2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2024 GMC Canyon

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 received a styling update in 2022, featuring a wider, more imposing grille and updated headlights. While these changes were subtle, the Sierra maintained its sharp and attractive design. The interior, however, saw a significant transformation, moving towards a more complex layout with a large screen and modern infotainment system. This shift aimed to align the truck's cabin experience with that of daily driver cars and SUVs, though it might have felt unnecessarily complicated for those seeking a straightforward work truck.

In contrast, the 2024 GMC Canyon stood out as a midsize truck with a commanding presence. Measuring 213.2 inches in length and 79.8 inches in height, it was taller than its competitors, including the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger. The Canyon's size was attributed to its wider track and impressive ground clearance of at least 9.6 inches. Despite its rugged exterior, the Canyon's interior was well-appointed, especially in the AT4X trim, which featured high-quality materials and excellent fit and finish. However, rear-seat legroom was limited, making it less comfortable for adult passengers on longer journeys.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered four powertrain options. The base model came with a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Another option was the 3.0-liter Duramax turbocharged inline-six diesel engine, delivering 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, buyers could choose between two gas V8 engines: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, or a 6.2-liter V8 generating 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The gas four-cylinder engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the other engines came with a 10-speed automatic. The Sierra's towing capacity reached up to 13,200 pounds with the diesel engine and RWD, and its maximum payload capacity was 2,240 pounds with the turbo-four and 5.3-liter V8 engines. The Sierra excelled in both highway and off-road driving, though its large size made maneuverability challenging in tight spaces.

The 2024 GMC Canyon, redesigned alongside the Chevrolet Colorado, featured a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided robust performance, making the Canyon capable of towing up to 7,700 pounds and carrying a payload of 1,670 pounds. The Canyon's eight-speed automatic transmission complemented the engine well, offering smooth shifts and responsive performance. The AT4X trim, equipped with Multimatic spool-valve dampers, delivered impressive road manners and off-road capabilities. However, the Canyon's fuel economy was less than stellar, with the best figures being 19 mpg city, 23 highway, and 20 combined for the RWD Elevation trim. The AT4X AEV tester recorded 16 mpg across the board, with an observed 13.5 mpg during testing.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered various cab and bed configurations, including regular cab with a standard-size bed, single cab with a long bed, double cab with a standard bed, and crew cab with either a short or standard bed. Our test model featured the crew cab/short-bed setup, providing ample cabin space and storage options. The MultiPro tailgate added versatility with multiple configurations, including a bed step-up and fold-out workstation. Bed steps cut into the rear bumper corners provided easy access to the bed without moving parts.

The 2024 GMC Canyon, while boasting best-in-class towing capacity, struggled with interior space. The four-door crew cab configuration offered limited rear-seat legroom, making it uncomfortable for adults on longer trips. The 5.2-foot bed provided less cargo capacity compared to competitors like the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier. The AEV package further reduced usable space with a bed-mounted spare tire. The Canyon's height and width made urban driving and parking challenging, though the high-resolution backup camera helped mitigate some of these issues.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen and a carryover infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims received a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Google-connected apps. The new infotainment system had a logical layout, large icons, and a home button, though it lacked a tuning knob. The Denali Ultimate trim included a wireless charging pad, USB-A and USB-C ports, and a wall-style power outlet. All trims except the base Pro featured a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel and a head-up display.

The 2024 GMC Canyon included an 11.3-inch touchscreen display with Google Built-in, offering apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant without needing to pair a phone. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were also included. The Canyon's infotainment system had a few quirks, such as embedding headlight controls into the software, requiring drivers to take their eyes off the road. The Denali and AT4X trims benefited from a head-up display and off-road performance display pages.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 came standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and GM’s Teen Driver system. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and GM’s Super Cruise driver assist system. The rear headrests could be flipped down for better rearward visibility, and the rearview camera mirror provided a clear view even at night.

The 2024 GMC Canyon received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for frontal crash tests, five stars for side-impact tests, and three stars for rollover tests. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and a rear-seat reminder system. However, advanced driver assist systems like rear park assist, rear cross-traffic braking, and blind-zone steering assist were available only via options packages on lower trims. The AT4X trim came with an HD surround-view camera and a blind-spot avoidance system that worked with a trailer.