2023 GMC Canyon vs 2023 Ford F-150

When considering the 2023 Ford F-150, customers had a plethora of configurations to choose from. The model lineup encompassed regular, extended (Super Cab), and crew cab (SuperCrew) styles paired with varying cargo bed lengths—short (5.5-foot), standard (6.5-foot), and long (8-foot). Its eight core trims ranged from the workhorse XL to the performance-focused Raptor, along with multiple engine options. The F-150's price spectrum started at $35,690 and extended up to $109,345 for the high-performance Raptor R, all prices including a $1,995 destination charge.

The F-150's styling was comfortingly familiar and widely appealing, with the Area 51 blue-gray paint color enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, it maintained a modular, functional layout with durable cloth seats, which offered agreeable surface temperatures in extreme weather. However, some elements like the loose transmission shifter and creaky steering wheel controls added a sense of cheapness. Overall, the F-150 presented a balanced and appealing design, both inside and out, without any egregious errors.

Meanwhile, the 2023 GMC Canyon adopted a more aggressive and muscular look. With headlights and daytime running lights compactly set along a broad grille and a jutting front bumper, the Canyon radiated an assertive presence. Its body featured bulges and creases reminiscent of tensed muscles, maintaining a robust aesthetic.

The Canyon was offered solely in a crew cab with a 5.2-foot bed, similar to the redesigned Chevy Colorado, but with a longer wheelbase. The dimensions created ample interior space, especially in the first row, outperforming other midsize models in legroom. However, the Canyon did not provide a standard telescoping steering wheel or power-adjustable front seats, contradicting GMC's premium brand image. Still, the MultiStow tailgate with a waterproof storage compartment and the luxurious Denali trim with laser-etched wood trim and leather upholstery offered notable enhancements.

The 2023 Ford F-150 offered several engine options, with the test truck featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 producing 400 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission and an optional four-wheel-drive system, delivered effortless acceleration. Despite lacking a full-time or automatic 4WD mode, the F-150 boasted a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds and a maximum payload rating of 3,315 pounds. However, it occasionally felt harsh and skittish when unloaded but showed improved ride quality with cargo or a trailer.

In contrast, the 2023 GMC Canyon came with a single powertrain: a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, inherited from its larger GMC Sierra 1500 sibling, producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Canyon offered rear-wheel drive on the base Elevation trim and four-wheel drive variants on higher trims. The off-road-oriented AT4X came with front and rear electronic lockers, skid plates, and 33-inch mud terrain tires.

The Canyon's on-road performance was commendable, offering quiet cabs and a solid feel. The turbo-four engine provided more than adequate acceleration, and the AT4X trim handled various off-road conditions with impressive capability.

The 2023 Ford F-150, equipped with optional step rails, eased ingress and egress despite reducing breakover angles. Inside, the XLT trim comfortably seated five, with the High Equipment package offering power-adjustable front seats and pedals. The F-150 excelled in storage, providing numerous bins and compartments, and the rear seats could be adjusted for added cargo space. The test truck's cargo bed featured a factory-applied spray-in bedliner and the 2.0-kW Pro Power Onboard system for operating electric tools. However, climbing into the bed was challenging without the available tailgate step.

The 2023 GMC Canyon, available only in a crew cab configuration with a 5.2-foot bed, offered spacious interiors, especially in the first row. The MultiStow tailgate's waterproof storage compartment addressed the issue of minimal secure storage. The Canyon retained a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, similar to its predecessor, but its payload capacity of 1,640 pounds was lower than some rivals, like the Ford Ranger.

The 2023 Ford F-150 XLT came with Ford’s Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen, enhanced voice recognition, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system showed ease of use, although it loaded slower than expected, and the graphics could benefit from more color contrast. The F-150 also included remote engine start, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and On-Board Scales with Smart Hitch, among other tech features.

The 2023 GMC Canyon’s infotainment system included an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In functionality and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 6.3-inch head-up display. The system's graphics were praised for their clarity, and the Off-Road Performance Display menu provided advanced readouts for off-road driving. The available surround-view camera system with an underbody camera proved beneficial for off-road navigation.

The 2023 Ford F-150’s Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 package offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Assist Plus package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and intersection assist. The F-150 earned high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 GMC Canyon included the Canyon Pro Safety Package as standard, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning. The optional Safety Plus and Technology packages added rear cross-traffic alert, blind-zone steering assist, and adaptive cruise control, among other features. However, crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time.