GMC Canyon vs RAM 1500

2023 marks the third generation of GMC's midsize pickup truck. The first-generation Canyon arrived for the 2004 model year as a replacement for the compact GMC Sonoma, and after a short hiatus a second-generation Canyon was introduced as a 2015 model. Throughout, the Canyon has been a twin of the Chevrolet Colorado, with only a few differences to distinguish the ostensibly upscale GMC from its working-class sibling. That changes for 2023.

The new Canyon is once again based on the Colorado, sharing the Chevy's body-on-frame platform, powertrain, and tech features. This time around, though, the Canyon is further distinguished from the Colorado by skipping some of the Chevy's entry-level features. That will raise the out-the-door price of a 2023 Canyon, but it's in keeping with the truck's positioning above the Colorado.

The Canyon is once again available in the base Elevation, luxury Denali, and off-road-oriented AT4 grades familiar to owners of the outgoing model. For 2023, GMC also adds a Canyon AT4X model that dials up the off-road capability. We drove it, as well as the Elevation and AT4 models, to see if this redesign is really an improvement.

There's a new super-luxe trim joining the perennial favorites. There's lots and lots of new tech, including a hands-free driver-assistance system. There are new powertrain options, bringing more power at better efficiency. And we're told we can expect the fully electric Ram 1500 REV and plug-in hybrid Ram 1500 Ramcharger soon, too.

Verdict: The full-size truck market just seems to get more and more competitive every year, and Ram just brought its offering back up to the front of the pack. Whether it will stay there another five years remains to be seen, but this update has certainly proven the brand is motivated to fight.