2023 Toyota Tundra vs 2024 GMC Canyon

The 2023 Toyota Tundra was a striking presence with its massive grille and bold design elements. Its interlocking features, from the grille surround to the headlights and taillights, created a cohesive and solid appearance. The truck's design was purposeful, with slim, high-mounted headlights and a character line adding visual length. The new SX Package introduced dark gray metallic wheels and body-color trim, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Inside, the Tundra offered expansive seats and a spacious interior, with a 14-inch touchscreen dominating the dashboard in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2024 GMC Canyon was noted for its impressive size, standing taller than many competitors. Its design was functional, with a wider track and significant ground clearance. The Canyon shared parts with the Chevrolet Colorado but offered a more robust off-road capability, especially in the AT4X trim with the AEV package. The interior, while high-quality, felt snug, particularly in the rear seats. Despite its size, the Canyon's interior space was limited, and its bed offered less cargo capacity compared to some rivals.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra moved away from its previous V8 engines, offering a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. A hybrid version, the i-FORCE MAX, delivered 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The Tundra's 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth power delivery, and its new multi-link suspension improved ride quality. With a towing capacity of 12,000 pounds and a payload of 1,940 pounds, the Tundra excelled in capability. The TRD Pro trim added off-road features like a lift, fox shocks, and a multi-terrain system, though its large size could be a limitation on narrow trails.

The 2024 GMC Canyon featured a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. This engine was powerful enough to be used in larger trucks like the Silverado 1500. The Canyon's towing capacity reached 7,700 pounds, with a payload of 1,670 pounds. Its eight-speed automatic transmission complemented the engine well, and the truck handled uneven terrain with ease, thanks to Multimatic spool-valve dampers. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with the AT4X AEV model achieving only 16 mpg.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra prioritized practicality with a well-designed interior featuring large physical controls for easy operation. The center console offered clever storage solutions, and the rear seats provided ample space for adults. The Tundra was available in various configurations, with different bed lengths to suit diverse needs.

The 2024 GMC Canyon, while offering best-in-class towing, struggled with interior space. The rear seats were cramped, and the 5.2-foot bed offered limited cargo capacity. The spare tire in the AEV package further reduced usable space. The Canyon's size could be challenging in urban environments, and its height limited parking options.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra impressed with its available 14-inch touchscreen, featuring new software and crisp graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel added to the tech-savvy interior. The Tundra's infotainment system was a significant upgrade from previous models.

The 2024 GMC Canyon came with an 11.3-inch touchscreen and Google Built-in, offering apps like Google Maps and Assistant without needing a phone. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were included, and higher trims featured a head-up display. However, the infotainment system's integration of headlight controls was less intuitive.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra included TSS 2.5, offering features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. While blind-spot monitoring was available, it wasn't standard across all trims. The Tundra received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for CrewMax models.

The 2024 GMC Canyon earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. However, additional safety systems required optional packages on lower trims. The AT4X trim included advanced features like a surround-view camera.