2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2022 GMC Canyon
Overview | |
MSRP$30,100 | MSRP$26,800 |
Average price$39,478 | Average price$32,461 |
Listings3141 | Listings710 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews5.7 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.3 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Reviews SummaryGMC is the “professional grade” brand at General Motors, but that’s just marketing mumbo jumbo. The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is the same thing as a Chevrolet Silverado 1500, but with different styling and a handful of unique features, like an optional carbon-fiber composite cargo bed. This year, GMC makes several changes to its full-size light-duty pickup truck, none of them earth-shattering. This remains a fundamentally appealing truck in need of attention to the details. | |
2022 GMC Canyon Reviews SummaryCompared to full-size models, midsize pickups offer buyers the convenience of a truck at a more budget-friendly price. Sure, you sacrifice a bit in the way of interior space and capability, but for many buyers, the smaller footprint and increased efficiency make these midsize offerings more livable. The GMC Canyon—corporate cousin to the Chevrolet Colorado but with a more premium look and feel—gets a couple of changes for 2022. A new Denali Black Edition equipment package joins the options list, and the High Elevation package has been renamed Elevation Premium. The 2022 GMC Canyon is available in four trim levels: Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4, and Denali. We drove the off-road-focused AT4 model for this review. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle | Engine2.5L 200 hp I4 |
Drive Train4X2 | Drive Train4X2 |
Seating Capacity3 | Seating Capacity4 |
Horsepower | Horsepower200 hp @ 6300 rpm |
MPG City16 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway21 | MPG Highway25 |
Engine | |
Engine Name4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle | Engine Name2.5L 200 hp I4 |
Torque | Torque191 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
Horsepower | Horsepower200 hp @ 6300 rpm |
Drivetrain4X2 | Drivetrain4X2 |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City16 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway21 | MPG Highway25 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity3 | Seating Capacity4 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Bed Length98.2 in | Bed Length74.0 in |
Curb Weight4520 lbs | Curb Weight3950 lbs |
Height75.6 in | Height70.4 in |
Length229.6 in | Length212.4 in |
Width81.2 in | Width83.9 in |
Wheelbase139.6 in | Wheelbase128.3 in |
Maximum Payload2250 lbs | Maximum Payload1430 lbs |
Number of doors2 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity9900 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity7000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity7800 lbs | Standard Towing Capacity3500 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $30,100 | $26,800 |
Average price | $39,478 | $32,461 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 5.7 out of 10Read full review | 6.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | GMC is the “professional grade” brand at General Motors, but that’s just marketing mumbo jumbo. The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is the same thing as a Chevrolet Silverado 1500, but with different styling and a handful of unique features, like an optional carbon-fiber composite cargo bed. This year, GMC makes several changes to its full-size light-duty pickup truck, none of them earth-shattering. This remains a fundamentally appealing truck in need of attention to the details. | Compared to full-size models, midsize pickups offer buyers the convenience of a truck at a more budget-friendly price. Sure, you sacrifice a bit in the way of interior space and capability, but for many buyers, the smaller footprint and increased efficiency make these midsize offerings more livable. The GMC Canyon—corporate cousin to the Chevrolet Colorado but with a more premium look and feel—gets a couple of changes for 2022. A new Denali Black Edition equipment package joins the options list, and the High Elevation package has been renamed Elevation Premium. The 2022 GMC Canyon is available in four trim levels: Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4, and Denali. We drove the off-road-focused AT4 model for this review. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle | 2.5L 200 hp I4 |
Drive Train | 4X2 | 4X2 |
Seating Capacity | 3 | 4 |
Horsepower | 200 hp @ 6300 rpm | |
MPG City | 16 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 21 | 25 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle | 2.5L 200 hp I4 |
Torque | 191 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | |
Horsepower | 200 hp @ 6300 rpm | |
Drivetrain | 4X2 | 4X2 |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 16 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 21 | 25 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 3 | 4 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Bed Length | 98.2 in | 74.0 in |
Curb Weight | 4520 lbs | 3950 lbs |
Height | 75.6 in | 70.4 in |
Length | 229.6 in | 212.4 in |
Width | 81.2 in | 83.9 in |
Wheelbase | 139.6 in | 128.3 in |
Maximum Payload | 2250 lbs | 1430 lbs |
Number of doors | 2 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 9900 lbs | 7000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 7800 lbs | 3500 lbs |
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 was a standout for its styling and the upscale Denali trim level, which was often compared to owning a Mercedes in truck circles. The Sierra AT4, priced at $66,695 MSRP, was the off-road-ready version, featuring a factory-installed 2-inch suspension lift, off-road suspension with Rancho monotube shocks, skid plates, and a two-speed Autotrac transfer case. The truck's aggressive mud-terrain tires and unique design details like red front recovery hooks and body-color trim emphasized its rugged intent. Inside, the Sierra's cabin was dominated by black plastic with some caramel seat trim and metallic accents, reflecting a more industrial-themed design.
