2022 GMC Canyon vs 2021 Toyota Tundra

If you’ve been paying attention to any new truck ads, you’ll likely see items being promoted like a massive touchscreen or even a six-way multi-function tailgate. Like the rest of the automotive industry, the truck segment is charging ahead with many new innovations, incorporating new in-car technologies. But this seems like overkill for a segment whose main purpose is to tow, haul, and get work done.

The window sticker for this Toyota Tundra says “2021,” but its design and underpinnings date back to the mid-2000s. It’s the oldest truck in a segment where companies are constantly one-upping and updating. So does the Tundra’s age hinder it among full-size pickups? Not really. In fact, it might be its best attribute. The Tundra might be an old design, but the engineers at Toyota have kept the Tundra relevant with some key updates and special editions.

Compared to full-size models, midsize pickups offer buyers the convenience of the pickup truck body style at a more budget-friendly price. Sure, you sacrifice a bit in the way of interior space and capability, but for many buyers, the smaller footprint and increased efficiency make these midsize offerings more livable.

The GMC Canyon—corporate cousin to the Chevrolet Colorado but with a more premium look and feel—gets a couple of changes for 2022. A new Denali Black Edition equipment package joins the options list, and the High Elevation package has been renamed the Elevation Premium package.

The 2022 GMC Canyon is available in four trim levels: Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4, and Denali. We drove the off-road-focused AT4 model for this review.