GMC is known for high-end trucks and SUVs. Two of their most popular are the 2022 GMC Sierra and the 2022 GMC Canyon. Here’s how they compare.
2022 GMC Sierra
2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Starting Price: $30,800 | Price yours or View listings near you
Above Average: More potent 2.7-liter turbocharged engine; new grille and headlight design; larger available touchscreen and head-up display; MultiPro flexible tailgate; standard digital instrument panel.
Below Average: The best tech is bundled only with expensive luxury trim level; long bed is only available with Regular Cab; Super Cruise is only available in Denali range but standard on Denali Ultimate.
Consensus: The 2022 GMC Sierra sees a mid-cycle model refresh to address both exterior and, more importantly, interior design shortcomings. It now offers four engine choices. A jump in diesel torque has a max towing capacity of 13,200 pounds.
2022 GMC Canyon
2022 GMC Canyon Crew Cab Starting Price: $26,800 | Price yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Stout diesel engine tows up to 7,700 pounds; AT4 package has off-road chops; fits well in a typical garage.
Below Average: MultiPro tailgate unavailable; adding options runs up the price quickly; high bed; trim level names remain obscure and strange.
Consensus: Now bearing a closer resemblance to its larger Sierra sibling, the GMC Canyon has renamed its trim levels. New for 2022: Optional Qi Wireless charging and a Denali Black Edition.
Sierra vs. Canyon: Practicality Refined
2022 GMC Sierra
The interior of the 2022 GMC Sierra interior takes its cue from the 2021 GMC Yukon and better competes with rivals like the RAM 1500 and Ford F-150. It’s more refined with a larger 13.4-inch center touchscreen and boasts an optional 15-inch head-up display to go along with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
As the redesigned truck rolls out, GMC will offer 2022 Sierra 1500 Limited models that are essentially 2021 models, with the added suffix. Both Sierra and Sierra Limited models will be on sale at the same time.
The GMC Sierra can be configured with Regular, Double Cab, and Crew Cab choices. Engines range from a base 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-4 with 8-speed automatic transmission, a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.2-liter V8, and the 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel inline-6 engine, all with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The diesel engine is the towing champ, capable of tugging up to 13,200 pounds.
Powertrains can be ordered in rear- or 4WD. And then there are the beds: Short, standard, and long. Prices depend on configuration.
GMC also offers an AT4X trim level that betters the off-road-oriented AT4 Sierra. The new trim adds more premium features making it both capable and comfortable. Suspension upgrades include additional shock travel, 2-speed transfer case, Terrain Mode, larger transfer case skidplate, front and rear e-locking differentials, 18-inch black wheels, and the same 6.2-liter V8/10-speed combination as the Denali Ultimate.
Also new for 2022 is GM’s Super Cruise autonomous driving system, only available on the Denali and Denali Ultimate range. Around back, GM’s innovative MultiPro flexible tailgate continues to be an option.
2022 GMC Canyon
With characteristics that can appeal to SUV and pickup fans alike, the 2022 GMC Canyon serves double duty as a work truck or personal transport. Excellent handling characteristics provide good driver feedback.
Powertrains include a base 200-horsepower 2.5-liter inline-4, 3.6-liter V6 with 308 horses or for extra muscle, a 181-horsepower 2.8-liter turbodiesel inline-4-cylinder rated at 369 lb-ft of torque. The latter pushes Canyon’s towing capacity to 7,700 pounds. All models are available with optional 4-wheel drive.
A huge, squared-off grille bears a passing resemblance to the larger GMC trucks and SUVs. The Canyon comes in four trim levels ranging from Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4, and Denali. While the Canyon is available with extended and crew cab models with short or long beds, the AT4 and Denali are exclusively crew cab trucks. Gas engines get an 8-speed automatic, while the diesel mates to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Similarities
Choice of engines; available 4-wheel drive; 5-passenger seating.
2022 GMC Sierra Advantages
Four engine choices including V8 and diesel power; three cab configurations and box lengths; additional off-road capability in AT4X.
2022 GMC Canyon Advantages
Midsize dimensions; engine choices including diesel power; fuel economy.
Which One is Right for Me?
The 2022 GMC Sierra is a full-size pickup that can do it all and, when properly equipped, can tow up to 13,200 pounds. It offers the ultimate GMC luxury with the Denali trims.
The 2022 GMC Canyon is a midsize truck with best-in-class towing capabilities of 7,700 pounds. Its smaller footprint and engine choices provide good fuel economy.
Ready to buy a GMC Sierra or GMC Canyon? Shop now for one on sale near you
| 2022 GMC Sierra | 2022 GMC Canyon | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.7-liter turbo I4 | 2.5-liter I4 |
| Horsepower | 310 hp @ 5,600 rpm | 200 hp @ 6,300 rpm |
| Torque | 420 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm | 191 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 20 mpg (19 city/22 hwy) | 22 mpg (19 city/25 hwy) |
| Also Available | 5.3/6.2-liter V8s, 3.0-liter turbodiesel I6; 10-speed automatic; AWD | 3.6-liter V6; 2.8-liter turbodiesel I4; 4WD |
| Specs | ||
| Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | n/a | 4 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 147.4 inches | 128.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 231.9 inches | 212.7 inches |
| Width | 81.2 inches | 74.3 inches |
| Height | 75.6 inches | 70.7 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 46.9 feet | 41.3 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 43.0 inches | 41.4 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 40.1 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 44.5 inches | 45.0 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 43.4 inches | 35.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 66.0 inches | 57.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 65.1 inches | 56.2 inches |
| EPA Passenger Volume | n/a | n/a |
| Payload Capacity | 2,185 pounds | 1,775 pounds |
Keyword: 2022 GMC Sierra vs. 2022 GMC Canyon Comparison