2022 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2022 GMC Canyon

The 2022 GMC Canyon had a premium look and feel, especially in the Denali trim. This trim showcased a unique chrome grille, 20-inch diamond-cut machined alloy wheels, five-inch chrome assist steps, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation, 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 maintained a touch of luxury, featuring a black chrome grille, LED lighting, unique 17-inch wheels, and premium heated leather front seats. Despite descending the trim levels to Elevation and Elevation Standard, the Canyon still exceeded expectations in material quality.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 introduced new Denali Ultimate and AT4X variants, further expanding its premium appearance. The Sierra's updated grille, front fascia, and split-C headlights made it appear wider and more formidable. The Denali hosted a "tri-linear" grille design, whereas the Denali Ultimate offered dark-colored "Vader bars" inserts. Denali and Denali Ultimate featured new 22-inch wheel designs, and the SLT, AT4, and AT4X trims had less showy but equally intimidating grilles. The interior redesign, marked by the use of premium materials like full-grain leather and open-pore wood, gave the Sierra a more spacious and luxurious feel.

The 2022 GMC Canyon offered three powertrain options. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 200 horsepower, while the 3.6-liter V6 generated a robust 308 horsepower. For those seeking torque, the 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine delivered 181 horsepower with 369 pound-feet of torque, boasting a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds when equipped with the Trailering package. The V6 engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering abundant power and smooth shifting. The AT4’s off-road capabilities were enhanced with 31-inch Wrangler Duratrac tires, an off-road suspension, and several off-roading aids.

Conversely, the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 came with four engine options and improved performance. The 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produced 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, featuring an enhanced eight-speed automatic transmission for smoother shifts. The 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine offered 277 horsepower and 460-pound feet of torque, with an impressive towing rating of 13,200 pounds for 2WD models. The available 5.3-liter V8 produced 355 horsepower, and the 6.2-liter V8 boasted 420 horsepower. The Sierra provided a seamless driving experience with a 10-speed automatic transmission, excelling both on-road and off-road, particularly with the AT4X's added off-roading technology.

The 2022 GMC Canyon offered flexibility with its extended cab featuring a 6'2" bed and the crew cab with either a 5'2" or 6'2" bed. The crew cab provided ample space for rear-seat passengers, and the seats were comfortable. The cargo bed featured two-tier loading and 13 tie-down points, enhancing its utility. Although the Canyon's payload capacity was solid for its class, the rear seat of the extended cab was less spacious, making the crew cab a better option for carrying additional passengers.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 excelled in roominess and utility. With an unmatched cargo capacity, even the short bed managed to hold its own against competitors. Front headroom measured about 43 inches, and rear legroom in the crew cab was 43.4 inches, offering ample space for all passengers. The Sierra's myriad of storage compartments, including hidden seat compartments, provided practical utility. However, the numerous knobs and buttons on the dashboard could overwhelm some drivers. Despite this, massaging seats added a touch of luxury, enhancing the driving experience over long distances.

The 2022 GMC Canyon wasn’t overwhelmed with the latest tech but covered the basics well. The Elevation Standard trim featured a 7-inch color touchscreen, while the Elevation and higher trims added an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The AT4 added a wireless charging pad, and the Denali trim included navigation, a high-definition rearview camera, and several driver-assist features. The available Amazon Alexa Built-In provided additional hands-free functionality.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 ramped up technology with larger display screens, including a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a 13.4-inch touchscreen with Google built-in. All Sierra models came with wireless device charging. The Denali trims featured an interactive start-up screen displaying topographical maps. The infotainment system offered a clean display, though it could be confusing when using smartphone navigation. Available options included a 15-inch multicolor head-up display and a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system, enhancing the tech-heavy driving experience.

The 2022 GMC Canyon’s safety features were more sparse at lower trims. The base Elevation Standard lacked advanced driver aids but included essential features like tire-fill alert and the Teen Driver system. Higher trims offered the Driver Alert package, comprising forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear park assist. However, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and other advanced safety features were notably absent.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 boasted GM’s Super Cruise, a highly intuitive Level 2 autonomous driving system, as a standard feature in the Denali Ultimate. Super Cruise allowed for automatic lane changes and trailering. GMC Pro Safety, the automaker’s suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, was standard across the lineup, including forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Sierra received mostly "Good" safety ratings from the IIHS and solid ratings from the NHTSA.