2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2022 GMC Canyon

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 presented multiple cab styles with varying bed lengths and eight distinct trim levels, each contributing to a unique aesthetic appeal. The Silverado was equipped with six different engine configurations and the choice of six-, eight-, or 10-speed automatic transmissions. While rear-wheel drive (RWD) was standard, four-wheel drive (4WD) was an available option. Our test model, which boasted the crew cab, short bed, and LTZ trim, was one of the higher-end offerings. It included 4WD, an excellent 3.0-liter inline-six Duramax turbo diesel engine, the LTZ Premium Package, Technology Package, and a spray-in bed liner, culminating in an MSRP of $61,165.

Visually, the Silverado was an assertive and imposing truck, characterized by its boxy shape, chiseled details, and prominent fenders. The Northsky Blue paint, chrome trim, and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels created a standout look that caught the light beautifully.

However, the interior was notably lackluster, featuring glossy plastic, large panel joints, and small infotainment screens, all of which gave it an outdated feel. Despite the utilitarian argument that a truck’s interior doesn't need to be luxurious, it still felt far from the quality one might expect in its price range.

The 2022 GMC Canyon, having been in its current generation since 2015, aimed to offer a more premium feel, particularly in trims like the Denali. The Denali trim included luxurious features such as a unique chrome grille, 20-inch diamond-cut machined alloy wheels, and a well-equipped interior with heated and ventilated leather seats, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation, and a Bose premium audio system.

Even the off-road AT4 version maintained a sense of luxury with premium materials and features, such as a black chrome grille with surround, LED signature lighting, and a cabin featuring premium heated leather front seats with Kalahari accents. These trims made treks on rugged terrains both enjoyable and comfortable.

Smaller trim levels like Elevation and Elevation Standard were less lavish, but the overall build quality of the Canyon was still above class expectations. Even at base trims, it aimed to surpass typical material standards found in midsize trucks.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 demonstrated a range of performance metrics, hinged mainly on its engine options. The 6.2-liter V8 was the go-to for those seeking max towing and the exultant roar of a powerful engine. However, the 3.0-liter Duramax turbo diesel stood out due to its cost-efficiency and fuel economy. Our test Silverado returned an impressive 22.6 mpg in combined driving, despite being put through its paces in various driving conditions.

The Duramax provided 277 horsepower at 3,750 rpm and an immensely practical 460 pound-feet of torque at 1,500 rpm. While it fell behind the 6.2-liter V8's 420 hp, the torque was comparable and made for smooth and seamless acceleration. The Duramax could tow up to 9,500 pounds (9,100 pounds with 4WD), though not as high as the V8's maximum of 13,300 pounds. Payload capacity for the Duramax measured 1,870 pounds.

The 10-speed automatic transmission mated with the Duramax was flawless, and the Silverado felt firm and athletic in low-speed maneuvers. However, the standard suspension allowed too much body movement on the highway, and off-road responsiveness was less impressive without the optional Z71 Off-Road Package.

The 2022 GMC Canyon also provided a versatile range of performance options with three engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (200 hp), a more powerful 3.6-liter V6 (308 hp), and a 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder (181 hp, 369 lb-ft torque). Our test vehicle, the Canyon AT4, housed the V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering abundant power and smooth shifts. The V6-equipped Canyon could tow up to 7,700 pounds with the Trailering package, cementing its place as a capable midsize option.

Further, the Canyon offered a reliable driving experience both on and off the road. The AT4's 31-inch Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires maintained grip without excessively compromising road noise. The truck's suspension, wider stance, and stable handling were effective at all speeds. For off-roading, the AT4 had various relevant features like a two-speed electronic transfer case, off-road suspension, and skid plates that made it nearly rival the Jeep Gladiator in off-road capabilities.

Interior space and utility were key strengths of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The crew cab model was exceptionally roomy, with 10-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. However, without power running boards, ingress and egress were a bit challenging. Rear seat accommodations were generous, fitting three adults comfortably with ample headroom and legroom. The beds offered the deepest and most capacious cargo space among rivals (except the GMC Sierra) with several handy features like the CornerStep rear bumper and tie-down hooks. A new Multi-Flex tailgate introduced in 2021 added further versatility, though it was not available on our test model.

The 2022 GMC Canyon, by comparison, provided a spacious feel, especially in its crew cab configuration. While the extended cab's rear seats were less accommodating, the crew cab comfortably seated taller passengers. Power-adjustable and heated front seats added to the comfort, and the AT4 trim's higher ride height and excellent visibility made for stress-free driving. Practicality was a strong point with the Canyon, thanks to a cargo bed equipped with multiple tie-down points and corner steps for easy access. The extended cab allowed for versatile storage solutions, such as folding rear bench seats for additional cargo space.

In comparing payload and towing capacities, the Silverado's max payload capacity reached 2,280 pounds, while its top towing capability extended to 13,300 pounds with the appropriate V8 engine. The Canyon's maximum payload stood lower, more tailored for less demanding tasks, but still impressive at 1,575 pounds, while its towing capability maxed out at 7,700 pounds with the turbodiesel engine.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a solid, albeit less flashy, technological package. Despite smaller screen sizes compared to competitors, the Chevy Infotainment System 3 was commendable for its quick response and modern graphics. The LTZ model featured high-end options like an 8-inch HD display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker Bose premium sound system, though the latter lacked in audio fidelity. It included useful tech such as a head-up display and various high-definition cameras supporting different aspects of towing and visibility. However, features like trailering technologies were not quite on par with competitors.

The 2022 GMC Canyon kept things streamlined with essential tech offerings. The Elevation trim provided a notable upgrade with its 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth streaming. The Canyon AT4 included practical add-ons like a wireless charging pad, while the Denali trim offered more advanced tech like navigation and driver-assist features.

Our Canyon AT4 test model's infotainment system was user-friendly, featuring seamless smartphone integration and a Bose premium audio setup, delivering satisfactory sound quality. Additionally, available features like Amazon Alexa Built-In and in-car apps expanded the truck’s connectivity options.

Safety ratings and features were areas where both trucks could improve. The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500’s safety credentials were questionable. Despite offering forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and various active safety technologies as standard or optional, its “Marginal” IIHS rating for front passenger protection and a four-star NHTSA rating fell short. Particularly concerning were the “Poor” headlight rating and the below-average performance in protecting passengers in a collision.

The 2022 GMC Canyon had a more inclusive safety approach as trim levels increased. Base trims featured minimal driver aids but included useful systems like the Teen Driver mode. Higher trims added valuable safety tech, though adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were notably absent.

Overall, while the Canyon secured a four-star NHTSA overall crash rating and "Good" ratings in most IIHS tests, it also had critical areas needing improvement. For instance, it received a "Poor" rating in the front passenger-side small overlap test and "Marginal" rating for LATCH anchors. Like the Silverado, its headlights scored "Poor."