2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2021 GMC Canyon

The 2021 GMC Canyon represented a refreshed version of its second generation, which first appeared in 2015. In 2021, GMC introduced an enlarged grille and a revised front bumper, aligning it more closely with the aesthetic of its full-size sibling, the GMC Sierra. While the overall design remained consistent with its initial launch, the refresh added a sense of ruggedness to its appearance. Despite the stiff competition in the full-size truck market, the Canyon's looks were straightforward and pragmatic, especially in the midsize truck segment where several older models like the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma still held sway.

Inside, the Canyon’s cabin design echoed that of the larger Sierra, emphasizing functional simplicity over luxury. The interior featured hard plastics and moderate fit-and-finish but maintained a practical and sensible layout for controls. The trim options varied from the base Elevation Standard, which offered essential features like 18-inch gloss-black aluminum wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen, to the range-topping Denali, which boasted leather seating, an 8-inch infotainment system, and a Bose premium audio system.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was a strikingly boxy and imposing truck, with chiseled details and flared fenders that gave it a bold, commanding presence. The LTZ trim of the Silverado, which was one step below the top tier, enhanced its looks with Northsky Blue paint and plenty of chrome accents. However, stepping into the cabin revealed a dated design with glossy plastics and larger panel joints, reminiscent of an era gone by. Despite the industrial vibe, the interior failed to impart the modern and sophisticated feel one expected from a full-size pickup in 2021.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came with three engine choices. The base model ran a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While serviceable, this engine struggled to move the truck with vigor. The optional 3.6-liter V6, generating 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, provided better performance, particularly for the Elevation trims and higher. An alternative was the 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel, which delivered 181 hp but an impressive 369 lb-ft of torque. Despite the robust torque, its six-speed automatic transmission limited its responsiveness compared to the eight-speed found alongside the V6.

When equipped with the turbodiesel, the Canyon boasted an impressive towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, matching its Chevy Colorado sibling for the best in class. Payload capacity was also commendable at 1,605 pounds. These figures placed the Canyon firmly in a competitive position among midsize trucks.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, aimed for maximum towing and power, showcased a choice of six engines. For ultimate towing, the gas-fueled 6.2-liter V8 was a powerhouse. However, the Duramax turbodiesel was notable for its efficiency and torque. Costing only $995, it was significantly cheaper than diesel options from Ford and Ram. This 3.0-liter inline-six turbodiesel provided 277 hp and an ample 460 lb-ft of torque, achieving 22.6 mpg in combined driving during tests.

Chevrolet raised the Duramax’s towing capacity to 9,500 pounds for 2021, and its payload was 1,870 pounds, though these were outdone by the Silverado’s maximum capacity of 13,300 pounds for towing and 2,280 pounds for payload with other engine configurations. The Silverado’s 10-speed automatic transmission was smooth and responsive, providing a seamless driving experience, especially coupled with the Auto 4WD feature.

The 2021 GMC Canyon was available in Extended Cab and Crew Cab variants. The Extended Cab featured rear-hinged half-doors and minimal second-row seating, suitable mostly for storage or small children. The Crew Cab, however, provided four full doors and more usable rear seat space. The Canyon's driver seat offered a commanding view but lacked versatile adjustment options. Interior storage was practical with decently sized center consoles and cupholders but limited door storage.

The truck bed came in two sizes: a short 5-foot-2 box and a long 6-foot-2 box. The Extended Cab was strictly with the long box, while the Crew Cab offered either. GMC’s practical CornerStep rear bumper facilitated easy bed access, a user-friendly feature compared to more complex solutions on some rivals.

In stark comparison, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew cab was incredibly spacious. It featured wide, supportive front seats with extensive power adjustments and heating and ventilation options. Interior storage was abundant but missed innovative touches seen in competitors. For rear-seat passengers, the Silverado offered ample headroom and legroom, though with a slightly low seat cushion. Rear seat cushions also housed built-in storage areas, and a locking storage compartment was available underneath the rear seat.

For cargo handling, Chevrolet touted the deepest and roomiest bed among competitors. Its CornerStep bumper and multiple tie-down hooks were practical, and the new Multi-Flex tailgate option offered versatile configurations—though this feature was not included in our test truck.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen running the latest GMC infotainment system, complete with crisp graphics and intuitive menus. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with physical buttons and dials providing quick access. Higher trims, such as the Denali, featured a larger 8-inch screen, HD radio, navigation, and wireless charging.

Chevrolet’s Infotainment System 3 in the 2021 Silverado 1500, while featuring smaller 7-inch and 8-inch screens, impressed with its quick response times and modern graphics. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The LTZ trim added wireless smartphone functions, navigation, and a Bose premium sound system, which was functional if not exceptional. The infotainment system was easy to use, and available upgrades included a head-up display (HUD) and multiple high-definition cameras for improved visibility.

The 2021 GMC Canyon’s standard safety features included a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring, 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. These features were standard on the Denali trim. The Denali also benefited from an upgraded HD backup camera and Hitch Guidance for easier towing.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 performed poorly in safety assessments. It earned a “Marginal” rating from the IIHS for front passenger protection in a small-overlap collision and a four-star rating from the NHTSA overall. Chevrolet offered a comprehensive set of safety technologies, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a Safety Alert Seat. However, lacking features such as stop-and-go capability for adaptive cruise control weakened its safety profile.