Ford Maverick vs GMC Canyon

Taller and wider than most midsize pickup trucks like the Ford Ranger or Toyota Tacoma, the GMC Canyon is designed to go farther and work harder than the rest of its class. GMC redesigned the Canyon for 2023, and a new AEV package arrives for the 2024 model year. With this off-road-specific kit, the rugged Canyon AT4X grows yet another 2.5 centimetres taller and adds 35-inch tires, steel skid plates, and a full-size spare tire.

Verdict: You don’t need to test drive an AT4X AEV trim to walk away impressed with the 2024 Canyon. Although pricey, this truck delivers a more impressive array of standard equipment than any other vehicle in its class, and its high-output turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides more than enough firepower for towing, hauling, and off-road driving.

The Ford Maverick really shook up the pickup-truck market when it arrived as a 2022 model. Ford’s compact pickup utilizes the same basic platform as the Escape and Bronco Sport crossovers, but it offers real truck capability and a hybrid powertrain to boot. The 2025 model features styling and tech updates, but the biggest news is a Maverick Lobo performance variant and an all-wheel drive (AWD) hybrid, so that’s what we focused on for this first drive.

Verdict: The Maverick is still a great vehicle, but it’s not quite the bargain it once was.