2022 GMC Canyon vs 2023 Jeep Gladiator

The 2022 GMC Canyon, introduced in its current generation in 2015, boasted a premium look and feel, especially in the luxury-oriented Denali trim. This version featured 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. Even the rugged AT4 off-road version came with premium features like a black chrome grille, LED signature lighting, unique 17-inch wheels, and premium heated leather front seats with Kalahari accents. The AT4's cabin was inviting and luxurious, while its exterior exuded a bold, capable look.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator maintained its rugged, utilitarian aesthetic with minimal changes. The new Gladiator Freedom Edition honored American servicemen and servicewomen, featuring gloss black wheels, body-color fender flares, a winch-capable steel front bumper, steel rock rails, LED headlights, and cloth seats with leather trim. The Gladiator lineup included nine trim levels, with the Mojave model designed for high-speed desert driving. The Mojave featured Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, a 1-inch front suspension lift, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and a locking rear differential. Inside, the Gladiator's cabin was basic but functional, with plenty of plastic and rubber surfaces that could withstand getting wet and dirty. The Mojave added orange air vent surrounds, contrast stitching, and fabric seats with patterned inserts and orange Mojave lettering, enhancing the cabin's quality.

The 2022 GMC Canyon 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 lb-ft of torque. The latter two engines had a maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds with the available Trailering package. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available on all trims. The V6 engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided abundant power and smooth shifts. The AT4's off-road equipment, including 31-inch Wrangler Duratrac tires, an Autotrac two-speed electronic transfer case, and hill-descent control, made it a capable off-roader.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator offered two engines: a 285-hp 3.6-liter V6 and a 260-hp 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 with 442 lb-ft of torque. The gas V6 could be paired with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel came with the eight-speed automatic. The Mojave model featured Command-Trac part-time four-wheel drive with a locking rear differential. The Gladiator's powertrain delivered good low-speed throttle response but only adequate passing power. The Mojave's Fox shocks excelled on rough terrain, providing a smooth ride even on rutted and rumpled surfaces. However, the Gladiator's length made it challenging to navigate tight spaces, and its on-center steering slop required constant corrections on the highway.

The 2022 GMC Canyon was available with an extended cab and a 6'2" bed or a crew cab with either a 5'2" or 6'2" bed. The crew cab offered ample space for rear-seat passengers, while the extended cab's back seat was less accommodating. The Canyon's seats were comfortable and supportive, with power adjustments and heating 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 enhanced its utility.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator's crew cab had narrow rear doors, making entry and exit challenging. The manually height-adjustable driver's seat required regular re-adjustment, and the rear seats were roomy but had plastic front seatback panels that could cause discomfort for taller passengers. Storage options included netting on the door panels, four cupholders, a dashboard tray, and a deep but narrow center armrest bin. The Gladiator's five-foot cargo box had a 35.5 cubic-foot capacity, with available features like a spray-in bedliner, tonneau cover, and Trail Rail Management System. The truck's best-in-class payload capacity was 1,710 pounds.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's Elevation Standard trim featured a 7-inch color touchscreen infotainment system, while the Elevation trim upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The AT4 added a wireless smartphone charging pad, and the Denali trim included 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. The optional GMC infotainment system with navigation and the Bose premium audio system provided a user-friendly experience and excellent sound quality.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator's standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a USB data and charging port, and an eight-speaker stereo. An 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation, connected services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Alexa integration, and SiriusXM satellite radio was available. The Mojave model featured Off-Road+ driving mode, a TrailCam forward-facing camera, and Off-Road Pages for adventure data. Additional tech included passive keyless entry and a dual-zone automatic climate control system with an air filter. However, the voice recognition system was unreliable.

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, added forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear parking assistance. The Canyon earned four out of five stars for overall crash protection from the NHTSA and received mixed ratings from the IIHS, with a "Poor" rating for its headlights and front crash prevention.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator offered minimal standard safety features, with optional packages adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Gladiator earned a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection from the NHTSA, but its headlights received "Marginal" ratings from the IIHS.