
Mid-size pickups are a smaller niche than full-sizers, but they're as talented in their own ways.
Unfortunately, it's also a ragtag bunch of two new and two very old designs.
The Canyon's near-identical twin is the Colorado, which offers almost the same features and capabilities.
The differences boil down to styling and some feature equipment.
The Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma both offer reasonable alternatives to the new GMC Canyon, but are showing their age in terms of technology and in-cabin equipment, as well as fuel economy, packaging, and overall pickup payload and towing capability; we'll know more about how deep the Tacoma's updates are when we drive one later this summer.
Get FREE Dealer Quotes
From dealers near you
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
---|---|---|---|
Quick Specs | |||
If all-around utility is more important than ultimate payload and towing numbers, the 2016 GMC Canyon can replace the full-sizer in your garage. |
The 2016 Chevy Colorado is the answer for drivers who don't quite need a full-size truck. |
The 2016 Nissan Frontier is an aging mid-size truck that's still attractive and useful, but in some ways outpointed by its new GM rivals. |
The 2016 Toyota Tacoma steps up its act in all the ways that attracted current Tacoma owners to their trucks, but few that will pull in a new guard. |
MSRP From | |||
$20,940 | $20,055 | $18,290 | $23,660 |
Gas Mileage | |||
17 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||
Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
EPA Class | |||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Style Name | |||
2WD Ext Cab 128.3" SL | 2WD Ext Cab 128.3" Base | 2WD King Cab I4 Manual S | 2WD Access Cab I4 AT SR (GS) |
Drivetrain | |||
Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||
2 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
Passenger Doors | |||
2 | 2 | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||
Extended Cab Pickup | Extended Cab Pickup | King Cab | Access Cab |
Transmission | |||
Manual | Manual | Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
2016 GMC Canyon vs. 2016 Chevrolet Colorado | 2016 GMC Canyon vs. 2016 Nissan Frontier | 2016 GMC Canyon vs. 2016 Toyota Tacoma |