The 2023 GMC Canyon is a popular midsize truck among many owners. As a luxurious alternative to the Chevy Colorado, replacing it with one would be too easy. Look no further if you’re searching for a Canyon alternative besides its non-luxury equivalent. The Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma are excellent 2023 GMC Canyon alternatives that aren’t a Chevy Colorado. What makes the 2023 models just as good?

For the 2023 model year, the GMC Canyon is entering its third generation. The midsize truck has a lot going for it, like the new off-road AT4X trim. Additionally, the automaker is hoping some small changes will help it stand out from its corporate cousin much more than it has since the last redesign in 2015.

For a higher price than the Colorado, the Canyon needs better features, a fancier interior, and more reasons to pay extra. Unlike the Colorado, the Canyon will exclusively use a high-output version of the pair’s turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder, good for 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.

However, not everything is sunshine and daisies with the new Canyon. As with the previous generation, costly models like Denali and AT4X are significantly more upscale inside the cabin. As a result, buyers who want a more comfortable interior need to pay a premium. Additionally, towing and hauling isn’t as good as a few rivals. For those true pickup purposes, customers should look for an alternative.

Unfortunately, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma falls short of the latest Canyon for towing capacity. According to Edmunds, Toyota’s midsize truck maxes out its capacity at 6,800 pounds. However, it has an ideal cargo bed made of composite materials that don’t require a bed liner. Moreover, it comes with fixed and movable tie-downs to make hauling anything in the bed a breeze. Inside, the rear seats fold down to store more cargo, and the Tacoma provides plenty of room inside.

The true advantage the Tacoma has is its starting price. For the TRD Pro off-road model, customers will owe $36,775. That’s nearly as much as the GMC’s Elevation offering, the base trim in the lineup. Compared with the Canyon off-road model, the prices aren’t even close. An AT4X costs $56,995. For roughly $20,000 less, the Tacoma’s affordable off-roadster has a lockable rear differential, Bilstein shock absorbers, and an advanced off-road traction control system.

However, the top-of-the-line TRD Pro model still costs less. Starting at $48,030, this version of the Tacoma is everything you need in a midsize truck. For example, a JBL audio system, navigation, rear parking sensors, LED headlights, a thicker front skid plate, an upgraded exhaust, a multi-terrain monitor, a sunroof, leather upholstery, an off-road suspension, Fox shock absorbers, increased approach/breakover angles, and all-terrain tires. We think the best Tacoma off-roader beats the Canyon’s AT4X trim for nearly $10,000 less.

Is the 2023 GMC Canyon Worth the Massive Price Hike?

Although the Ford Ranger doesn’t beat the GMC Canyon in towing capacity, it’s nearly identical. With a 7,500-pound maximum, the Ranger is so close to the Canyon most owners will never know the difference. Additionally, the Ford model carries a maximum payload capacity of 1,905 pounds, which is near the top of the class. Additionally, the Blue Oval‘s midsize truck comes with six tie-downs in the bed, and the central locking system includes the tailgate.

Next, the Ranger interior is spacious and easy for an any-sized person to climb in and out. It’s comfortable with convenient controls and has excellent amenities. More affordable trim levels mean customers can add optional packages to get their desired features. We appreciate the customization this allows and suggest the Ranger XLT with a few options.

Lastly, the Tremor off-road package is much more affordable than the Canyon’s off-roader. Available to XLT and Lariat trims, the Tremor package adds a revised suspension, adding 0.8-inch more ground clearance. Next, it gets off-road-specific Fox shocks, 32-inch all-terrain tires, side steps, underbody protection, and auxiliary switches. The most costly Ranger Lariat starts at just $37,955.

In conclusion, the 2023 GMC Canyon is an excellent midsize truck. Anyone looking for an alternative will likely choose the Chevy Colorado, as the two share many attributes and are nearly identical. However, if you’re searching for a good Canyon alternative that isn’t a Colorado, there are a few options. For equal towing and a better-priced light off-road package, choose the Ford Ranger. For a much better off-road trim at a lower price, there’s no question the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is the way to go.