2022 GMC Canyon vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline underwent a redesign that enhanced its truck-like appearance, making it more appealing to potential buyers. With a long, flat hood and an aggressive front end, the Ridgeline featured bulging fenders and new wheel designs in black, dark gray, and bronze. The Honda Performance Division (HPD) Package added oversized fender trim, a unique grille design, and bold stickers, further enhancing its rugged look. The interior, modeled after the Honda Pilot SUV, emphasized functionality with generous storage and easy-to-clean hard plastic surfaces, making it a practical choice for adventurers.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Canyon offered a premium look and feel, especially in the luxury-oriented Denali trim. It featured a unique chrome grille, 20-inch diamond-cut machined alloy wheels, and a Bose premium audio system. The AT4 off-road version also boasted premium features like a black chrome grille, LED signature lighting, and premium heated leather front seats. While the Canyon's material quality was above expectations for its class, the base trims had more typical GM switchgear and materials. Overall, the Canyon provided a luxurious and inviting cabin, even in its more rugged versions.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline was equipped with a 280-horsepower V6 engine, delivering 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission with Normal and Sport modes, powering all four wheels through Honda's standard all-wheel-drive system with Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4). The Ridgeline offered Intelligent Traction Management with Snow, Sand, and Mud settings, although it wasn't designed for rock-crawling. With a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a payload rating of 1,583 pounds, the Ridgeline was competitive in its class. Its unibody architecture and independent rear suspension provided a smooth and athletic driving experience, making it enjoyable on flat terrain.

The 2022 GMC Canyon offered three powertrains: a 200-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 308-horsepower 3.6-liter V6, and a 181-horsepower 2.8-liter turbodiesel with 369 pound-feet of torque. The V6 and turbodiesel engines had a maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds with the Trailering package. The Canyon's performance was solid, with the V6 providing abundant power and the eight-speed automatic transmission shifting effortlessly. The AT4's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its off-road suspension, auto-locking rear differential, and hill-descent control. The Canyon felt stable and steady both on and off the pavement, making it a capable choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline excelled in comfort and functionality, offering a roomy rear seat and standard triple-zone automatic climate control. Higher trims included leather seats, heated front seats, and a power sunroof. The Ridgeline's utility was highlighted by its composite cargo bed, which was dent- and scratch-resistant, and its dual-action tailgate with a 7.3 cubic-foot weatherproof trunk. The bed's 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space and minimal wheel well intrusion made it practical for carrying building materials.

The 2022 GMC Canyon was available in extended cab and crew cab configurations, with the crew cab offering more spacious rear seating. The Canyon's seats were comfortable and supportive, with power adjustment and heat for the front seats. The AT4's taller ride height provided excellent visibility, and the cargo bed featured two-tier loading and 13 tie-down points. The integrated corner step rear bumper made accessing the bed easy, enhancing the Canyon's practicality.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and a premium sound system. The Ridgeline's technology was straightforward, with a focus on essential features rather than advanced tech.

The 2022 GMC Canyon offered a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The AT4 trim included wireless smartphone charging, while the Denali added navigation and a high-definition rearview camera. Available tech features included Amazon Alexa Built-In and a Bose premium audio system. The Canyon's infotainment system was user-friendly, providing a seamless experience for smartphone integration.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline featured Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. It also had a multi-angle reversing camera and blind-spot warning on higher trims. The Ridgeline was built to Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering standards, earning high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's safety features varied by trim level. The base Elevation Standard lacked advanced driver aids but included tire-fill alert and the Teen Driver system. The Driver Alert package, available on higher trims, added forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning. The Canyon received four out of five stars for overall crash protection from the NHTSA and mixed ratings from the IIHS, highlighting areas for improvement in safety features.