2021 RAM 1500 vs 2021 GMC Canyon

The 2021 GMC Canyon entered the midsize pickup market renting a striking resemblance to its full-sized sibling, the GMC Sierra, primarily due to its enlarged grille and revised front bumper. This cosmetic refresh was its first since its introduction as a 2015 model after a two-year hiatus. The changes aimed to keep it relevant in a segment populated by aging competitors like the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma. Meanwhile, newcomers like the Jeep Gladiator and an upcoming redesigned Nissan Frontier also posed stiff competition. However, the Canyon differentiated itself with its solid and useful cabin design. While the materials weren’t top-tier, the functional layout compensated for any shortcomings. The cabin included an array of trims from the base Elevation Standard with 18-inch aluminum wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen to the well-equipped Denali, flaunting premium features like an 8-inch infotainment system, Bose audio, and leather seating.

The 2021 RAM 1500, having been redesigned in 2019, continued to impress with its robust and commanding presence. The most significant addition for the year was the high-performance TRX variant. The TRX drew inspiration from off-road rally races and sported a distinct layout with features such as a functional hood scoop, massive grille, and fender vents. This configuration bought it closer to commercial dimensions with a wider and taller stance than its standard counterparts. Attention to detail extended inside with premium enhancements matching its rugged exterior. Durable yet luxurious options included black cloth upholstery with red accents and available leather and suede materials for a sophisticated yet rugged feel. The Signature flat-bottom performance steering wheel and other interior fittings were designed for both comfort and utility.

The 2021 GMC Canyon offered a variety of engine options tailored to meet different performance needs. The base model came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The optional 3.6-liter V6 engine boosted power to 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque and was standard on higher trims. Despite these options, the Canyon truly shone with its 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, producing a solid 181 horsepower and a hefty 369 pound-feet of torque. This diesel engine enabled the Canyon to achieve best-in-class towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a respectable payload capacity of 1,605 pounds. The AT4 trim’s off-road enhancements like the automatic locking rear differential and hill-descent control provided added confidence for trail driving without compromising on-road comfort.

Conversely, the 2021 RAM 1500 TRX was a beast on its own. It packed a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 engine, generating a staggering 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, borrowed from FCA’s SRT vehicles. Its performance metrics were jaw-dropping, with a 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.9 seconds at 108 mph. Despite this incredible power, the TRX also offered a commendable towing capacity of 8,100 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,310 pounds. The TRX demonstrated formidable off-road prowess with its eight drive modes, including Baja mode, and various performance tests including acceleration tests and off-road challenges. The truck’s capability to conquer both on- and off-road scenarios was strongly supported by its high-torque-capacity eight-speed automatic transmission and robust underbody protection.

The 2021 GMC Canyon’s interior design emphasized functionality over flair. Available in Extended Cab and Crew Cab configurations, the Canyon’s rear seats in the Extended Cab were better suited for children or small items, whereas the Crew Cab provided more practical rear-seat space. Despite some limitations in adjustable seating comfort, the Canyon offered useful storage compartments within the center console and small trays in the doors. The two bed sizes—short (5-foot-2) and long (6-foot-2)—provided flexibility. Key features included GM’s CornerStep rear bumper for easy bed access and the EZ lift-and-lower tailgate to extend the tailgate’s usable life by preventing hard slamming.

In contrast, the 2021 RAM 1500 TRX maximized interior space and utility without compromising comfort. The interior dimensions were generous with front headroom and legroom measuring 40.9 inches, and rear seat dimensions stood at 39.8 inches headroom and 45.2 inches legroom. The cabin layout was plush yet practical, highlighted by a vast center storage bin and powered-adjustable pedals. The TRX Level 2 package offered well-balanced front seats. The TRX also introduced new features like available full-length rock rails adding to the step in functionality and body protection. Performance benchmarks aside, these considerations played a crucial role in elevating the TRX’s usability and driving experience.

The standard technology suite in the 2021 GMC Canyon included a 7-inch touchscreen running the latest GMC infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The crisp graphics and intuitive layout were complemented by additional controls below the screen for ease of use. The Elevation and AT4 trims offered the larger 8-inch display, while the Denali trim included advanced features like navigation, HD radio, a wireless charging pad, and a 4.2-inch color driver display within the instrument cluster.

The RAM 1500 ups the ante with a standard 12-inch Uconnect 4C infotainment system embedded with navigation. This fully customizable display allowed drag-and-drop functionality for quick access to frequently used settings and could be split for dual-panel viewing. However, the non-driver-centric tilt and fingerprint-prone glossy screen could be drawbacks. Tech enthusiasts would appreciate the Performance Pages for vehicle stats and Off-Road Pages for pitch and roll information. Connectivity options included wireless charging, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and multiple USB ports. The frame also supported a robust audio experience courtesy of a 19-speaker Harmon Kardon system, available through optional upgrades.

Standard safety features for the 2021 GMC Canyon included a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system, various airbags, and traction control. The Teen Driver system added an extra layer of safety by allowing vehicle owners to set limits on speed and audio volume for secondary drivers. The Denali trim's Driver Alert package offered additional features like forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear parking alert, although some of these were standard on competitors.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX, while not yet tested by the IIHS and NHTSA at launch, boasted over 100 safety and security features, many tailored to luxury brands. The base model came with a rear backup camera with dynamic guidelines, but upgrading to the Advanced Safety Group package provided a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, pedestrian detection, and emergency braking. Further safety enhancements included an advanced digital rearview mirror, adaptive headlights, and an enhanced accident response system to aid first responders.