2020 Honda Ridgeline vs 2021 GMC Canyon

When the 2020 Honda Ridgeline arrived for evaluation, it was noted for its unconventional design, resembling a minivan in the front and a pickup truck in the back. This unique styling led to mixed reactions, suggesting a design and image problem for Honda. Trucks are traditionally expected to look rugged and tough, and while the original Ridgeline had a distinctive appearance, the second-generation model seemed to swing too far towards a more subdued look. Despite this, the 2020 model introduced several updates, including a new nine-speed automatic transmission, standard Honda Sensing ADAS, and an upgraded infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The interior, especially in the RTL-E trim, was noted for its quality materials and comfort, though it closely resembled the Honda Pilot's dashboard.

The 2021 GMC Canyon, a second-generation model first introduced in 2015, received its first refresh after six years. The most notable changes included an enlarged grille and a revised front bumper, aligning it more closely with the full-size GMC Sierra. Despite these updates, the Canyon largely retained its previous design, which was less of an issue in the midsize truck market where competition is less intense. The interior of the Canyon was functional, with a sensible layout for controls, though it featured plenty of hard plastics and mediocre fit-and-finish. The Canyon was available in several trims, including the new off-road-inspired AT4 and the range-topping Denali, each offering various features and upgrades.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 262 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm. This engine was paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, which had undergone improvements to enhance shift quality. The Ridgeline offered front-wheel drive in the Sport and RTL trims, with all-wheel drive (i-VTM4) available as an option and standard in the RTL-E and Black Edition trims. The i-VTM4 system could transfer up to 70 percent of the engine's power to the rear axle, providing added traction and a torque-vectoring effect for improved handling. The Ridgeline also featured Eco, Normal, and Sport drivetrain modes, as well as Snow, Mud, and Sand driving modes. The all-wheel-drive Ridgeline had a ground clearance of 7.9 inches and could tow up to 5,000 pounds, with a maximum payload of 1,580 pounds. The EPA rated the all-wheel-drive Ridgeline at 21 mpg combined, and it averaged 20.9 mpg during testing.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. An optional 3.6-liter V6 engine, available on the Elevation trims and standard on the AT4 and Denali, produced 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Canyon also offered a 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, generating 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The AT4 trim, equipped with the gas V6 and 4WD, featured an automatic locking rear differential and hill-descent control for off-roading. The Canyon's towing capacity with the turbodiesel engine was up to 7,700 pounds, with a payload capacity of 1,605 pounds.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline offered the comfort and utility of a Honda Pilot with an open 33.9 cubic-foot cargo bed. The front seats were comfortable, with adjustable armrests and heated front chairs in all trims except the Sport. The rear seat, while short on legroom, was comfortable and featured air conditioning vents. The Ridgeline excelled in in-cab storage, with generous storage options throughout the cabin. The composite cargo bed included a locking 7.3 cubic-foot in-bed trunk with a drain plug, a tailgate that could drop or swing to the side, a 150-watt/400-watt power outlet, and a truck-bed audio system.

The 2021 GMC Canyon was available in Extended Cab and Crew Cab variants. The Extended Cab featured rear-hinged half-doors and small, second-row jump seats, while the Crew Cab offered four full doors and more usable rear-seat space. The Canyon provided a commanding driving position, though seat adjustment was somewhat awkward. The interior featured usable space in the center console and center stack, with small trays and cupholders in the doors. The Canyon offered two bed sizes: a short (5-foot-2) box and a long (6-foot-2) box. The Extended Cab came with a long box, while the Crew Cab offered both options. The Canyon also featured GM's CornerStep rear bumper and an available EZ lift-and-lower tailgate with remote power locking.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline came with Honda's Display Audio system, featuring an 8.0-inch touchscreen display. The system lacked knobs and buttons, and its voice-recognition technology required specific prompts and was often slow to respond. The steering wheel included stereo volume and tuning controls, and the system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RTL-E and Black Edition trims added SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, navigation, and an eight-speaker premium sound system with a truck-bed audio system, though user experience issues persisted.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the latest GMC infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system had crisp graphics and an easy-to-use menu layout, with helpful hard buttons and dials below the screen. A larger 8-inch screen was optional on the Elevation and AT4 trims and standard on the Denali, which also included navigation, HD radio, and a wireless charging pad. The Denali featured a 4.2-inch color driver display in the center of the instrument panel, operated via a directional pad on the steering wheel.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist. The RTL-E and Black Edition trims added automatic high-beam headlights, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The Ridgeline received top marks in most crash tests from the IIHS, with an "acceptable" score for the small overlap frontal impact test for the front passenger. The NHTSA awarded the Ridgeline five-star ratings across the board, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2021 GMC Canyon included standard safety features such as a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system, front-and-side-impact airbags, traction control, and the Teen Driver system. The Driver Alert package, available on the Denali and optional on other trims, included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear parking alert. The Denali also featured an upgraded HD backup camera and Hitch Guidance.