2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2023 GMC Canyon

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 had a design that sparked mixed emotions. While some previous generations' designs aged gracefully, the current iteration left critics puzzled. Its small headlights, coupled with a body panel piece jutting into the grille, gave it a bizarre look. Some viewed its aggressive styling as overcompensated, drawing comparisons to toys, specifically Transformers. However, Chevrolet offered several appearance packages like the Rally Edition, Midnight Edition, and Redline Edition to add some distinctive visuals.

Inside, the Silverado 1500 presented a more welcoming atmosphere. The controls were intuitive, placing functionality above all else. Notably, there were two distinct interior layouts based on the trim. Trims such as the WT (Work Truck) and Custom retained the interiors from the pre-2022 facelift, featuring a smaller screen and hard controls. Other trims boasted a modern, tech-savvy design centered around a large, user-friendly touchscreen.

The WT came equipped with vinyl upholstery, a front bench seat, black bumpers, rubberized flooring, an analog instrument panel with a 3.5-inch screen, dual USB ports, and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Custom trim upgraded to cloth upholstery and added features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 20-inch alloy wheels, a power-locking tailgate, and remote start functionality.

The LT trim introduced high-tech infotainment and a modern dash layout, featuring a fully digital instrument panel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, chrome bumpers, and bed lighting. The RST trim added 18-inch alloy wheels and fog lights. The Trail Boss off-roader (based on the Custom or LT trims) came with standard four-wheel drive, skid plates, and enhanced shocks. The LTZ trim, focusing on comfort, included leather upholstery, a power-operated tailgate, extra USB ports, wireless charging, and a power-adjustable passenger seat. Lastly, the luxurious High Country trim offered features such as a power-sliding rear window and heated and ventilated front seats.

Comparatively, the 2023 GMC Canyon sported one of the angriest looks among pickups. Its headlights and daytime running lights snugly fit around a broad grille, with a formidable front bumper completing its aggressive demeanor. This tough aesthetic continued along the sides with pronounced bulges and creases reminiscent of flexed muscles.

The Canyon shared most dimensions with the Chevy Colorado, resulting in a longer wheelbase than the 2022 model. All variants of the Canyon had an "Ultra Wide Track" stance and a factory lift kit, with Elevation, AT4, and Denali models raised by two inches for a 9.6-inch ground clearance. The AT4X model boasted a three-inch lift for a 10.7-inch clearance.

To celebrate the Canyon's redesign, GMC introduced the AT4X Edition 1, equipped with a front safari bar, a light bar, a winch, and a standard bed rail system. The Denali trim featured bright chrome highlights, 20-inch wheels, laser-etched open-pore wood trim, and leather upholstery, maintaining its unique luxury positioning in the midsize truck category. Base models, such as the Canyon Elevation, provided competitive interiors compared to rivals like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma. The dramatic interior of the Canyon AT4X, with available red-and-white upholstery and red dashboard accents, set it apart from mundane designs.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 came with a variety of powertrain options. The base engine was a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder, delivering 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. For those craving V8 power, Chevrolet offered a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque and a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Additionally, a six-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel engine provided 305 horsepower and an impressive 495 pound-feet of torque.

Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available. The base engine used an eight-speed automatic transmission, while all other engines paired with a 10-speed automatic. When properly equipped, the Silverado could tow up to 13,300 pounds with the 6.2-liter V8 engine and the Max Towing package. The 5.3-liter V8 engine managed a maximum towing capacity of 11,000 pounds, while the base four-cylinder offered a payload capacity of 2,260 pounds.

Driving the turbo-four Trail Boss was a pleasant surprise. The engine, while noisy and reminiscent of a diesel, provided strong acceleration. The eight-speed automatic was smooth, though curiosity remained about how the 10-speed would pair with this engine. The V8 options matched expectations with the 6.2-liter V8 showing significant performance, complemented by a refined 10-speed automatic transmission finding gears effortlessly.

Despite its size and weight, the Silverado 1500 handled remarkably well. It was suited for commuting, although it didn't match the ride quality of the Ram 1500. The steering felt less communicative and jittery over bumps, but this proved advantageous off-road, allowing the Silverado to easily navigate mud and dirt trails. It showcased its versatility as a farm vehicle, efficiently traversing diverse terrains. Trims like the Trail Boss and the ZR2, especially the 2023 ZR2 Bison with its advanced off-road features, highlighted the Silverado's capability tiers.

In contrast, the 2023 GMC Canyon simplified its powertrain options, opting only for a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, previously seen in the full-size GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevy Silverado 1500 pickups. This engine, refined for the Canyon, was tuned to deliver 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. This output was consistent across all Canyon trims, unlike the varied tunes seen in its cousin, the Chevy Colorado. Power was transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

GMC still provided rear-wheel drive but only for the base Elevation trim. Four-wheel drive was available for the Elevation and standard on Denali, with the AT4 trim offering a two-speed transfer case. The AT4X trim was packed with serious off-road capabilities, including electronic lockers, skid plates, 33-inch mud-terrain tires, Multimatic spool-valve dampers, and a Baja drive mode from the Colorado ZR2.

