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| 430 | Torque (lb-ft) | 281 |
| 7,700 | Towing (lbs) | 6,720 |
| 11.3 | Screen Size (in) | 9 |
If you're looking to get into a brand-new midsize truck in 2023, then you have some tough decisions to make because, let us tell you, the competition is fierce this year. Comparing the eye-catching 2023 GMC Canyon vs 2023 Nissan Frontier, you can see truck companies aren't messing around. You asked for a great truck, and the biggest names in the automotive industry have answered the call. But making the right choice can get tough. While all new trucks look shiny and impressive on the outside, they don't always offer the same level of performance or flexibility you might need for your work truck, off-roader, or family hauler.
The GMC Canyon is all-new for 2023! This third generation of GMC trucks gives drivers a newly redesigned exterior and interior, a new powertrain, and of course, the latest tech and driver-assist features. Drivers that want an upscale, first-class driving experience will find just what they're looking for in the GMC Canyon. However, Nissan isn't one to back down from healthy competition. Since the Nisson Frontier saw a redesign in 2022, Nissan added only a few improvements to its 2023 midsize truck based on customer feedback.
It seems the choices feel limitless, and both trucks are looking good. If we had trouble deciding which we like best, then we figure you probably do too. We decided to take a closer look and see what these two trucks really have to offer because when it comes to your truck, it's not just what's on the outside that matters, but the inside.
The all-new 2023 GMC Canyon is set and ready to deliver. Drivers can choose from four impressive trim levels: the Elevation, the AT4, the Denali, and the all-new AT4X. Expect a standard 2.7L Turbo High-Output engine that delivers 310 hp and boasts a best-in-class torque of 430 lb-ft. Add a best-in-class 7,700 lbs of towing capacity, and your Canyon is set to tackle work or play without hesitation. This impressive midsize truck proves that big things can come in compact packages.
No matter your trim choice, the Canyon comes equipped with tuned-up off-road performance. Where the road ends, your adventure in the all-new Canyon is just beginning. The standard two-inch factory lift means your 2023 Canyon will have a ground clearance of 9.6 inches. If you need a bit more clearance, simply level up to the AT4X and enjoy 10.7 inches of ground clearance for more advanced off-roading that will get you where you want to go. If you've wanted a sleek, modern off-roader, the 2023 GMC Canyon is at the top of the class.
Nissan is known for its innovative and dependable vehicles, so it will be a tough brand to beat. Drivers that expect a lot from their truck can rely on the 2023 Nissan Frontier to take them where they need to go. However, the specs fall a little short of what the new Canyon offers. Nissan brags that the standard V6 is so good there's no need to upgrade, but with only 281 lb-ft of torque and 6,720 lbs of towing capacity, serious drivers may beg to differ. When comparing the Frontier with the Canyon, the GMC model simply dominates when it comes to torque and towing capacity.
With truck companies focused on off-roading packages, you can expect Nissan to have an off-road option. A ground clearance of 9.5 inches gives the Frontier PRO-4X off-roading trim a decent clearance for climbing, crawling, and conquering tough conditions, but it still falls short of the Canyon. However, the other capabilities of the PRO-4X package are impressive, making the 2023 Frontier ready to hit the trails straight off the lot. Skid plates keep the Frontier protected underneath, while the rugged body gives off an impression of strength and endless possibilities for your next adventure. All-terrain tires deliver optimum traction over a variety of surfaces, while the truck's Bilstein shocks help absorb the rough and tumble trail for a controlled, enjoyable driving experience.
Sounds pretty impressive, right? Well, the 2023 GMC Canyon has something to say in the form of the all-new AT4X Edition 1, which leaves the Nissan in its dust. The base AT4X trim's exclusive Multimatic DSSV shocks plus front and rear e-locking differentials give drivers the grip they need to stay confident and in control behind the wheel, no matter how rough the ride gets. And that's just getting started! The Edition 1 package amps things up with an off-road bumper, beadlock-capable wheels, a 30-inch light bar, and a COMEUP winch. You would have to add a lot of aftermarket upgrades to the Frontier to come close to matching this package. As far as performance and engine choices, we have to give it to the GMC Canyon. This truck is one tough beast on and off the road.
