Blog / Used GMC Dealer

Why a Used GMC Sierra 1500 Could Be Ideal for You

A black 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 driving down a winding road from a used GMC dealer.

Trucks comprise one of the most popular vehicle segments, as shoppers love the versatility they can provide. Whether you need to haul heavy loads or simply want something comfortable for daily driving, a pickup can deliver. Naturally, with popularity comes options, so the market for trucks is extensive. With so much competition, standing out among the crowd can be challenging, but one model manages to do just that. 

The GMC Sierra 1500 brings so much to the table that it's hard to ignore. With a perfect blend of a luxurious interior and impressive capabilities, the Sierra 1500 meets a variety of needs in one stylish truck. One downside to purchasing a pickup, though, is the hefty price tag; brand-new pickups have much to offer, and their cost often reflects this. However, one perfect solution to this dilemma is buying a used model. Searching at a used GMC dealer like ourselves will present plenty of options for a used Sierra 1500 with all the incredible features you're looking for at a fraction of the cost. If you're still not sold on why a used Sierra 1500 can be your ideal truck, keep reading to find out what makes them so special.

What Are the Benefits of Buying Used?

It's no secret that you can expect a significantly lower cost when you buy a pre-owned vehicle. These models allow you to get the incredible features you are looking for without breaking the bank as you would with a brand-new truck. While the low purchase price alone is an excellent reason to choose a used model, it is not the only benefit. 

When you opt for a pre-owned Sierra 1500, you have a much wider variety of options to choose from. Some features and trims may have only been available for a limited time, so if you were to buy new, these options wouldn't be accessible. But when you purchase a used Sierra 1500, all its previous iterations are available, so you can be sure you are getting precisely what you're looking for out of your pickup. 

Those who purchase used also can enjoy lower insurance premiums and cheaper registration costs, so you can save in more ways than just the truck's price tag. Often, these costs are based on the value of your vehicle, so a lower purchase price means you will also pay less for these services. You can keep more money in your pocket over time when you opt for a pre-owned Sierra 1500 compared to a new model.

Pre-owned pickups see slower depreciation as well, so your Sierra 1500 will not lose its value the way a brand-new model would. It's no secret new vehicles lose value as soon as you drive them off the lot. But the same can't be said for a used model. If you ever decide to sell or trade-in your truck, you can get more money back compared to offloading one bought brand-new.  

A black 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 towing a trailer.

A Brief History of the Sierra 1500

Few automakers have a history quite like GMC. This company knows its trucks, having been a primary supplier of pickups during World War II. However, the brand's most notable truck today didn't debut until 1999. The name Sierra did appear in the company's lineup before this year, but that design is a far cry from what we recognize today. 

In 1999, GMC was ready to showcase a completely redesigned truck. Thus, the Sierra 1500 was introduced, featuring a fresh powertrain and overall look. The model was highly similar to its cousin, the Chevy Silverado 1500, but GMC wanted the Sierra 1500 to have something other trucks didn't at the time: luxury interior features previously only seen on more opulent sedans rather than pickup trucks. 

This truck's design may have seemed risky at the time, as many wondered if audiences looking for a powerful and durable truck would also be seeking luxurious interior features, but it seems GMC struck gold with its new idea. Buyers loved the combination of strength and comfort, making the Sierra 1500 one of the best-selling trucks on the market. Since its initial release, GMC has continued to improve the Sierra 1500, ensuring it consistently remains one of the most popular trucks available. 

What Makes the Sierra 1500 Special?

The truck market is filled with options, so what makes the Sierra 1500 stand out among its competition? For starters, this impressive pickup offers unrivaled reliability. For multiple years, the Sierra 1500 has ranked extremely high on JD Power's list of most reliable pickup trucks, so you can be sure this model will keep you on the road and out of the repair shop when you choose it.

