2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2022 GMC Canyon

The 2022 GMC Canyon, particularly in its Denali trim, offered a premium aesthetic that set it apart from many of its competitors. The Denali trim was distinguished by its unique chrome grille, 20-inch diamond-cut machined alloy wheels, and luxurious interior features such as heated and ventilated perforated leather seats, open-pore Ash wood trim, and a Bose premium audio system. Even the rugged AT4 off-road version maintained a sense of luxury with features like a black chrome grille, LED signature lighting, and premium leather seats with Kalahari accents. The Canyon's overall material quality, both inside and out, exceeded expectations for its class, providing a comfortable and upscale experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline, built on a unibody platform, offered a more conservative styling approach. Its design was reminiscent of a crossover, with a snub nose and a rear three-quarter view that was classic pickup. The Ridgeline's front-end styling was updated in 2021 to be blockier and more upright, aligning it more closely with traditional trucks. The Black Edition test vehicle featured a dark, cohesive look with Berlina Black paint and matching alloy wheels. Inside, the Ridgeline's no-nonsense design was complemented by high-quality fit and finish, leather upholstery, and a range of comfort features. However, the piano black trim was prone to smudging and scratching, detracting slightly from the otherwise well-equipped interior.

The 2022 GMC Canyon offered a range of powertrains, including a 200-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder, a 308-hp 3.6-litre V6, and a 181-hp 2.8-litre Duramax turbodiesel engine with 369 lb-ft of torque. The latter two engines boasted a maximum tow rating of 3,175 kilograms when equipped with the Trailering package. The Canyon's V6 engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided abundant power and smooth shifting, even with the added weight of the AT4's off-road features. The AT4's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like 31-inch Wrangler Duratrac tires, an Autotrac two-speed electronic transfer case, and hill-descent control, making it a formidable off-road contender.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline, on the other hand, was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Ridgeline's towing capacity was 2,267 kilograms, which was lower than some competitors but sufficient for smaller loads. The V6 engine provided ample power, but the transmission's slow response and a sluggish engine start-stop system detracted from the driving experience. However, the Ridgeline excelled in ride quality and handling, thanks to its unibody platform, fully independent suspension, and torque vectoring AWD, offering a comfortable and quiet ride akin to a luxury car.

The 2022 GMC Canyon was available in extended cab and crew cab configurations, with bed lengths of 188 cm or 157.5 cm. The crew cab offered ample space for rear-seat passengers, while the extended cab was less accommodating. The Canyon's interior featured comfortable and supportive seats, with power adjustments and heating available for the front seats. The vehicle's design allowed for easy entry and exit, and the cargo bed was equipped with two-tier loading and 13 tie-down points for secure gear storage.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was only available with a four-door crew cab and a 162.5 cm bed, providing a good balance of passenger and cargo space. The Ridgeline's bed featured a 207-litre lockable in-bed trunk with a drain plug, an in-bed audio system, and a 115-volt AC outlet. The Dual-Action Tailgate and wide bed allowed for versatile cargo handling. Inside, the Ridgeline offered additional storage under the rear seats and a well-organized front cabin with a pushbutton shifter, large centre console, and wireless phone charger. The interior felt spacious, with a wider stance and lower cowl height enhancing the sense of roominess.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's technology offerings varied by trim level. The Elevation Standard trim included a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the Elevation trim upgraded to an 8-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The AT4 trim added a wireless smartphone charging pad, and the Denali trim featured navigation and a high-definition rearview camera. The Canyon also offered a free trial of SiriusXM satellite radio, a WiFi hotspot, and OnStar telematics. The optional Bose premium audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and Bluetooth. SiriusXM satellite radio was available on all but the base Sport trim, and navigation was offered on the Touring and Black Edition models. While the interface was not cutting-edge, it was user-friendly, with analog controls for essential functions. The Ridgeline's infotainment system was straightforward and functional, though lacking in unique features.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's safety features were limited at the base level but expanded with higher trims. The base model included tire-fill alert and the Teen Driver system, while the Driver Alert package, available on higher trims, added forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning, and rear parking assistance. The Canyon received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and mixed ratings from the IIHS, with a "Poor" rating for its headlights and a "Marginal" rating for LATCH child-seat anchors.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The Ridgeline came standard with the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids, including 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.