster varied in size depending on the trim, with a head-up display standard on Denali and AT4X models. The Canyon's infotainment system included Google Built-In functionality, offering a seamless experience for Android users. The Off-Road Performance Display menu provided detailed readouts for off-road adventures, while the surround-view camera system enhanced visibility during off-roading.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator came with a limited set of standard safety features, with optional packages adding more advanced technologies. The Safety Group included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, while the Advanced Safety Group added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Gladiator's crash testing was incomplete, with a four-star frontal-impact rating from the NHTSA and marginal headlight ratings from the IIHS.

The 2023 GMC Canyon, while lacking crash-test ratings at the time of publication, offered a range of driver-assist features. The standard Canyon Pro Safety Package included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. The optional Safety Plus Package added rear cross-traffic alert and blind-zone steering assist, while the Technology Package included adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system. These features were standard on the Denali and AT4X trims, along with a Safety Alert Seat.