The midsize pickup truck market is ideal for those who want the practicality of a truck without the full-size bulk, and the Toyota Tacoma vs GMC Canyon represent two of the top options. While Toyota’s Tacoma has long been favoured for its rugged reliability and off-road prowess, GMC’s Canyon brings refinement, power, and versatility. This guide aims to provide a deep dive into each model’s specs, performance, comfort, safety, and overall appeal, helping potential buyers make an informed choice.
Table of Contents
Performance and Engine Options
Both the Tacoma and Canyon offer a range of engine options to suit different types of drivers, from those focused on economy to those who need high performance.
Toyota Tacoma Engines
The Toyota Tacoma’s two main engines cater to different needs:
- 2.7-Litre Inline-4: The base 2.7-litre engine is practical for urban driving, ideal for light-duty work, and economical for those who do not require heavy towing or hauling capacity. However, its power output is relatively modest.
- 3.5-Litre V6: Toyota’s more capable option is the 3.5-litre V6 engine, which is 278 horsepower and well-suited to towing, off-roading, and hauling larger loads. This refined engine provides a good balance between power and efficiency.
Transmission-wise, the 6-speed automatic is standard, while certain trims offer a 6-speed manual – a rare feature in today’s truck market, appealing to those who prefer complete control over gear selection.
The Tacoma’s fuel economy sits at around 21 miles per gallon (mpg) combined for the V6 engine, which is fairly competitive in this segment.
GMC Canyon Engines
The GMC Canyon comes with three primary engine options:
- 2.5-Litre Inline-4: Producing 200 horsepower, this entry-level engine has more power than Tacoma’s base engine, though it may still feel underwhelming when under heavier loads.
- 3.6-Litre V6: The 3.6-litre V6 produces an impressive 308 horsepower, making the Canyon’s V6 more powerful than the Tacoma’s. This extra power is beneficial for towing, hauling, and highway merging.
- 2.8-Litre Turbo-Diesel: The 2.8-litre Duramax turbo-diesel, unique to the Canyon in this comparison, shines in terms of torque and efficiency. The diesel engine offers 181 horsepower and an impressive 369 lb-ft of torque, making towing and long-distance driving effortless.
The GMC Canyon’s fuel economy benefits significantly from the diesel option, with ratings reaching 23 mpg combined. This efficiency can translate to considerable savings for those who do frequent highway driving or long hauls.
Performance Winner: The GMC Canyon, especially with the turbo-diesel engine, provides a rare combination of torque and fuel efficiency.
Towing and Payload Capacities
Both trucks are more than capable of towing, but their capacities vary depending on engine choices and trim levels.
Toyota Tacoma Towing and Payload
The Toyota Tacoma, with its V6 engine and optional towing package, can tow up to 6,800 pounds. This is enough for many recreational purposes, including towing a small camper, trailer, or boat. The payload capacity ranges between 1,155 and 1,685 pounds, depending on the model and configuration. This payload capacity is sufficient for most needs, though it falls short of the Canyon’s maximum towing abilities.
GMC Canyon Towing and Payload
The GMC Canyon surpasses the Tacoma in towing, particularly with the diesel engine that offers a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The V6 variant can tow up to 7,000 pounds, giving it a slight edge over the Tacoma’s V6. Payload capacity is similarly impressive, ranging from 1,398 to 1,605 pounds, and it is highly competitive within the midsize truck category.
The Canyon’s diesel engine offers a clear advantage for drivers who frequently tow heavier loads.
Towing and Payload Winner: GMC Canyon, for its higher towing capacities, especially with the diesel engine option.
Off-Road Capabilities
For many midsize truck buyers, off-road performance is crucial, and both the Tacoma and Canyon offer dedicated off-road trims.
Toyota Tacoma Off-Road Features
The Toyota Tacoma has a well-earned reputation for off-road prowess, especially in the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims. These trims include:
- Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control: These features allow the driver to adjust the truck’s response to various off-road conditions, such as mud, sand, and rocky surfaces, ensuring optimal traction and control.
- FOX suspension: The TRD Pro’s FOX shock absorbers are tuned for challenging terrain, absorbing impacts and providing a smoother ride over uneven surfaces.
- Skid plates and locking rear differential protect critical components and enhance traction, making the Tacoma ideal for rugged, unpredictable paths.
GMC Canyon Off-Road Features
The GMC Canyon also has a dedicated off-road trim, the AT4. Key features of the Canyon AT4 include:
- Off-road suspension and skid plates add durability and performance for trail riding and rough roads.
- Hill Descent Control: This feature assists with controlled descents on steep inclines, a valuable addition for off-road situations.
