2023 Toyota Tacoma vs 2023 GMC Canyon

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma presented itself as a robust yet compact alternative to larger trucks like the Ford F-150 or Toyota Tundra. Its design was assertive, with an upright grille and tall bed that gave it a substantial appearance without the bulkiness of a full-size pickup. The Tacoma was available in a variety of trims, including the TRD Pro, which we tested in a striking Solar Octane paint. This model was equipped with off-road features such as underbody skid pads, a TRD-tuned suspension, and a locking rear differential, making it a standout in both style and capability.

In contrast, the 2023 GMC Canyon exuded a more aggressive aesthetic, with its scrunched-up headlights and broad grille giving it a fierce look. The Canyon shared dimensions with the Chevy Colorado, featuring a longer wheelbase and an "Ultra Wide Track" stance. The AT4X model, in particular, was designed for off-road enthusiasts, boasting a 7.6 cm lift and 27.2 cm of ground clearance. The Denali trim offered a touch of luxury with chrome accents and 20-inch wheels, while the interior featured premium materials like laser-etched wood trim and leather upholstery, setting it apart from other midsize trucks.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with an optional six-speed manual. Despite its power, the Tacoma was not particularly quick, requiring a firm press on the accelerator to reach highway speeds. The truck's off-road suspension handled rough city streets well, but its steering felt vague, and it tended to wander on paved roads. Fuel economy was a concern, with the TRD Pro model delivering 14.4 L/100 km in winter conditions.

The 2023 GMC Canyon, on the other hand, featured a 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Canyon's 4WD system included a single-speed transfer case on the Elevation model and a two-speed transfer case on others. The AT4X model was equipped for serious off-roading, with features like electronic lockers and 33-inch mud terrain tires. The Canyon offered a balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability, with quiet cabs and solid handling.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma offered a range of configurations, including an access cab with a 1,872-mm bed and a double cab with a choice of bed lengths. The access cab's rear seats were cramped, making the double cab a better option for carrying passengers. The front seats provided ample cubby space and legroom, but the steering wheel's limited extension posed a challenge for taller drivers. The Tacoma's bed was spacious enough to carry gear for a ski trip, including skis and groceries.

The 2023 GMC Canyon was available only as a crew cab with a 5.2-foot bed. Despite the lack of a longer bed option, the crew cab offered generous interior space, with ample first-row legroom and competitive second-row legroom. The Canyon introduced the MultiStow tailgate, featuring a waterproof storage compartment. However, it lacked a telescoping steering wheel and power-adjustable front seats, which was surprising for a premium brand. The Canyon's towing capacity was impressive, with a maximum of 3,492 kg for most trims.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma's technology offerings included a 7-inch touchscreen in base trims and an 8-inch touchscreen in higher trims, with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The interface was intuitive but outdated, lacking the newer infotainment software found in other Toyota models. Our test truck featured a JBL audio system and USB-A ports, but the Tacoma's tech fell short compared to competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado.

The 2023 GMC Canyon boasted an 11.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a digital instrument cluster. The Denali and AT4X trims included a head-up display and wireless phone charging. The infotainment system featured Google Built-In functionality, offering a seamless experience for Android users. The Canyon also offered an Off-Road Performance Display and a surround-view camera system, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma came with Toyota Safety Sense, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. Our TRD Pro model added blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera. However, the Tacoma lacked advanced features like lane-keeping assist and rear automatic emergency braking. It received four out of five stars in NHTSA crash tests, missing top marks in frontal crash and rollover tests.

The 2023 GMC Canyon's safety features included the standard Canyon Pro Safety Package, with 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. Higher trims like the Denali and AT4X included these features as standard, along with a Safety Alert Seat. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.