2022 GMC Canyon vs 2022 Honda Ridgeline

The 2022 GMC Canyon, having arrived in its current iteration for the 2015 model year, possessed a premium aesthetic that set it apart from many rivals, particularly in the Denali trim. The Denali was equipped with a distinctive chrome grille, imposing 20-inch diamond-cut machined alloy wheels, five-inch chrome assist steps, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation, and luxurious heated and ventilated perforated front leather seats. Open-pore Ash wood trim, sill plates, floor mats embossed with the "Denali" logo, and a Bose premium audio system further enhanced its upscale feel. Even the rugged AT4 off-road version maintained high-quality features such as a black chrome grille and surround, LED signature lighting, unique 17-inch wheels, a soft-touch instrument panel, and premium heated leather front seats with Kalahari accents and "AT4" embroidered on the headrests. This trim made the Canyon look capable and aggressive while still offering a comfortable and inviting cabin. As one moved down to the Elevation and base Elevation Standard trims, the materials became less luxurious but still above average for the segment. The Canyon overall offered superior material quality both inside and out compared to its class. The 2022 Honda Ridgeline, built on a unibody platform similar to crossovers like the Honda Pilot and Passport, offered increased rigidity but showcased conservative styling. Its snub nose, indicative of a platform designed with front-wheel drive in mind, was the most distinct feature. The rear three-quarter view was classic pickup: vertical taillights, a large centered badge, and dual exhausts at the rear bumper. For the 2021 update, Honda reshaped the front end of the Ridgeline, making the grille blockier and more upright to align more closely with other pickups. This facelift continued into the 2022 model, giving it more traditional truck aesthetics. The available Honda Performance Development (HPD) packages added features like fender flares, bronze or black 18-inch alloy wheels, and decals for a striking appearance. The Black Edition test vehicle featured matching wheels and exterior trim that complemented its Berlina Black paint. Inside, the Ridgeline’s simple, functional design was in keeping with its truck identity. Fit and finish were excellent, and Black Edition vehicles came with high-end amenities such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, a power-sliding rear window, and a moonroof. However, piano black trim was prone to smudges and scratches, failing to stand out from the predominately black interior.

The 2022 GMC Canyon, though not able to compete with full-size pickups in terms of raw performance, still showcased solid capabilities for a midsize truck. It offered three powertrains, starting with a 200-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The more potent options included a 308-hp 3.6-liter V6 and a 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and an impressive 369 pound-feet of torque. The latter two engines allowed for a maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds with the Trailering package. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available across all trims. Transmission options included a six-speed automatic for the base four-cylinder and diesel engines, and an eight-speed automatic for the V6. Our test vehicle, a 2022 GMC Canyon AT4 4WD with the V6 and eight-speed automatic, delivered abundant power even with the added weight of off-road gear. The eight-speed automatic shifted smoothly and at optimal points. Past experiences with the 2.8-liter turbodiesel confirmed its robust towing and fuel economy performance. The AT4's 31-inch Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires were somewhat noisy at highway speeds but did not significantly compromise on-road grip. The Canyon felt solid and stable on various terrains, with the AT4 trim offering off-road capabilities that included an Autotrac two-speed electronic transfer case, special off-road suspension, auto-locking rear differential, and various protective shields and controls. The 2022 Honda Ridgeline, in contrast, kept things simple with one powertrain option: a 3.5-liter V6 paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. This setup delivered 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds—a figure more common in midsize crossovers than trucks. The payload varied slightly by trim, with the RTL-E and Black Edition models topping out at 1,509 pounds, and the RTL and Sport rated at 1,544 and 1,583 pounds, respectively. The naturally aspirated V6 provided ample power, but the nine-speed automatic was occasionally slow to respond, coupled with a sluggish engine start-stop system that detracted from the driving experience. Despite these minor issues, the Ridgeline impressed with its ride quality and handling, benefiting from its unibody construction that offered a smoother, more car-like ride and superior cabin quietness compared to traditional pickups. While off-roading capabilities were less than those of the Canyon, the Ridgeline could still manage moderate off-road conditions thanks to its torque vectoring AWD system, although its 7.64 inches of ground clearance was less than ideal for more extreme trails.

