2020 Toyota Tacoma vs 2021 GMC Canyon

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma had a clean, pure, and simple design, though it wasn't the most visually striking among pickups. The back doors had a tinny sound reminiscent of older Toyota trucks, and the flared hood scoop was purely decorative. The Tacoma's body, available in extended Access or four-door Double Cab forms, balanced a rounded feel with upright lines and chiseled panels, making it big without feeling bulky. The TRD Pro model featured redesigned LED headlights, a new grille, and Army Green paint, giving it a rugged and ready-to-pounce look. The interior was straightforward, with a modestly sized touchscreen and mostly bargain materials, though fit and finish were better than some competitors.

The 2021 GMC Canyon, a second-generation model, received a refresh that included an enlarged grille and revised front bumper, aligning it more with the GMC Sierra. Despite these updates, the Canyon largely remained the same truck, which was less of an issue in the midsize pickup market. The cabin, while functional with a sensible layout, featured plenty of hard plastics and mediocre fit-and-finish. The Canyon's trims ranged from the base Elevation Standard to the off-road-inspired AT4 and the range-topping Denali, each offering varying levels of features and comfort.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's base 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine produced 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, which was underwhelming for a vehicle of its size. The 3.5-liter V6, standard on most trims, delivered 278 hp and 265 lb-ft, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with 4-wheel drive optional. The TRD Pro model came with 4WD and a 6-speed manual option, featuring Clutch Start Cancel for off-road situations. The Tacoma's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, though the V6 engine's performance on paved roads was less impressive, with slow steering and a droning exhaust. Fuel economy was also poor, with the V6 achieving 18 mpg city, 22 highway, and 20 combined.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came standard with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The optional 3.6-liter V6, standard on higher trims, delivered 308 hp and 275 lb-ft, routed through an 8-speed automatic. A 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine was also available, offering 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The Canyon's V6 engine required aggressive throttle input to feel lively, while the Duramax's pairing with a 6-speed transmission limited its powerband. The AT4 trim, equipped with the gas V6 and 4WD, performed confidently off-road without compromising on-road manners. The Canyon's towing capacity reached up to 7,700 pounds with the turbodiesel engine, and it had a payload capacity of 1,605 pounds.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's smaller size compared to full-size trucks made it easier to maneuver in city environments and on wooded trails. The bed, available in 5- or 6-foot lengths, featured a rail system with movable cleats, an optional power outlet, and LED lighting. The Double Cab's rear seats were cramped for long trips, with limited storage options and no rear defroster. Despite these drawbacks, the Tacoma's compact size and practical features made it a versatile choice for urban and off-road use.

The 2021 GMC Canyon offered Extended Cab and Crew Cab variants, with the latter providing more usable rear-seat space. The Canyon's driving position was commanding, though seat adjustment was awkward. Interior storage included a center console, small door trays, and decently sized cupholders. The Canyon's bed options included a short (5-foot-2) and long (6-foot-2) box, with the Extended Cab only available with the long box. The CornerStep rear bumper and EZ lift-and-lower tailgate added convenience for bed access and usability.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen, with an 8-inch version available that included navigation and cloud-based traffic routes. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa were standard, along with a new USB-C port. Optional features included wireless phone charging and onboard Wi-Fi. The Tacoma's 360-degree cameras provided ample views for parking and off-road use, and a suite of driver assists, including adaptive cruise control, was standard.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen running the latest GMC infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional 8-inch screen, standard on higher trims, offered navigation, HD radio, and a wireless charging pad. The Denali trim featured a 4.2-inch color driver display for easy access to vehicle settings and driver information.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma came with standard safety features like forward-emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. The Tacoma scored 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA crash tests and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

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 added forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear parking alert. The Denali trim included an upgraded HD backup camera and Hitch Guidance.