Anyone who's familiar with the Canyon might have noticed that GMC has slowly been upping the truck's game over the last few years, taking the truck from an everyday simple midsize pickup to a full-on first-class luxury ride. Lower-priced trim options have been disappearing, offering drivers more in the way of high-end trims, comfort features, tech, and performance. Slide into the 2023 Canyon and prepare to be impressed because we sure are.
The 2023 GMC Canyon isn't one to sacrifice form over function. While the truck was built for adventure, that doesn't mean you have to give up user-friendly tech, supportive seating, or any of the creature comforts you're looking for. The driver-centered cabin brings the latest technology to your fingertips. The four trim options let drivers choose their level of luxury. You can get sleek Jet Black leather seats and teak accents when you go for the first-class Denali trim, while the AT4 is perfect for active lifestyles with rugged two-tone cloth/CoreTec seats.
Looking to let the sun in? Check out the all-new for 2023 available sunroof to catch some fresh air and bring the outdoors inside. The GMC Canyon makes the most of the truck bed with eight standard tie-downs and several pockets for organizing and storage. Want more? No problem! GMC's available water-tight, lockable integrated tailgate cubby allows drivers to keep tools, essentials, or gear safe and dry. The Nissan Frontier simply can't compete against this level of versatility. The best it can offer is a set of cumbersome bed cleats.
For many drivers, technology is one of the most important factors when it comes to buying a vehicle. GMC makes it easy with its user-friendly features and a driver-centered cabin. GMC improved the Cayon's interior displays for 2023. Enjoy the available first-in-class head-up display that makes it easy to keep an eye on vehicle information, speed, and safety alerts. The standard 11.3-inch infotainment screen with Google Built-In means drivers can access apps, receive directions, and bring along their favorite music or podcasts. Seamlessly connect your smartphone with standard wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for a personalized driving experience you won't forget.
The Nissan Frontier boasts plenty of tech features to streamline your daily drive. However, take note that the Frontier comes with a mere eight-inch touchscreen compared to the Canyon's 11.3-inch screen. It also lacks a head-up display and only provides the driver with a small seven-inch cluster display instead of the massive 11-inch fully-digital instrument cluster found in the Canyon. While the Frontier does offer wireless Apple CarPlay, it is only available on the higher trims, and wireless Android Auto is not an option.
The 2023 GMC Canyon was made for drivers that have off-roading in mind, so it's only natural that a lot of its tech would focus on delivering a safe, rewarding off-roading experience. At the top of the list, the 2023 Canyon comes equipped with up to 10 available camera views. This includes waterproof underbody cameras that keep drivers aware of what's going on underneath the truck, helping them tackle logs, rocks, or anything else that might come up. The new standard Off-Road Performance Display shows essential information like pitch and roll, steering angle, and wheel slip indicator, helping the driver stay confident behind the wheel.
The Frontier's Intelligent Around View Monitor with Off-Road Mode offers drivers multiple views but falls short of the Canyon's class-leading camera system. The Nissan includes cameras along both sides, making it easier to navigate through tight spots, but it does not offer underbody cameras. The Frontier's available off-road gauges are also more limited in both size and scope, displaying only a few options on the small seven-inch driver display.
There's a lot to love about both the 2023 Canyon and the 2023 Frontier, but the new GMC Canyon dominates when it comes to offering a slew of features that work for everyday driving plus weekend adventures. The Canyon gives drivers loads of comfort and performance features for their money, unlocking a whole new level of performance that sets this midsize truck apart from the rest of the class. But that's just our opinion. Are you ready to check out the best trucks of 2023? Then you need to visit us at Rick Hendrick Buick GMC Duluth and see for yourself! We have all GMC's latest vehicles, including the impressive new Canyon.
Experience the difference when you shop with the truck pros at Rick Hendrick Buick GMC Duluth. We want to take your truck-buying experience to a whole new level. You can even get started from the comfort of your home. View our inventory online, apply for financing, and when you're ready, come down and see us! You've heard the rumors, you've read the articles, and all that's left is to get behind the wheel of the all-new 2023 GMC Canyon and experience it for yourself! Stop in to see us at Rick Hendrick Buick GMC Duluth and make your 2023 unforgettable.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.