Toyota Tacoma vs. GMC Canyon (2023 Edition)

While we love hulking machines, we do get excited by smaller trucks. In this piece, we pit the Toyota Tacoma versus the GMC Canyon. These midsize trucks are capable of being workhorses but are small and maneuverable enough for city slickers who’d want a truck maneuverable enough within urban terrains.

Both the Toyota Tacoma and GMC Canyon offer impressive performance, innovative technology, and plenty of capability. However, there are some key differences between them that could help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.

Let’s take a closer look at the Toyota Tacoma vs. GMC Canyon to see which one of these mid-size trucks is superior.

Make and Model

The Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size pickup truck that has been in production since 1995. Toyota vehicles have a reputation of being dependable and reliable . However, it’s worth noting that several Tacoma model years (2015 and 2016) were affected by transmission and engine issues.

The GMC Canyon was introduced to the market in 2004. It also has enjoyed a general reputation of reliability, but like the Tacoma, the Canyon was also affected by some faults including transmission and steering issues.

Both the Tacoma and Canyon are backed by their respective manufacturers’ reputations and standard warranty coverages, so whichever one you choose will serve you well. However, when it comes to make and model, the Toyota Tacoma is the clear winner here as it has been in production for a much longer period of time than the GMC Canyon. This gives the Tacoma an advantage in terms of maintenance and parts availability.

Winner: Toyota Tacoma

Trim Levels

The latest Toyota Tacoma offers six different trim levels, including the SR, SR5, Limited, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. The GMC Canyon has a slightly less comprehensive offering with four different trim levels: Elevation Standard, Elevation, Denali, and AT4.

In terms of trim levels, the Toyota Tacoma clearly offers more variety and options than the GMC Canyon, as it has two additional trim levels. This allows customers to have more flexibility in terms of features and customization potential.

Winner: Toyota Tacoma

Engine and Transmission

The Toyota Tacoma is available with two engine options: a 2.7L 4-cylinder or a 3.5L V6, while the GMC Canyon offers a 2.5L 4-cylinder and a 3.6L V6 option. In terms of power output and torque, the Toyota Tacoma’s larger V6 engine offers 278 HP and 265 lb-ft of torque, while the GMC Canyon’s V6 engine puts out 300 HP and 320 lb-ft of torque.

As far as transmission choices go, both trucks offer a 6-speed automatic, with the Toyota Tacoma also offering a 6-speed manual transmission and the GMC Canyon offering an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Tacoma also has more drivetrain options with rear-wheel, four-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive configurations, while the Canyon is limited to rear-wheel and four-wheel drive.

Given its superior engine power, transmission options, and drivetrain configurations, the GMC Canyon is the winner here.

Winner: GMC Canyon

Exterior

In terms of styling, the Toyota Tacoma has a more rugged and muscular look than the GMC Canyon, which has a sleeker, more modern aesthetic. The Toyota Tacoma is also slightly larger, with a length that measures anywhere from 127.4 inches to 140.6 inches.

This reflects the fact that Tacoma offers more options for drivers to choose from, as the Canyon’s wheelbase is only 131 inches.

In terms of maneuverability, handling, and turning radius, the Tacoma is capable of 20.3 to 22.05 inches of turning radius. The Canyon’s turning radius is 22.3 inches.

Despite the Tacoma’s larger size, it has a tighter turning radius meaning it is easier to maneuver than the GMC Canyon, making it a better choice for those who need agility and maneuverability.

Winner: Toyota Tacoma

Interior

Next, let’s compare the interior of the GMC Canyon vs. Toyota Tacoma.

The Toyota Tacoma offers seating for up to five passengers, while the GMC Canyon also has seating for five. However, the Tacoma offers more cargo space, with up to 42.6 cubic feet of storage behind the seats, while the Canyon has a maximum of 39.9 cubic feet.

Both trucks offer heated seats, adjustability for the headrests, and quality materials for the seats/covers. However, the Toyota Tacoma offers a bit more comfort options, such as a moonroof and dual-zone climate control.

Winner: Toyota Tacoma

Technology

Let’s look at the technology features of both trucks to see how they compare. The Toyota Tacoma offers a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as navigation and an eight-speaker audio system.

The GMC Canyon offers a slightly larger 8-inch infotainment system with the same features. Both trucks have USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as keyless entry and remote start.

Winner: Tie

Performance

The Toyota Tacoma and GMC Canyon offer similar performance specs. The Tacoma has a top speed of 113 mph (182 km/h), while the Canyon has a top speed of 98 mph (158 km/h). Acceleration-wise, the Tacoma can go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, while the Canyon does it in 6.7 seconds.

The Tacoma has a towing capacity of up to 6,800 lbs (3,084 kg), while the Canyon can tow 6,000 lbs (2,721 kg). In terms of outdoor performance, the Tacoma has a ground clearance of 9.4 inches (239 mm) and a wading depth of 30 inches (762 mm). The Canyon has a ground clearance of 9.6 inches (244 mm) and a wading depth of 32.1 inches (815 mm).

While the Canyon is technically slower than the Tacoma, it’s unlikely drivers will ever need to utilize the Tacoma’s higher top speed. The Canyon makes up for this in its acceleration and ground clearance, making it a better choice if you plan on using your truck for off-roading adventures.

Winner: GMC Canyon

Safety Features

Both the Toyota Tacoma and GMC Canyon have great safety features that can help protect you while driving, but only the Tacoma has an automatic locking rear differential (the Canyon’s is manual). The Tacoma has a 4-star overall crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as does the Canyon.

In terms of security systems, the Tacoma offers an anti-theft system and a rearview camera, while the Canyon offers an anti-theft system and Blind Spot Information System. Both trucks have driver assistance systems for parking, lane departure, collision detection, and more.

Winner: Tie

Fuel Efficiency

The Toyota Tacoma has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 20 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The GMC Canyon gets roughly the same fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.

Winner: Toyota Tacoma

Price Point

The starting price for the Toyota Tacoma is $27,150, while the GMC Canyon starts at $26,800. The Toyota Tacoma offers more features for the price, including a larger cargo capacity and more comfort options. So, which is the better bang for your buck? In this case, the overall performance and reliability of Toyota more than makes up for the minor price difference.

Winner: Toyota Tacoma

And the Winner Is: Toyota Tacoma

In the end, the Toyota Tacoma edges out the Canyon ever so slightly. Both vehicles are great options when it comes to safety, technology, and performance. However, Toyota gets the nod in some key categories that help it secure victory.

But perhaps the biggest advantage the Tacoma has over the Canyon is that it’s made by Toyota—a company that is synonymous with quality and reliability. Moreover, the Tacoma has been on the market longer, giving it an edge in terms of longevity and credibility.