2022 Toyota Tundra vs 2021 GMC Canyon

The second-generation GMC Canyon, which had its debut as a 2015 model after taking a two-year pause, faced a pressing need for revitalization by 2021. Given the lackluster performance of its first generation, the break likely served as a useful reset. By 2021, the Canyon obtained its first noticeable refresh, which included an enlarged grille and a revised front bumper, aligning it more closely with its larger sibling, the GMC Sierra. However, these were just about the only significant aesthetic changes. Though this slow pace of updates could've been detrimental in the hyper-competitive full-size truck market, the midsize pickup space seemed less demanding. Rivals such as the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma had also gone years without significant updates. Thus, the Canyon, with a utilitarian but functional interior trimmed with hard plastics and adequate fit-and-finish, remained relatively appealing. Trim levels for the Canyon included Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4, and Denali. Each trim offered incremental upgrades in terms of features and visual appeal, such as off-road enhancements in the AT4 and premium touches in the Denali.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra arrived as the beginning of its third generation, representing a complete overhaul compared to its predecessor, which had been around since 2008. Toyota redesigned and re-engineered almost every part of the Tundra. The exterior boasted a more dynamic, expressive appearance, highlighted by a large hexagonal grille with different finishes based on the trim level. The TRD Pro trim stood out with a retro "TOYOTA" badge and unique technical camo patterns. In terms of trim-specific details, subtle differences in stance and styling cues were apparent. Inside, the Tundra aimed for a premium feel with better materials and more advanced features, including a large 14-inch touchscreen display available on higher trims.

The 2021 GMC Canyon offered a trio of engines. The base model started with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Higher trims, such as the AT4 and Denali, benefited from a more robust 3.6-liter V6 engine that produced 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, there was a 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel option producing 181 horsepower but an impressive 369 pound-feet of torque, though constrained by a six-speed automatic transmission. The Canyon's towing capacity peaked at 7,700 pounds with the diesel engine, while its payload topped out at 1,605 pounds. The AT4 trim particularly excelled in off-road conditions, equipped with features like an automatic locking rear differential and hill-descent control.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra introduced two new engines, moving away from its previously standard 5.7-liter V8. The base engine was a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 known as the i-Force, which generated 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque (348 hp and 405 lb-ft in the SR). The standout option was the i-Force Max, a hybrid variant of the same V6 combined with an electric motor-generator, producing 437 horsepower and an astounding 583 pound-feet of torque. Both powertrains employed a 10-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy estimates predicted 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway for RWD models with the i-Force engine, though official ratings were pending for hybrid models. The Tundra's new chassis and suspension dramatically improved its on-road handling and ride quality, thanks to an independent double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension with coil springs replacing the previous leaf springs option.

The 2021 GMC Canyon provided both Extended Cab and Crew Cab configurations. The Extended Cab included rear-hinged half-doors and limited rear-seat space suitable primarily for storage or small children. The Crew Cab offered more rear-seat room but was still not overly spacious. The Canyon came in two bed lengths: a 5-foot-2-inch short box and a 6-foot-2-inch long box, with the Crew Cab offering both options. The Extended Cab was restricted to the long box. Notably, the Canyon featured GM's CornerStep rear bumper for easier bed access and an optional EZ lift-and-lower tailgate. With a payload capacity reaching 1,605 pounds and towing capacity topping out at 7,700 pounds, the Canyon was a workhorse in the midsize truck market.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra was available in Double Cab and CrewMax versions, both of which were four-door configurations. The Double Cab provided 33.3 inches of rear seat legroom, while the CrewMax offered a generous 41.6 inches. There was no two-door Regular Cab model. Bed sizes varied from 5.5-foot to 8.1-foot depending on the cab configuration. All Tundra models featured a new aluminum-reinforced composite bed, saving weight and enhancing durability. The Tundra’s payload capacity could reach up to 1,980 pounds, while its towing capacity maxed out at 12,000 pounds, surpassing many competitors. The Tundra also included advanced towing features like trailer sway control, TOW/HAUL mode, and a new trailer backup guide system on higher trims. In the cabin, smart storage solutions, such as a sliding tray in the center console and strategically placed 12-volt power outlets, further underscored Toyota’s consumer-focused approach.

In the 2021 GMC Canyon, technology was led by the infotainment system. The Canyon standardly came with a 7-inch touchscreen featuring the latest GMC software, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interface was user-friendly, aided by physical buttons and dials. Higher trims like the Elevation and AT4 offered an optional 8-inch screen, while the Denali trim included it as standard, along with navigation, HD radio, a wireless charging pad, and a 4.2-inch color driver display operated via the steering wheel.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra emphasized a significant technological leap from its predecessor, much-needed given the gap since its last major update in 2008. A new infotainment system, standard with an 8-inch touchscreen and six or nine speakers, marked the entry-level SR and SR5 trims. A more expansive 14-inch touchscreen became standard on higher trims, with a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system available. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims, as were a range of Toyota Connected services. Higher trims also benefited from features like a head-up display, multi-terrain select system with crawl control, and a versatile multi-terrain monitor system, enhancing the Tundra's off-road capabilities.

The 2021 GMC Canyon included essential safety features such as a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring, front-and-side-impact airbags, traction control, and the Teen Driver system. The optional Driver Alert package expanded the feature set to include forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear parking alert, standard on the Denali trim. The Denali also upgraded the rearview camera to HD and added Hitch Guidance for better towing assistance.

For the 2022 Toyota Tundra, Toyota equipped all models with the latest Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5) suite. This included features like a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. Standard safety systems also covered enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart-stop technology. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring were available on most trims, and the cabin included eight airbags, LATCH connectors, child-protector rear door locks, and various driver aids, rounding out an impressive safety package.