2023 Toyota Tacoma vs 2023 GMC Canyon

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma, once a stalwart in the midsize pickup truck arena, maintained its assertive appearance in its latest iteration. The model featured an upright grille and a tall bed that conveyed a sense of robustness without overbearing size. With a variety of 34 different combinations available, including several trim levels and accessory packages, the Tacoma offered a significant degree of customization. Its range included everything from the base model outfitted with the practical comforts to the visually striking TRD Pro, enhanced with off-road capabilities and distinctive aesthetics. The TRD Pro model, in particular, showcased an eye-catching Solar Octane color during a test in snowy conditions, receiving admiration for its standout presence.

By contrast, the 2023 GMC Canyon adopted a decidedly more aggressive design language. The latest redesign looked muscular and ready to assert its presence, with tightly designed headlights flanking a broad grille. This model shared dimensions with the redesigned Chevy Colorado but sported exclusive features like the "Ultra Wide Track" stance, creating broader and more imposing profiles. Higher-end models like the Canyon AT4X not only offered enhanced ground clearance but also came equipped with rugged features like a front safari bar and winch, emphasizing its off-road readiness and robust character.

Toyota equipped the 2023 Tacoma with a choice between a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and a more robust 3.5-liter V6, with the latter producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. While these figures suggested decent performance, the reality on the roads painted a slightly different picture. The V6 engine struggled with noise under hard acceleration and frequent shifts to attain highway speeds. The Tacoma excelled in off-road conditions, supported by features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control. However, its fuel economy, ranging from 16.3 mpg in testing conditions to 21 mpg on more accommodating roads, did not set new benchmarks in efficiency.

The GMC Canyon, on the other hand, stepped into 2023 with a powerful 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine derived from its full-sized siblings. This unit delivered a substantial 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Standard across the Canyon lineup, this engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided noticeable improvements in driving dynamics both on and off the road. Models like the AT4X showcased exceptional off-road prowess without sacrificing on-road comfort, boasting features like Baja drive mode and advanced Multimatic dampers.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma offered a practical yet tight cabin space, with various configurations including access and double cab options. The double cab presented more comfortable rear seating compared to the more cramped access cab, although still tighter compared to some competitors. Cargo capacity was adequate, with the five-foot bed on the double cab model accommodating a reasonable amount of gear and equipment.

Conversely, the 2023 GMC Canyon exclusively featured a crew cab with a 5.2-foot bed, emphasizing a more unified model strategy that leans towards providing ample cabin space. The cabin offered a notable amount of legroom, particularly in the front row, and benefited from modest increases in interior space thanks to a stretched wheelbase. Though it lacked in customizability of cab types and bed lengths, the Canyon focused on delivering a balanced offering of comfort and utility in one configuration.

Technological offerings in the Tacoma were functional yet modest, featuring a touchscreen system that supported essentials like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While adequate, the system felt slightly outdated compared to newer systems available in the market.

The GMC Canyon demonstrated a significant leap in technological amenities. The inclusion of an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In functionality provided a more integrated and user-friendly interface. High-tech features like an advanced digital instrument cluster and wireless charging further established the Canyon as the more technologically advanced choice.

The Tacoma came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, offering several active safety features. However, it lacked some of the more advanced autonomous driving aids available in competitors, reflecting a more conservative approach to safety technology.

The Canyon, consistent with its overall modern approach, included a comprehensive suite of safety features even in its base configurations. Higher trims added enhancements like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera, indicating GMC's commitment to integrating advanced safety technologies.