2016 GMC Canyon vs. Its Competition

2016 GMC Canyon image
Martin Padgett Martin Padgett Editorial Director

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.

2016 GMC Canyon image2016 GMC Canyon
Browse Used Listings		2016 Chevrolet Colorado image2016 Chevrolet Colorado
Browse Used Listings		2016 Nissan Frontier image2016 Nissan Frontier
Browse Used Listings		2016 Toyota Tacoma image2016 Toyota Tacoma
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Quick Specs
7.8
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.
7.6
The 2016 Chevy Colorado is the answer for drivers who don't quite need a full-size truck.
7.0
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.
7.2
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 Hwy17 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy15 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy17 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy
Engine   
Gas I4Gas I4Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4
EPA Class   
N/AN/AN/AN/A
Style Name   
2WD Ext Cab 128.3" SL2WD Ext Cab 128.3" Base2WD King Cab I4 Manual S2WD Access Cab I4 AT SR (GS)
Drivetrain   
Rear Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity   
2244
Passenger Doors   
22N/AN/A
Body Style   
Extended Cab PickupExtended Cab PickupKing CabAccess Cab
Transmission   
ManualManualManual w/ODAutomatic w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2016 GMC Canyon vs. 2016 Chevrolet Colorado2016 GMC Canyon vs. 2016 Nissan Frontier2016 GMC Canyon vs. 2016 Toyota Tacoma