2020 RAM 1500 vs 2021 GMC Canyon

2020 RAM 1500
2020 RAM 1500
$28,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 GMC Canyon
2021 GMC Canyon
$26,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 RAM 1500
$28,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 GMC Canyon
$26,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$28,200

MSRP

$26,800

Listings

4189

Listings

536

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Great safety ratings

Cons

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

Pros

  • Impressive towing and payload ratings

  • Multiple powertrain options

  • Multiple body styles

Cons

  • Interior materials feel cheap

  • Cramped back seat

  • Underwhelming base engine

2020 RAM 1500 Reviews Summary

A full redesign in 2019 left a significant bit of tech on the table for the increasingly popular Ram 1500: the EcoDiesel 3.0-liter engine. Ram was once the only option for a half-ton diesel pickup, but emissions certification problems resulted in Ram pulling the diesel engine a few years ago. The engineers at Ram have been hard at work updating it ever since. Although the EcoDiesel wasn’t ready for 2019, it’s now available to any 2020 Ram 1500 trim, so it seems it was well worth the wait. With 80% new parts, the EcoDiesel's improvements to power, efficiency, and delivery all mean that Ram is fighting hard to change minds about America’s least-loved engine type.

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

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.6L 305 hp V6

Engine

2.5L 200 hp I4

Drive Train

4X2

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

3

Seating Capacity

4

Horsepower

305 hp @ 6400 rpm

Horsepower

200 hp @ 6300 rpm

MPG City

17

MPG City

19

MPG Highway

25

MPG Highway

25
2020 RAM 1500
2020 RAM 1500
$28,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 GMC Canyon
2021 GMC Canyon
$26,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 RAM 1500
$28,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 GMC Canyon
$26,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$28,200
$26,800
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.7

4.6

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Read full review

7.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Great safety ratings

Cons

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

Pros

  • Impressive towing and payload ratings

  • Multiple powertrain options

  • Multiple body styles

Cons

  • Interior materials feel cheap

  • Cramped back seat

  • Underwhelming base engine

Summary
A full redesign in 2019 left a significant bit of tech on the table for the increasingly popular Ram 1500: the EcoDiesel 3.0-liter engine. Ram was once the only option for a half-ton diesel pickup, but emissions certification problems resulted in Ram pulling the diesel engine a few years ago. The engineers at Ram have been hard at work updating it ever since. Although the EcoDiesel wasn’t ready for 2019, it’s now available to any 2020 Ram 1500 trim, so it seems it was well worth the wait. With 80% new parts, the EcoDiesel's improvements to power, efficiency, and delivery all mean that Ram is fighting hard to change minds about America’s least-loved engine type.

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

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
3.6L 305 hp V6
2.5L 200 hp I4
Drive Train
4X2
4X2
Seating Capacity
3
4
Horsepower
305 hp @ 6400 rpm
200 hp @ 6300 rpm
MPG City
17
19
MPG Highway
25
25
Look and feel

2020 RAM 1500

8/10

2021 GMC Canyon

8/10
According to CarGurus experts, the 2020 RAM 1500 scores 8 out of 10 for its look and feel, while the 2021 GMC Canyon scores 7 out of 10. The Ram 1500 offers a range of trims from the basic Tradesman to the luxurious Limited, with a bold grille and ample room for customization. On the other hand, the GMC Canyon features a refreshed exterior design that aligns it more closely with its full-size sibling, the GMC Sierra.
Picture of 2020 RAM 1500
Picture of 2020 RAM 1500
Performance

2020 RAM 1500

7/10

2021 GMC Canyon

7/10
CarGurus experts rate both the 2020 RAM 1500 and the 2021 GMC Canyon at 7 out of 10 for performance. The Ram 1500 offers a variety of engine options including a V6, V8, and a diesel engine, with the diesel option providing impressive torque. Meanwhile, the GMC Canyon has a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a 3.6-liter V6, and a 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. The Canyon's Duramax engine offers excellent towing capacity, on par with the Chevy Colorado.
Form and function

2020 RAM 1500

8/10

2021 GMC Canyon

8/10
In terms of cargo capacity, the 2020 RAM 1500 offers over 5 cubic feet of interior storage and generous rear legroom, making it a leader in its class. The Ram 1500 also boasts class-leading torque which helps to endow it with 12,000+ pounds of towing capacity. The interior is also comfortable. On the other hand, the 2021 GMC Canyon offers bed sizes of 5-foot-2 and 6-foot-2, with useful features like the CornerStep rear bumper for easy access to the bed.
Technology

2020 RAM 1500

7/10

2021 GMC Canyon

8/10
While the 2020 RAM 1500 receives a rating of 7 out of 10 for technology, the 2021 GMC Canyon scores slightly higher at 8 out of 10. The Ram 1500 shines with its 12-inch touchscreen system, featuring the Uconnect system, while the Canyon offers a 7-inch touchscreen system running the latest GMC infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety

2020 RAM 1500

9/10

2021 GMC Canyon

8/10
The 2020 RAM 1500 receives a high safety rating, being the first full-size body-on-frame pickup truck to be named a Top Safety Pick Plus by the IIHS. It offers advanced safety features like parking sensors and forward-collision warning, though these are not standard across all trims. The 2021 GMC Canyon comes with standard safety features like a rearview camera and tire pressure monitoring, with available driver-assist systems including forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 RAM 1500 is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 GMC Canyon scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, this comparison recommends the 2020 RAM 1500 for its versatile options, comfortable interior, and impressive towing capacity.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 RAM 1500 is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 GMC Canyon scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, this comparison recommends the 2020 RAM 1500 for its versatile options, comfortable interior, and impressive towing capacity.

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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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