Jan 27, 2022

Pickup trucks used to be highly capable and reliable, but not very friendly for everyday use. Those days are gone, however, and new trucks not only help you get the job done but are also as comfortable and rich in infotainment features as an SUV. That’s certainly the case with GMC trucks and the choice between a GMC Canyon and a Sierra is ultimately down to personal preferences. Here’s how the two compare.

Available Cab Style Configurations

Both the 2022 GMC Canyon and 2022 GMC Sierra can be configured to fit your needs. The 2022 Canyon has three main configurations: extended cab, with a box length of 74 inches, crew cab-short box, with four passenger doors and a 61-inch box length, and crew cab-long box with four passenger doors and a box length of 74 inches. 

The bigger 2022 Sierra 1500 has four possible configurations: Regular cab-long box, with a box length of 98 inches, double cab-standard box, with a box length of 79 inches, crew cab-short box, with a box length of 70 inches, and crew cab-standard box, with a box length of 79 inches.

Powertrains

Image via Unsplash by Donald Teel

The standard engine on the 2022 GMC Canyon is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that can produce up to 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, helped by a six-speed automatic transmission. While this power output should be enough for most truck buyers, those who need a little extra push can choose the upgrade, which is a muscular 3.6-liter V-6, with 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. If you’re looking for high amounts of torque, the turbocharged 2.8-liter diesel four-cylinder engine will deliver it to you, as it can produce 369 pound-feet of torque. 

As you would expect from a larger truck, the 2022 Sierra 1500 has a more powerful engine lineup than the Canyon. Its standard engine is a turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-4 that was only available as an option for previous model years and which can produce up to 310 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. Other notable engine choices are the 5.3-liter V-8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque and the 6.2-liter V-8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The diesel version is a turbocharged inline-6 with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. 

Performance 

When equipped with the V-6, the 2022 GMC Canyon has a maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds, which is one of the best in its midsize pickup category. The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500’s maximum tow rating is an impressive 13,200 pounds, making it more suitable for heavy-duty loading. Both trucks also deliver excellent acceleration performance. The Canyon’s V-6 helps it reach a speed of 60 miles per hour from a complete standstill in 6.9 seconds, while the Sierra 1500’s V-8 pushes it from zero to 60 in 6.2 seconds. Both these times are impressive for vehicles this large.

Interior Comfort and Technology

The 2022 GMC Canyon’s interior is smartly designed and effective. There’s plenty of space for driver and passengers, regardless of their size, and the large windshield provides excellent visibility. Its infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and additional smartphone connectivity options through two USB ports and Bluetooth. The standard sound system delivers good audio quality, but audiophiles can choose the optional Bose system. A 4G LTE Wi-Fi system is also available.

The 2022 Sierra takes full advantage of the size difference and offers exceptional amounts of space to all passengers. The 13.4-inch touch-screen interface is standard for all trims except the base one and gives the dashboard a high-tech look. Smartphone connectivity is also easily achievable, plus various design elements that can easily make you forget you’re in the cabin of a very capable work truck.

Driver Aids

Both the Canyon and the Sierra 1500 are exceptionally well-equipped when it comes to active safety systems. Some of the most useful on the 2022 Canyon are the forward-collision warning system, which alerts the driver in case of an imminent frontal impact and hits the brakes to mitigate the impact, and the lane-departure warning system, which alerts the driver if the truck begins drifting out of its lane. The 2022 Sierra will take things one step further and use the Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance system, which offers complete autonomy under certain circumstances. 

Verdict

When comparing the 2022 GMC Canyon and GMC Sierra, the right choice greatly depends on what you intend to do with it. The smaller Canyon is the ideal truck for those who plan on using it extensively as a personal means of transportation, as its more compact frame and excellent agility make it more suitable for everyday use. The Sierra 1500, on the other hand, is a heavy-duty powerhouse that’s capable of carrying huge loads and, while not unsuitable for everyday use, tends to be a more professional work truck. 

The line between personal vehicles and those used for work is getting narrower every year and the GMC Canyon and Sierra are excellent examples of this. With both offering excellent capability and comfort, the choice between the two ultimately depends on what you need it for and how much personal driving you plan on doing with it. If you’d like to see both of them, compare them head-to-head, and maybe take them for a test drive to see what they can do, you’re more than welcome to pay us a visit at Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC!

Come See Our GMC Vehicle Collection at Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC 

Here at Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC, our main mission is to help our customers have a smooth and stress-free experience whenever they want to change or repair their vehicle. Our finance professionals can help you determine what the best financing option is for your particular situation and our certified technicians will perform maintenance and repair operations as quickly and hassle-free as possible. Also, if you’re looking to trade in your vehicle for a brand new GMC, you can trade it in and get a fair evaluation.