Canyon vs Gladiator
GMC versus Jeep: the Canyon and the Gladiator go after the same midsize pickup buyer. If you only read one line, make it this: the Canyon takes 1 of 4 compared areas, and the engine & performance gap is the one to look at first.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Canyon wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Gladiator wins
- Engine & Performance10.0
- Off-road & Towing10.0
- Engine & Performance4.5
- Off-road & Towing10.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Canyon has 170 lb-ft more torque
The Gladiator lists 260 lb-ft; the Canyon comes in at 430 lb-ft. That’s not a rounding error. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
-
The Canyon has 25 hp more power
If everything else were equal, this small edge would favor the Canyon: 310 hp against 285 hp. The Canyon’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Gladiator has a bigger 12.3 in touchscreen
Not a big gap, but a consistent one. The Gladiator’s 12.3 in beats the Canyon’s 11.3 in. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Canyon | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 218 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 73.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 131.4 in | 137.3 in |
Engine & Performance
Canyon leads
The engine & performance comparison is one-sided. The Canyon leads where it counts. The Canyon stands out with 170 lb-ft more torque. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades. Anyone shopping mainly on engine & performance should start with the Canyon.
Torque
Canyon: 430 lb-ft Gladiator: 260 lb-ft The Canyon’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Total system output
Canyon: 310 hp Gladiator: 285 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Neither the Canyon nor the Gladiator has a real advantage in the space & practicality category. If space & practicality was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on off-road & towing; the numbers are close throughout. Treat off-road & towing as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Safety & Tech
Gladiator leads
Slight edge to the Gladiator on safety & tech. Most buyers could live happily with either. The Gladiator has the edge with a bigger 12.3 in touchscreen. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance. So if safety & tech tops your list, lean toward the Gladiator.
Largest touchscreen
Canyon: 11.3 in Gladiator: 12.3 in The Gladiator’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Canyon | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.7L turbo I4 (TurboMax) | 3.6L V6 (Pentastar) |
| Total system output | 310 hp (winner) | 285 hp |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft (winner) | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (4WD available) | 4WD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Canyon | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 20 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 19 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 23 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel tank | 21 gal | 22 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Canyon | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Canyon | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 11.60 in |
| Max towing | 7,700 lb | 7,700 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Canyon | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 11.3 in | 12.3 in (winner) |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Driver-assist suite | GMC Pro Safety | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Canyon | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 218 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 73.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 131.4 in | 137.3 in |
Price
| Spec | Canyon | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $38,400 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Canyon if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (430 lb-ft vs 260 lb-ft of torque)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (310 hp vs 285 hp)
- you prefer staying with GMC
Choose the Gladiator if…
- you want the bigger touchscreen (12.3 in vs 11.3 in)
- you’re loyal to Jeep and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Canyon or the Gladiator?
The Canyon makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you care more about a bigger 12.3 in touchscreen than anything else.
Executive Summary
Here’s the short version of how I’d choose between the Canyon and the Gladiator. I think the Canyon makes its strongest case with 170 lb-ft more torque. The Gladiator has a trump card of its own in a bigger 12.3 in touchscreen.
The Canyon is built for people who weigh engine & performance heavily, and the Gladiator for people who weigh safety & tech.
My pick: the Canyon, though the Gladiator makes sense if your top priority is a bigger 12.3 in touchscreen.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.