2022 Toyota Tacoma vs 2022 GMC Canyon

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.

Other small trucks have come and gone—and come back again—but the Toyota Tacoma has been the cornerstone of the segment for decades now. Though it has grown in size through the years, it has remained one of the best options if you’re in the market for a smaller alternative to full-size pickups. It’s a great option for a commuter who goes on the occasional camping, kayaking, or mountain biking adventure. The bed is good for picking up supplies to tackle a weekend project.

But the midsize Tacoma has increased competition. In the past decade, the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Ford Ranger have returned. The Nissan Frontier recently received a long-overdue overhaul. And there’s even a new crop of compact pickups, including the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick. So is the Tacoma still the big dog among small trucks?