GMC Canyon Vs. Toyota Tacoma: Reliability & Performance

Two built-to-last trucks go head to head in our Toyota Tacoma vs. GMC Canyon comparison, where we see how each measures in power, towing capacity, size, and more. Both pickups are well-equipped and ready to conquer the road ahead, but one particularly stands out: the Toyota Tacoma.

Discover how the Tacoma and Canyon midsize trucks stack up with our in-depth guide below. By the end of it, you may just be ready to call the Tacoma your own here at McGee Toyota of Hanover.

Toyota Tacoma vs. GMC Canyon Specs & Performance

The Toyota Tacoma and GMC Canyon are champions of performance and capability, but the Tacoma comes out ahead. The 2025 Tacoma is standard with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes up to 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. If you upgrade to one of the trims with the 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine, you get a serious specs boost: 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque.

Meanwhile, the GMC Canyon is motivated by a standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. These values are certainly impressive but don't provide the power output the Tacoma can reach.

Plus, you can't access any type of hybrid performance in the Canyon like you can in the Tacoma. This also means the Toyota Tacoma has a higher overall MPG rating.

Toyota Tacoma vs. GMC Canyon Towing Capacity

The Toyota Tacoma can tow a maximum of 6,500 pounds,¹ while the GMC Canyon can tow up to 7,700 pounds.² While we won't deny that the Canyon is impressive in this respect, the Tacoma offers a bit more towing aid than the Canyon.

For instance, the Toyota Tacoma has a Trailer Backup Guide available, a system not offered in the GMC Canyon, which helps ensure a smooth hitch-up. However, both trucks in our 2025 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2025 GMC Canyon guide have features like a Trailer Brake Controller and a receiver hitch.

Get in touch with us at McGee Toyota of Hanover for further details about the Toyota Tacoma towing capacity or how it compares to the GMC Canyon.

2025 Toyota Tacoma vs. GMC Canyon Cab & Bed Options

Moving along in our Toyota Tacoma vs. GMC Canyon comparison, these trucks differ significantly in cab and bed offerings. The Tacoma has more options in both categories, thus providing additional versatility and customization than the Canyon.

The 2025 Tacoma offers the two-passenger XtraCab and the five-passenger Double Cab, while the 2025 Canyon has just a five-passenger Crew Cab. For beds, the Tacoma boasts a 60.3-inch Short Bed and a 73.5-inch Long Bed, and the Canyon features a 61.7-inch Short Bed.

Multiple cab and bed configurations can be achieved in the Toyota Tacoma, whereas you can only find one in the GMC Canyon.

Toyota Tacoma vs. GMC Canyon Trims

Our GMC Canyon vs. Toyota Tacoma competition showcases even more versatility when viewing trim levels. The Toyota truck lineup comprises 11 trims:

• SR
• SR5
• TRD PreRunner
• TRD Sport
• TRD Off-Road
• TRD Sport i-FORCE MAX
• TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX
• Limited
• Limited i-FORCE MAX
• Trailhunter
• TRD Pro

Meanwhile, the Canyon trims include the Elevation, AT4, and Denali – all iconic models for the GMC brand but nowhere near as many or enticing as the Toyota Tacoma variations. Plus, the first four Tacoma trims offer exceptional value with a lower starting MSRP than the base Canyon Elevation. We can make that price even more compelling with our ongoing Toyota Tacoma offers. More details about personalized pricing are available at McGee Toyota of Hanover.

GMC Canyon vs. Toyota Tacoma Reliability

In the battle of reliability between the Toyota Tacoma vs. GMC Canyon, the new Toyota Tacoma once again pulls ahead.

The Tacoma gets a 79 out of 100 from J.D. Power in Quality and Reliability⁵ and an overall consumer score of 82 out of 100.⁵ Additionally, the Tacoma has long coveted the IIHS Top Safety Pick award,⁶ a prestigious badge of honor that only goes to models who perform well in a range of conditions and prove themselves in a number of categories.

Although a powerful option, the Canyon truck hasn't received a rating from these authorities since its 2022 model year.

Furthermore, the 2025 Tacoma has more safety and driver-assist features than the 2025 Canyon. These include the 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor, the Front and Rear Parking Assist (the Canyon just has Rear Park Assist), and the integrated high-output air compressor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Toyota Tacoma better for off-roading than the GMC Canyon?

Both trucks have some serious off-roading chops, but the Tacoma has the edge. RWD is standard in the Tacoma and Canyon, while the Tacoma offers part-time and full-time 4WD systems; the Canyon has just one 4WD upgrade option. Furthermore, the Toyota Tacoma features an available 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor, which is not offered in the GMC Canyon. There's much more to discuss – contact us today.

Which truck offers more advanced technology and safety features?

The Tacoma and Canyon trucks are tech-savvy and have ample safety appointments. For instance, the Tacoma has a Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, while the Canyon features Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. However, the Tacoma provides an available 3D Panoramic View Monitor and 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor; by comparison, the Canyon offers an HD Surround Vision system only.

How do the interior comfort and features compare in the Toyota Tacoma vs. GMC Canyon?

The Tacoma offers better interior appointments complemented by a lower starting MSRP, meaning tremendous value that the Canyon simply can't compete with. It has rear under-seat storage, a fold-flat front passenger seat, Digital Key capability, HomeLink®, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel as available; these features are not offered at all in the Canyon. Both trucks boast amenities like wireless charging and a heated steering wheel.

¹Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. "Added vehicle equipment" includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle's exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner's Manual for limitations.

²GM-estimated. Maximum trailering ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The trailering capacity of your specific vehicle may vary. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can trailer.

³Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.

⁴EPA-estimated mpg for the TurboMax with 8-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Estimates only. For more information, please visit the official U.S. government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov.

⁵Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/.

⁶Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit www.iihs.org.