2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2021 GMC Canyon

The 2021 GMC Canyon, a second-generation model, had been on the market since 2015, following a two-year break after its first iteration. This break seemed beneficial, as the first-generation truck was not well-received. The Canyon received its first refresh after six years, which was longer than the typical mid-cycle refresh period. The most noticeable updates included a larger grille and a revised front bumper, aligning its look more closely with the GMC Sierra. Despite these changes, the Canyon largely retained its original design, which was less of an issue in the midsize pickup market compared to the full-size segment. The interior of the Canyon prioritized functionality over luxury, featuring a sensible layout but with hard plastics and average fit-and-finish. The trims ranged from the base Elevation Standard to the premium Denali, each offering varying levels of features and aesthetics.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline was built on a unibody platform, similar to crossovers like the Honda Pilot, offering increased rigidity compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks. Its styling was conservative, with a snub nose hinting at its crossover roots. The Ridgeline's front-end design was updated in 2021 to appear more truck-like, which was well-received. The Black Edition test vehicle featured a dark, cohesive exterior. Inside, the Ridgeline boasted a straightforward design with high-quality fit and finish, leather upholstery, and heated seats. However, the piano black trim was prone to smudging. The Ridgeline's interior was well-equipped, with features like a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, and a moonroof, making it a comfortable choice for those prioritizing interior quality over ruggedness.

The 2021 GMC Canyon offered a range of powertrains, starting 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 came standard with a more powerful 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, a 2.8-litre Duramax turbodiesel engine was available, offering 181 horsepower and a robust 369 pound-feet of torque. The Canyon's towing capacity reached up to 3,493 kilograms (7,700 pounds) with the diesel engine, making it a leader in its class. The AT4 trim, equipped with the V6 and 4WD, excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to features like an automatic locking rear differential and hill-descent control.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline, on the other hand, came with a single powertrain option: a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. This setup produced 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The Ridgeline's towing capacity was 2,267 kilograms (5,000 pounds), which was lower than some competitors but sufficient for light towing needs. The Ridgeline's ride quality and handling were standout features, thanks to its unibody construction and fully independent suspension. However, its off-road capabilities were limited compared to traditional 4WD systems, and its ground clearance was less than ideal for serious off-roading.

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, suitable for children or small items. The Crew Cab offered more usable rear-seat space with four full doors. The Canyon's bed options included a short bed (1,567 mm) and a long bed (1,880 mm), with the Extended Cab only available with the long bed. The Canyon featured GM's CornerStep rear bumper for easy bed access and an EZ lift-and-lower tailgate with remote power locking.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was only available with a four-door crew cab and a 162.5-centimetre (64-inch) bed, providing a good balance of passenger and cargo space. The Ridgeline's bed included a 207-litre lockable in-bed trunk with a drain plug, a slot for the spare tire, and an in-bed audio system. The Dual-Action Tailgate could open down or to the side, and the bed was wide enough to carry 4-foot-wide sheets of plywood. Inside, the Ridgeline offered additional storage under the rear seats, a large centre console, and a wireless phone charger. The cabin felt spacious, with a wider stance and lower cowl height enhancing the sense of roominess.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with crisp graphics and intuitive menus. Higher trims offered an optional 8-inch screen with navigation, HD radio, and a wireless charging pad. The Denali trim included a 4.2-inch colour driver display for easy access to vehicle settings and information.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. While the interface was not cutting-edge, it was easy to navigate, with analog controls for essential functions. SiriusXM satellite radio and navigation were available on higher trims. Although the Ridgeline's tech offerings were basic, they were functional and user-friendly.

The 2021 GMC Canyon included standard safety features like a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring, and the Teen Driver system. The optional Driver Alert package added forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning, and rear parking alert, standard on the Denali trim. The Denali also featured an upgraded HD backup camera and Hitch Guidance for easier towing.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall rating from the latter. Standard safety features included the Honda Sensing suite, with automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features like automatic high beams and blind spot monitoring were standard in Canada. However, the Ridgeline lacked a 360-degree camera system, which would have been beneficial for a vehicle of its size.