The Sierra 1500 has plenty of trim options, so shoppers can ensure they purchase a model that prioritizes the features they value most. If a more luxurious interior with impressive upgrades is high on the priority list, any year of the Sierra 1500 Denali will surely deliver. On the other hand, those who simply want the basics of a truck may prefer getting the base trim at a highly affordable price.

While it is a full-size pickup, the Sierra 1500 also has incredible capabilities, no matter what you need it for. When you choose this model, you can enjoy impressive hauling and towing capacities. Whether you are towing an RV or hauling equipment in the bed, this truck can handle it with ease. The Sierra 1500 also features multiple powerful engine options, so you can be sure you are buying a model that is fully equipped to endure whatever you may throw at it. 

With its rugged capabilities, you might not picture a cabin with an abundance of tech and convenience features. However, the Sierra 1500 is here to surprise you. While this truck is made to be tough, its interior is full of comfort features that will make your drive easier. Features like hands-free connectivity ensure your driving experience feels luxurious, even while performing the most challenging tasks.

Close-up on the wheels of a red 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X.

How Could a Used Sierra 1500 Be Perfect for You?

The Sierra 1500 has been blazing a path in the full-size truck segment for over two decades. Buyers can choose from multiple cab sizes and bed lengths, ensuring each Sierra 1500 is the perfect fit for their needs. However, GMC didn't end this model's customization there. Over the years, many trims and exclusive features have been released, offering even more unique options.

Combining the benefits of purchasing a used vehicle and all that a Sierra 1500 has to offer leads to only one conclusion: a used Sierra 1500 is an excellent option for anyone who wants to buy an incredible truck at an affordable price. Those who don't want to sacrifice any of their must-have features but also don't want to overpay will find their perfect option in a used Sierra 1500.

This pickup boasts a spacious and comfortable cabin, famous reliability, substantial hauling and towing capabilities, impressive tech and safety features, and many trim options, making it an ideal truck for any needs. With such a lengthy history, you can be sure there is a pre-owned model of this truck available that will have precisely what you're looking for. Rather than spending an arm and a leg on a brand-new pickup, opt for a used Sierra 1500 to get a perfect truck at an incredibly affordable price.

Posted in:

Recommended Posts

A black 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 driving for sale near Streator

Is Towing With Super Cruise Worth It?

