GMC Canyon vs Toyota Tacoma: Midsize Truck Face-Off

• Both the 2025 Toyota Tacoma and 2025 GMC Canyon both have serious off-road variants like the 2025 GMC Canyon AT4X and the Tacoma Trailhunter. The Canyon’s maximum towing capacity reaches 7,700 lbs, while the Tacoma features a 2400W AC power supply on its hybrid models.
• The 2025 GMC Canyon lineup is all powered by the TurboMax engine that can generate 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Toyota Tacoma comes with an available i-FORCEMax hybrid powertrain that can deliver 326 horsepower and 465 lb ft of torque.
• Drivers looking for midsize trucks for sale near me can explore the 2025 Toyota Tacoma selection in San Diego, CA, at Dalton Toyota National City.

Also Read: Which 2025 Toyota Tacoma Trim Matches Your Adventure Style?

Midsize trucks like the 2025 Toyota Tacoma and GMC Canyon are crowd favorites among San Diego drivers thanks to their comfort and capability. Both pickup trucks have undergone significant updates, which makes it harder to choose between the GMC Canyon vs Toyota Tacoma.

But which between the two is the best midsize truck in terms of reliability, towing, and safety? This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which vehicle offers the superior package for your driving needs.

Performance and Powertrain Comparison

When comparing the GMC Canyon vs 2025 Toyota Tacoma specs, their differences become noticeable in engine configurations and maximum output. The 2025 GMC Canyon is powered by the TurboMax™ engine across all trims. This engine delivers 310 horsepower and 430 lb.-ft. of torque, which is considered the best-in-class standard gas engine torque.

Both figures are consistent across the entry-level 2025 GMC Canyon Elevation, the luxury 2025 GMC Canyon Denali, and the off-road-ready 2025 GMC Canyon AT4. Its strong torque output ensures excellent performance for tasks requiring grunt, positioning it as a serious contender for the best midsize truck title.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Tacoma offers a wider array of engine options, including hybrid power. The base 2025 Toyota Tacoma SR model uses an i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged engine generating 228 horsepower.

Most mainstream trims, like the 2025 Toyota Tacoma SR5, have an i-FORCE engine that produces 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque. For maximum power, the 2025 Toyota Tacoma i-Force Max hybrid powertrain combines its 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with a 48-horsepower electric motor to achieve up to 326 maximum horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of low-end torque, giving the Tacoma an edge in peak torque output.

Apart from that, the Toyota Tacoma 2025 also uniquely provides an available 6-speed intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) on certain grades, including the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road, alongside the standard 8-speed automatic transmission.

Between the GMC Canyon vs Toyota Tacoma specs, the Tacoma holds the high ground with its i-FORCE MAX option. The 2025 GMC Canyon, on the other hand, has a stronger standard gas engine performance.

Towing Capability and Utility

For truck buyers looking for the best midsize truck for towing, capacity is a critical metric. The 2025 GMC Canyon towing capacity reaches up to 7,700 pounds across the model lineup.

The 2025 Toyota Tacoma towing capacity, on the other hand, is supported by advanced technology like the available Trailer Backup Guide with Straight Path Assist and an integrated brake controller. While exact maximum towing figures across all 2025 Tacoma configurations are not provided, it focuses on utility and support systems for improved towing experiences.

The 2025 Toyota Tacoma also has an available 2400W AC power supply that supplies electricity both to the cabin and the bed. It also has an aluminum reinforced bed made of ultra-durable Sheet Molded Composite, available in 5-foot or 6-foot lengths.

The 2025 GMC Canyon interior and exterior utility features include a MultiStow™ Tailgate storage system with an integrated drain. Its accessories and features are designed to enhance capability, with up to 10 available camera views to help navigate tight trails or maneuver a trailer.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Modern technology in any midsize truck is crucial for it to gain the best midsize truck title. In today’s connected world, these trucks serve as mobile command centers seamlessly linking the driver to navigation, communication, and entertainment.

But when you look at the GMC Canyon vs Toyota Tacoma, both vehicles have large digital screens and robust connectivity options.

With the GMC Canyon, here are the tech features this midsize truck has to offer:

• 11.3-inch diagonal center touchscreen (Standard on Elevation)
• 11.0-inch Driver Information Center
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility
• 6.3-inch diagonal multicolor Head-Up Display (Available for Denali)
• Wireless Charging (Available on Denali)
• SiriusXM 3-month trial subscription and OnStar® & Connected Services trial

As for the Toyota Tacoma 2025, here are the tech features it has to offer:

• Standard 8.0-inch Multimedia Touchscreen Display
• Available 14.0-inch Multimedia Touchscreen Display and 12.3-inch Digital Gauge Cluster for access to information about off-road functions and safety features
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility
• Available Connected Services trials: Remote Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, Safety Connect®, Drive Connect [Cloud Navigation, Intelligent Assistant, Destination Assist], and Service Connect
• Availabel 10-speaker JBL® Premium Audio system (can include JBL® FLEX portable and self-powered Bluetooth® speaker)

Safety and Crashworthiness

The comparison of safety ratings helps determine the safest midsize truck between the two. Both vehicles come equipped with many standard safety systems, influencing the perceived GMC Canyon vs Toyota Tacoma reliability concerning crash prevention.

