The Ford Maverick and GMC Canyon are compact and midsize pickup trucks that pack a lot of character and capability. Because they’re less bulky than full-size models – like the Ford F-150 and GMC Sierra – they are easier to maneuver, kinder on a fuel budget, and less expensive to drive off the dealership lot.
Are you curious to see how they compare? Let’s take a look at the highlights of each of these trucks.
2024 Ford Maverick
The 2024 Ford Maverick uses the same unibody (frameless) platform that underpins the Ford Escape compact SUV. This platform provides a smoother ride and sharper handling than a traditional body-on-frame truck. Pricing starts at $25,410, including delivery fees, and there are three main trims: XL, XLT, and Lariat.
A 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine serves as the base powertrain. A fuel-sipping hybrid gasoline-electric 4-cylinder is optional. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, and all-wheel drive (AWD) is available.
Ford Maverick Highlights
Tremor off-road package: Don’t think the Ford Maverick is a softy because it rides on the Escape chassis. The Tremor package features a raised suspension system and redesigned front and rear bumpers for better approach and departure angles during all-terrain driving, underbody skid plates, locking 4-wheel drive, and underbody skid plates.
Lower cargo bed: The Ford Maverick sits closer to the ground than the Canyon, translating into a lower lift when loading cargo aboard the 4.5-foot-long bed.
Hybrid’s fuel economy: The 162-hp hybrid 4-cylinder delivers mileage that bests many frugal economy cars. It returns an EPA-estimated 37 mpg combined average in city and highway driving.
Thumping stereo: The Lariat trim offers a rich-sounding 8-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, which gives the Maverick an extra auditory attitude.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Maverick models near you.
2024 GMC Canyon
The GMC Canyon has five trims: Elevation, AT4, Denali, AT4X, and AT4X AEV. Pricing starts at $37,595, notably higher than the more budget-minded Ford Maverick. Standard features are plentiful and include an 11.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a remote-locking tailgate.
A turbocharged 2.7-liter 4-cylinder gets the Canyon down the road, producing 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. All but the Elevation trim have standard AWD.
GMC Canyon Highlights
Upscale interior: The Canyon demands more from your truck-buying budget. However, GMC’s Denali trim routinely impresses us with quality and luxury. You get niceties like heated front seats, wood trim, perforated leather upholstery, a Bose audio system, a head-up instrument display, and a 360-degree parking camera.
User-friendly tech: A clear and easy-to-use 11.3-inch touchscreen is standard in the Canyon. It has tech touches like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google-based voice commands, and Google Maps navigation.
CornerStep bumper, tailgate storage: Truck shoppers value clever storage solutions. The CornerStep rear bumper is a convenient toehold when accessing the cargo bed, and a waterproof tailgate storage compartment is also available.
Off-road AT4X AEV: Newly added this model year, the AT4X AEV Edition is a go-anywhere model with locking front and rear differentials, front and rear steel bumpers, 12.2-inch ground clearance, launch control, beadlock-capable 35-inch tires, and Multimatic spool-valve shocks. Are you planning on venturing off-road? This model is the one to pick. By the numbers, it outdoes the Ford Maverick Tremor.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Canyon models near you.
Similarities
The Ford Maverick and GMC Canyon deliver unique spins on the pickup. They’re smaller and a little easier to park than a full-size truck. They also pack high levels of tech and driver aids, such as forward collision warning and automatic high beams.
Conclusion
GMC did a great job rebooting the Canyon for the 2023 model year. It’s a little larger and more expensive than the Ford Maverick, but ultimately, it’s also the most capable of towing, hauling, and off-road driving.
But don’t discount the mighty wee Maverick. We love how it punches above its weight and is outstanding in terms of mileage when fitted with its available hybrid engine. Does it feel more built-to-cost than the fancier Canyon? Yes, but the price tag reflects that reality. The right pickup for you depends on your budget and what you intend to do with the truck.
| 2024 Ford Maverick | 2024 GMC Canyon | |
| Starting Price | $25,410 | $37,595 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | Turbo 2.7-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 310 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm | 430 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy | 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/ 26 mpg combined | 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway/20 mpg combined |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter gas-electric 4-cyl., CVT, AWD, 4WD | 4WD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 4 star | 4 star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 121.1 inches | 131.4 inches |
| Overall Length | 199.7 inches | 213.2 inches |
| Width | 72.6 inches | 72.4 inches |
| Height | 68.7 inches | 79.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 40.0 feet | TBD |
| Headroom, Front | 40.3 inches | 40.3 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.6 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.8 inches | 45.2 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 35.9 inches | 34.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.3 inches | 57.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.6 inches | 56.1 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 33.3 cubic feet | 41.9 cubic feet |
