2022 GMC Canyon vs 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, redesigned for the 2020 model year, boasted a bold exterior with a tall hood, squared-off lines, and a massive grille, giving it a commanding presence. While its exterior design was considered one of the better-looking heavy-duty trucks, the interior had some shortcomings. The material quality, especially in top trims, didn't quite match up to competitors like Ram and Ford. Despite being spacious, the cabin wasn't as roomy as those of the Ram 1500 and Ford Super Duty. The Sierra 2500HD was available in five trim levels, each offering a distinct look and feel, with options for regular, extended, and crew cab body styles. The AT4 trim, which we tested, featured rugged off-road styling with black chrome accents, C-shaped LED lighting, and a premium interior with Jet Black and Kalahari upholstery, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a Bose audio system.

The 2022 GMC Canyon, introduced in 2015, offered a premium look and feel, especially in the luxury-oriented Denali trim. This trim featured a unique chrome grille, 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and a host of luxury features like heated and ventilated leather seats, open-pore Ash wood trim, and a Bose audio system. Even the rugged AT4 off-road version came with premium features, including a black chrome grille, LED lighting, and premium leather seats with Kalahari accents. The Canyon's material quality was above expectations for its class, and the cabin was inviting and luxurious, even in the more rugged trims. The Canyon's design was bold and capable, making it a strong contender in the midsize truck segment.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD was equipped with powerful engines, including a 6.6-liter V8 and an optional Duramax diesel engine, delivering 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque. Despite its impressive specs, it was considered less capable than some competitors in the heavy-duty segment. The Sierra 2500HD had a maximum payload capacity of 3,597 pounds and could tow up to 18,500 pounds. The Allison 10-speed automatic transmission paired with the Duramax diesel provided smooth shifts and abundant power. The AT4 trim, with its off-road equipment, handled off-road courses with ease, though the ride was jittery on uneven pavement. The Sierra 2500HD's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like an automatic-locking rear differential, a two-speed transfer case, and all-terrain tires.

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 engine with 369 pound-feet of torque. The V6 and turbodiesel engines had a maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds with the Trailering package. The Canyon's performance was competent, with the V6 providing abundant power and smooth shifts from the eight-speed automatic transmission. The AT4 trim, equipped with off-road features like Duratrac tires and a special suspension, offered stable handling and solid performance both on and off the pavement. The Canyon's off-road capabilities were further enhanced by the AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition package, making it a worthy rival to the Jeep Gladiator.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered three cab configurations and two pickup bed lengths, accommodating up to six passengers. The interior was spacious, with ample headroom, legroom, and storage options, including a wide center console and dual glove boxes. The AT4 package added extra lift, making entry a bit challenging, but side assist steps and a corner-step rear bumper aided access. The Sierra 2500HD featured a MultiPro tailgate with six functions for improved cargo access and a 120-volt power outlet for convenience.

The 2022 GMC Canyon was available in extended and crew cab configurations, with bed lengths of 5'2" or 6'2". The crew cab offered spacious seating for rear passengers, while the extended cab was less accommodating. The Canyon's SUV-like seat height made entry and exit easy. The interior featured comfortable, supportive seats with power adjustments and heating for the front seats. The AT4 trim provided excellent visibility and stress-free backing with a rearview camera and park assist. The cargo bed offered two-tier loading and 13 tie-down points for easy gear management.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered a range of infotainment systems with 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreens, depending on the trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on SLT and above, with navigation available on higher trims. The Sierra 2500HD featured hitch guidance, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, a WiFi hotspot, and OnStar services. The Bose premium audio system provided rich sound, though the voice-recognition system had some quirks. The Sierra's 15 camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view, enhanced safety and convenience.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's technology offerings included a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The AT4 trim added a wireless charging pad, while the Denali trim included navigation and a high-definition rearview camera. Available tech features included Amazon Alexa Built-In, SiriusXM, a WiFi hotspot, and OnStar telematics. The Canyon's infotainment system was user-friendly, and the Bose audio system delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered a range of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Standard features included HD Surround Vision, a rear-seat reminder, and a Teen Driver system. The Sierra's mass provided safety in collisions but posed risks to smaller vehicles and pedestrians. Due to its high GVWR, the Sierra 2500HD was not rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's safety features varied by trim level. The base Elevation Standard lacked advanced driver aids but included tire-fill alert and the Teen Driver system. The Driver Alert package, available on higher trims, added forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning. The Canyon received four out of five stars for overall crash protection from NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, though it had some shortcomings in crash avoidance and mitigation.