2022 Ford Maverick vs 2021 GMC Canyon

The 2021 GMC Canyon, a midsize pickup, had been around since its second generation debuted in 2015. After a six-year run, it received its first refresh, which included an enlarged grille and a revised front bumper, aligning it more closely with the full-size 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 were also aging. The interior of the Canyon prioritized functionality over luxury, featuring a sensible layout with hard plastics and average fit-and-finish. The truck offered various trims, including the base Elevation Standard, the off-road-inspired AT4, and the range-topping Denali, each with distinct features and equipment.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Maverick presented a more conventional pickup appearance, drawing inspiration from larger Ford trucks like the F-150 and Ranger. However, its front end deviated from the typical Ford design with large headlights and a unique grille crossbar. The Maverick was smaller than the Ford Ranger, with a unibody platform shared with the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport, contributing to its car-like driving dynamics. The interior of the Maverick was notable for its creative use of materials and design, incorporating multicolored plastics and exposed fasteners. It offered a range of trims, including the base XL, XLT, and Lariat, with options for luxury packages and a First Edition package for the 2022 model year.

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 engine, standard on the AT4 and Denali trims, delivered 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, a 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel engine was available, offering 181 horsepower and a robust 369 pound-feet of torque. The Canyon's base engine struggled with performance, making the V6 a more appealing choice, although it required aggressive throttle input for lively acceleration. The Duramax engine provided substantial torque but was limited by its six-speed transmission. The AT4 trim, equipped with the V6 and four-wheel drive, excelled in off-road conditions while maintaining decent on-road manners. The Canyon's towing capacity reached up to 7,700 pounds with the turbodiesel engine, and it boasted a payload capacity of 1,605 pounds.

The 2022 Ford Maverick featured a standard hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), producing a combined 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. An optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid model was available only with front-wheel drive, while the EcoBoost offered front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The Maverick's FX4 off-road package, available on AWD XLT and Lariat trims, added off-road enhancements. The Maverick's unibody construction contributed to a smoother ride compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks. The hybrid powertrain provided a more refined driving experience, while the EcoBoost offered greater towing capacity and spirited 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 cargo. The Crew Cab offered four full doors and more usable rear-seat space. The Canyon's driving position was commanding, but seat adjustment could be awkward. Interior storage included a center console, small door trays, and decently sized cupholders. The truck 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 featured GM's CornerStep rear bumper for easy bed access and an EZ lift-and-lower tailgate with remote power locking.

The 2022 Ford Maverick was exclusively available in a four-door crew-cab configuration, offering more legroom than the Toyota Tacoma and Hyundai Santa Cruz. The Maverick excelled in interior storage, with numerous cubbies, under-seat storage, and a large storage bin. Ford's FITS (Ford Integrated Tether System) allowed for customizable accessories. The Maverick's 4.5-foot bed, while shorter than the Ranger's, offered a 1,500-pound payload capacity and included features like an in-bed power outlet and tailgate tiedowns. The FlexBed system provided versatile storage solutions, and the multi-position tailgate allowed for secure transport of large items. The Maverick's towing capacity reached 4,000 pounds with the EcoBoost engine.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the latest GMC infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered crisp graphics and an intuitive menu layout, with physical buttons and dials for ease of use. An optional 8-inch screen was available 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 for easy access to vehicle settings and information.

The 2022 Ford Maverick featured the older Sync 3 infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but not wireless versions. An 8-inch touchscreen was standard, along with a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system's graphics and functions were basic, but the screen size was appropriate for the Maverick's price point. The Maverick included a large phone slot with available wireless charging and a stand-up slot for cable management. Hybrids featured a brake-coaching feature to optimize regenerative braking.

The 2021 GMC Canyon offered standard safety features such as a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system, front-and-side-impact airbags, traction control, and the Teen Driver system. The optional Driver Alert package included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear parking alert, standard on the Denali. The Denali also featured an upgraded HD backup camera and Hitch Guidance for towing assistance.

The 2022 Ford Maverick's crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time. Standard safety features under the Ford Co-Pilot360 banner included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Optional extras included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane centering, and evasive steering assist.