2021 GMC Canyon vs 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty

The second-generation GMC Canyon had been around for a while, first arriving as a 2015 model after a two-year hiatus. The most notable changes to the 2021 Canyon included an enlarged grille and a revised front bumper, aligning it aesthetically with its full-size sibling, the GMC Sierra. Despite these updates, the Canyon largely remained the same truck, which was less of an issue in the midsize pickup market where competition was not as fierce. The cabin maintained a functional layout with sensible controls, though it 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.

Ford's Super Duty trucks took the blocky and muscular looks of the F-150 midsize pickup to the next level. Larger in every way, Super Duty models truly looked like heavy-duty trucks, with giant grilles, heavy-duty bumpers, and bodywork designed to withstand daily wear and tear. Depending on the cab configuration, the Super Duty's cabin could range from tight and utilitarian to spacious and plush. The base XL trim offered good headroom and legroom but was otherwise a stripped-down work truck. Higher trims, such as the Super Duty Limited, could be decked out with leather and upscale finishes that rivaled the quality of many luxury cars.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. An optional 3.6-liter V6, standard on the AT4 and Denali trims, delivered 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, a 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel engine was available, offering 181 hp and a robust 369 lb-ft of torque, routed through a six-speed automatic transmission. The Canyon's base engine struggled to move the truck efficiently, making the V6 a more viable option, though it still required aggressive throttle input for lively performance. The Duramax engine had potential but was limited by its six-speed transmission. The AT4 trim, equipped with the gas V6 and 4WD, featured an automatic locking rear differential and hill-descent control, making it confident 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.

Ford offered three powertrains in the 2021 Super Duty line. The base engine was a 6.2-liter V8 producing 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. An available 7.3-liter V8 delivered 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The most powerful option was the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine, rated at 475 hp and an impressive 1,050 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Super Duty trucks came standard with rear-wheel drive but could be upgraded to four-wheel drive. The Ford F-350 could be ordered in a dual-rear-wheel configuration for better towing capacity, with maximum payload specs reaching 4,060 pounds in some configurations. Towing capacity could exceed 36,000 pounds with a gooseneck setup. The Super Duty Tremor models featured factory lift kits, beefy tires, and muscular styling, enhancing off-road capabilities. The EPA did not require fuel-economy ratings for heavy-duty trucks, so the Super Duty trucks did not have official mpg figures.

The 2021 Canyon was available in Extended Cab and Crew Cab variants. The Extended Cab featured rear-hinged half-doors and small, second-row jump seats, best suited for children or large gym bags. The Crew Cab, with four full doors, offered more usable rear-seat space. The Canyon provided a commanding driving position, though seat adjustment was somewhat awkward. Storage space included a center console, center stack below the climate controls, and small trays and cupholders in the doors. The Canyon offered two bed sizes: a short (5-foot-2) box and a long (6-foot-2) box. The Extended Cab only came with a long box, while the Crew Cab offered both options. The Canyon featured GM’s helpful CornerStep rear bumper and an available EZ lift-and-lower tailgate with remote power locking.

Despite being built for hardcore utility, Ford's Super Duty trucks offered plenty of creature comforts. The front seats came in a 40/20/40 folding bench setup as standard, providing a comfortable armrest with cupholders. Crew Cab and Super Cab models offered generous rear seats with easy access through the trucks' huge doors. Super Duty trucks were more at home on job sites than tight city streets, with their size making parking, maneuvering, and visibility challenging. The large doors and tall ride height made entering and exiting difficult at times. Ford's heavy-duty pickups featured a clever tailgate design that could be optioned with steps and a handle for easy bed entry, though it was not as elaborate as the tailgate functions on Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks.

The 2021 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 easy-to-use menu layout, with helpful hard buttons and dials below the screen. 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 featured a 4.2-inch color driver display in the center of the instrument panel, operated via a directional pad on the steering wheel for easy cycling through presets, vehicle settings, and driver information.

Ford's Sync 3 was one of the most intuitive and easy-to-use infotainment systems on the market. Menus were clearly labeled and did not require several taps to navigate, making the system less distracting to use daily. The base XL trim had a non-touch display as standard, but a larger touchscreen was available on other trims. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with higher trims offering upgraded audio systems. The trucks were available with various tech options, including a WiFi hotspot, upgraded heated and ventilated seats, adjustable upfitter switches for accessories, and a rapid heating unit for diesel-equipped trucks.

Standard safety features on the 2021 Canyon included a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system, front-and-side-impact airbags, traction control, and the Teen Driver system, which allowed owners to limit speed and volume settings for secondary drivers. The Canyon was also available with the Driver Alert package, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear parking alert. These features were standard on the Denali and optional on other trims. The Denali also came with an upgraded HD backup camera and Hitch Guidance for easier tow hitch alignment.

Safety features on the Super Duty models were often held back as added-cost upgrades or reserved for higher trims. Ford offered a variety of packages and options, including a trailer tow package with special camera views and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Available features included blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision alerts. As commercial vehicles, Super Duty trucks were not crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, so they did not have official safety scores.