Midsize truck affordability clashes with capability
Midsize trucks have become a staple of the automotive industry, offering a solid balance of capability and affordability. The Toyota Tacoma has held its ground as the best-selling model in the segment for over 20 years, but contenders like the GMC Canyon continue to offer steady competition.
GMC
Toyota
The 2026 model year doesn’t have many changes in store for the Toyota Tacoma. Minor cosmetic changes are on the docket, and a tow hitch now comes stock on the base SR model in some configurations. The same is true for the GMC Canyon, which primarily sees changes in cosmetic packages, and the AT4X model gets a factory lift kit added to its optional equipment. While both trucks offer an impressive set of features, there are some notable differences between the two.
1. The Tacoma is significantly cheaper
The Toyota Tacoma has managed to secure its position as America’s best-selling midsize truck for two decades through its strong range of offerings. The base model offers an excellent value proposition, starting at $32,145. You won’t get all the bells and whistles at that price, but an eight-inch touchscreen display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come stock. The base Tacoma SR is also one of the few vehicles in the industry still available with a six-speed manual transmission.
Toyota
GMC
While the GMC Canyon comes with a more premium set of standard features, that equipment comes at a price. The base Canyon Elevation starts at $38,900, more than $6,000 than the base Tacoma. For that money, you get an 11.3-inch touchscreen display, an off-road performance display, and 18-inch gloss black aluminum wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. If you’re in need of a utility-driven pickup on a budget, then the Tacoma is the truck of choice.
2. The Canyon comes stock with 310 horsepower
The 2026 GMC Canyon is the mechanical twin to the Chevy Colorado, which means it comes equipped with the same 2.7-liter turbocharged engine. It generates 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear or all four wheels, depending on the model’s configuration. Canyon models equipped with rear-wheel drive are rated for 19 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Upgrading to four-wheel drive reduces fuel economy by two miles per gallon in both categories.
GMC
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma comes with two engine options, but efficiency isn’t the main focus. The base Tacoma SR comes stock with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but its output is dependent on the model’s transmission. With an automatic gearbox, the base Tacoma delivers 228 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. Opting for the available manual transmission increases performance to 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
Notably, all other Tacoma models equipped with that same engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission produce 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. The SR5 model is the most efficient of that lineup, earning 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Toyota
The 2026 Tacoma is also available with a hybrid version of that same powertrain, but the emphasis isn’t on fuel economy. The Tacoma Hybrid starts at $46,935 and generates 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The Limited i-Force Max model is the most efficient of the bunch, earning 23 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
3. The Canyon offers luxury while undercutting pricier Tacoma models
Redesigned for the 2023 model year, the GMC Canyon hasn’t seen much in the way of updates over the past few years. The American pickup continues to offer upscale luxury at all levels, but the Denali model is the pinnacle of premium in the range. Priced from $53,000, the Canyon Denali puts passenger comfort at the forefront, with a trim-exclusive black interior with teak accents, heated and ventilated front seats, and 20-inch aluminum wheels. A 6.3-inch head-up display, seven-speaker Bose premium audio system, and an 11-inch digital gauge display are just a few other features that help the Denali deliver a premium driving experience.
GMC
GMC
James Riswick
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma Limited i-Force Max, priced from $56,495, serves as a premium entry in the Japanese truck’s trim range. 18-inch wheels and an exhaust tip with a chrome finish set the stage, further complemented by leather-trimmed front seats and steering wheel. The Trailhunter and TRD Pro, priced from $63,350 and $64,350, respectively, top the range and put the Tacoma’s focus on off-road capability. Both models ride on 18-inch wheels in a trim-exclusive finish and include an off-road suspension and underbody suspension. Inside, all three models boast heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 120V bed-mounted AC power supply. A 14-inch touchscreen display comes stock, as does a 10-speaker JBL premium audio system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
4. The GMC Canyon can tow up to 7,700 lbs
The GMC Canyon may only come with a single turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood, but it packs more towing capability than either of the Tacoma’s powertrains. All models come equipped with a towing package that includes a receiver hitch, trailer brake controller, and connectors. The Elevation, AT4, and Denali models are capable of towing up to 7,700 lbs, while the AT4X sees its towing capacity drop to 6,000 lbs.
Toyota
The Toyota Tacoma’s towing capacity varies by model and powertrain. The SR5 model offers the highest of the range, topping out at 6,500 lbs. of towing capacity. When equipped with the hybrid powertrain, the midsize truck’s maximum towing capability drops to 6,000 lbs.
5. The Tacoma’s model range dwarfs the Canyon’s offerings
With a trim range numbering 11 models, there’s a Tacoma for every driver. Priced from $32,145 to $64,350, the 2026 Toyota Tacoma offers everything from a barebones daily work truck to a decked-out off-road conqueror. The mid-tier TRD Off-Road is ready to rock the trails, with 17-inch wheels and a front skid plate, while the top-spec TRD Pro features Fox shocks, a reinforced rocker protector, and a high-clearance front bumper.
Toyota
General Motors offers the Canyon in just four premium variants, ranging in price from $38,900 to $57,200. As such, you might have to make more compromises in order to get into the right GMC Canyon. The base Elevation model comes ready for the road, with 18-inch aluminum wheels complemented by LED headlights and taillights. At the top of the price range, the AT4X features a transfer case shield, rocker protectors, and a trim-exclusive Baja drive mode with launch control.
Final thoughts
Kyle Edward
Toyota
The Toyota Tacoma has held the top spot for decades now, but when it comes to premium amenities, the GMC Canyon is a tough contender. Both midsize models offer impressive performance, but the Canyon takes top prize in towing capability. With an extensive range of models to choose from, you might have an easier time finding a Tacoma that better meets your needs. To truly find the right midsize truck for your lifestyle, take both the Tacoma and Canyon for a test drive.
About the author
Joseph Pudlewski
Contributing Writer, Autoblog