2021 GMC Canyon vs 2020 Jeep Gladiator

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator made quite an impression during its debut in Los Angeles. On a warm day with temperatures soaring above 80 degrees, the Firecracker Red Gladiator Overland turned heads and sparked conversations everywhere it went. The truck's unique design, reminiscent of the Wrangler from the front doors forward, and its new high-strength steel 5-foot cargo bed from the back doors, made it a spectacle on the Pacific Coast Highway. Despite some negative opinions, such as a neighbor who found it unattractive, the Gladiator's bold look and off-road capabilities were undeniable.

In contrast, the 2021 GMC Canyon received a refresh that included an enlarged grille and a revised front bumper, aligning it more closely with its full-size sibling, the GMC Sierra. While the Canyon's design updates were subtle, they helped maintain its relevance in the midsize truck market. The interior of the Canyon prioritized function over form, with a sensible layout and plenty of hard plastics. The Canyon's trims ranged from the base Elevation Standard to the luxurious Denali, each offering varying levels of comfort and features.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator, powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, delivered a driving experience similar to a long Wrangler. The 8-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts and decent acceleration, although towing 5,000 pounds of trailer and ski boat required some effort. Off-road, the Rubicon trim's Rock-Trac 4WD system and various off-road features made it nearly unstoppable. The Overland trim, while less intense, still handled rocky trails with ease. The Gladiator's fuel economy was rated at 19 mpg combined, with an observed average of 20.3 mpg over 600 highway miles.

The 2021 GMC Canyon offered three engine options: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 200 horsepower, an optional 3.6-liter V6 with 308 horsepower, and a 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel with 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The V6, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, was the preferred choice for better performance. The AT4 trim, equipped with the V6 and 4WD, handled off-road trails confidently without compromising on-road manners. The Canyon's towing capacity reached up to 7,700 pounds with the turbodiesel engine, making it a strong contender in the segment.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator's cargo bed, designed to hold 95% of motorcycle designs with the tailgate down, offered a maximum payload of 1,600 pounds. The bed's shallow depth allowed easy access, and various cargo tie-downs maximized its utility. Inside, the Gladiator provided ample space, with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and durable black cloth upholstery. The Overland trim's side steps, while helpful for shorter passengers, could get in the way. The cab offered plenty of room for front and rear occupants, with various storage options and a convertible top for an open-air experience.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came in Extended Cab and Crew Cab variants, with the latter offering more usable rear-seat space. The driving position was commanding, though seat adjustment could be awkward. The Canyon featured practical storage solutions, including a center console and small door trays. The truck offered two bed sizes: a short 5-foot-2 box and a long 6-foot-2 box, with the Extended Cab only available with the long box. The Canyon's CornerStep rear bumper and EZ lift-and-lower tailgate added convenience for accessing and using the bed.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator's technology offerings included remote start, a passive entry system, and an upgraded infotainment system with an Alpine premium sound system. The mid-level Uconnect 4 system featured a 7-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The top infotainment system, available on the Overland trim, included an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. The system was user-friendly, with responsive inputs and large on-screen buttons. An exclusive feature was the removable Bluetooth speaker, perfect for outdoor adventures.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the latest GMC infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system featured crisp graphics and an intuitive menu layout, with helpful hard buttons and dials. A larger 8-inch screen was optional on the Elevation and AT4 trims and standard on the Denali, which also included navigation, HD radio, and a wireless charging pad. The Denali's 4.2-inch color driver display provided easy access to vehicle settings and driver information.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator offered optional Active Safety and Advanced Safety Groups. The Active Safety Group included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking-assist sensors, and LED taillights. The Advanced Safety Group added adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning. The Gladiator's adaptive cruise control was particularly useful for long drives. However, due to the lack of crash test data and automatic emergency braking, the Gladiator's overall safety rating remained conservative.

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