2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs 2021 GMC Canyon

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was a behemoth, prioritizing function over form. Its massive grille fed multiple radiators, readying it for serious work. The Denali trim stood out with extensive chrome, including a large chrome grille and 8-lug chrome wheels. Premium exterior colors were available, with Onyx Black being a popular choice. Despite its flashy appearance, the Denali was still a workhorse, with trims starting from the Base "Sierra" to the luxurious Denali. The base model came with a V8 engine and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims added more features like aluminum wheels, trailering mirrors, and upgraded infotainment systems.

The 2021 GMC Canyon, a second-generation model, received a refresh after six years. It featured an enlarged grille and revised front bumper, aligning it aesthetically with the Sierra. The cabin, though functional, had plenty of hard plastics and mediocre fit-and-finish. Trims included Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4, and Denali. The base trim came with 18-inch gloss-black aluminum wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen. Higher trims added features like LED fog lights, remote start, and leather seating. The AT4 trim was off-road-inspired, while the Denali added polished aluminum wheels, a Bose audio system, and a wireless charging pad.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered two V8 engine options: a 6.6-liter gas engine producing 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, and a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine with 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque. The gas engine used a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel paired with a 10-speed Allison transmission. The diesel engine provided immense power, making it feel unstoppable. The Sierra 2500HD could tow up to 18,510 pounds and haul a payload of up to 3,979 pounds. Despite its size, it averaged 16.5 miles per gallon in combined driving.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. A 3.6-liter V6, optional on Elevation trims and standard on AT4 and Denali, produced 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission. A 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel engine was also available, offering 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The Canyon AT4, equipped with the gas V6 and 4WD, performed well off-road and maintained good on-road manners. The Canyon could tow up to 7,700 pounds and had a payload capacity of 1,605 pounds.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was available in various bed and cab configurations, including regular, double, and crew cabs with standard or long beds. The Denali trim was only available with the crew cab. Both bed sizes featured bed corner steps and an EZ lift-and-lower tailgate. The MultiPro tailgate offered six configurations, including a step into the truck bed. Inside, the 2500HD had ample room and storage options, with additional storage under the rear seats in SLT-and-up trims.

The 2021 GMC Canyon was available in Extended Cab and Crew Cab variants. The Extended Cab had rear-hinged half-doors and small second-row jump seats, while the Crew Cab offered more usable rear-seat space. The Canyon had a commanding driving position but awkward seat adjustments. It featured usable space in the center console and small trays and cupholders in the doors. The Canyon came with a short (5-foot-2) or long (6-foot-2) box, with the Extended Cab only available with the long box. The EZ lift-and-lower tailgate was available, preventing the tailgate from slamming down and extending its usable life.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running GMC Infotainment 3, featuring customizable icons, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SLT and Denali trims had an 8-inch infotainment screen, with navigation available. The Denali also featured an 8-inch color driver-information screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with the right tech in the right packaging.

The 2021 GMC Canyon also came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, running the latest GMC infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system had crisp graphics and an easy-to-use menu layout, with hard buttons and dials for convenience. An 8-inch screen was optional on Elevation and AT4 trims and standard on the Denali, which also included navigation, HD radio, and a wireless charging pad. The Denali featured a 4.2-inch color driver display, operated via a directional pad on the steering wheel.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD had standard safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Driver Alert Package I added front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Alert Package II included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams.

The 2021 GMC Canyon had standard safety features like a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system, front-and-side-impact airbags, traction control, and the Teen Driver system. The Driver Alert package, standard on the Denali and optional on other trims, included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear parking alert. The Denali also featured an upgraded HD backup camera and Hitch Guidance.