2022 Ford Maverick vs 2023 GMC Canyon

The 2022 Ford Maverick had a distinctive design that set it apart from other vehicles in the same segment. Unlike the Hyundai Santa Cruz, the Maverick embraced a more conventional pickup look. Its exterior design drew parallels to larger Ford trucks like the F-150 and Ranger, with pronounced wheel arches and taillights. The front end, however, deviated from the Ford truck norm with large headlights and a unique grille crossbar, giving it a bit of an unconventional touch without making a strong styling statement. The Maverick was notably smaller than the Ford Ranger, measuring 199.7 inches in length and standing at 68.7 inches tall. It utilized a unibody platform shared with the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport, which was different from the traditional body-on-frame construction of larger trucks. The base model featured 17-inch steel wheels, with higher trims offering 17-inch or 18-inch alloy options.

Inside, the Maverick stood out for making affordability stylish. Its interior, heavily reliant on plastic, cleverly incorporated multicolored, speckled materials that appeared playful and fun. Even the base XL trim had woven-patterned seats, while higher trims offered leather upholstery and additional luxuries like a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel and heated seats through optional packages.

The 2023 GMC Canyon took a different approach, aiming for an aggressive, tough look. With squinting headlights and a bulldog-like grille, the Canyon presented an almost combative stance. This muscular appearance was echoed in its bulging body sides, giving it a robust look.

Dimensionally, the Canyon was larger than its predecessor and shared a platform with the Chevy Colorado. It featured an "Ultra Wide Track" for better stance and stability, and all models came with a factory lift kit. Specific trims like the Elevation, AT4, and Denali had a two-inch lift, while the AT4X had a three-inch lift for superior ground clearance. The Denali trim offered a luxury touch with laser-etched wood trim and leather upholstery, a rare feature in the midsize segment. The AT4X interior was equally dramatic, featuring bold red-and-white upholstery and dashboard trim that broke the monotony of typical truck interiors.

The 2022 Ford Maverick came standard with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup delivered a system output of 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. An optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine was also available, producing 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid model was front-wheel drive (FWD) only, while the EcoBoost offered both FWD and an all-wheel drive (AWD) option. The Maverick's FX4 off-road package included additional underbody protection and specific drive modes for off-road conditions. On the road, the unibody platform provided a ride quality that outshined most body-on-frame trucks, making the Maverick feel more like a compact car or crossover. Despite its taller hood affecting forward visibility slightly, parking and maneuvering remained relatively easy due to its smaller size.

The 2023 GMC Canyon focused on a single powertrain option: a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering a robust 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Canyon offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) on the base Elevation trim, with an available four-wheel drive (4WD) system that became standard on higher trims. The 4WD system varied, with the AT4X featuring advanced off-road capabilities such as electronic lockers, skid plates, and specific drive modes. The Canyon's road performance was commendable, offering a solid on-road presence and refined engine performance. The AT4X model, in particular, demonstrated exceptional off-road prowess, managing varied terrains with ease and showcasing its versatile capabilities.

The 2022 Ford Maverick was available exclusively in a four-door crew-cab configuration, offering generous interior space compared to its rivals. With more legroom than the larger Toyota Tacoma and slightly better legroom than the Hyundai Santa Cruz, the Maverick was a comfortable choice for passengers. It excelled in interior storage, providing numerous cubbies, bins, and innovative storage solutions like the Ford Integrated Tether System (FITS) for customizable accessories. The 4.5-foot bed, while shorter than the Ranger's, still offered practical features like tailgate tiedowns, an in-bed power outlet, and a respectable 1,500-pound payload capacity. Towing capabilities reached 4,000 pounds for non-hybrid models, positioning the Maverick as a capable option within its price range.

The 2023 GMC Canyon, available only as a crew cab with a 5.2-foot bed, also provided ample interior space for a midsize truck. It boasted commendable front-row legroom, second only to the Honda Ridgeline and Jeep Gladiator, with competitive headroom. The innovative MultiStow tailgate added a unique storage compartment, albeit with limited utility due to its size and shape. The lack of a telescoping steering wheel or power-adjustable front seats seemed out of place for a brand positioned as premium.

In terms of capability, the Canyon impressed with a 7,700-pound towing capacity, although this varied slightly across trims. Its payload capacity reached 1,640 pounds for RWD Elevation models, an improvement over its predecessor but still trailing some competitors like the Ford Ranger.

For the 2022 Maverick, Ford opted for the older Sync 3 infotainment system. This system featured an 8-inch touchscreen along with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (though not wireless versions). Additionally, the Maverick included a built-in WiFi hotspot and had useful storage slots for phones with available wireless charging. Despite lacking advanced functionalities like embedded navigation, the system covered essential needs for everyday use. Hybrid models also had a brake-coaching feature, encouraging efficient regenerative braking.

The 2023 GMC Canyon took a tech-forward approach. It featured an 11.3-inch touchscreen infused with Google Built-In functionality, offering an intuitive experience with Google Maps and other Google apps. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, creating a seamless tech environment. Higher trims included an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 6.3-inch head-up display. For off-road enthusiasts, the Off-Road Performance Display provided detailed readouts, including pitch and roll angles, g-forces, and more. The surround-view camera system, especially with its underbody camera, was a standout feature for navigating tough terrains.

The 2022 Ford Maverick did not yet have crash-test ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of the article. However, its standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams under the Ford Co-Pilot360 banner. Optional features encompassed adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane centering, and evasive steering assist.

Similarly, the 2023 GMC Canyon lacked crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA due to its recent redesign. The Canyon Pro Safety Package came standard, offering automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and other driver aids. Higher trims and additional packages introduced advanced features like blind-zone steering assist, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The Safety Alert Seat, providing haptic feedback, was exclusive to Denali and AT4X models.