2023 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.

The Toyota Tacoma has reached “Legend” status: It’s the default choice for many shoppers, and for good reason. The Tacoma enjoys a hard-earned reputation for bullet-proof reliability. It’s the ideal size for many situations. It looks cool and, in TRD Pro trim, it can back up those looks with genuine off-road brilliance.

But heavy is the head that wears the crown, and the current Tacoma may be starting to buckle under the weight. With more powerful and more efficient options emerging in the compact and midsize truck space, Toyota is no longer the one-stop shop for shoppers. Luckily, a new Tacoma is just over the horizon.