2022 GMC Canyon vs 2023 GMC Canyon

The 2022 GMC Canyon showcased a premium aesthetic, particularly in the luxury-oriented Denali trim. The Denali stood out with its unique chrome grille, 20-inch diamond-cut machined alloy wheels, 5-inch chrome assist steps, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen system with navigation, heated and ventilated perforated front leather seats, open-pore Ash wood trim, and exclusive "Denali" logo-embossed floor mats and sill plates. Adding to the ambiance was a premium Bose audio system. Even the rugged AT4 version didn't skimp on premium features, boasting a black chrome grille, signature LED lighting, unique 17-inch wheels, soft-touch instrument panels, and premium heated leather seats with Kalahari accents and embroidered "AT4" headrests.

In comparison, the 2023 GMC Canyon took a more aggressive stance with its redesign. The truck's headlights and daytime running lights were compacted along the sides of a broad grille, creating an intimidating facade that was further enhanced by a jutting front bumper. The sides of the 2023 model sported bulges and creases resembling tensed muscles. Sharing most of its dimensions with the Chevy Colorado, the 2023 Canyon benefited from a longer wheelbase and an "Ultra Wide Track" stance. Standard factory lift kits across various trims—from a two-inch lift on Elevation, AT4, and Denali models to a three-inch lift on the new AT4X—boosted ground clearance considerably.

The 2023 Denali trim stood apart with laser-etched open-pore wood trim and superior leather upholstery. Although maintaining its unique offering, the luxury of other automakers' full-size trucks hadn't trickled down as effectively. The Denali trim received chrome accents and 20-inch wheels, while the drama of a red-and-white themed AT4X interior provided an antidote to monotonous car interiors. Overall, the 2023 Canyon was a visual powerhouse, standing out with its tough, aggressive look and luxurious interior, especially in the higher trims.

The 2022 GMC Canyon came with three diverse powertrains, allowing buyers to choose from a 200-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 308-horsepower 3.6-liter V6, and a 181-horsepower 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine boasting 369 pound-feet of torque. The latter two engines could tow up to 7,700 pounds with the available Trailering package. The truck's rear-wheel drive (RWD) was standard, but a four-wheel drive (4WD) option was available across trims. The six-speed automatic transmission was standard with the base four-cylinder and diesel engines, while the V6 operated through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

In contrast, the 2023 GMC Canyon was available with only one powertrain—a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine delivering 310 horsepower and an impressive 430 pound-feet of torque. This engine came from the full-size GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevy Silverado 1500 pickups, with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) was now limited to the base Elevation trim, with four-wheel drive (4WD) present across other trims. The AT4 upped the off-road ante with a two-speed transfer case, while the AT4X brought electronic lockers, 33-inch mud terrain tires, skid plates, Multimatic spool-valve dampers, and a Baja drive mode.

The performance of the 2023 Canyon showed a significant balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability, with the AT4X particularly excelling in off-road conditions. The robust engine and improved off-road features allowed the 2023 Canyon to handle varied terrains and obstacles effortlessly.

The 2022 GMC Canyon offered versatile configurations, including an extended cab with a 6'2" bed or a crew cab with either a 5'2" or 6'2" bed. The crew cab's cabin was notably spacious, comfortably accommodating six-footers even in the rear seats. The rear folding bench seat added practicality by providing underseat storage. Access to the vehicle was SUV-like, allowing easy slide-in and slide-out movements.

The 2023 GMC Canyon, however, was limited to one configuration: a crew cab with a 5.2-foot bed. While the lack of options might have been a drawback, the crew cab's dimensions resulted in ample interior space. GMC aimed to improve storage with the new MultiStow tailgate featuring a waterproof storage compartment, though its narrow design limited utility. The towing capacity remained at 7,700 pounds for most trims, and the payload capacity increased to 1,640 pounds in the RWD Elevation model—higher than its predecessor but still shy of competitors like the Ford Ranger's 1,860-pound payload.

Though GMC added useful features like the wireless charging pad and a heated steering wheel in the 2022 model, the 2023 Canyon's shortfall was the absence of a telescoping steering wheel or power-adjustable front seats even in premium trims.

The tech landscape for the 2022 GMC Canyon wasn't groundbreaking but covered the basics adequately. The base Elevation Standard trim included a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims like Elevation and AT4 featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Denali trim enhanced the tech package with navigation, a high-definition rearview camera, and an array of driver-assist features. Most buyers appreciated the optional GMC infotainment system with navigation and the superior Bose audio system.

For 2023, the Canyon saw a significant tech upgrade with an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Every trim received a digital instrument cluster, with sizes varying by model, and a 6.3-inch head-up display was a standard feature in Denali and AT4X trims. Adding Google Built-In functionality, the 2023 Canyon provided an integrated experience topping what most rivals offered.

Off-Road Performance Display, showcasing metrics like pitch and roll, g-forces, wheel slip, and an altimeter, was another innovative feature. Additionally, the surround-view camera system, including an underbody camera, provided crucial assistance to off-road enthusiasts.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's safety features varied greatly by trim. Basic trims like Elevation Standard lacked advanced driver aids but offered useful features like tire-fill alert and the Teen Driver system. The Driver Alert package, available on higher trims, included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear parking assistance. However, advanced features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking were conspicuously missing. The truck scored four out of five stars overall in NHTSA tests and received mixed ratings from IIHS.

In contrast, the 2023 GMC Canyon upped its safety game with the standard Canyon Pro Safety Package. This included features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. Additional features such as adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system were part of optional packages for lower trims and standard in higher trims. The redesigned Canyon aimed to cover more bases with modern safety technologies.