This is a great question we hear from customers who are intrigued by the idea but may still feel uncertain. As with many vehicle features, the answer ultimately depends on how you use your truck and the type of driving experience you're looking for. If you're interested in a GMC Sierra 1500 for sale near Streator, now is the perfect time to consider the advanced tech features, such as Super Cruise, and how they can enhance your time behind the wheel of your pickup. Let's take a closer look at the Sierra 1500, Super Cruise, and how it can improve your driving experience day after day. more An Overview of the GMC Sierra 1500 Before we delve into the details of Super Cruise and towing, let's take a brief look at the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 and all it has to offer, as it is essential to consider all aspects of your next truck. The Sierra 1500 is a full-size, light-duty truck designed to serve as both a reliable daily driver for navigating Streator and a tireless workhorse. When shopping for a 2026 Sierra 1500, GMC offers an incredible range of options to choose from, including four different engines (such as the 6.2L V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque), three cab sizes, three bed lengths, and eight different trim levels. Your choice of trim has an impact on the performance and features you receive from this truck, including whether you can opt for the Super Cruise feature. The standard Pro model keeps things simple and elegant, offering bold performance, great interior and exterior features, and more. While you can choose upgrades like the trailering package to make the Pro a terrific work truck, Super Cruise is not available. Moving up to the Denali and Denali Ultimate trims puts Super Cruise in reach, so keep this in mind when choosing a model. Now, let's address some common questions about Super Cruise to determine if it's the right fit for you. What Is Super Cruise? To fully understand whether Super Cruise is a good fit for you, it's important to understand exactly what it is and how it works. Super Cruise is GM's semi-autonomous hands-free driving system, which has been available for nearly a decade across the brand's various models. It started as a technology that was exclusive to Cadillac models at first, but GM has since expanded its availability to include Chevy and GMC vehicles, including the Sierra 1500. It's important to note that this is not fully autonomous driving, as vehicles are not yet capable of navigating to a destination solely without driver involvement. With Super Cruise, you can activate it on compatible roads, and it will take over driving for you, allowing you to safely remove your hands from the steering wheel. You still need to pay attention to the road ahead. If the system detects that you're not paying attention, a flashing green light will prompt you to refocus your attention on the road. However, it can handle steering, braking, accelerating, and even changing lanes for you. With more than 700,000 miles of compatible roads across North America, this can make long road trips—and even daily driving all around Streator—a lot less stressful. Inside the Super Cruise Driving System Essentially, GM's team has plotted and scanned compatible roads that function with Super Cruise to create a high-definition map for the system to use. When on one of these roads, assuming proper traffic and weather conditions permit, you can activate the Super Cruise system, and it will take over driving for you. These days, it not only accelerates and brakes for you, but it can also safely handle steering and navigating curves without your hands on the wheel. You can even signal for a lane change, and the system will check blind spots before making the switch. Previously, Super Cruise could not be used safely while towing a trailer; however, that past limitation has since been resolved. Can You Tow While Using Super Cruise? Yes, updates to the system by GM now enable hands-free driving using Super Cruise with trailer support. Your Sierra 1500 will actually estimate the added weight of the trailer you're hauling based on your acceleration input. The system understands how the truck typically handles without additional weight, allowing it to detect changes in vehicle behavior and estimate the amount of weight being towed. It then uses this information to adjust its speed and driving distance in relation to other vehicles, allowing it to safely navigate the road, even with the added weight of a trailer behind it. This means you can hitch your trailer to your 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 (assuming it has Super Cruise equipped), load it up, and then hit the road. Once on a compatible Super Cruise highway, you can activate the system as usual, and it will take care of everything for you. The only feature at this time that doesn't necessarily work while trailering is the ability to tell the system to change lanes—you'll still need to do that manually. If you're someone who spends a lot of time driving on Super Cruise-compatible roads while towing, this feature can make your trips much less stressful and fatiguing. Is Super Cruise With Towing Worthwhile? This is the big question, of course, and the answer truly comes down to what kind of driving you tend to do with your truck and personal driving preferences. While some drivers prefer to remain fully hands-on when towing, others appreciate the added convenience that Super Cruise offers. That's entirely understandable to us, and while Super Cruise may not be essential for every driver, many find that it significantly enhances comfort and ease during daily driving and towing. If you like the idea of getting around the Streator area with more ease and comfort, this could be the perfect choice for you. Super Cruise, in general, can make your daily routine much easier and safer, especially if you do a lot of distance driving in your truck. Whether you regularly head up to Chicago or simply need to get around the surrounding area, you can find plenty of opportunities to use Super Cruise. This feature helps reduce driver fatigue, offering a significant benefit for daily driving. If you frequently tow on compatible roads and like the idea of a less-demanding daily drive, then we'd love to show you how it feels to go hands-free while getting the most out of your pickup. Get Everything You Want in Your Next Truck At the end of the day, the right truck and features come down to what you need—that's why we focus on getting to know all our customers' priorities here at Jeff Perry Buick GMC, so we can ensure we understand what you're looking for. Some drivers simply may not need Super Cruise, and that's fine. But if you like the idea of hitting the road in your truck, with a trailer full of equipment or supplies behind you, and being able to go hands-free along the way, then you owe it to yourself to check out the Sierra 1500 and what it has to offer. Even apart from the Super Cruise feature, the Sierra 1500 is an impressive pickup that deserves attention for its powerful performance, capability, and well-designed interior. GMC has created a standout truck, featuring remarkable comfort and advanced tech features far beyond what we saw in trucks just a couple of decades ago. Come see what makes this truck so remarkable, and then decide for yourself which features best meet your needs.

