2021 GMC Canyon vs 2020 RAM 2500

The 2020 RAM 2500 stood out with its elegant design, contrasting sharply with the chunkier Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and Ford F-250 Super Duty. Each of the six trim levels featured a unique grille, and the truck's imposing size was complemented by sleek LED headlights and optional chrome or body-color bumpers. The Limited trim, with its 20-inch chrome wheels and LED taillights, exuded a carlike demeanor with rounded edges and smoother body panels. Inside, the RAM 2500 impressed with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, especially in the upper trims like the Laramie Longhorn and Limited. The interior boasted soft-grained, perforated leather, light wood trim, aluminum speaker covers, and a stunning beige-and-navy-blue color combo, making it feel more like a luxury vehicle than a heavy-duty truck.

In contrast, the 2021 GMC Canyon, a second-generation model, received a refresh after six years. The most notable changes included an enlarged grille and a revised front bumper, aligning it more with its full-size sibling, the GMC Sierra. Despite these updates, the Canyon largely remained the same truck, which was less of an issue in the midsize pickup market. The cabin, while functional with a sensible layout for controls, featured plenty of hard plastics and mediocre fit-and-finish. The Canyon's trims ranged from the base Elevation Standard to the off-road-inspired AT4 and the range-topping Denali, each offering varying levels of features and comfort.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered two engine options: a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and a 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six diesel engine with 370 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque. The V8 trims had the highest payloads, up to 4,380 pounds, and a towing capacity of up to 17,350 pounds. The diesel variant could tow up to 19,780 pounds and haul up to 3,060 pounds of payload. Despite its size, the RAM 2500 was unexpectedly quick on the highway, though its steering was loose and the ride was stiff. The diesel's exhaust brake was a standout feature, providing effective braking and extending brake life. Fuel economy was not rated by the EPA, but the RAM 2500 averaged close to 19 mpg over 515 miles.

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, standard on the AT4 and Denali trims, delivered 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Canyon also offered a 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The base four-cylinder engine struggled to move the Canyon, making the V6 a better choice, though it still lacked liveliness. The AT4 trim, equipped with the V6 and 4WD, performed well off-road without compromising on-road driving manners. 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 RAM 2500 offered three cab options and two bed lengths. Single cabs provided the most payload and could seat three across or two with a fixed center console. Crew Cabs, available with either bed length, offered ample space, while the Mega Cab allowed rear passengers to recline and hide behind a thick C-pillar. The Power Wagon came exclusively with a Crew Cab and short bed. The RAM 2500 featured power running boards, a retractable tailgate step, and optional RamBox storage bins. The truck also offered a 220-amp alternator, with options for dual alternators, and a countdown timer for diesel models on cold starts.

The 2021 GMC Canyon was available in Extended Cab and Crew Cab variants. The Extended Cab had rear-hinged half-doors and small second-row jump seats, suitable for children or small items. The Crew Cab, with four full doors, offered more usable rear-seat space. The Canyon had two bed sizes: a short (5-foot-2) box and a long (6-foot-2) box. The Extended Cab only came with the long box, while the Crew Cab offered both options. The Canyon featured GM's CornerStep rear bumper for easy bed access and an EZ lift-and-lower tailgate with remote power locking.

The 2020 RAM 2500 came standard with a 5-inch touchscreen, with an 8.4-inch Uconnect upgrade available. The 12-inch display, flanked by switches and knobs for climate and stereo controls, was a standout feature, offering large maps, dual tiles of information, and 360-degree cameras. The system was user-friendly, with customizable shortcuts and apps. The instrument cluster also featured a large display duplicating many functions of the main screen.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, running the latest GMC infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system had crisp graphics and an easy-to-use menu layout, with hard buttons and dials for added convenience. An 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 instrument panel, operated via a directional pad on the steering wheel.

The 2020 RAM 2500 was not rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2020 RAM 1500 received a Top Safety Pick+ and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Optional driver assists included blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward emergency braking, which worked with a trailer attached.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came standard with a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system, front-and-side-impact airbags, traction control, and the Teen Driver system. 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 also featured an upgraded HD backup camera and Hitch Guidance.