2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2021 GMC Canyon

The 2021 GMC Canyon, a member of the second-generation lineup first introduced in 2015, experienced a significant refresh in 2021. This facelift incorporated a larger grille and a revamped front bumper, reminiscent of its full-size sibling, the GMC Sierra. These updates were vital, particularly in a market where midsize pickups often lag in modernization. Despite being mainly the same truck as its predecessors, the Canyon's refreshed aesthetic gave it a new lease on life, holding its own against competitors like the Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Jeep Gladiator. The Canyon's interior displayed a functionality-first ethos, with lots of hard plastics and adequate fit-and-finish. Trim levels included the Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4, and Denali, each bringing unique features that catered to varying customer needs.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 was a striking full-size truck, known for its upscale styling and the prestigious Denali trim. The Sierra boasted distinctive elements like a factory-installed 2-inch suspension lift, off-road-specific Rancho monotube shocks, skid plates, a two-speed Autotrac transfer case, and red front recovery hooks, especially in the AT4 trim. Our AT4 test truck displayed an aggressive aesthetic with its body-color trim and optional mud-terrain tires. The Sierra's cabin focused on a mix of rugged functionality and moments of luxury, although it sometimes fell short when compared to other brands. Interior color schemes were designed for robustness, but the design might have seemed dated to some. Nonetheless, comfort and utility were evident, with features like rubber floor mats and heated-and-cooled seats.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came with three engine choices. The base engine was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The upgrade option was a 3.6-liter V6 that churned out 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, available with an eight-speed automatic. A 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel, rated at 181 horsepower and a substantial 369 pound-feet of torque, rounded out the options. This engine, while powerful, was limited by a six-speed automatic transmission. In terms of drive quality, the V6 showed adequate performance, while the AT4 variant added off-road prowess without compromising everyday comfort. The Canyon’s towing capacity peaked at 7,700 pounds when equipped with the turbodiesel, with a payload capacity of 1,605 pounds, making it highly competitive in its class.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered an appealing Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine delivering 277 horsepower and an impressive 460 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission, showcased seamless gear shifts and robust torque delivery. The Sierra also featured an automatic 4WD system that proved effective whether climbing mountainous terrain or navigating snowy conditions. Fuel economy was commendable, with our test truck averaging 21.1 mpg under varied driving scenarios. The AT4’s suspension offered balance—a smooth highway ride and rugged off-road readiness. In terms of towing and hauling, the Sierra capped at 9,300 pounds of towing capacity and could handle a payload of up to 2,150 pounds.

The 2021 Canyon offered both Extended Cab and Crew Cab configurations. The Extended Cab's rear-hinged doors and compact jump seats were better suited for light use. The Crew Cab, with four full doors, provided more practical rear seating. The driving position was high and commanding, but seat adjustment had room for improvement. Storage options included modest center console space and decently sized cupholders. Bed sizes included a 5-foot-2 short box and a 6-foot-2 long box. The CornerStep rear bumper and EZ lift-and-lower tailgate added notable utility.

The 2021 Sierra 1500 shone with its spacious Crew Cab, equipped with large, comfortable seats suitable for accommodating three adults in the rear without fuss. The test truck featured durable leather and multiple power adjustments for the front seats, plus heating and cooling options. Bed sizes varied from 62.9 cubic feet to 89.1 cubic feet, making it more capable than most competitors. Additionally, the CarbonPro Edition added a cargo bed of carbon fiber composite, enhancing dent and corrosion resistance. Innovative features like high-clearance side rails and the MultiPro tailgate significantly improved the ease of use and access to the cargo bed. However, the interior storage didn't impress compared to other full-size pickups, except for useful features like rear seatback cubbies.

The 2021 Canyon came fitted with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, featuring crisp graphics and easy-to-navigate menus. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen, standard in the Denali, that included navigation and HD radio. Further, the Denali featured a 4.2-inch driver display for enhanced functionality and convenience during drives.

The 2021 Sierra 1500 packed advanced camera-based technologies within its optional Technology Package, including surround-view cameras, trailer- and bed-view cameras, and a rear camera mirror. Particularly during latte runs or tight parking maneuvers, these features excelled. The Sierra featured a robust infotainment system, employing either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, with fast response times and visually appealing graphics. The 8-inch unit included large physical knobs and shortcut buttons, making navigation easy. Its voice recognition system was highly accurate, adding to the driving convenience. Features such as wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a navigation system made the Sierra a technological powerhouse. While the Bose premium sound system was adequate, it didn't quite match competitors' offerings. Our test during power outages demonstrated the utility of Sierra’s 4G LTE hotspot and 115-volt outlet, although a flat console work surface would have been a welcome addition.

Standard safety features in the 2021 GMC Canyon included a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring, front-and-side-impact airbags, traction control, and the Teen Driver system. Optional was the Driver Alert package, which added forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear parking alert. These were standard on the Denali. The Denali also offered an enhanced HD backup camera and Hitch Guidance to aid in trailer hookup.

Safety in the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 was a mixed bag. Basic safety features were optionally available on all trims, including forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. However, the Denali, intended to be a luxury trim, did not include many modern safety features as standard, though it did offer blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. Other available features included lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert Seat. Unfortunately, the Sierra's crash-test ratings were underwhelming. It earned a four-star overall rating from NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings from IIHS in some tests, indicating room for improvement.