2021 GMC Canyon vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2021 GMC Canyon, a midsize pickup, underwent its first refresh since its 2015 debut, featuring an enlarged grille and revised front bumper to align more closely with its full-size sibling, the GMC Sierra. Despite these updates, the Canyon largely retained its original design, which was not a significant drawback in the midsize truck market, where competitors like the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma also had older designs. The interior of the Canyon prioritized functionality with a sensible layout, though it was marked by hard plastics and average fit-and-finish. The truck offered various trims, including the base Elevation Standard and the off-road-inspired AT4, each with distinct features and options.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a heavy-duty truck known for its towering height and robust capabilities. Redesigned for 2020, the 2500HD received updates for 2021, including new special editions and enhanced technology features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Silverado 2500HD was available in multiple body styles and trims, offering a wide range of customization options. It featured high-strength steel beds and a variety of wheel choices, though its exterior design was less sophisticated compared to some competitors. The truck's high bed height was mitigated by integrated BedSteps and CornerSteps, though accessing the bed could still be challenging for shorter individuals.

The 2021 GMC Canyon offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. A more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, was available on higher trims and came with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, a 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine was available, providing 181 horsepower and a substantial 369 pound-feet of torque. The Canyon's V6 engine, standard on the AT4 and Denali trims, offered better performance, especially for off-road driving, while the turbodiesel engine excelled in towing, with a capacity of up to 7,700 pounds.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was equipped with a choice of two 6.6-liter V8 engines. The gasoline engine produced 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Duramax turbodiesel engine, available for an additional cost, delivered 445 horsepower and an impressive 910 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. The diesel engine was particularly advantageous for towing, with a maximum capacity of 18,500 pounds. The Silverado 2500HD's performance was characterized by its smooth acceleration and robust towing capabilities, although it was not particularly fast in terms of acceleration.

The 2021 GMC Canyon was available in Extended Cab and Crew Cab configurations. The Extended Cab featured rear-hinged half-doors and small jump seats in the second row, suitable for children or small items. The Crew Cab offered more usable rear-seat space with four full doors. The Canyon provided a commanding driving position, though seat adjustment could be awkward. It 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 design included GM's CornerStep rear bumper for easy bed access and an optional EZ lift-and-lower tailgate.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with more headroom than most SUVs. The Crew Cab variant provided ample rear-seat legroom. The truck came standard with a 40/20/40 split-bench seat, with higher trims offering bucket seats and a full center console. Upholstery options included vinyl or cloth, with power-adjustable seating available on higher trims. The Silverado 2500HD featured standard assist handles, manual windows, and a rubberized floor, with more luxurious options available on upper trims. While the Silverado offered a comfortable interior, competitors like the Ford Super Duty and Ram 2500HD provided more upscale features.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with crisp graphics and intuitive menus, complemented by hard buttons and dials. An 8-inch screen was optional on higher trims, with the Denali trim offering additional features like navigation, HD radio, and a wireless charging pad. The Denali also included a 4.2-inch color driver display for easy access to vehicle settings and information.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD featured a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system generally performed well, it had limitations when browsing radio stations. Standard features included a 12-volt power outlet, Bluetooth, and a 3.5-inch driver information display. Available upgrades included a Bose audio system, an 8-inch infotainment screen, and advanced camera technology, including a bed-view camera. The Silverado's camera technology was a standout feature, providing enhanced visibility for various driving scenarios.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came with standard safety features such as a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system, and front-and-side-impact airbags. The Teen Driver system allowed owners to set speed and volume limits for secondary drivers. The optional Driver Alert package included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear parking alert, standard on the Denali trim. The Denali also featured an upgraded HD backup camera and Hitch Guidance for easier towing.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was equipped with six airbags, a rearview camera, and Teen Driver software. The Safety Confidence Package, available on Work Truck and Custom models, included forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Additional safety features included cruise control, lane-departure warning, and OnStar services. Due to its heavy-duty classification, the Silverado 2500HD was not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, and its safety ratings were not available.