Performance
While the 2019 Toyota Tacoma is a tough competitor, it can’t quite match what the 2019 GMC Canyon has to offer. The Canyon is more powerful, more fuel efficient, and more capable. If you’re looking for the highest performance specs in the compact pickup truck class, you’ll love the 2019 GMC Canyon.
2019 GMC Canyon
The 2019 GMC Canyon offers a few excellent engine options, which allow drivers to choose their exact level of performance. The standard engine is a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine capable of producing up to 200 hp. Meanwhile, available engines include a powerful 3.6L V6 and a turbo-diesel engine. The V6 has the highest horsepower ratings out of all of the options at up to 308 hp, while the turbo-diesel engine offers incredible torque specs at up to 369 lb-ft. The turbo-diesel engine is also the most fuel-efficient selection at an incredible 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. These numbers are comparable to most SUVs and represent some of the highest ratings in the compact pickup truck class. When properly equipped, the 2019 GMC Canyon is capable of towing up to 7,700 LBS, another class-leading performance spec for its class. The Canyon also handles incredibly well and offers a comfortable ride. Overall, the 2019 GMC Canyon is a hard vehicle to compete within the category of performance.
2019 Toyota Tacoma
Despite failing to match the performance of the 2019 GMC Canyon, the Tacoma is a great choice among other vehicles in its class. Two engine options are offered on the Tacoma, including a 2.7L 4-cylinder engine and 3.5L V6 engine. For more power and capability, you’ll want to opt for the V6 engine which produces up to 278 hp and 265 lb-ft torque, allowing for a maximum towing capacity of 6,400 LBS. The Tacoma’s fuel economy is much lower than the Canyon’s with the absence of a turbo-diesel engine, earning ratings of up to 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway at best. However, the Tacoma handles well and is a great choice for drivers planning to off-road regularly.
Entertainment
Both the 2019 GMC Canyon and 2019 Toyota Tacoma offer excellent standard entertainment suites; however, the Canyon has the upper hand. At no additional cost, the Canyon offers a larger standard touchscreen than the Tacoma, as well as features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which are unavailable on the Tacoma. Drivers looking for the ultimate in entertainment technology will certainly want to opt for the 2019 GMC Canyon.
2019 GMC Canyon
Very few vehicles can compete with what the 2019 GMC Canyon has to offer in terms of entertainment technology, especially when it comes to the compact pickup truck class which is known for having a shorter list of standard technology. Onboard the base model of the Canyon, drivers will find impressive standard features like a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and multiple USB ports. However, optional entertainment features are also available for upgrade and include an 8-inch touchscreen display, a WiFi hotspot, satellite radio, wireless charging for compatible smartphone devices, navigation, and a Bose sound system. Additional USB ports are also offered, which are an excellent idea for drivers who plan on having passengers onboard regularly. The infotainment of the 2019 GMC Canyon is intuitive and responsive, having received praise from critics for its user-friendly interface and sharp graphics. Physical controls supplement the touchscreen controls, making it easier to control the system while driving. Overall, there’s not much you won’t find onboard the Canyon in the category of entertainment.
2019 Toyota Tacoma
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma also offers a nice selection of standard features, however still falls short of the impressive technology onboard the Canyon. Standard on the Tacoma drivers will find a 6.1-inch touchscreen display, three USB ports, Bluetooth, and a 6-speaker sound system. The Tacoma also offers Siri-Eyes Free as a standard feature, which is a nice touch. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are missing from the Tacoma completely, giving it an outdated feel in terms of connectivity. Still, a few nice available entertainment features are provided including a JBL sound system, satellite radio, navigation, and HD radio. The Entune infotainment system onboard the Tacoma is straightforward and easy-to-use; however, appears slightly outdated and basic compared to GMC’s leading interface.
Safety
Whether you choose the 2019 GMC Canyon or 2019 Toyota Tacoma, you can feel confident that you and your passengers will be well protected. Both vehicles offer plenty of standard and available safety technology, and have received high scores from the NHTSA and IIHS.
2019 GMC Canyon
Thanks to high-quality construction and a nice selection of features, the 2019 GMC Canyon is incredibly reliable and safe. A rearview camera is standard on the Canyon, while available driver assist features include forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear parking sensors. The Canyon is also incredibly well-priced, offering one of the starting MSRPs in its class, which makes upgrading to these available features surprisingly affordable. During crash and safety tests with the IIHS and NHTSA the Canyon received several high scores, including the highest rating of ‘Good’ in a total of five tests with the IIHS. Overall, the 2019 GMC Canyon is a vehicle that you can depend on to keep you and your passengers as safe as possible in any type of terrain or weather conditions.
2019 Toyota Tacoma
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma comes standard with the Toyota Sense Safety Suite, which includes a long list of standard safety features like lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. Meanwhile, available driver assist features include rear parking sensors, rear cross traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. When it came to safety and crash test ratings with the IIHS and NHTSA, the Tacoma received mostly high scores including the highest rating of ‘Good’ in five categories of the IIHS. Both the 2019 GMC Canyon and 2019 Toyota Tacoma offer advanced safety technology and reliable construction; however, the Canyon is significantly less expensive and receives a slight edge in this category for its affordability.
