2021 GMC Canyon vs 2020 RAM 2500

The 2020 RAM 2500 stood out with its elegant design, offering a more upscale appearance compared to its chunkier competitors like the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and Ford F-250 Super Duty. Each of the six trim levels featured a unique grille, and the truck's imposing size was complemented by sleek LED headlights and optional chrome or body-colour bumpers. The RAM 2500's design was reminiscent of the smaller RAM 1500 but stretched to accommodate its larger stature. The Limited trim, with its 20-inch chrome wheels and LED taillights, added to the truck's refined look. Inside, the RAM 2500 impressed with its luxurious materials and craftsmanship, especially in the upper trims like the Laramie Longhorn and Limited. The interior featured soft-grained leather, intricate stitching, and elegant wood trim, creating a cabin that felt more like a high-end vehicle than a heavy-duty pickup. The attention to detail extended to the grab handles and shifter knob, and the optional 12-inch vertical touchscreen added a modern touch to the truck's interior.

The 2021 GMC Canyon, in its second generation, received a refresh that included an enlarged grille and revised front bumper, aligning it more closely with its full-size sibling, the GMC Sierra. Despite these updates, the Canyon largely retained its previous design, which was not a significant issue in the midsize pickup market. The cabin, while functional, prioritized practicality over luxury, with hard plastics and average fit-and-finish. The Canyon's interior was handsome yet utilitarian, with a sensible layout for controls. The truck offered several trims, including the base Elevation Standard, the off-road-inspired AT4, and the range-topping Denali. Each trim level added unique features, such as the AT4's off-road suspension and the Denali's polished aluminum wheels and premium audio system. Overall, the Canyon's design focused on functionality, making it a practical choice for those seeking a midsize pickup.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered a choice between two powerful engine options. The 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine delivered 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This combination provided a high payload capacity of up to 1,986 kilograms and a towing capacity of up to 7,869 kilograms. The diesel option, a 6.7-litre Cummins inline-six, produced 370 horsepower and an impressive 850 pound-feet of torque, allowing the RAM 2500 to tow up to 8,972 kilograms and haul up to 1,388 kilograms of payload. Despite its size, the RAM 2500 offered decent acceleration and a comfortable ride, although it lacked the precision of smaller trucks. The diesel's exhaust brake was a standout feature, providing effective braking and extending brake life. Fuel efficiency was not rated, but the RAM 2500 averaged 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres over 800 kilometres.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came standard with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. A more powerful 3.6-litre V6 engine, standard on higher trims, offered 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. The Canyon also offered a 2.8-litre Duramax turbodiesel engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine provided better performance, although it required aggressive throttle input for lively acceleration. The AT4 trim, equipped with the V6 and 4WD, offered off-road capabilities without compromising on-road manners. The Canyon's towing capacity reached 3,493 kilograms with the turbodiesel engine, and its payload capacity was 734 kilograms, making it competitive in the midsize segment.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered versatility with three cab options and two bed sizes. The Single Cab provided the highest payload and seating for three, while the Crew Cab and Mega Cab offered more passenger space. The Mega Cab allowed rear passengers to recline and enjoy a luxurious experience. The RAM 2500's interior was spacious, with power running boards and a retractable tailgate step for easy access. The truck featured a power tailgate, adjustable mirrors, and optional RamBox storage bins. The RAM 2500 also offered a range of power options, including dual alternators for power-hungry equipment, and a countdown timer for diesel models to optimize cold starts.

The 2021 GMC Canyon was available in Extended Cab and Crew Cab configurations. The Extended Cab featured rear-hinged half-doors and small jump seats, while the Crew Cab offered more usable rear-seat space. The Canyon's driving position was commanding, but seat adjustment was somewhat awkward. The truck provided practical storage solutions, including a centre console and small door trays. The Canyon offered two bed sizes, with the Extended Cab featuring a long box and the Crew Cab offering both short and long bed options. The CornerStep rear bumper provided easy bed access, and the EZ lift-and-lower tailgate added convenience.

The 2020 RAM 2500 came standard with a 5-inch touchscreen, but the 8.4-inch Uconnect upgrade was highly recommended for its quick and logical interface. The optional 12-inch display was a standout feature, offering a large, user-friendly interface with split-screen capabilities. The RAM 2500's infotainment system included a 360-degree camera, dual rear-view cameras, and customizable shortcuts. The system was complemented by a large display in the instrument cluster, providing additional information and controls.

The 2021 GMC Canyon featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system offered crisp graphics and an intuitive menu layout, with hard buttons and dials for easy operation. An optional 8-inch screen with navigation was available on higher trims, and the Denali trim included HD radio and a wireless charging pad. The Denali also featured a 4.2-inch colour driver display, operated via a steering wheel pad, for easy access to vehicle settings and information.

The 2020 RAM 2500 was not rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the RAM 1500 received a Top Safety Pick+ and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The RAM 2500 offered optional driver assists, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward emergency braking. These features were not standard, but the RAM 1500's strong crash test performance suggested a high level of safety.

The 2021 GMC Canyon included standard safety features such as a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring, airbags, traction control, and the Teen Driver system. The optional Driver Alert package added forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning, and rear parking alert. The Denali trim included an upgraded HD backup camera and Hitch Guidance for easier towing. While some features were optional, the Canyon offered a solid safety package for its class.