2023 Toyota Tacoma vs 2024 GMC Canyon

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma was a midsize truck that offered a more compact alternative to full-size pickups like the Ford F-150 or Toyota Tundra. Despite being shorter, the Tacoma maintained an assertive stance with its upright grille and tall bed, giving it a substantial appearance without seeming oversized. Toyota provided a wide range of trim levels, from the base model to the off-road-oriented TRD Pro, which featured underbody skid pads, a TRD-tuned suspension, and a unique grille. Inside, the Tacoma varied from basic to well-appointed, with options for leather upholstery and heated seats. The TRD Pro trim, in particular, stood out with its Softex leather-trimmed upholstery and user-friendly controls, even in winter conditions.

The 2024 GMC Canyon, on the other hand, was known for its impressive size within the midsize truck segment. It stood taller than its competitors, including the Tacoma, and offered a wider track and significant ground clearance. The Canyon was available in four trims, with the AT4X trim focusing on off-road capabilities. The AEV package added features like 35-inch all-terrain tires and steel skid plates, enhancing its rugged appeal. Inside, the Canyon's cabin was well-finished, with high-quality materials and comfortable front seats. However, rear-seat legroom was limited, and the bed size was smaller compared to some competitors. Despite its size, the Canyon's interior didn't feel as spacious as one might expect.

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. While the V6 provided decent power, the Tacoma wasn't particularly quick, and engine noise was noticeable at highway speeds. The TRD Pro's off-road suspension handled rough city streets well, but its steering felt vague. Fuel economy was a concern, with the TRD Pro automatic delivering 14.4 L/100 km in winter conditions.

In contrast, the 2024 GMC Canyon featured a turbocharged 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing robust performance. The Canyon excelled in towing, with a capacity of 3,492 kilograms and a payload of 785 kilograms. Its road manners were impressive, thanks to Multimatic spool-valve dampers, which smoothed out bumpy terrain. However, fuel economy was less than ideal, with the AT4X AEV model recording 17.4 L/100 km.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma offered various configurations, including access-cab and double-cab options. The access cab featured clamshell-style doors and a six-foot-one-inch bed, while the double cab provided a choice between a long bed and a shorter five-foot bed. Rear-seat legroom was tight in both configurations, but the double cab offered easier access. The front seats were comfortable, with ample cubby space, but the steering wheel's limited extension posed challenges for taller drivers. The Tacoma's bed was spacious enough for gear and equipment.

The 2024 GMC Canyon, while boasting best-in-class towing capacity, struggled with interior space. The crew cab configuration offered limited rear-seat legroom, making it uncomfortable for adults on longer drives. The 5.2-foot bed provided less cargo capacity than some competitors, and the AEV package's spare tire reduced usable space. The Canyon's width and height posed challenges in urban areas, and parking garages often couldn't accommodate its height.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma featured a straightforward infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen in base trims and an 8-inch touchscreen in higher trims. It included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. While the interface was intuitive, it felt outdated compared to competitors. Higher trims offered wireless charging and a premium JBL audio system, but the Tacoma lacked some advanced tech features found in rival trucks.

The 2024 GMC Canyon, on the other hand, came with an impressive 11.3-inch touchscreen display and Google Built-in, providing access to Google Maps and Google Assistant without needing a phone. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were wireless, and the Canyon's infotainment system was at the forefront of modern technology. However, the headlight controls were embedded in the software, requiring drivers to take their eyes off the road. Higher trims featured a head-up display and off-road performance display pages.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The TRD Pro trim added blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera. However, the Tacoma lacked some advanced safety features found in other Toyota models, and it received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 GMC Canyon also received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a rear-seat reminder system. However, many advanced safety features were available only through options packages on lower trims. The AT4X trim included a surround-view camera and blind-spot avoidance system, but these features came at an additional cost on lower trims.