2022 GMC Canyon vs 2023 RAM 1500

The 2022 GMC Canyon, which initially debuted in its current generation for the 2015 model year, brought a premium aesthetic and feel to the midsize truck segment. It was especially true of the Denali trim, with its unique chrome grille, 20-inch diamond-cut machined alloy wheels, five-inch chrome assist steps, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen system with navigation. The Denali's heated and ventilated perforated front leather seats, open-pore Ash wood trim, and other luxe touches—like embossed sill plates and floor mats—added to its upscale atmosphere. The Bose premium audio system further enhanced its appeal for those seeking luxury in a midsize truck.

When it came to the rugged AT4 off-road version, GMC didn't skimp on premium features. The AT4 offered a black chrome grille, LED signature lighting, and unique 17-inch wheels. It also featured a soft-touch instrument panel and premium heated leather front seats with distinctive Kalahari accents and "AT4" embroidery on the headrests. The available Bose audio system lent an extra touch of quality. The AT4’s bold exterior look matched its luxurious and inviting cabin, balancing rugged off-road elements with a comfortable interior.

In contrast, the 2023 RAM 1500 offered a more versatile approach with trims ranging from the basic Tradesman to the ultra-luxurious Limited, and the performance-oriented TRX. The Limited trim we examined for the performance-oriented review stood near the top of the lineup and included the Night Edition option for $4,145. This package transformed its appearance with a blacked-out grille, black badging, black headlamp bezels, black mirror caps, and 22-inch black aluminum wheels, creating a stealthy and commanding presence.

Inside the Limited, drivers found a plethora of leather upholstery, complemented by contrasting stitching and an air of luxury enhanced by open-pore wood and metallic trim. The wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel added extra sophistication, and the 12-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen provided a modern touch, complete with chunky volume controls and a Ram logo adorning the dash. The center storage console embossing with the Limited logo kept the model's identity front and center.

The 2022 GMC Canyon offered three powertrains: a 200-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a robust 308-horsepower 3.6-liter V6, and a 181-horsepower 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine with an impressive 369 pound-feet of torque. When equipped with the necessary towing package, the latter two engines reached a maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds. The truck featured rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard with an optional four-wheel drive (4WD) available for all trims. While the six-speed automatic transmission came with the four-cylinder and diesel engines, the V6 used an eight-speed automatic.

Despite its "adequate but uninspiring" performance, the base four-cylinder engine was serviceable. The V6, paired with the eight-speed automatic in our test AT4 4WD model, provided abundant power and smooth shifting. The turbodiesel, praised for its towing and fuel efficiency, further added to the truck's versatility. The ride and handling were notably stable, even with the AT4’s slightly noisy 31-inch Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires.

For the 2023 RAM 1500, drivers could choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). The standard engine was a 3.6-liter V6 with an eTorque 48-volt mild hybrid system, and available options included a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with eTorque, and a 3.0-liter diesel. The top TRX trim came with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8. Every engine, regardless of model, used an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The eTorque system delivered extra torque for smooth takeoff, with the V8 producing 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque for powerful acceleration and effortless highway passing. Fuel economy was decent, with V8 4WD eTorque models clocking in at an EPA rating of 17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. The RAM 1500’s ride quality benefited from the coilover rear suspension and even more from the available air suspension in the Limited trim, which smoothed out road imperfections effectively.

Towing capacities for the RAM 1500 reached up to 12,750 pounds, with a payload maximum of 2,300 pounds, although this varied significantly depending on engine and configuration. The optional Trailer Tow package, priced at $1,095, provided practical features like Trailer Reverse Steering Control, making it a superb option for those frequently towing.

The 2022 GMC Canyon was available in both extended cab and crew cab configurations, with bed lengths of either 5'2" or 6'2". In its crew cab form, the Canyon provided ample space even for rear-seat passengers, making it a comfortable ride for taller individuals. The rear folding bench seat was particularly useful for storing items underneath, adding to its overall practicality. Entry and exit were made easier by the vehicle’s crossover SUV-like seat height, bypassing the need to climb up into the truck. Power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a sliding rear window offered additional comfort and convenience. Its cargo bed featured two-tier loading and 13 tie-down points, complemented by an integrated corner step rear bumper for easy access.

On the flip side, the 2023 RAM 1500 offered a profusion of storage options within the cabin, including a two-tiered center console that could reveal additional storage below. The front seats were both heated and cooled and could be adjusted eight ways; the inclusion of power-adjustable pedals in the Limited trim added another layer of customizability. The crew cab model, with an expansive 45.2 inches of rear legroom, was particularly accommodating for passengers. The multifunction tailgate of the RAM 1500, which opened as a 60/40 split door or like a traditional tailgate, as well as the optional air suspension that lowered the tailgate height, enhanced its functionality. Additionally, the RamBox storage integrated into the rear quarter panels provided secure and convenient stowage for tools or personal items.

The 2022 GMC Canyon, although not bursting with the latest tech, did cover the basics well with its standard 7-inch color touchscreen infotainment system on the Elevation Standard trim. Moving up to the Elevation trim provided an 8-inch touchscreen that supported Bluetooth audio streaming, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims, like the AT4 and Denali, added features such as wireless smartphone charging, navigation, and a high-definition rearview camera. Amazon Alexa Built-In and a free trial for SiriusXM satellite radio, a WiFi hotspot, and OnStar telematics were available options, making the Canyon’s infotainment system both straightforward and functional.

In comparison, the 2023 RAM 1500 offered a more sophisticated tech experience. While lower trims came with a modest 5-inch screen, mid-level trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen. The standout feature was the available 12-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen in higher trims, allowing users to run two functions simultaneously. Despite a minor lag when using Apple CarPlay, the Uconnect system was generally well-organized. Optional tech upgrades included a head-up display and a digital rearview mirror, which provided a broader field of vision. The RAM 1500 also boasted multiple USB outlets, both Type-A and Type-C, a wireless charging pad, and several 115-volt and 12-volt outlets, ensuring all devices could stay charged on the go.

For the 2022 GMC Canyon, safety features varied significantly across trims. The base Elevation Standard lacked advanced driver aids but did include useful features like a tire-fill alert and the Teen Driver system. The Driver Alert package, available on Elevation and AT4 trims and standard on the Denali, added forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear parking assistance. Notably absent, however, were adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Canyon received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and had mixed results in IIHS evaluations, receiving lower ratings for some crash prevention and mitigation aspects.

The 2023 RAM 1500, though limited in standard advanced driver-assist systems, offered a comprehensive suite of optional safety features. Blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning were available, with the blind-spot monitoring feature covering the length of any attached trailer. The RAM 1500 crew cab earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, and its headlights received varying grades from the IIHS depending on the trim. Some lower trims received lower ratings for seat belt reminders and LATCH ease of use.