The 2022 GMC Canyon came with either an extended cab and a 6'2" bed or a crew cab with options for a 5'2" or 6'2" bed. The crew cab provided ample space for rear passengers, accommodating even those over six feet tall comfortably. However, the extended cab version had a less roomy back seat, making the crew cab the better choice for those regularly carrying more than one passenger. The rear folding bench seat in the crew cab offered additional storage options under the seat. The Canyon’s crossover-like seat height simplified entering and exiting the vehicle. Its seats were comfortable and supportive, featuring power adjustments and heat for both the driver and front passenger. Other appreciated features included a heated steering wheel, a sliding rear window, and the optional wireless charging pad. The AT4’s higher ride height and broader stance ensured excellent visibility and stable handling. The cargo bed’s two-tier loading system and 13 tie-down points facilitated secure gear transport, and the integrated corner step rear bumper made access easy. The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was available only with a four-door crew cab and a 64-inch bed, a balance offering good passenger and cargo space. The bed included a 7.3-cubic-foot lockable in-bed trunk with a drain plug, making it convenient for stowing dirty items securely. The spare tire was located in a slot ahead of the trunk, and the bed also featured an in-bed audio system and an available 115-volt AC outlet. Honda's Dual-Action Tailgate could open downward or to the side, and the bed’s width accommodated 4-foot-wide plywood sheets. Inside, the Ridgeline had additional storage under the rear seats, with rear USB ports available on higher trims. The front cabin's layout included a pushbutton shifter allowing space for cupholders and a large center console. Controls were logically placed and easy to use, with physical toggles for climate control. Overall, the Ridgeline offered practical and spacious accommodations typical of a versatile crew cab.

The 2022 GMC Canyon, while not overly laden with cutting-edge technologies, still covered essential bases. The base Elevation Standard trim came with a 7-inch color touchscreen infotainment system, while higher trims like the Elevation received an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The AT4 added wireless smartphone charging, and the top-tier Denali included navigation, a high-definition rearview camera, and several advanced driver-assist features. All new Canyon models included a trial of SiriusXM satellite radio, a WiFi hotspot, and OnStar telematics. The AT4 model we tested came with an optional GMC infotainment system featuring navigation, an 8-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in-vehicle apps, and a Bose premium audio system. This setup was user-friendly, with reliable smartphone pairing and a high-quality Bose sound system. The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. SiriusXM satellite radio was available on trims above the base Sport, while navigation was available on the RTL-E and Black Edition models. While not groundbreaking, the Ridgeline’s infotainment system was functional and straightforward. The screen size and graphics were somewhat dated, but the interface was easy to navigate. Vital functions could be controlled via analog controls on the dashboard and steering wheel, reducing dependence on the touchscreen. Overall, though it lacked unique features, the Ridgeline’s system was practical and user-friendly, much like its competitors.

Safety in the 2022 GMC Canyon varied by trim. The base Elevation Standard trim did not come with advanced driver aids, but included valuable features like a tire-fill alert and Teen Driver system. The Elevation and AT4 trims could be equipped with the Driver Alert package, offering forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear parking assistance, the latter available only with leather seating. Missing features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping technology put the Canyon behind the curve. In crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2022 Canyon earned four out of five stars overall, with a five-star rating for side protection and lower ratings in other areas. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Canyon high marks in most tests but a "Poor" rating for the front passenger-side small overlap test. Its crash-avoidance features received low ratings, along with a “Marginal” rating for LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use. The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top “Good” scores in most IIHS crash tests but an “Average” rating in the passenger-side small overlap frontal test. It earned a top “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention tech, but lower ratings for headlights and LATCH child seat anchor usability. The NHTSA awarded the Ridgeline a five-star overall safety rating, with top marks in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover crash testing. Standard across all trims was the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, Road Departure Mitigation, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims received additional features like automatic high beams and blind spot monitoring, though a 360-degree camera system was notably absent.