2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 GMC Canyon

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline showcased a more rugged appeal following its previous redesign, which featured a bolder front end, larger dual exhaust outlets, and more attractive wheels with aggressive tread designs. These changes lent the Ridgeline a tougher stance, although the optional Honda Performance Development (HPD) packages with oversized fender flares were dubbed comical and thus best avoided. The Ridgeline came in four trims – Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition – all powered by a robust V6 engine, accompanied by a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. Pricing ranged from $38,800 to $46,230, excluding a $1,345 destination charge. Our Black Edition test model, with additional Platinum White Pearl paint and 18-inch black alloy wheels, clocked in at $49,866.

Conversely, the 2023 GMC Canyon adopted a distinctly aggressive look. Its scrunched-up headlights and daytime running lights flanking a wide grille bore a menacing visage. The sides featured pronounced bulges and creases. Sharing dimensions with the redesigned Chevy Colorado, the Canyon boasted a longer wheelbase and a standard factory lift kit across all models, imparting a rugged presence with ground clearance varying from 9.6 inches to 10.7 inches depending on the model. The Canyon Denali trim added chrome accents and 20-inch wheels, while the AT4X offered enhanced off-road features, including a front safari bar, light bar, winch, and a bed rail system.

Underneath its rugged exterior, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline shared its platform with the Honda Passport and other siblings like the Acura MDX. Its 3.5-liter V6 engine produced 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and an advanced torque-vectoring AWD system capable of channeling up to 70% power to a single rear wheel. It delivered sophisticated on-road behavior, competitive payload capacity of 1,583 pounds but a relatively modest towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Fuel economy was noteworthy, averaging 22.6 mpg during a test road trip and 21.4 mpg on a Southern California test loop, surpassing its EPA ratings. While it excelled in ride comfort and on-road manners, its 7.6-inch ground clearance and limited off-road capabilities due to unibody construction were apparent drawbacks.

The 2023 GMC Canyon adopted a single powertrain – a stout 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine derived from larger GMC models, refined for Canyon usage, and delivering 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission paired well with this engine. While base Elevation models offered RWD, higher trims like the Denali and AT4 featured 4WD systems with varying capabilities. The AT4X model catered to serious off-road enthusiasts with front and rear electronic lockers, skid plates, 33-inch mud-terrain tires, and specialty shock absorbers. Steering dynamics were adequate for a pickup, and overall road manners were commendable across trims. With a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and payload reaching 1,640 pounds, it demonstrated a solid balance between on-road performance and off-road prowess.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline emphasized day-to-day functionality with ample storage solutions throughout the cabin, including carved shelves, giant storage consoles, and a unique in-bed trunk offering 7.3 cubic feet of waterproof storage space. From door pillars forward, the Ridgeline resembled the Passport SUV, contributing to ease of entry and comfortable seating. The cargo bed was practical, featuring a dual-action tailgate and 33.9 cubic feet of space at the sills. Rear passengers benefitted from elevated seating but slightly less space compared to the Passport.

The 2023 GMC Canyon offered only one configuration – a crew cab with a 5.2-foot bed, striking a balance common among midsize trucks. The extended wheelbase enhanced interior space, providing leading legroom in the first row among rivals, though falling slightly behind a few others in the second row. Innovative features included the MultiStow tailgate with a built-in storage compartment and competitive towing and payload ratings. The Canyon excelled with its 7,700-pound towing capacity and payload of 1,640 pounds, though the highest payload fell short compared to the Ford Ranger.

Despite its platform’s mid-2010s origins, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline featured wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with basic HondaLink services across the lineup. Higher trims included navigation, premium sound, bed speakers, and wireless phone charging. The 8-inch touchscreen, though dated, was functional after acclimation. However, slow loading times, an outdated interface, and lackluster voice recognition marred the experience. The wireless charging pad’s inconsistent performance was another gripe.

On the technological front, the 2023 GMC Canyon outshone with its standard 11.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an intuitive user interface backed by Google Built-In functionalities. Digital instrument clusters, spanning 8 to 11 inches depending on the trim, supplemented by a 6.3-inch head-up display in higher trims, enriched the tech experience. The infotainment’s visual excellence extended to off-road performance displays and real-time vehicle status. Additionally, the surround-view camera system, featuring an underbody camera, bolstered its off-road utility, ensuring visibility and precision during rugged adventures.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline carried an aging suite of driver-assist features, necessitating upgrades for blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts beyond the base Sport trim. Standard Honda Sensing included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warnings, and automatic emergency braking among others. Despite the occasional struggles of adaptive cruise control in maintaining safe distances, the safety features were effective. The Ridgeline received high marks from NHTSA and IIHS in most safety evaluations.

For the 2023 GMC Canyon, standard safety features encompassed automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, high beams, and lane-keeping assist through the Canyon Pro Safety Package. Higher trims and additional packages expanded this suite to include rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, surround-view cameras, and blind-spot assist. While the redesigned Canyon awaited crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, its comprehensive safety offerings were a significant advancement.