2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2021 GMC Canyon

The 2021 GMC Canyon, a midsize pickup, underwent its first refresh since its 2015 debut, aligning its design more closely with the larger GMC Sierra. The refresh included an enlarged grille and a revised front bumper, but the truck largely retained its original form. This was less of an issue in the midsize market, where competitors like the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma also had older designs. The Canyon's interior, while functional with a sensible layout, featured hard plastics and average fit-and-finish, typical for its segment. The truck offered various trims, from the base Elevation Standard to the off-road-oriented AT4 and the luxurious Denali, each adding unique features and capabilities.

In contrast, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, a full-size pickup, was known for its styling and upscale Denali trim. The Sierra AT4, an off-road-ready version, featured a factory-installed suspension lift, off-road suspension, and unique design elements. The truck's interior, while spacious and equipped with features like heated and cooled seats, was criticized for its use of black plastic and lack of luxury feel. The Sierra's innovative six-position Multipro tailgate and CarbonPro Edition package, which included a carbon fibre composite cargo bed, added functionality and durability. However, the Sierra's interior storage was less impressive compared to other full-size pickups.

The 2021 GMC Canyon offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The more powerful 3.6-litre V6, standard on the Elevation, AT4, and Denali trims, delivered 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, a 2.8-litre Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel engine was available, offering 181 horsepower and a robust 369 pound-feet of torque. The Canyon's towing capacity reached up to 3,493 kilograms (7,700 pounds) with the turbodiesel engine, making it a leader in its class. The AT4 trim, equipped with the V6 and 4WD, provided off-road capabilities without compromising on-road comfort.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 featured a Duramax 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder engine, producing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offered impressive torque delivery and fuel efficiency, averaging 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres during testing. The Sierra's towing capacity reached up to 4,173 kilograms (9,200 pounds) with the Duramax engine. The AT4's suspension handled rough terrain with ease, providing a comfortable ride both on and off the road. However, the Sierra's handling on twisty roads was limited by its all-terrain tires, which were better suited for off-road adventures.

The 2021 GMC Canyon was available in Extended Cab and Crew Cab configurations. The Extended Cab featured rear-hinged half-doors and small jump seats, suitable for children or small items. The Crew Cab, with four full doors, offered more usable rear-seat space. The Canyon's driving position was commanding, though seat adjustment was somewhat awkward. Storage options included a centre console, small door trays, and decently sized cupholders. The truck offered two bed sizes: a short bed measuring 1,567 mm and a long bed at 1,880 mm. The Canyon's CornerStep rear bumper and EZ lift-and-lower tailgate added convenience for accessing the cargo bed.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, a full-size crew-cab truck, provided ample seat comfort with large, supportive front chairs and spacious rear seats. The test truck featured durable leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and cooled cushions. Rear passengers enjoyed heated seats and air conditioning vents. The Sierra's innovative Multipro tailgate and CarbonPro Edition package enhanced cargo bed functionality and durability. The bed held between 1,781 and 2,523 litres of cargo, with multiple tie-downs for securing loads. However, the Sierra's interior storage was less impressive compared to other full-size pickups, with limited and non-locking cubbies.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system offered crisp graphics and an intuitive menu layout, with hard buttons and dials for easy operation. An optional 8-inch screen with navigation was available on higher trims, along with HD radio and a wireless charging pad on the Denali. The Denali also included a 4.2-inch colour driver display for accessing vehicle settings and information.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered advanced camera-based technologies, including a surround-view camera, trailer- and bed-view cameras, and a rear camera mirror. The optional Technology Package added a 15-inch head-up display and an 8-inch driver information display. The Sierra's infotainment system featured a choice between a 7-inch and an 8-inch touchscreen, both offering fast response times and pleasing graphics. The test truck included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The available Bose premium sound system was adequate but not as impressive as competitors' offerings.

The 2021 GMC Canyon included standard safety features such as a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system, front-and-side-impact airbags, traction control, and the Teen Driver system. The optional Driver Alert package added forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning, and rear parking alert, standard on the Denali. The Denali also featured an upgraded HD backup camera and Hitch Guidance for easier towing.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered optional safety features like forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking. The Denali trim included blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning, with additional options for lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a Safety Alert Seat. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims. The Sierra's crash-test ratings were less than stellar, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings from the IIHS for certain tests. The 2022 model-year refresh promised improvements with the addition of GM's Super Cruise technology.