2021 GMC Canyon vs 2020 Ford F-150

2020 Ford F-150
2020 Ford F-150
$28,745MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 GMC Canyon
2021 GMC Canyon
$26,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Ford F-150
$28,745MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 GMC Canyon
$26,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Ford F-150 was 8.3 out of 10, while the 2021 GMC Canyon scored 7.3 out of 10. Given these evaluations, the Ford F-150 emerged as the superior choice. It offered better overall performance, a more accommodating interior, advanced technology, and stronger safety ratings. Therefore, if you’re in the market for a truck with a higher rating and broader capabilities, the 2020 Ford F-150 would be the recommended option.

Overview

MSRP

$28,745

MSRP

$26,800

Average price

$32,922

Average price

$31,656

Listings

5072

Listings

555
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Pros
  • Impressive towing and payload ratings
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Multiple body styles
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Cramped back seat
  • Underwhelming base engine

2020 Ford F-150 Reviews Summary

The modern pickup truck has to play the role of commuter car, grocery-getter, long-haul road tripper, and children's shuttle bus. And yet, these trucks still have to tow and haul whatever and whenever you need. The 2020 model year Ford F-150 answers that call by providing an accommodating and modern interior, comfortable road manners, and a lineup of engines that provide the power and torque to help it hold its own at the worksite.

2021 GMC Canyon Reviews Summary

Midsize trucks are in a funny place. Despite being smaller and less capable than their full-size counterparts, they often command prices that are nearly as high. This is a tough spot from a value standpoint, making them more lifestyle vehicles than work trucks. For many truck owners, a full-size pickup is more truck than they need. If you’re longing for the biggie-biggie styling of a full-size truck, the refreshed 2021 GMC Canyon has you covered.

The Canyon has a new look and a new, capable AT4 trim, but still shows signs of aging. Were half of its competitors not in the same boat, this would be a bigger issue. Plus, the Canyon offers some helpful features to make it a fun vehicle for the weekend adventure or project. As long as bang-for-buck is not top-of-mind, the Canyon is a capable, enjoyable pickup.

No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.3L 290 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle

Engine

2.5L 200 hp I4

Drive Train

4X2

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

3

Seating Capacity

4

Horsepower

Horsepower

200 hp @ 6300 rpm

MPG City

19

MPG City

19

MPG Highway

25

MPG Highway

25
2020 Ford F-150
2020 Ford F-150
$28,745MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 GMC Canyon
2021 GMC Canyon
$26,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Ford F-150
$28,745MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 GMC Canyon
$26,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Ford F-150 was 8.3 out of 10, while the 2021 GMC Canyon scored 7.3 out of 10. Given these evaluations, the Ford F-150 emerged as the superior choice. It offered better overall performance, a more accommodating interior, advanced technology, and stronger safety ratings. Therefore, if you’re in the market for a truck with a higher rating and broader capabilities, the 2020 Ford F-150 would be the recommended option.

Overview
MSRP
$28,745
$26,800
Average price
$32,922
$31,656
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.4
4.6
Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Read full review

7.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Pros
  • Impressive towing and payload ratings
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Multiple body styles
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Cramped back seat
  • Underwhelming base engine
Summary
The modern pickup truck has to play the role of commuter car, grocery-getter, long-haul road tripper, and children's shuttle bus. And yet, these trucks still have to tow and haul whatever and whenever you need. The 2020 model year Ford F-150 answers that call by providing an accommodating and modern interior, comfortable road manners, and a lineup of engines that provide the power and torque to help it hold its own at the worksite.

Midsize trucks are in a funny place. Despite being smaller and less capable than their full-size counterparts, they often command prices that are nearly as high. This is a tough spot from a value standpoint, making them more lifestyle vehicles than work trucks. For many truck owners, a full-size pickup is more truck than they need. If you’re longing for the biggie-biggie styling of a full-size truck, the refreshed 2021 GMC Canyon has you covered.

The Canyon has a new look and a new, capable AT4 trim, but still shows signs of aging. Were half of its competitors not in the same boat, this would be a bigger issue. Plus, the Canyon offers some helpful features to make it a fun vehicle for the weekend adventure or project. As long as bang-for-buck is not top-of-mind, the Canyon is a capable, enjoyable pickup.

Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.3L 290 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle
2.5L 200 hp I4
Drive Train
4X2
4X2
Seating Capacity
3
4
Horsepower
200 hp @ 6300 rpm
MPG City
19
19
MPG Highway
25
25
Look and feel
2020 Ford F-150
8/10
2021 GMC Canyon
7/10

The 2020 Ford F-150's design showcased restraint but maintained an assertive presence with clean lines and a blocky grille that exuded confidence. This truck's styling aimed for longevity, ensuring it would still look appealing on its third owner. Inside, it featured a straightforward, mechanical dash, which might have seemed cold before startup but came to life with its infotainment screen. The use of hard plastics dominated the lower and upper trims, while the higher-end trims integrated some soft-touch materials and leather, falling short of the luxurious feel seen in rivals like the Ram 1500. The different trim options, such as the base XL with minimal features and the luxurious Platinum with massaging seats, provided varying levels of comfort and utility.

The 2021 GMC Canyon, having received a mid-cycle refresh after six years, included an enlarged grille and a revamped front bumper that mirrored its larger sibling, the Sierra. Though largely unchanged otherwise, the Canyon's design was more suited for a less competitive midsize market. Inside, it favored function with a sensible layout but was marred by hard plastics and mediocre fit-and-finish. It came in trims like the base Elevation Standard with a basic setup and the range-topping Denali, which added premium features and chrome accents.

Performance
2020 Ford F-150
9/10
2021 GMC Canyon
7/10

The 2020 Ford F-150 offered a variety of powertrain options. The standard 3.3-liter V6 delivered 290 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, with a 2.7-liter turbocharged EcoBoost V6 offering 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque as an option. For more power, there was a 5.0-liter V8 making 395 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 producing 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, which was the lineup's most powerful engine. A 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 producing 250 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque was also available. The XL and XLT trims featured a 6-speed automatic transmission, while higher trims used a 10-speed automatic. With the right configuration, the F-150 could tow up to 12,300 pounds, setting a benchmark in its segment. The Raptor variant, with its off-road prowess and specialized suspension, stood apart from the rest.

The 2021 GMC Canyon started with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. An optional 3.6-liter V6 offered more power at 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, standard on the AT4 and Denali trims. Additionally, a 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel engine provided 181 hp and a substantial 369 lb-ft of torque. However, this was limited by a six-speed automatic transmission. The Canyon’s maximum towing capacity with the turbodiesel engine reached 7,700 pounds, tying with its twin, the Chevy Colorado, for best-in-class rating.

Form and function
2020 Ford F-150
9/10
2021 GMC Canyon
8/10

The 2020 Ford F-150 presented flexibility with three cab sizes: Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew, paired with three bed sizes—5.5-, 6.5-, and 8-foot. The Regular Cab offered a traditional single cab, while the SuperCab featured rear half-doors requiring the front doors to be opened first. The SuperCrew provided full 4-door access with exceptional rear seat legroom, making it the standout for cabin space. This truck offered numerous compartments and a large center console storage bin, which comfortably held laptops and tools. It also included a bed step for easier access to the cargo area.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came in Extended Cab with rear-hinged half-doors and Crew Cab with full four doors. The latter provided more rear seat usability, essential for those regularly transporting passengers. It featured two bed size options: a 5-foot-2 short box and a 6-foot-2 long box. The Canyon’s CornerStep rear bumper provided quick bed access, enhancing its practical value without complex mechanisms. The EZ lift-and-lower tailgate was another functional touch, ensuring durability and easy operation.

Technology
2020 Ford F-150
8/10
2021 GMC Canyon
8/10

The 2020 Ford F-150 started with a basic AM/FM radio setup on the XL trim but offered the SYNC infotainment system that added modern features like USB ports and voice recognition. The XLT trim introduced the more sophisticated SYNC 3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and enhanced voice recognition. Higher trims featured FordPass, a 4G WiFi modem, and an available B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen with 10 speakers and a subwoofer.

In the 2021 GMC Canyon, the base models included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This system also featured crisp graphics and user-friendly menus, supplemented by hard buttons for easy navigation. A larger 8-inch screen was available on higher trims like the AT4 and standard on the Denali, which also offered navigation, HD radio, and a wireless charging pad. The Denali further stood out with a 4.2-inch color driver display for vehicle settings and information.

Safety
2020 Ford F-150
8/10
2021 GMC Canyon
8/10

The 2020 Ford F-150 included a complete array of safety features like front-and-side-impact airbags, curve control, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control. Standard pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking was available even on the base XL. The Co-Pilot360 suite provided additional features like blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control on higher trims. The truck was also equipped with Pro Trailer Backup Assist for hassle-free towing. The SuperCrew version earned 5 out of 5 stars from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS.

Standard safety features in the 2021 GMC Canyon consisted of a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring, airbags, traction control, and the Teen Driver system, which allowed parents to limit vehicle settings for younger drivers. The Driver Alert package, standard on the Denali and optional on other trims, included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear parking alert. The Denali further came with an upgraded HD backup camera and Hitch Guidance.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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