A person driving in a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500.

Why Pick the 2026 Sierra 1500 Over the 2026 Silverado 1500?

This is a question that we get asked a lot, and it can be a little tricky to answer since it largely comes down to what you want. Whether you're already interested in a GMC Sierra 1500 for sale near Dixon or you're still considering different options for your next truck, we're ready to help. Let's consider these two pickups and see why so many people choose the Sierra 1500. more Differences in Style and Design We'll get to some similarities between these two trucks a bit later (because there are some worth noting), but it's important to start with the key differences. Perhaps the biggest thing to consider is how the designers and engineers at GMC and Chevy approach the overall look and style of their trucks. The Sierra 1500 fundamentally looks different. The front end alone showcases some significant differences between these two pickups, even though they're about the same size overall (assuming similar configurations). GMC has designed the Sierra 1500 with a bold, evocative front end that makes an immediate impression. A strong grille dominates the space, with excellent lighting that enhances visibility at night. Looking at the Silverado 1500, it has a bold front end too, but its grille is a bit more all over the place than we'd like. The headlights work well, but we don't love how they look, especially compared to the Sierra 1500. Time and again, we hear from our customers how much they prefer the design and style of GMC's truck to those of the Silverado 1500. Ride Comfort and Overall Quality Much like the aesthetic differences between these two trucks, how you judge their ride quality will largely come down to personal preference. Although Chevy has worked hard to ensure the Silverado 1500 is quite comfortable, we find that a lot of our customers prefer how the Sierra 1500 feels and rides. GMC has developed something that is incredibly comfortable on the road. This makes a big difference as you drive around Dixon each day and get everything done. Your overall ride quality depends heavily on which trim level you choose for the Sierra 1500, so keep that in mind. Options like the AT4 and Denali feel fantastic, with impressive suspensions that ensure a smooth, comfortable ride. Even more than what Chevy offers. We also find that the interior of the GMC Sierra 1500 is much quieter than a lot of our customers expect, even compared to the Silverado 1500. This is a big selling point, since powerful trucks like these can make a lot of noise as you drive. From inside the cabin of the Sierra 1500, however, you would never know that as you enjoy your time behind the wheel. Similar But Different While the differences between these two trucks are noteworthy, they're both GM pickups with a full-size, light-duty design. They have a tremendous amount in common, which is important to point out when considering these two trucks. Even within these similarities, we can find important differences that showcase why so many people choose the GMC Sierra 1500. Engines and Capabilities In terms of power and performance, both trucks offer the same four engines and deliver the same kind of muscle. That means you can't really go wrong with either of them. It also means you can get the same great power in the GMC Sierra 1500 as the Silverado 1500, while also enjoying a bold design and excellent ride quality. Your four engine options are: 2.7L TurboMax: 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque 5.3L V8 gas: 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque 6.2L V8 gas: 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque 3.0L turbo-diesel: 