2023 GMC Canyon vs 2024 Jeep Gladiator

The 2023 GMC Canyon had a bold and aggressive design, characterized by its scrunched-up headlights and daytime running lights flanking a broad grille, giving it a fierce appearance. The body sides featured bulges and creases reminiscent of tensed muscles, enhancing its tough look. Sharing dimensions with the redesigned Chevy Colorado, the Canyon boasted a longer wheelbase and an "Ultra Wide Track" stance, with front and rear tracks measuring about 66 inches. It came with a standard factory lift kit, offering different lift heights for various models, with the AT4X model providing the highest ground clearance. The Denali trim added a touch of luxury with chrome accents and 20-inch wheels, while the interior featured premium materials like laser-etched open-pore wood trim and leather upholstery, setting it apart from other midsize trucks.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator was available in several trim levels, including the new Mojave X and Rubicon X, with regionally available versions like the Beach and Texas Trail. It featured a crew-cab, short-bed configuration with a removable fabric or hard top, and doors that could be taken off. The Gladiator's design updates included a new black seven-slot grille and integrated whip antenna, along with new wheel designs and a premium fabric soft top. Inside, the Gladiator received additional soft-touch surfaces, contrast stitching, and a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Mojave X and Rubicon X trims added 12-way power-adjustable front seats and premium leather upholstery, enhancing the interior's comfort and style.

The 2023 GMC Canyon was powered by a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was available on the base Elevation trim, while four-wheel drive was optional on the Elevation and standard on the Denali. The AT4 model featured a two-speed transfer case, and the AT4X added off-road features like electronic lockers, skid plates, and 33-inch mud terrain tires. The Canyon offered a balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability, with the AT4X excelling in off-road conditions, thanks to its advanced suspension and drive modes.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator continued with its 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered four 4WD systems, with a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,725 pounds. The Mojave trim was designed for desert running, featuring a one-inch front suspension lift, FOX shocks, and a locking rear differential. The Gladiator excelled in off-road conditions, providing a sense of adventure and freedom. However, it was less comfortable on highways, with wind noise and steering feel being notable drawbacks.

The 2023 GMC Canyon was available only in a crew cab with a 5.2-foot bed, offering ample interior space for a midsize truck. It provided more first-row legroom than most competitors, with second-row legroom surpassed only by the Honda Ridgeline and Jeep Gladiator. The MultiStow tailgate added a waterproof storage compartment, although its utility was limited. The Canyon had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,640 pounds, slightly lower than some rivals but higher than the previous generation.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator shared design elements with the Wrangler but featured a unique frame and rear suspension, adding length and capability. Its five-foot steel cargo bed included a dampened tailgate and integrated tie-downs, with optional upgrades like a spray-in bedliner. Interior storage was limited, with small bins and nets for smaller items. The Gladiator's new power-adjustable front seats improved comfort, but rear-seat passengers needed to be cautious of protruding hooks on the front seatbacks.

The 2023 GMC Canyon featured an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming, and a digital instrument cluster. The Denali and AT4X trims included a head-up display and wireless phone charging. The system incorporated Google Built-In functionality, offering a seamless experience for Android users. An Off-Road Performance Display provided detailed off-road metrics, while a surround-view camera system with an underbody camera enhanced off-road navigation.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator introduced a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, offering improved graphics, responsiveness, and features. It supported Bluetooth pairing for two smartphones, Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L. A TomTom navigation system with Jeep Adventure Guides was available, providing access to trail guides. The Gladiator's voice recognition system worked well for basic commands but struggled with more complex queries.

The 2023 GMC Canyon's crash-test ratings were unavailable, but it offered a range of driver-assist features. The standard Canyon Pro Safety Package included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. An optional Safety Plus Package added rear cross-traffic alert and blind-zone steering assist, while the Technology Package offered adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system. Higher trims included these features as standard, along with a Safety Alert Seat.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator's safety ratings were unimpressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. However, it received safety-related improvements, including forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control on the Sport S model. The Mojave X and Rubicon X trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear parking sensors. Structural enhancements improved side-impact safety, and the roll cage now included side-curtain airbags.