The 2025 Toyota Tacoma achieved an overall Top Safety Pick rating. It features its standard Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0 (TSS 3.0), a suite of safety tech that includes the following:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Road Sign Assist
• Automatic High Beams
• Proactive Driving Assist (may provide gentle braking and/or steering
• Available features: Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and rear automatic braking

On the other hand, the 2025 GMC Canyon also performed well in crashworthiness but showed mixed results. It received a “Good” rating for the small overlap front test, updated side test, and small overlap test. But its standard front crash prevention system received a “Poor” overall rating in the vehicle-to-vehicle 2.0 test.

The truck also features Canyon Pro Safety and Canyon Safety Plus suites that come with standard safety and driver assist features like:

• Blind Zone Steering Assist with Trailering for urgent steering when it detects a potential crash or a moving vehicle in the adjacent lane,
• Rear Cross Traffic Braking
• Rear Park Assist
• Forward Collision Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking
• Following Distance Indicator
• Front Pedestrian and Bicylist Braking
• Lane Keeping Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• IntelliBeam or Automatic High Beams
• Optional safety features include: Blind spot detection, Rear Automatic Braking

Fuel Economy and Off-Road Specialization

Both manufacturers provide specialized off-road variants, enhancing their offerings in the best midsize trucks category.

The 2025 GMC Canyon trim levels escalate quickly in capability and luxury. The 2025 GMC Canyon AT4 is the key off-road trim, coming standard with an off-road suspension package and advanced hill descent control. For extreme capability, the available 2025 GMC Canyon AT4X Package is available on the AT4 trim, which includes:

• 3-inch factory lift
• Front and rear electronic locking differentials
• 17-inch wheels with 33-inch MT tires
• Multimatic™ DSSV dampers

The 2025 GMC Canyon Denali, on the other hand, focuses on premium features, which include:

• Denali exclusive Jet Black interior with Teak accents,
• 6.3-inch diagonal multicolor Head-Up Display
• 20-inch diamond-cut aluminum wheels

As to its fuel economy, the 2025 GMC Canyon has the following fuel economy scores per trim level:

• Elevation: 17 MPG city/21 MPG highway/ 19 MPG combined
• Denali: 17 MPG city/21 MPG highway/19 MPG combined
• AT4: 18 MPG city/22 MPG highway/20 MPG combined

The 2025 Toyota Tacoma boasts 11 unique grades. Toyota’s legendary off-road heritage is cemented in the TRD family. Key off-road 2025 Toyota Tacoma trim levels include the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road featuring Bilstein® monotube shocks with remote reservoirs.

The specialized 2025 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter is a ready-made overlanding beast that features Old Man Emu® 2.5-inch forged monotube shocks, a high clearance front bumper, rock rails, and an ARB® steel rear bumper with recovery hooks. It also includes a bed-mounted air compressor and high clearance trail exhaust. The pinnacle off-road model is the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. This trim includes TRD-tuned FOX® QS3 Internal Bypass shocks and segment-first IsoDynamic Performance front seats to stabilize the driver over rough terrain.

These 2025 Toyota Tacoma trim levels mostly utilize the powerful i-FORCE MAX hybrid system for enhanced output. Estimated fuel economy varies across the 2025 Toyota Tacoma MPG lineup:

• TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX: 22/24 MPG
• Limited i-FORCE MAX: 23/24 MPG.

The standard 2025 Toyota Tacoma SR model has an estimated best gas mileage midsize truck figures among the listed gas trims at 20/26 MPG.

Decide Your Pickup Winner for San Diego Roads

Both the GMC Canyon and Toyota Tacoma are great candidates for the best midsize truck 2025 title. But what to choose between the GMC Canyon vs Toyota Tacoma comes down to what fits your driving habits and lifestyle in San Diego.

These trucks have solid safety ratings, strong performance, and a suite of features. But if you value serious off-road ability and reliability, go for the Toyota Tacoma. But if you prefer having a comfortable ride and a tech-packed interior, the GMC Canyon is what you should pick.

However, if the Toyota Tacoma is your pick, visit Dalton Toyota National City to have a better look at it. Our knowledgeable sales team understands your driving needs and is eager to answer any questions you may have. You can also check our certified used vehicles inventory for other options you may have.

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