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque You can see that all four engines are great, delivering excellent performance, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. If you're looking for impressive power and great fuel efficiency to get you around Dixon each day, then the TurboMax is a fantastic choice. The 5.3L V8 is a favorite of many of our customers, though we prefer the 6.2L V8. Keep towing and payload in mind, too: 2.7L TurboMax: 9,500 lbs towing and 2,240 lbs payload 5.3L V8 gas: 11,200 lbs towing and 2,150 lbs payload 6.2L V8 gas: 13,100 lbs towing and 1,820 lbs payload 3.0L turbo-diesel: 13,300 lbs towing and 1,890 lbs payload These figures represent maximum Sierra 1500 towing and payload ratings and can vary by configuration. Comparable Silverado 1500 ratings differ slightly depending on setup. Both trucks give you excellent options for towing and payload, plus you can choose several configurations for the cab and bed size you need. Since their performance is the same, we recommend GMC's truck for style and comfort. Interior Tech and Comfort GMC is well known for making vehicles that are beautifully appointed inside, with a focus on comfort, sophistication, and technology. Chevy has come a long way to catch up, and their fans are treated to better features and options than ever before. Still, we prefer the overall design choices and details of the Sierra 1500 over those of the Silverado 1500. When it comes to tech features, you'll see a lot of the same things in both of these trucks. Both feature a seven-inch infotainment display, a 3.5-inch monochromatic Driver Information Center, and more great features. And both of these trucks offer larger 13.4-inch central screens and 12.3-inch driver displays, giving you plenty of options. That being said, we find that the look and feel of what you get within the Sierra 1500 is finer and more detailed than in Chevy's truck. Where the Silverado 1500 High Country trim has 10-way power front seats with leather seating, the Sierra 1500 Denali has 12-way power front seats in forged perforated leather for added comfort. The soft-touch materials and elegant touches throughout the Sierra 1500's interior create an incredibly comfortable and inviting space. Trim Variety and Options Both of these trucks offer numerous trim levels, making it easy for you to explore a variety of exciting options. We find that the trims for the Sierra 1500 offer more options, even though many of their details are quite similar. The Silverado 1500 has nine trims, including three low-end options, three higher models, and three off-road trims. With the Sierra 1500, you have eight trim levels to choose from, but we find the selection more impressive overall. The Pro gives you a great starting point, while the SLE and Elevation are both fine upgrades. GMC's SLT trim is a terrific choice for some added luxury, while the Denali is the way to go if you want to drive something truly special around Dixon. The addition of a Denali Ultimate trim lets you take luxury to the next level, getting a truck with a variety of exquisite details. GMC also offers two off-road trims: the AT4 and the remarkable AT4X. These options make it easy for you to get everything you're looking for without missing a thing, with more high-end trims available than in Chevy's lineup. See Why the 2026 Sierra 1500 Is Perfect for Dixon No matter what you're looking for in your next truck, the Sierra 1500 is ready to deliver. GMC gives you a beautifully designed, well-crafted truck with fantastic features and options. This is a big reason so many people choose this pickup. If you're ready to see it for yourself, then visit us at Jeff Perry Buick GMC to find what you've been looking for.

