2022 GMC Canyon vs 2021 Toyota Tundra

The 2021 Toyota Tundra had a somewhat awkward appearance compared to other new trucks. Developed in the mid-2000s and released for the 2007 model year, it reflected a transitional period for truck design, evolving into the "biggie-biggie" style that dominates today. The Tundra featured a massive grille paired with disproportionately small headlights, creating an oversized yet modern look, especially with the "Cement" paint color and blacked-out wheels and badging. Inside, the cabin was dated but functional, with hard plastics and large monotone panels. Despite its mid-2010s styling, the Tundra's interior was user-friendly, with all buttons and dials within easy reach. The infotainment system, updated in 2020, included a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, making it a critical update for modern drivers.

The 2022 GMC Canyon, on the other hand, 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 premium interior features like heated and ventilated perforated front leather seats, open-pore Ash wood trim, and a Bose premium audio system. Even the rugged AT4 off-road version came with premium touches such as 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 the class, providing a luxurious and inviting cabin environment.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came standard with Toyota’s I-Force 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 391 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered a towing capacity of 10,200 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,730 pounds. While the towing capacity was below that of competitors like the Ford F-150, the Tundra's V8 provided strong acceleration and confident performance in various driving scenarios. The truck was comfortable over most surfaces, with a width that prevented it from feeling top-heavy in corners. The steering was vague at low speeds but settled in on the highway, making it ideal for cruising.

The 2022 GMC Canyon offered three powertrains: a 200-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 308-horsepower 3.6-liter V6, and a 181-horsepower 2.8-liter turbodiesel with 369 pound-feet of torque. The V6 and turbodiesel engines had a maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds with the Trailering package. Our test vehicle, a Canyon AT4 4WD with the V6/eight-speed automatic combination, provided abundant power and smooth shifts. The 2.8-liter turbodiesel, tested previously, offered robust towing capabilities and good fuel economy. The AT4's off-road tires were noisy at highway speeds but didn't compromise on-road grip, and the truck felt solid and steady both on and off the pavement. The AT4's off-road equipment, including a suspension-leveling kit and skid plates, made it a capable off-roader.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra was available in two cab sizes and three bed sizes. The Double Cab had conventionally-opening rear doors and came with either a 6.5-foot or 8.1-foot bed. The CrewMax, a full four-door crew cab, featured a 5.5-foot bed and offered massive interior space, with rear seat legroom comparable to first class on an airliner. The rear seats folded up for additional cargo space, and the front seats provided plenty of room with a large center console. The optional in-bed storage lockers, while not as useful as the RamBox system, offered secure storage. The power rear window, a standout feature, provided clear sightlines and fresh air.

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 felt spacious, even for rear-seat passengers, while the extended cab's back seat was less commodious. The rear folding bench seat allowed for additional storage. The Canyon's seat height made getting in and out easy, and the seats were comfortable and supportive, with power adjustments and heat for the front seats. The AT4's taller ride height provided excellent visibility, and features like a rearview camera and rear park assist made maneuvering easy. The cargo bed's two-tier loading and 13 tie-down points simplified gear storage, and the integrated corner step rear bumper facilitated bed access.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra's infotainment system, updated in 2020, included a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system was user-friendly, with a sensible layout and redundant hard buttons. The truck also came with multiple USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and a three-month trial of WiFi hotspot capability. The standard six-speaker stereo was upgraded to seven speakers on the Double Cab and nine on the CrewMax, with an available JBL premium audio system offering 12 speakers, including a subwoofer and amplifier.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's technology offerings varied by trim. The Elevation Standard trim featured a 7-inch color touchscreen infotainment system, while the Elevation trim added an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The AT4 included a wireless smartphone charging pad, and the Denali trim added navigation, a high-definition rearview camera, and several driver-assist features. Available tech included Amazon Alexa Built-In, SiriusXM satellite radio, a WiFi hotspot, and OnStar telematics. Our AT4 test vehicle had the optional GMC infotainment system with navigation, voice recognition, and a Bose premium audio system, which provided a straightforward and enjoyable user experience.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came standard with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included forward-collision warning and avoidance, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Tundra also came standard with eight airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, trailer sway control, and an integrated trailer brake controller.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's safety features varied by trim. The base Elevation Standard trim included tire-fill alert and the Teen Driver system, which helped parents monitor their teen's driving habits. 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. However, features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning were not available. The Canyon earned four out of five stars for overall crash protection from the NHTSA and received mixed ratings from the IIHS, with some areas needing improvement.