2020 RAM 1500 vs 2021 GMC Canyon

The 2020 RAM 1500 was a standout in the truck market, known for its iconic design and impressive sales figures. It was available in various trims, starting with the Tradesman, which offered basic features like 18-inch steel wheels and a 5-inch touchscreen. The Big Horn trim added more options, including larger wheels and an air suspension. For off-road enthusiasts, the Rebel trim provided a rugged look and enhanced capabilities, while the Laramie trim catered to those seeking luxury with leather upholstery and advanced tech features. The Longhorn and Limited trims further elevated the luxury experience with premium materials and advanced safety features. The RAM 1500's interior was spacious, offering ample room for passengers and a comfortable ride, thanks to its rear coil springs.

The 2021 GMC Canyon, on the other hand, was a midsize truck that received a refresh with an enlarged grille and revised front bumper. It was available in Extended Cab and Crew Cab variants, with the latter offering more usable rear-seat space. The Canyon's interior focused on functionality, with a sensible layout for controls but featured hard plastics and average fit-and-finish. The truck offered two bed sizes and came with GM's CornerStep rear bumper for easy bed access. The Canyon's trims included the base Elevation Standard, the off-road-inspired AT4, and the range-topping Denali, which added luxury features like a Bose audio system and wireless charging. While the Canyon's interior space was not as generous as the RAM 1500, it provided a commanding driving position and practical storage solutions.

The 2020 RAM 1500 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine featured a mild-hybrid system called "eTorque," which improved fuel efficiency and provided an extra 90 lb-ft of torque when needed. The optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine delivered 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, offering a significant upgrade in power. The RAM 1500 also had a 3.0-litre EcoDiesel V6 engine with 260 hp and a class-leading 480 lb-ft of torque, making it a strong contender for towing, with a maximum capacity of 5,783 kilograms (12,750 pounds) with 2WD. However, the diesel engine experienced some turbo lag, affecting its performance in certain situations.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came standard with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Elevation, AT4, and Denali trims featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Canyon also offered a 2.8-litre Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, providing a towing capacity of up to 3,493 kilograms (7,700 pounds). While the V6 engine offered better performance than the base engine, it lacked progressive throttle response. The AT4 trim, equipped with the gas V6 and 4WD, provided off-road capabilities without compromising on-road driving manners.

The 2020 RAM 1500 excelled in interior space and comfort, offering a spacious cabin with ample room for passengers. Its rear coil springs provided a smooth ride, and the truck boasted over 151 litres of interior storage, including a giant centre console and hidden pockets. The rear seats in higher trims could recline, providing additional comfort. However, achieving the maximum towing capacity required specific configurations, limiting some functionality. The RAM 1500's dials were noted for being loosely calibrated, which could be frustrating for users.

The 2021 GMC Canyon was available in Extended Cab and Crew Cab variants, with the latter offering more usable rear-seat space. The truck provided a commanding driving position, but seat adjustment was awkward, making it challenging to find a comfortable position. The Canyon offered practical storage solutions, including a centre console and small trays in the doors. It featured two bed sizes, with the Crew Cab offering a choice between a short and long bed. The Canyon's CornerStep rear bumper provided easy bed access, and the EZ lift-and-lower tailgate prevented slamming, extending its usable life.

The 2020 RAM 1500 stood out with its tablet-style 12-inch touchscreen, featuring the Uconnect system, which was user-friendly and paired easily with smartphones. The truck offered a wealth of USB and USB-C inputs, ensuring ample charging options for passengers. The RAM 1500's engine technology, including the diesel and eTorque mild hybrid system, was noteworthy, providing improved performance and efficiency. Push-button start was standard across all trims, adding convenience for users.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the latest GMC infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system featured crisp graphics and an easy-to-use menu layout, with hard buttons and dials for added convenience. The Denali trim offered a larger 8-inch screen with navigation, HD radio, and a wireless charging pad. It also included a 4.2-inch colour driver display, operated via a directional pad on the steering wheel, allowing easy access to vehicle settings and driver information.

The 2020 RAM 1500 received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was the first full-size pickup truck to be named a Top Safety Pick Plus by the IIHS, when equipped with the Crew Cab and active safety features. While most safety features were available across trims, none came standard, allowing buyers to choose only the features they wanted. The RAM 1500's hood design provided better visibility, and its braking performance was consistent, though stopping distances were average for the class.

The 2021 GMC Canyon included standard safety features such as a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system, front-and-side-impact airbags, traction control, and the Teen Driver system. The Driver Alert package, available on higher trims, included forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning, and rear parking alert. The Denali trim featured an upgraded HD backup camera and Hitch Guidance for easier towing. However, many of these features were standard on other trucks in the segment.