Sierra vs Canyon: Which is Best for You?

Trucks are some of the best-selling vehicles on the road today, and for good reason. They offer large viewing areas, you sit up higher, there are vast amounts of interior and cargo space, they can tow pretty much anything anywhere, and modern pickups genuinely feel like massive luxury vehicles. The GMC Sierra and Canyon are perfect examples of two trucks that can go anywhere and do anything. However, they are different sizes. The Sierra is a full-size pickup, whereas the Canyon is a mid-size. Which one is best suited to your needs? Let’s dive in. 

2024 GMC Canyon

While the GMC Canyon is the little brother of sorts to the Sierra, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a capable vehicle. All Canyon models have a 2.7-liter TurboMax turbocharged inline-4 that puts out 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to the 8-speed automatic transmission, the Canyon is always in the right gear, especially when towing. Speaking of towing, the mid-size GMC truck can tow up to 7,700 lbs in Elevation, AT4, and Denali trims. The off-road AT4X tows up to 6,000 lbs, and the AT4X Edition 1 will tow 5,500 lbs when properly equipped. This means you can tow anything from a jet ski, a boat, a camper, all the way up to a couple of horses. With Hitch Guidance and Hitch View as standard features, it’s now easier than ever to line up your hitch and get to towing. The optional ProGrade Trailering System adds an integrated trailer brake controller, an in-vehicle trailering app, a 220-amp alternator, and Blind Zone Steering Assist with Trailering.

Canyon Interior Space

Inside the Canyon, you will find ample space for you and your passengers, as seen in the chart below:

• Headroom F/R: 40.3 inches / 38.3
• Legroom F/R: 45.2 / 34.7
• Shoulder Room F/R: 57.4 / 56.1 
• Hip Room F/R: 54.7 / 53.1

2024 GMC Sierra

For those who need just a bit extra room and more towing ability, the Sierra is the truck to choose. Buyers can choose from the same 2.7-liter TurboMax as the Canyon, a 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, a 6.2-liter V8 making 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, or a Duramax 3.0-liter turbo-diesel that pumps out 305 horsepower and 495 torque. This means that the Sierra can tow anywhere from 9,300 lbs all the way to 13,300 lbs, depending on the engine and options chosen. 

Bed Sizes

While the Canyon has a perfectly usable bed that is 5’1” long, the Sierra can be optioned with either a 5’8” bed, a 6’6” bed, or an 8’ bed. You can also pick between a regular cab, double cab, or crew cab with four full doors. The Canyon comes standard as a crew cab. 

Sierra Interior Space

Inside the Sierra is also a larger place, with:

• Headroom F/R: 43.1 inches for a regular cab, 43 for double and crew / 39.9 for a double cab, and 40.1 in crew cab models
• Legroom F/R: 44.5 / 35.2 or 43.4
• Shoulder Room F/R: 66 / 64.9 or 65.1 
• Hip Room F/R: 60.9 or 61.2 / 60.2

Safety Is Standard

No matter which truck is right for you, both have excellent safety features thanks to standard GMC Pro Safety, which includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking with Bicyclist Detection, IntelliBeam auto high beams, Following Distance Indicator, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and Forward Collision Alert. 

At Penz GMC of Rochester, we value our customers. You can find new GMC inventory, including the GMC Sierra 1500 and the all-new Canyon, plus an unmatched collection of used car, truck, van, SUV, and crossover inventory at our dealership near you. Are you interested in leasing or financing your next vehicle? The Finance Department at Penz GMC of Rochester can help you find the right lease offer or finance solution that fits your budget. We cultivate relationships with many banks, lenders, and other financial organizations to provide great options for purchasing your new vehicle. In addition to the comprehensive factory warranty that comes with your new vehicle, we offer extended warranty and protection programs to safeguard your investment. Get the best deals and specials available to you on a GMC. Our knowledgeable sales staff wants to help you find the perfect fit in a new GMC or used car. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Penz family and help you find your new car or used vehicle. Your support and customer service doesn’t stop after you sign your deal. The expert Service Department at Penz GMC of Rochester is always ready to help with any repairs or maintenance you might need to keep your vehicle running perfectly. Our Express Service Lane will quickly get you back on the road when you need basic maintenance, like an oil change or tire rotation. Would you like to make your new car all your own with personalized upgrades? Our well-stocked Parts Department has all of the GMC authentic accessories you need for the best customization of your vehicle. Make your car, truck, or SUV uniquely yours to fit perfectly in your lifestyle. We are eager to help you on your car buying and vehicle ownership journey. Visit us today at Penz GMC of Rochester!