A grey 2026 GMC Canyon for sale near Mendota from the front.

Can Any Midsize Model Compete With the 2026 GMC Canyon?

The humble pickup has weathered numerous changes over the decades, evolving from a performance-focused workhorse largely reserved for commercial and industrial applications to a versatile daily driver that can match any other model in terms of comfort, convenience, and luxury. As one of the more premium options in the midsize segment, the GMC Canyon serves as a template for this pickup progression. The Canyon has enjoyed strong sales and earned numerous recognitions over the last few years. The pickup's popularity is only growing, as more drivers get the chance to experience this well-rounded model. With year-over-year sales increasing, it's clear to see why drivers love it. While it might be a tempting choice, a new or used GMC Canyon for sale near Mendota isn't your only choice when you're in the market for a midsize pickup. The Canyon might be one of the most powerful and luxurious options in the segment, but the Nissan Frontier represents another option for those seeking a new daily driver. Join us as we review the highlights of the new 2026 GMC Canyon and Nissan Frontier, compare some vital performance stats, and learn how a commitment to continual improvement has made the Canyon the badge to beat in the midsize segment. more GMC Makes the Canyon Grander GMC introduced the third-generation Canyon as recently as 2023, but the brand is already making some significant upgrades designed to keep the pickup competitive as it enters the 2026 model year. Some notable appearance upgrades are sure to catch your eye when you visit Jeff Perry Buick GMC, including the new Coastal Dune paint, optional 18-inch gloss black wheels, and the Nightfall Essential package, which adds both style and substance with black badging, 20-inch aluminum wheels, and all-terrain tires. Still, the real highlight would have to be the AT4X trim's new factory lift kit. The Canyon AT4X already offers some of the best ground clearance in its class, at 10.7 inches (12.2 inches for the AT4X AEV Edition). However, the new lift kit includes a set of Multimatic Jounce Control Dampers. These sophisticated bump stops prevent the Canyon from bottoming out when encountering particularly turbulent stretches of trail, thanks to a cutting-edge design that utilizes both nitrogen gas and hydraulic fluid. With the Multimatic Jounce Control Dampers on your side, you won't need to be quite as worried about the consequences that can result from sending it a little too hard. The third-generation Nissan pickup has been on the market since 2022, and while it's fairly average in most categories, the design is starting to look a bit dated as the decade progresses. The Frontier returns largely unchanged for 2026, although it can now be optioned with a larger infotainment touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, compared to being introduced in its first market year of 2022. Nissan's laidback approach is a little easier to understand when you look at the brand's portfolio. With the full-size Nissan Titan leaving the lineup after the 2024 model year, the Frontier now represents the automaker's lone pickup. Crossover models, especially the bestselling Rogue, significantly drive Nissan's sales, which means the Frontier tends to be treated as somewhat of an afterthought. On the other hand, GMC has long been known for producing hardworking trucks and currently markets five different models, indicating that the segment is a priority. The Frontier stands as a solid example of the pickup formula, but GMC's expertise goes a long way when you're in the market for a reliable truck that'll get you around Mendota and beyond. Performance and Efficiency GMC and Nissan employ two very different strategies when it comes to the goods you'll find under the hood of their midsize pickups. While the Frontier has adopted a more traditional approach with its naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6, GMC utilizes a bit of forced induction to extract superior power from a much smaller engine. The 2026 Canyon is equipped with a 2.7-liter TurboMax engine. The TurboMax engine has garnered widespread praise since its introduction in 2024. It has already proven to be one of the most reliable and durable designs on the market, while delivering impressive fuel economy and a consistent driving experience. The TurboMax engine is built for durability, with reinforced components and heavy-duty engineering designed to help the Canyon stay reliable well beyond 100,000 miles. The truck's turbocharger offers several efficiency-related benefits, with the 4WD Canyon achieving up to 22 MPG on the highway as you cruise through Mendota on I-39. However, its dual-volute design also means it can provide improved throttle response and plenty of low-end torque. The Turbomax also outshines Nissan's V6, offering significantly more torque, with 430 lb-ft to the Frontier's 281 lb-ft. While both models boast the same 310 hp, the Canyon 4WD offers one extra MPG on the highway; the two trucks are identical in every other metric related to fuel economy. Technology and Safety The GMC Canyon has always been designed to provide a more refined pickup experience. Originally introduced as an upscale alternative to the Chevy Colorado, the Canyon boasts a premium design and a tech-forward cabin. Infotainment technology isn't everything, but it has become a major selling point for today's digitally savvy drivers. The Canyon has an obvious advantage when it comes to screen time and space, with a standard 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display that dwarfs the 8.0-inch monitor found on the entry-level Frontier. GMC's