When you live in suburban Texas, you need a vehicle that’s both versatile and dependable. That’s why, if you’re in Prosper and looking for a new car, you’ll probably be checking out midsize pickups. This ultra-competitive segment has plenty of contenders, but two stand out from the crowd. Let’s compare the 2025 Toyota Tacoma and the 2025 GMC Canyon so you can decide which pickup is best for you.
Overview of the GMC Canyon vs. the Toyota Tacoma
When buying a pickup truck, you’re looking for a vehicle that can fulfill a range of needs, from work vehicles to adventurers to daily commuters. Both manufacturers understand this and have crafted hard-working, versatile vehicles that can cater to a range of driving needs. Since both trucks offer an impressive blend of performance capability, comfort, utility, and modern driving technology, the decision likely comes down to the finer details.
Engine Performance and Specifications
If you need a certain amount of power in your truck, you have to look at the engine specs. For the GMC Canyon, every trim features an I-4 TurboMax engine that generates 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque alongside an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Meanwhile, the Toyota houses an i-FORCE 2.4L turbocharged I-4 engine paired with an eight-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission and a rear-wheel-drive drivetrain. This results in 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. The available i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain significantly improves the engine performance, boasting a staggering 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.
Towing and Payload Capacity
Of the two, the GMC may be the more heavy-duty worker if we compare the pickup trucks side-by-side. When properly equipped, the Canyon has an outstanding maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds.
In comparison, the base-level Tacoma SR has a respectable maximum towing weight of 3,500 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,460 pounds. If you want a more work-oriented Tacoma, these figures max out at a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,705 pounds when the vehicle is properly equipped.
Fuel Efficiency
Comparing the Canyon vs. the Tacoma in terms of fuel economy, the Canyon has an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency of 19 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined. Opting for four-wheel drive drops these figures slightly to 17 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined.
The two-wheel-drive Toyota definitely has the edge, with estimated figures of 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The all-wheel-drive Tacoma still provides an impressive 20 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. If you choose to go with the Tacoma’s hybrid powertrain, you’ll enjoy an estimated 23 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.
Off-Road Capabilities and Versatility
Both vehicles offer a dedicated trim for off-road enthusiasts. The GMC Canyon’s AT4 trim pairs the 310-horsepower TurboMax engine with a four-wheel drivetrain with an automatic locking rear differential. Advanced hill-descent control offers greater driving performance when on uneven terrain, and the drive mode selector optimizes performance under different driving conditions. You can select different drive modes from normal, terrain, tow/haul, and off-road.
The iconic Tacoma Trailhunter is Toyota’s standout offering for off-road adventure. A high-clearance trail exhaust offers enhanced ground clearance and departure angles, meaning you can confidently tackle rough terrain. The stylish ARB sport bar provides a sturdy anchor point for hauling cargo off the beaten path. Practically every inch of the Trailhunter is refined for off-road performance, from the 18-inch wheel with 33-inch rugged-terrain tires to the Rigid Industries fog lights to the ARB steel rear bumper.
Safety Technology
Both vehicles come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies. GMC’s Canyon Pro Safety offers a range of standard safety features, including:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Forward collision alert
- Blind-zone steering assist with trailering
- HD rear vision camera
- Lane-keep assist with lane departure warning
Toyota Safety System 3.0 gives Tacoma drivers the peace of mind to know they enjoy the very latest in intelligent and responsive driver safety technologies. The system includes features such as lane departure alert with steering assist and a precollision system with pedestrian detection, as well as more sophisticated features. Full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, for example, assists you in organically maintaining a preset distance from the vehicle ahead of you as you move from highway speeds all the way to a complete stop.
Toyota’s Proactive Driving Assist offers gentle braking and/or steering assistance to help you control the distance between your Tacoma and any vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians on the road ahead of you. Other handy features include:
- Automatic high beams
- Road sign assist
- Lane tracing assist
Final Decision
Both options offer excellent functionality and performance, and ultimately, the final decision comes down to your personal driving preferences. If we had to choose, the edge probably goes to the Toyota. The midsize pickup segment is dense with fierce competition, and Toyota knows this. They’ve taken the Tacoma — a perennial favorite — and given it a strategic overhaul. The newly modernized Tacoma still stands at the forefront of the market, proudly defending its position against an impressive roster of competitors.
Decide for Yourself With Longo Toyota of Prosper
The best way to decide if the Toyota Tacoma is best for you is to experience it for yourself. Contact us or stop by the dealership today to arrange a test drive. Our dedicated sales team is on hand to help in any way they can, answering any questions you may have about the new Tacoma or any of the quality new and used vehicles available at our lot.
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