2023 Ford Maverick vs 2024 GMC Canyon

The 2023 Ford Maverick retained its distinctive look, characterized by its blocky front end and headlights, aligning with the Ford truck family. The Tremor package added off-road capability and style, featuring blacked-out logos, unique color options like Avalanche Gray, and orange accents on tow hooks and the grille. The Tremor Appearance Package further enhanced its sporty look with special wheels and graphics. Inside, the Maverick's crew cab was filled with hard plastic, but the Black Onyx seats added a touch of style, despite concerns about long-term appeal.

The 2024 GMC Canyon stood out as a large midsize truck, with dimensions that rivaled larger models. Its height and ground clearance were notable, making it a formidable presence. The Canyon shared parts with the Chevrolet Colorado but offered superior ground clearance. Available in four trims, it catered to different needs, from work-focused to luxury. The AT4X trim, tested with the AEV package, boasted impressive off-road features, including a lift kit and skid plates. Inside, the Canyon offered a high-quality feel, especially in higher trims, with comfortable seating and excellent fit and finish.

The 2023 Ford Maverick was notable for its hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor to produce 191 horsepower. The EcoBoost engine option delivered 250 horsepower and allowed for AWD. The Tremor package introduced advanced off-road capabilities, including a unique AWD system and Trail Control. The Maverick's towing capacity varied, with the Tremor package reducing it to 2,000 lbs, while the FX4 Off-Road Package allowed for up to 4,000 lbs.

The 2024 GMC Canyon featured a powerful 2.7-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. This engine was standard across all trims, providing impressive towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The Canyon's eight-speed automatic transmission complemented its performance, offering a smooth drive. Despite its size, the Canyon handled well, with advanced suspension dampers enhancing its ride quality. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with the AT4X trim achieving only 16 mpg.

The 2023 Ford Maverick offered ample legroom, with the gas engine models providing 42.8 inches in the front and 36.9 inches in the rear. The hybrid version had slightly less rear legroom. Despite the abundance of plastic, the Maverick's interior was functional and could be upgraded with packages for added comfort and tech features.

The 2024 GMC Canyon excelled in towing capacity but struggled with interior space. Rear-seat legroom was limited, making it less comfortable for adults on longer trips. The 5.2-foot bed offered less cargo space compared to competitors. The Canyon's size posed challenges in urban environments, and the spare tire in the AEV package reduced usable space.

The 2023 Ford Maverick featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with basic graphics. Standard tech included Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered additional features like a B&O sound system and wireless charging. The Maverick's tech was functional but not groundbreaking.

The 2024 GMC Canyon impressed with its 11.3-inch touchscreen and Google Built-in software, offering seamless integration of Google Maps and Assistant. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard. The infotainment system had some quirks, like embedded headlight controls, but overall, it was advanced and user-friendly. Higher trims benefited from a head-up display and off-road performance pages.

The 2023 Ford Maverick came with Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. It received a four-star NHTSA rating, with some concerns noted in crash tests. The IIHS rated its front crash prevention as Superior.

The 2024 GMC Canyon also earned a four-star NHTSA rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. However, many advanced features were optional on lower trims. The AT4X trim offered additional safety tech, like a surround-view camera and trailer-compatible blind-spot system.