General Motors produces many models of pickups. They offer full-size trucks like the GMC Sierra and mid-size ones like the Canyon pickup. When you’re in the market to buy a truck, which one would you choose?

The full-size pickup is usually the first one that comes to mind due to its larger size and towing capabilities. But is it that much better than the Canyon? It might surprise you. Consumer Reports reviews the Sierra as well as the Canyon and shows the strengths and weaknesses of both. 

Overview of the GMC Sierra 

The 2020 model of the GMC Sierra has improved payload and towing capacities along with fuel economy and powertrain. The 5.3-liter V8 engine comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and gets around 17 mpg overall. 

On a 0 to 60 run, the Sierra clocked an acceleration time of 6.9 seconds. The 3.0-liter diesel six-cylinder gets around 23 mpg overall. It also performed well but came in a second slower than the V8 engine. 

You can also opt for a 6.2-liter V8 engine to get in the high-end models with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Or you can choose a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder motor. 

The Sierra is a tall vehicle but has a spacious cabin, making it roomy for both the front and rear passengers. Motorized running boards are available, but you can only get them with the higher trims. 

Overview of the GMC Canyon

The Canyon offers easier visibility and a quiet ride. It’s comfortable for the most part but can get choppy when traveling on rough-surfaced roads. However, seats aren’t as impressive as Consumer Reports reviewers felt they were just too stiff to sit on, especially for long periods. 

Powering it up is a 3.6-liter V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It’s rated to get 18 mpg overall. You can also opt for a diesel motor, which helps the GMC Canyon get 24 mpg overall. 

That’s more than impressive, considering you can get that with a 4-wheel-drive model. Few small trucks can claim that. Other engine options include a 2.8-liter four-cylinder and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder. 

This pickup comes standard with a backup camera, forward collision warning, and lane departure alert. Pricing for the SLE version with some luxury features will run you about $36,000. If you choose to install the diesel motor, you can expect to pay around $40,000. 

Is the GMC Sierra worth choosing over the Canyon?

If you need a workhorse that will tow tons of weight, the Sierra might be a good option for you. But few people need that much towing or want that much of a truck for their daily driving needs. 

Also, you can tow quite a bit with the Canyon. You’ll need either the V6 model with the trailering package or the diesel motor. The V6 will enable you to tow around 7,000 lbs. If you get the diesel with the special towing controls, you can tow up to 7,700 lbs, which is pretty close to what full-size trucks offer. 

The smaller Canyon, as Consumer Reports points out, has easier maneuverability, makes parking a breeze. Doing these things with a full-size pickup will be challenging. Plus, it’s harder to get up and into the cabin of a bigger truck. You don’t need extra aids to climb into the Canyon. 

Overall, the Sierra is a fine truck, but if you don’t need all that much truck, the Canyon will do just fine. Plus, it won’t cost you near as much as it would with the Sierra.