2021 GMC Canyon vs 2022 RAM 1500

The second-generation GMC Canyon had been around for quite some time by 2021, debuting as a 2015 model after a two-year hiatus. This break was essential for distancing itself from the dismal first-generation truck. Automotive experts commonly expect a vehicle lifecycle to span around six years with a mid-cycle refresh, but the Canyon and its cousin, the Chevrolet Colorado, had their first refresh only after six years. This refresh included a larger grille and a revised front bumper, aligning the Canyon with the aesthetics of the full-size GMC Sierra. Despite these updates, the Canyon remained largely the same truck. In the fiercely competitive full-size truck market, this might have been a disadvantage, but within the midsize segment—home to older models like the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma—it was a less significant issue.

Inside, the Canyon’s cabin didn’t feel as dated due to the design continuity carried over from the Sierra. The interior prioritized function with a straightforward layout, though this meant some compromises on material quality—hard plastics and mediocre fit-and-finish were evident. Trims ranged from the basic Elevation Standard to the top-tier Denali, with our test model being the off-road-oriented AT4. It featured rugged elements like 17-inch dark metallic wheels and aggressive all-terrain tires, balancing off-road capability with near-premium comfort levels.

In contrast, the 2022 RAM 1500 offered both Quad Cab and Crew Cab styles, featuring a standard 6-foot, 4-inch cargo box with a 5-foot, 7-inch option available for Crew Cabs. Seven trims ranged from the basic Tradesman to the high-performance TRX, with various appearance and option packages allowing for extensive customization. The 2022 RAM added a standard Clean Air System and the next-gen Uconnect 5 infotainment system from the Big Horn trim upwards.

The Ram 1500 Limited we tested came heavily equipped, not just with functional enhancements like the Trailer Hitch Light and bed cover but also a luxurious interior boasting Indigo and Sea Salt quilted leather upholstery, a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and a suede headliner. The truck’s design managed to remain clean and contemporary, eschewing the gaudy aesthetics often seen in the segment, and its thoroughly refined interior featured high-quality materials and excellent construction.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. This engine struggled to move the Canyon with any enthusiasm. A 3.6-liter V6, available on the Elevation trims and standard on the AT4 and Denali, provided 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque and was coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, a 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine offered 181 hp and an impressive 369 lb-ft of torque. However, its six-speed automatic transmission restricted the engine from fully exploiting its powerband. The AT4, with its standard gas V6 and 4WD, performed well off-road without compromising on-road manners. The Canyon excelled in towing, with the turbodiesel variant capable of pulling up to 7,700 pounds and boasting a 1,605-pound payload capacity.

The 2022 RAM 1500 catered to diverse needs with several engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 equipped with a mild-hybrid eTorque system. More power-hungry buyers could opt for a 5.7-liter V8, available with or without eTorque. The RAM TRX featured a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, echoing the Hellcat engine. Our test truck boasted the EcoDiesel engine—a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V6 delivering 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EcoDiesel pushed the 1500’s towing capacity to 12,560 pounds, with our model managing 9,600 pounds in trailer towing and 1,780 pounds of payload. Fuel economy was efficient, even surpassing the EPA’s combined estimate of 24 mpg. The RAM offered a smooth, almost SUV-like ride, thanks to its coil-spring rear suspension and optional air suspension, isolating road imperfections and maintaining quiet within the cabin. However, modulation issues with the brake pedal affected its urban driving experience.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came in Extended Cab and Crew Cab variants. The Extended Cab featured rear-hinged half-doors and small, second-row jump seats suitable for children or extra storage. The Crew Cab provided more practical rear seating with four full doors. The Canyon's driver position afforded a commanding view but finding an optimal seating position was tricky due to awkward adjustments. Practical storage was limited to some space in the center console and small door trays. Cargo-wise, the Canyon offered a short 5-foot-2 bed and a longer 6-foot-2 bed. The Extended Cab could only be paired with the long bed, whereas the Crew Cab offered both options. The CornerStep rear bumper and optional EZ lift-and-lower tailgate enhanced bed access and usability.

The 2022 RAM 1500’s interior emphasized comfort and usability. The Crew Cab, especially in the Limited trim, provided ample space with heated and ventilated front and rear seats. Practical storage solutions abounded, including a versatile center console, rear center armrest storage, and hidden Ram Bins under the rear floor. The multi-function tailgate allowed for flexible loading and unloading while supporting significant weight. A center bed step further eased access to the cargo area. Though the test vehicle lacked RamBox storage bins, these remained an option for additional cargo space.

The 2021 GMC Canyon’s infotainment system featured a 7-inch touchscreen that supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, complemented by crisp graphics and an easy-to-use menu. Optional on higher trims and standard on the Denali was an 8-inch screen, adding navigation, HD radio, and a wireless charging pad. The Denali also featured a 4.2-inch color driver display for essential information.

The 2022 RAM 1500 upgraded its technology with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system from the Big Horn trim upwards, offering faster performance and more features. Lower trims came with an 8.4-inch screen, while higher trims could get a 12-inch display. Our test truck included advanced options like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa Built-in, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. However, the system’s overall complexity and occasional performance hitches could prove challenging. Additional tech included a head-up display, a digital rearview camera mirror, and advanced trailering technologies.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came with standard safety features like a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring, and the Teen Driver system. Additional safety options included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear parking alert, standard on the Denali and optional on other trims.

In 2022, the RAM 1500 offered a range of advanced safety features, with lower trims available with lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims could add automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. Despite some issues with rear automatic braking and lane-keep assist systems, the RAM excelled in overall safety, earning a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, though with room for improvement in frontal-impact ratings.