2024 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 GMC Canyon

The 2023 GMC Canyon presented a bold and aggressive design, characterized by its scrunched-up headlights and daytime running lights flanking a broad grille, giving it an assertive demeanor. The body sides featured bulges and creases reminiscent of tensed muscles, enhancing its rugged appearance. Sharing dimensions with the Chevy Colorado, the Canyon boasted a longer wheelbase and an "Ultra Wide Track" stance, with front and rear tracks measuring about 66 inches. The standard factory lift kit provided varying ground clearance, with the AT4X model offering the highest at 10.7 inches. The Denali trim added a touch of luxury with chrome accents and 20-inch wheels, while the interior featured laser-etched open pore wood trim and leather upholstery, setting it apart from other midsize trucks.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Ridgeline, while not traditionally known for its looks, received styling updates that improved its presence. The blunt nose, tall hood, and new tailgate lettering gave it a more robust appearance, complemented by the TrailSport’s all-terrain tires. The interior saw significant improvements with a new center console design, a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Ridgeline offered four trims, each powered by a 280-horsepower V6 engine with torque-vectoring AWD. The TrailSport trim, with its Radiant Red paint and black tailgate lettering, stood out, offering a family-friendly pickup experience with a focus on comfort and practicality.

The 2023 GMC Canyon was equipped with a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard on the base Elevation trim, while four-wheel drive was available on higher trims. The AT4X model was designed for serious off-roading, featuring electronic lockers, skid plates, and 33-inch mud terrain tires. The Canyon offered a balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability, with quiet cabs and solid handling, although steering was somewhat slow and imprecise.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with Honda’s i-VTM4 AWD system. The Ridgeline excelled on-road, offering smooth power delivery, quick acceleration, and responsive handling. However, its off-road capabilities were limited by shallow approach, breakover, and departure angles, and a maximum ground clearance of just over 7.6 inches. The Ridgeline’s towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, with a maximum payload of 1,583 pounds. Despite some transmission quirks, the Ridgeline provided a comfortable and quiet driving experience.

The 2023 GMC Canyon was available only as a crew cab with a 5.2-foot bed, offering ample interior space for a midsize truck. It provided more first-row legroom than most competitors, with second-row legroom surpassed only by the Honda Ridgeline and Jeep Gladiator. The MultiStow tailgate added a waterproof storage compartment, although it was limited in utility. The Canyon’s towing capacity was 7,700 pounds, with a maximum payload of 1,640 pounds for RWD Elevation models, slightly lower than some rivals.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline prioritized comfort and practicality, with easy access and supportive seating for five passengers. The TrailSport trim featured perforated leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed adequate legroom and a triple-zone climate control system. The Ridgeline offered numerous storage solutions, including a flip-up rear seat cushion and a 33.9 cubic-foot cargo bed with a weatherproof trunk. The dual-action tailgate provided versatile loading options, enhancing the truck’s practicality.

The 2023 GMC Canyon came with an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a digital instrument cluster. The system included Google Built-In functionality, offering a seamless experience for Android users. The Off-Road Performance Display provided detailed off-road metrics, while the surround-view camera system aided in off-road navigation. The Denali and AT4X trims included additional tech features like a head-up display and wireless phone charging.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a faster processor for improved performance. The system included a volume knob and tuning buttons, with additional controls on the steering wheel. The Black Edition offered an upgraded sound system and extra USB ports. The 7-inch digital display in the instrument cluster provided clear and easy-to-use information, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2023 GMC Canyon offered a range of driver-assist features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. The optional Safety Plus Package added rear cross-traffic alert and blind-zone steering assist, while the Technology Package included adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system. Higher trims came with additional safety features like a Safety Alert Seat.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline included the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driving assistance systems, with features like forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Ridgeline Sport added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. While the ADAS performed adequately, some features were less smooth than expected. The Ridgeline received mixed safety ratings, with an Acceptable score from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.