2021 GMC Canyon vs 2022 GMC Canyon

The 2021 and 2022 GMC Canyon shared many design elements, emphasizing a handsome and utilitarian approach in their looks. The 2021 GMC Canyon, a part of the second generation that debuted in 2015, received a much-needed refresh in its design, incorporating a larger grille and a revised front bumper that aligned it more closely with the aesthetic of its larger sibling, the GMC Sierra. This update gave the 2021 Canyon a more modern and cohesive look, though the interior remained largely unchanged. It continued to face off against an aging competitive set that included the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma, with more recent additions in the market like the Ford Ranger and Jeep Gladiator.

Inside, the 2021 GMC Canyon put functionality first, featuring a practical control layout. Despite this focus on usability, the cabin materials were less than extraordinary, with hard plastics and mediocre fit-and-finish. However, the interior design mirrored the larger Sierra, helping it to appear less dated than it might otherwise have been. The trims available in 2021 were Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4, and Denali, which ranged from basic to highly equipped.

The 2021 trims offered varied aesthetics and features:

• Elevation Standard: Featured 18-inch gloss-black aluminum wheels, LED running lights, manually adjustable front seats, a 7-inch touchscreen, and a simple yet functional design.
• Elevation Trim: Added LED fog lights, remote start, a six-way power driver's seat, and optional upgrades commonly found in higher trims.
• AT4 Trim: Positioned as the off-road variant, boasting 17-inch dark metallic aluminum wheels, all-terrain tires, red tow hooks, off-road suspension, and underbody skid plates.
• Denali Trim: At the top of the range, included polished aluminum wheels, chrome accents, a premium audio system, heated and cooled front seats, and an 8-inch infotainment system.

For 2022, the GMC Canyon continued to emphasize a premium look, especially notable with the Denali trim. This version featured a unique chrome grille, 20-inch diamond-cut machined alloy wheels, five-inch chrome assist steps, perforated leather seating with heating and ventilation, open-pore Ash wood trim, and more. Even the rugged AT4 trim came with premium touches, such as a black chrome grille, unique wheels, heated leather seats with embroidered accents, and an available Bose audio system.

As with the 2021 model, the 2022 Canyon maintained a mix of trims with different levels of luxury and functionality:

• AT4 Trim: Featured a bold, capable exterior with quality interior materials like the soft-touch instrument panel and premium seating.
• Elevation Standard and Elevation Trims: Simplified material quality yet provided a decent level of refinement for the class.
• Denali Trim: Combined luxury and utility with standout features like a high-end infotainment system and audio setup.

Comparing the 2021 and 2022 GMC Canyon performance, both models offered similar powertrains with slight modifications.

In the 2021 GMC Canyon, the standard engine was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Those looking for more power could opt for the 3.6-liter V6 engine that mustered 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, there was a 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel engine option, delivering 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The performance of the V6 was decent, giving the truck a fair bit of punch when needed, although the throttle response wasn't always the best. The turbodiesel offered impressive towing capabilities, rated up to 7,700 pounds, shared with the Chevy Colorado for best-in-class towing capacity. However, it was hindered somewhat by a six-speed transmission, limiting its ability to stay within the optimal powerband.

For 2022, the GMC Canyon offered the same three powertrain choices:

• A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower.
• A 3.6-liter V6 engine boasting 308 horsepower.
• A 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.

The available Trailering package aided the Canyon in achieving a maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds for the diesel and V6 engines, making them very capable for their size. Our 2022 Canyon AT4 test vehicle, equipped with the V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, showcased ample power output, brisk acceleration, and seamless shifting.

Off-road, the 2022 AT4 trim excelled similarly to its 2021 counterpart, with the added advantages of modern off-roading gear like 31-inch Wrangler Duratrac tires and special off-road suspensions, offering commendable trail competence.

Both the 2021 and 2022 GMC Canyon provided configurations catering to different needs, available in Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles.

The 2021 GMC Canyon's Extended Cab had limited rear-seat accommodations, best suited for children or small cargo. On the other hand, the Crew Cab variant offered a more practical four-door setup, although rear-seat space remained somewhat confined. The driving position gave a good view of the road, but the seat adjustments were awkward. Storage options included small center console spaces, modest door trays, and decent center cupholders. The 2021 model offered a long (6-foot-2) bed with the Extended Cab and the option of either a short (5-foot-2) or long bed with the Crew Cab. Features like the CornerStep rear bumper and EZ lift-and-lower tailgate enhanced the truck's usability.

For 2022, these configurations persisted. The Extended Cab still offered a limited rear seat best for short or small cargo, but the Crew Cab was roomier, catering to taller passengers in the back. Notably, the 2022 Crew Cab featured additional storage underneath the folding rear bench seat. Entry and exit were easier compared to full-size trucks, thanks to the Canyon's crossover SUV-like seat height. Both front seats offered power adjustments in our test vehicle, enhancing comfort. The taller ride height of the 2022 AT4 improved visibility, and the corner step rear bumper was handy for accessing the cargo bed.

Payload and towing capabilities for both model years were noteworthy. The 2021 Canyon had a payload capacity of 1,605 pounds, performing above average in its segment. The 2022 Canyon shared similar traits, also emphasizing practical two-tier loading and tie-down points in the bed for ease of cargo management.

The 2021 GMC Canyon offered a range of tech features, beginning with a 7-inch touchscreen standard across trims, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This setup was user-friendly, with helpful hard buttons and dials for ease of use. The Elevation trim and up could be equipped with an 8-inch screen. The Denali trim added further tech features, including navigation, HD radio, a wireless charging pad, and a 4.2-inch color driver display.

Similarly, the 2022 Canyon was not brimming with cutting-edge tech but included sufficient modern features. The Elevation Standard trim had a basic 7-inch touchscreen, while the Elevation trim enlarged this to 8 inches, adding Bluetooth streaming audio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The AT4 trim introduced a wireless charging pad, and the Denali offered a navigation system, high-definition rearview camera, and additional driver-assist features. Enhanced tech features across the range included Amazon Alexa Built-In and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The optional GMC infotainment system with navigation ensured robust connectivity and ease of use in our test vehicle.

For standard safety, the 2021 GMC Canyon included a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring, front and side airbags, traction control, and the Teen Driver system. The Driver Alert package was optional on lower trims and included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear parking assist. The top Denali trim came with an HD backup camera and Hitch Guidance, aiding in safer towing operations.

In comparison, the 2022 GMC Canyon also had basic standard safety gear, including a tire-fill alert and Teen Driver system. The Driver Alert package, available on higher trims, covered forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear parking assistance. However, advanced features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking were notably absent. Safety ratings showed four out of five stars overall from NHTSA. However, certain IIHS ratings highlighted flaws, including "Poor" in the front passenger-side small overlap test and "Basic" for front crash prevention, admitting a need for improvement in safety features.