While the Canyon AT4 is capable, it doesn’t quite match the high level of off-road technology and equipment found in the Tacoma TRD Pro.
Off-Road Winner: Toyota Tacoma, especially in the TRD Pro trim, for more advanced off-road features.
Interior Comfort and Design
A truck’s cabin comfort and quality are crucial, especially for those who plan to use it as a daily driver.
Toyota Tacoma Interior
The Toyota Tacoma is known for its durable interior, which can handle wear and tear from active lifestyles. However, some drivers find the cabin somewhat cramped, especially in the rear seats. Rear legroom is limited in the double-cab model, making it less comfortable for passengers during long journeys.
Standard tech features include a 7-inch touchscreen with the option to upgrade to an 8-inch screen, both of which offer Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Tacoma also offers optional upgrades like a premium JBL sound system, navigation, and dual-zone automatic climate control on higher trims.
GMC Canyon Interior
The GMC Canyon offers a more refined interior than the Tacoma, with higher-quality materials in its premium trims. The rear seat space in the Canyon is also more generous, offering better legroom and overall comfort for passengers. The Canyon’s premium trims include leather seats, a Bose audio system, and wireless charging, making it feel more luxurious.
The Canyon holds an edge for those who prioritise a more comfortable, upscale cabin.
Interior Comfort Winner: GMC Canyon for its more spacious and upscale feel, especially in the higher trims.
Safety Features
Toyota and GMC prioritise safety, but they approach it differently in these models.
Toyota Tacoma Safety
The Toyota Tacoma includes Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) as standard across all trims, which includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert
- Automatic High Beams
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Toyota has ensured that even the base Tacoma trims include these advanced safety features, which are a standout benefit.
GMC Canyon Safety
The GMC Canyon offers a variety of safety features, but many are available only on higher trims. Safety features include:
- Forward Collision Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
- Rear Park Assist
While these features are compelling, GMC’s approach means that the base Canyon trims may lack some safety tech that comes standard with the Tacoma.
Safety Winner: Toyota Tacoma for offering more comprehensive safety features as standard across all trims.
Technology and Infotainment
Both trucks’ infotainment systems and tech features offer modern conveniences, though the Canyon has a few more options in higher trims.
Toyota Tacoma Tech
The Toyota Tacoma provides:
- A standard 7-inch touchscreen with an upgradeable 8-inch screen
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa
- An optional premium JBL audio system
- Dual-zone climate control in higher trims
GMC Canyon Tech
The GMC Canyon has similar technology offerings, with some additional features in premium trims, such as:
- Wireless charging
- Premium Bose audio system
- Built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
The Canyon’s tech options provide a more high-end experience in the upper trims.
Technology Winner: GMC Canyon, especially for tech enthusiasts who value premium features.
Reliability and Resale Value
Toyota Tacoma is widely regarded for its durability and high resale value. Many owners report minimal issues over years of ownership, making it a safe investment in the long term.
While also reliable, the GMC Canyon may not match Toyota’s high resale value, especially in older models. However, GMC’s three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty benefit from it.
Reliability and Resale Winner: Toyota Tacoma for its more substantial track record.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel economy is always a critical consideration. Here’s how these two vehicles compare:
| Model | City (mpg) | Highway (mpg) | Combined (mpg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tacoma (4-cyl) | 20 | 23 | 21 |
| Toyota Tacoma (V6) | 19 | 24 | 21 |
| GMC Canyon (4-cyl) | 19 | 24 | 22 |
| GMC Canyon (V6) | 18 | 25 | 21 |
| GMC Canyon (Diesel) | 20 | 30 | 23 |
Price and Value for Money
The Toyota Tacoma’s pricing is competitive within the midsize truck market, with a range that typically starts around £28,000 and goes up to £42,000 for fully-loaded models. The GMC Canyon starts at around £27,000 and can reach up to £45,000 in top trims.
Toyota Tacoma
With Toyota’s reputation for durability and substantial resale value, the Tacoma presents excellent value for those planning to keep their truck long-term. Additionally, Toyota’s reliability ratings are generally higher than GMC’s, which could result in lower long-term maintenance costs.
GMC Canyon
The GMC Canyon offers more luxury and technology options, but it may not retain its value as well as the Tacoma. However, the Canyon could represent a better initial investment for buyers who value power and towing.
Conclusion: Toyota Tacoma vs GMC Canyon
Overall Winner: The GMC Canyon edges out the Toyota Tacoma in several categories, especially with its powerful engine options, towing capacity, and premium interior features. However, the Toyota Tacoma remains a compelling choice for buyers focused on off-roading, reliability, and safety. Both trucks excel in their areas, making it essential for potential buyers to consider their specific needs before deciding.