pickup also offers a much larger digital gauge cluster, measuring 11.0 inches, compared to Nissan's 7.0 inches. Judging a screen solely by its sheer size might sound a little unfair; still, the added dimensions give Mendota drivers a lot more room to navigate through various features, systems, and settings, improving both safety and the overall user experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity come standard on the 2026 Canyon, but Frontier buyers will need to upgrade to the SV trim to enjoy this feature. Other tech-related highlights of the new Canyon include a wireless charging pad, a head-up display, an available seven-speaker Bose audio system, and 120-volt power outlets on the rear center console, as well as a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The Canyon includes all the ADAS features you'll need to gain a little extra confidence behind the wheel, with features ranging from adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert to forward collision warning with automatic braking and lane departure mitigation. The Frontier's budget-friendly price is reflected in the truck's interior, where drivers will find a decent assortment of tech and safety features. The truck's standard four-speaker audio system is a little undersized for a two-row truck, especially when compared to the Canyon's basic six-speaker setup. The truck comes with a Wi-Fi hotspot and two USB ports, but it limits many of its most intriguing tech features to optional equipment packages and higher trim levels. This formula might appeal to drivers who prefer a more modular buying experience, but the build-a-truck approach can be a bit frustrating when you're in the market for a good value. If there's one bright spot, it would have to be the Frontier ADAS arsenal, which includes a range of standard safety features, such as a lane departure warning system, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Towing and Payload The GMC Canyon might offer a more upscale interior than many of its midsize rivals. Still, at the end of the day, a pickup will ultimately be judged by its ability to tow a heavy trailer or accommodate a fully loaded cargo bed. So, how do the Canyon and Nissan Frontier compare in this particular metric? Once again, GMC's truck has a clear edge. The Canyon's turbocharged engine delivers ample low-end torque, a key attribute for towing and hauling. While the Frontier's naturally aspirated V6 might match the Canyon's horsepower, the Canyon's significantly higher torque makes it ready for a hard day's work or for getting your weekend off to a strong start as you haul your boat or camper to your favorite off-the-grid spot. The 2026 Canyon offers drivers a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 lbs, positioning the pickup near the top of the midsize segment. In fact, the Canyon is locked in a three-way tie with the Jeep Gladiator and its GM cousin in the Chevy Colorado. The Nissan Frontier boasts a towing capacity of just 7,150 lbs, and while it might not sound like much of a downgrade, those extra 500-plus lbs could mean the difference between meeting a deadline and needing to follow up to pick up a second load. While the Frontier can outperform other midsize models, such as the Toyota Tacoma (6,500 lbs) and Honda Ridgeline (5,000 lbs), it falls well short of the segment's leaders. The two trucks are relatively close in terms of payload capacity, with the Frontier offering 1,590 lbs, but the Canyon still earns the nod with 1,640 lbs to its name. Off-Road Performance That Stands Out The Canyon also has the edge when it comes to off-road performance, with GMC offering two distinct off-road options in the AT4 and AT4X. The first comes with all the gear you'll need for a long day of rural fun or a snowy Mendota morning, including an automatic locking rear differential and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. Still, the AT4X pulls out all the stops to create a ready-made adventure rig, complete with mud-terrain tires, a retuned suspension with additional lift and Multimatic DSSV dampers, driver-selectable locking front and rear differentials, and plenty of protective skid plates. The optional AT4X AEV package transforms the Canyon into its ultimate off-road form, featuring available 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels with a grazen metallic decorative ring, a full-size spare, steel front and rear bumpers with recovery hooks, and more. The Nissan Frontier offers two off-road trims in the Pro-X and Pro-4X, but many of the model's most enticing features are limited to optional add-ons. The off-road Frontier’s Pro-4x offers a locking rear differential, Bilstein shock absorbers, and skid plates, but luxury features and the most serious off-road gear can only be accessed by adding the Pro Convenience, Pro Premium, and Pro-4X R by Roush packages. Decide for Yourself at Jeff Perry Buick GMC While the Frontier represents a solid midsize option, the pick fails to keep pace with the GMC Canyon in a few important areas that tend to top drivers' checklists when they set out to find their next truck. The Canyon is simply more powerful than the Frontier. While pure horsepower and torque may not be the be-all and end-all in the pickup segment, they do directly impact a vehicle's towing and hauling capabilities. The Canyon leads its class with 7,700 lbs of maximum towing capacity while still matching most of the Frontier fuel economy stats, and is built to find success in tough off-road conditions thanks to the AT4 and AT4X trims. Throw in the Canyon's new Multimatic Jounce Control Dampers, Nightfall Essentials package, and luxurious interior design, and you have a pickup that can best any model in the midsize segment.