The Canyon struck a balance between on-road comfort and off-road prowess. Elevation and AT4 models boasted quiet cabins, with the most noticeable noise being a slight turbo whistle and a solid driving feel. While the steering was slow and imprecise, which is typical for pickups, the engine and transmission delivered adequate performance, even though towing and payload capacities were untested.

The AT4X maintained good road manners despite its off-road enhancements. It excelled in various off-road challenges, from navigating rugged dirt tracks in Baja mode to slow-speed rock crawling. The AT4X demonstrated notable versatility and off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered multiple body styles: a regular cab with a standard or long bed, a double cab with a standard bed, and a crew cab with either a short or standard bed. The short bed spanned 5 feet 8 inches, the standard bed 6 feet 6 inches, and the long bed 8 feet.

Regular cabs were tied to work-focused trims like the WT and Custom, featuring a front bench seat accommodating up to three passengers, with a fold-down center forming a console with storage and cup holders. The double cab, with its conventional rear doors unlike the half-doors in competitors, provided easier access to a rear seat with good headroom but limited legroom, making it suitable for occasional use. The crew cab was notably spacious, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The rear bench could fold up, creating significant in-cabin cargo space for secure storage.

The Silverado's cargo capabilities were impressive, offering varied payload and towing capacities. Depending on the configuration, it could handle up to 13,300 pounds of towing and a maximum payload of 2,260 pounds.

By comparison, the 2023 GMC Canyon was only available as a crew cab with a 5.2-foot bed. While GMC no longer offered a longer bed or alternative cab styles, the crew cab dimensions remained similar to the previous model, offering decent interior space for a midsize truck. The Canyon's first-row legroom was among the best, only surpassed in second-row legroom by models like the Honda Ridgeline and Jeep Gladiator. Headroom was also competitive within the segment.

The new MultiStow tailgate with a waterproof storage compartment addressed the secure storage needs typically lacking in pickups. However, the compartment's utility was limited due to its narrow design. The Canyon's traditional features included a lack of standard telescoping steering wheels or power-adjustable front seats, contrasting with GMC's premium brand positioning.

The Canyon's towing and payload capacities were noteworthy. It had a 7,700-pound maximum towing capacity for Elevation, AT4, and Denali trims. The AT4X's ratings were lower, with 6,000 pounds standard and 5,500 with the Edition 1 package. Its payload capacity reached 1,640 pounds for RWD Elevation models, higher than its previous generation but not as impressive as competitors like the Ford Ranger, which led the class with an 1,860-pound payload capacity.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's base infotainment system featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, carried over from the pre-2022 models for WT and Custom trims. This older system was appreciated for its simplicity and ease of use, focusing on functionality over flashy graphics.

Higher trims boasted a modern dashboard layout, centered around a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This vivid, responsive screen was paired with a fully digital instrument panel. The Custom trim added a Wi-Fi hot spot, while the LTZ trim brought wireless device charging and extra USB ports, catering to tech-savvy consumers with its comprehensive features.

In contrast, the 2023 GMC Canyon came standard with an 11.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth streaming audio. A digital instrument cluster was included across all trims, with an 8-inch display for Elevation and AT4 models and an 11-inch display for Denali and AT4X trims. The latter also featured a 6.3-inch head-up display and wireless phone charging.

The Canyon's infotainment system integrated Google Built-In functionality, mirroring experiences found in the full-size GMC Sierra 1500 and Hummer EV, with Google Maps and other default Google apps. While Apple CarPlay was included, this might be one of the last GMC models to feature it as GM shifts toward an all-Google infotainment system for its future EVs. The Canyon's central touchscreen was praised for its gorgeous graphics and dark background, reducing screen glare.

Off-road enthusiasts would find the Off-Road Performance Display menu fascinating, providing data on pitch and roll, g-forces, wheel slip, and altimeter readings, alongside tire pressure and transfer-case status. Additionally, the surround-view camera system, including an underbody camera, proved invaluable for off-roading, offering clear views of obstacles and aiding precise vehicle placement.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 came well-equipped with advanced safety features. Standard offerings included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. The Teen Driver system, allowing speed and volume limitations through a second set of keys, was a valuable feature for new drivers.

Higher trims, such as the LTZ, added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a surround-view camera system, rain-sensing wipers, and front and rear parking sensors. Optional safety technology encompassed adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, a rear-camera mirror, and GM’s Super Cruise highway system.

The Silverado received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and commendable scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

In contrast, the 2023 GMC Canyon had yet to be rated by NHTSA and IIHS at publication but included modern driver-assist features. All trims came with the Canyon Pro Safety Package, which included automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beams, a following distance indicator, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and forward collision warning.

The optional Safety Plus Package for the Elevation and AT4 trims added rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, blind-zone steering assist, and rear park assist. Adaptive cruise control, rear pedestrian alert, and a surround-view camera system were included in the Technology Package for Elevation and AT4 trims and standard on Denali and AT4X. The latter also featured a Safety Alert Seat, vibrating to highlight various driver alerts.