2021 GMC Canyon vs 2021 Toyota Tacoma

2021 GMC Canyon
2021 GMC Canyon
$26,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Tacoma
2021 Toyota Tacoma
$26,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 GMC Canyon
$26,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Tacoma
$26,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$26,800

MSRP

$26,400

Average price

$32,171

Average price

$34,692

Listings

694

Listings

4111
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.5 out of 10
Pros
  • Impressive towing and payload ratings
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Multiple body styles
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Cramped back seat
  • Underwhelming base engine
Pros
  • Manual transmission available
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Excellent off-road capability
Cons
  • Sluggish performance
  • Poor handling
  • Underwhelming base engine

2021 GMC Canyon Reviews Summary

Midsize trucks are in a funny place. Despite being smaller and less capable than their full-size counterparts, they often command prices that are nearly as high. This is a tough spot from a value standpoint, making them more lifestyle vehicles than work trucks. For many truck owners, a full-size pickup is more truck than they need. If you’re longing for the biggie-biggie styling of a full-size truck, the refreshed 2021 GMC Canyon has you covered.

The Canyon has a new look and a new, capable AT4 trim, but still shows signs of aging. Were half of its competitors not in the same boat, this would be a bigger issue. Plus, the Canyon offers some helpful features to make it a fun vehicle for the weekend adventure or project. As long as bang-for-buck is not top-of-mind, the Canyon is a capable, enjoyable pickup.

2021 Toyota Tacoma Reviews Summary

Last redesigned for the 2016 model year, The Tacoma once dominated midsize-truck sales. In recent years, though, it’s faced stronger competition from the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins, the Ford Ranger, and the Jeep Gladiator. A redesigned Nissan Frontier and heavily-updated Honda Ridgeline are also on the way.

Meanwhile, the Tacoma enters the 2021 model year largely unchanged. The only updates are two new special editions—the Nightshade Edition and Trail Special Edition—and standard dual-zone automatic climate control on all V6 models.

Pickup truck buyers tend to want choices, and Toyota delivers. The Tacoma is available with four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, Access Cab and four-door Double Cab body styles, rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), and six trim levels— SR, SR5, TRD Off Road, TRD Sport, Limited, and TRD Pro—plus the two special editions.

Our test vehicle was a Tacoma TRD Pro Double Cab. The TRD Pro is the most off-road focused of the Tacoma models, so naturally, it gets standard 4WD drive. While Toyota does offer a more comfort-oriented Tacoma Limited model, the TRD Pro is also positioned at the top of the lineup.

Search for a Toyota Tacoma on CarGurus

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 200 hp I4

Engine

2.7L 159 hp I4

Drive Train

4X2

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

4

Seating Capacity

4

Horsepower

200 hp @ 6300 rpm

Horsepower

159 hp @ 5200 rpm

MPG City

19

MPG City

20

MPG Highway

25

MPG Highway

23
2021 GMC Canyon
2021 GMC Canyon
$26,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Tacoma
2021 Toyota Tacoma
$26,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 GMC Canyon
$26,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Tacoma
$26,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$26,800
$26,400
Average price
$32,171
$34,692
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.6
4.9
Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Read full review

6.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Impressive towing and payload ratings
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Multiple body styles
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Cramped back seat
  • Underwhelming base engine
Pros
  • Manual transmission available
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Excellent off-road capability
Cons
  • Sluggish performance
  • Poor handling
  • Underwhelming base engine
Summary

Midsize trucks are in a funny place. Despite being smaller and less capable than their full-size counterparts, they often command prices that are nearly as high. This is a tough spot from a value standpoint, making them more lifestyle vehicles than work trucks. For many truck owners, a full-size pickup is more truck than they need. If you’re longing for the biggie-biggie styling of a full-size truck, the refreshed 2021 GMC Canyon has you covered.

The Canyon has a new look and a new, capable AT4 trim, but still shows signs of aging. Were half of its competitors not in the same boat, this would be a bigger issue. Plus, the Canyon offers some helpful features to make it a fun vehicle for the weekend adventure or project. As long as bang-for-buck is not top-of-mind, the Canyon is a capable, enjoyable pickup.

Last redesigned for the 2016 model year, The Tacoma once dominated midsize-truck sales. In recent years, though, it’s faced stronger competition from the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins, the Ford Ranger, and the Jeep Gladiator. A redesigned Nissan Frontier and heavily-updated Honda Ridgeline are also on the way.

Meanwhile, the Tacoma enters the 2021 model year largely unchanged. The only updates are two new special editions—the Nightshade Edition and Trail Special Edition—and standard dual-zone automatic climate control on all V6 models.

Pickup truck buyers tend to want choices, and Toyota delivers. The Tacoma is available with four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, Access Cab and four-door Double Cab body styles, rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), and six trim levels— SR, SR5, TRD Off Road, TRD Sport, Limited, and TRD Pro—plus the two special editions.

Our test vehicle was a Tacoma TRD Pro Double Cab. The TRD Pro is the most off-road focused of the Tacoma models, so naturally, it gets standard 4WD drive. While Toyota does offer a more comfort-oriented Tacoma Limited model, the TRD Pro is also positioned at the top of the lineup.

Search for a Toyota Tacoma on CarGurus

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.5L 200 hp I4
2.7L 159 hp I4
Drive Train
4X2
4X2
Seating Capacity
4
4
Horsepower
200 hp @ 6300 rpm
159 hp @ 5200 rpm
MPG City
19
20
MPG Highway
25
23
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