In contrast, the 2022 GMC Canyon offered a premium look and feel, especially in the luxury-oriented Denali trim. This trim featured a unique chrome grille, 20-inch diamond-cut machined alloy wheels, and a host of interior luxuries like heated and ventilated perforated front leather seats, open-pore Ash wood trim, and a Bose premium audio system. The rugged AT4 off-road version also came with premium features, including a black chrome grille, LED signature lighting, and premium heated leather front seats with Kalahari accents. The Canyon's material quality, both inside and out, was above expectations for its class, making it a strong contender in the midsize truck segment.
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder engine as a genuine bargain at $995. This engine produced 277 horsepower at 3,750 rpm and 460 pound-feet of torque starting at just 1,500 rpm. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Duramax engine provided impressive torque and smooth gear shifts. The Sierra's automatic four-wheel-drive system was easy to use, and during testing, it maintained impressive traction in various weather conditions, averaging a fuel economy of 21.1 mpg. The AT4's suspension handled tough terrains with ease, and the truck's towing capacity reached up to 9,300 pounds with a payload rating of 2,150 pounds.
The 2022 GMC Canyon, while not matching the performance of full-size trucks, offered three powertrains: a 200-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 308-hp 3.6-liter V6, and a 181-hp 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine with 369 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided abundant power and smooth shifts. The Canyon's AT4 version, equipped with 31-inch Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires and a special off-road suspension, offered stable handling and solid performance both on and off the pavement. The Canyon's towing capacity reached up to 7,700 pounds with the available Trailering package.
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500's crew cab offered large, supportive front seats with power adjustments, heated and cooled cushions, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seats were spacious, with heated cushions and rear air conditioning vents. The CarbonPro Edition option package added a carbon fiber composite cargo bed, saving 60 pounds of curb weight and improving dent, scratch, and corrosion resistance. The Sierra's bed held between 62.9 and 89.1 cubic feet of cargo, with up to 12 cargo tie-downs. However, the cab's storage space was less impressive compared to other full-size pickups.
The 2022 GMC Canyon was available with an extended cab and 6'2" bed or a crew cab with either a 5'2" or 6'2" bed. The crew cab offered spacious seating for rear passengers, while the extended cab's back seat was less commodious. The Canyon's seats were comfortable and supportive, with power adjustments and heat for the front seats. The AT4's taller ride height provided excellent visibility, and the cargo bed with two-tier loading and 13 tie-down points made carrying and securing gear easy. The integrated corner step rear bumper facilitated access to the pickup bed.
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 featured numerous camera-based technologies, including a surround-view camera, trailer- and bed-view cameras, and a rear camera mirror. The optional Technology Package added a 15-inch head-up display and an 8-inch driver information display. The Sierra's infotainment system offered a choice between a 7-inch and an 8-inch touchscreen display, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a navigation system. The Bose premium sound system was adequate but not as impressive as competitors' audio systems.
The 2022 GMC Canyon's Elevation Standard trim came with a 7-inch color touchscreen infotainment system, while the Elevation trim offered an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth streaming audio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The AT4 added a wireless smartphone charging pad, and the Denali trim included navigation, a high-definition rearview camera, and several driver-assist features. The Canyon's infotainment system with navigation included an 8-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, in-vehicle apps, and a Bose premium audio system.
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered optional forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking. The Denali trim included blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning, with lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a Safety Alert Seat available on other trims. Adaptive cruise control was optional for the Sierra SLT, AT4, and Denali. The Sierra earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings from the IIHS for front passenger protection and LATCH anchor accessibility.
The 2022 GMC Canyon's base Elevation Standard trim lacked advanced driver aids but included tire-fill alert and the Teen Driver system. The Driver Alert package, available on the Elevation and AT4 and standard on the Denali, included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear parking assistance. The Canyon earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in most crash tests, except for a "Poor" rating in the front passenger-side small overlap test and "Marginal" rating for LATCH anchors.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is 5.7 out of 10, while the 2022 GMC Canyon scores 6.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 GMC Canyon is the better choice, offering a more premium feel, better material quality, and a higher overall rating.
Choose the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 if:
- You need a full-size truck with a high towing capacity and payload rating.
- You prefer a truck with advanced camera-based technologies for improved visibility.
- You want a rugged off-road-ready version like the AT4 with premium features.
Choose the 2022 GMC Canyon if:
- You prefer a midsize truck with a premium look and feel, especially in the Denali trim.
- You need a truck with a comfortable and spacious crew cab for rear passengers.
- You want a capable off-road version like the AT4 with advanced off-road equipment.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is 5.7 out of 10, while the 2022 GMC Canyon scores 6.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 GMC Canyon is the better choice, offering a more premium feel, better material quality, and a higher overall rating.
Choose the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 if:
Shop Now- You need a full-size truck with a high towing capacity and payload rating.
- You prefer a truck with advanced camera-based technologies for improved visibility.
- You want a rugged off-road-ready version like the AT4 with premium features.
Choose the 2022 GMC Canyon if:
Shop Now- You prefer a midsize truck with a premium look and feel, especially in the Denali trim.
- You need a truck with a comfortable and spacious crew cab for rear passengers.
- You want a capable off-road version like the AT4 with advanced off-road equipment.

By: CarGurus + AI
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