2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2022 GMC Canyon

The 2022 GMC Canyon, introduced in 2015, offered a premium aesthetic, especially in the Denali trim. This version featured a distinctive chrome grille, 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and chrome assist steps. Inside, it boasted an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a Bose audio system. The AT4 off-road variant also provided luxury with a black chrome grille, LED lighting, and premium leather seats. While lower trims like the Elevation had more standard materials, the overall quality of the Canyon was impressive for its class.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline had undergone a styling update, resulting in a more rugged appearance with LED lighting and larger exhaust outlets. Despite the optional oversized fender flares, the Ridgeline maintained a refined look. It shared many components with the Honda Passport, offering a sophisticated interior with quality materials. The Black Edition trim featured leather-lined interiors, ample storage, and a comfortable layout. Although its design dated back to the 2016 Honda Pilot, it remained modern and upscale compared to rivals.

The 2022 GMC Canyon offered three engine options: a 200-hp 2.5-litre four-cylinder, a 308-hp 3.6-litre V6, and a 181-hp 2.8-litre Duramax turbodiesel with 369 lb-ft of torque. The V6 and diesel engines could tow up to 3,175 kg with the Trailering package. The V6 paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission provided ample power, while the diesel was noted for its towing and fuel efficiency. The AT4 trim, equipped with off-road features like Duratrac tires and a special suspension, handled well both on and off-road.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline featured a 3.5-litre VTEC V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Its torque-vectoring AWD system enhanced on-road dynamics, offering a payload capacity of 694 kg and towing up to 2,268 kg. While its unibody construction limited off-road capabilities, it excelled in ride comfort and handling. The Ridgeline averaged 10.4 L/100 km on a road trip, showcasing class-leading fuel efficiency among gas-powered V6 midsize pickups.

The 2022 GMC Canyon was available in extended and crew cab configurations, with bed lengths of 188 cm or 157.5 cm. The crew cab offered ample space for rear passengers, while the extended cab was less accommodating. Features like a rear folding bench seat and easy entry and exit added to its practicality. The cargo bed included two-tier loading and 13 tie-down points, with a corner step rear bumper for easy access.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline prioritized practicality with features like a dual-action tailgate and in-bed trunk. Its interior, similar to the Honda Passport, offered comfortable seating and ample storage. The rear seat flipped up for additional cargo space, and the truck bed, measuring 1,625 mm, included tie-down cleats and a power outlet. The Ridgeline's unique unibody platform allowed for a lockable, weatherproof trunk under the load floor, enhancing its versatility.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's technology offerings were basic, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the Elevation Standard trim and an 8-inch version with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on higher trims. The AT4 trim included a wireless charging pad, while the Denali added navigation and a Bose audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with straightforward smartphone integration.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline's technology was dated, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the interface was simple, it lacked modern design standards, and the voice recognition system was slow. The wireless charging pad was unreliable, and the navigation system was cluttered. Despite these drawbacks, the Ridgeline's infotainment was functional once users acclimated to its quirks.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's safety features varied by trim. The base model lacked advanced driver aids but included a Teen Driver system. Higher trims offered a Driver Alert package with forward-collision alert and lane-departure warning. The Canyon received mixed safety ratings, with a "Poor" rating in the IIHS front passenger-side small overlap test and a "Marginal" rating for LATCH anchors.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline came with Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring was standard in Canada, though its placement was suboptimal. The Ridgeline received favourable crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with only its headlights scoring below "Good" or "Acceptable."