DecodedCarsGMC Canyon vs Rivian R1T
2026 GMC Canyon vs 2026 Rivian R1T — two standard pickup trucks compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
That works out to about $2,500 a year less in fuel for the Rivian R1T (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Rivian R1T is the bigger car, about 4 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Rivian R1T has had fewer recall campaigns (18 vs 26).
The two cars
The 2026 GMC Canyon is a standard pickup truck offered with a 2.7L 4-cyl turbo engine and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive. It measures about 213 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 132-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,716 lb (Crewcab 2WD).
The 2026 Rivian R1T is a standard pickup truck powered by electricity and part-time 4-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive. It measures about 217 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 136-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 7,147 lb.
Buying used? The 2020 Canyon and the 2024 R1T have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2015 Canyon and the 2022 R1T.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the GMC Canyon if…
- You want something easier to park (4 in shorter)
Choose the Rivian R1T if…
- You want an EV with more range (420 miles)
- You want more room (4 in longer)
- You want a hybrid or electric option
- You put reliability history first (18 vs 26 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2026 GMC Canyon
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
2026 Rivian R1T
- Long EV rangeUp to 420 miles on a charge (EPA).
- Strong performanceUp to 533 hp, versus about 280 hp for similar 2026 models.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Full 2026 GMC Canyon specs →Full 2026 Rivian R1T specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →