The 2023 Canyon is a popular mid-size among many owners. As a luxury replacement for the Chevy Colorado, swapping it out for another would be very easy. Look no further if you’re looking for a Canyon alternative alongside its non-luxury equivalent. The Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma are excellent non-Chevy Colorado replacements. What makes the 2023 models so good?
Why do you need a 2023 GMC Canyon replacement?
For 2023, the car is entering its third generation. The midsize truck has a lot going for it, like the new off-road model AT4X. Plus, the automaker hopes a few small changes will help it stand out from its corporate cousin much more than it has since its last redesign in 2015.
Significantly more upscale inside the cabin. As a result, buyers who want a more comfortable interior need to pay a premium. In addition, the drag and drop is not as good as a few competitors. For real pickup purposes, customers should look for an alternative.
2023 Toyota Tacoma is the Canyon replacement
Unfortunately, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma doesn’t live up to the latest Canyon’s towing capacity. Accordingly, the Toyota mid-size truck tops out at 6,800 lbs. However, it does have an ideal cargo bed made of composite materials that do not require a bed liner. Moreover, it comes with both fixed and movable straps to make pulling anything in the bed a breeze. Inside, the rear seats fold down to store more cargo, and the Tacoma offers plenty of space inside.
The real advantage the Tacoma has is its starting price. For the off-road model, customers will owe $36,775. That’s roughly the width of GMC’s Elevation, which is the base in the lineup. Compared to the Canyon off-road model, the pricing isn’t even close. The AT4X costs $56,995. For just under $20,000, this affordable Tacoma off-roader has a locking rear differential, Bilstein shock absorbers, and a sophisticated off-road traction control system.
However, the more expensive TRD Pro model is still less expensive. Starting at $48,030, this version of the Tacoma is everything you need in a midsize truck. For example, JBL sound system, navigation, rear parking sensors, LED headlights, thicker front skid plate, upgraded exhaust, multi-terrain display, sunroof, leather upholstery, off-road suspension, Fox shock absorbers, approach angles / refraction, all-terrain tires. We think the best Tacoma off-roader beats the Canyon AT4X trim for nearly $10,000 less.
Try a Ford Ranger instead
Although the Ford Ranger doesn’t beat the GMC Canyon in towing capacity, it’s nearly identical. With a maximum weight of 7,500 pounds, the Ranger is so close to Canyon that 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. In addition, the midsize truck comes with six locks in the trunk, and the central locking system includes the tailgate.
Next, the Ranger’s interior is roomy and easy for a person of any size to get on and off. It is comfortable with ergonomic controls and has excellent amenities. More affordable trim levels mean that customers can add optional packages to get the features needed. We appreciate the customization this allows and suggest the Ranger XLT with a few options.
Finally, the off-road package is much more affordable than the Canyon off-roader. The Tremor package, available for XLT and Lariat models, adds revised suspension, adding 0.8 inches of ground clearance. Then, you get Fox off-road-specific shocks, 32-inch all-terrain tires, side steps, underbody protection, and assist switches. The most affordable Ranger Lariat starts at just $37,955.
2023 GMC Canyon replacements are not a Chevy Colorado
In conclusion, the 2023 GMC Canyon is an excellent midsize truck. Anyone looking for an alternative will likely opt for the Chevy Colorado, as the two share many traits and are nearly identical. However, if you’re looking for a good alternative to the Valley that isn’t Colorado, there are a few options. For equal towing and a light off-road package at a better price, choose the Ford Ranger. For better off-road trim at a lower price, there’s no doubt the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is the way to go.
