2024 GMC Canyon vs 2023 RAM 1500

The 2023 RAM 1500, available in both quad cab and larger crew cab configurations, offered a versatile choice for buyers. The crew cab variant, which we reviewed, came with a 5-foot, 7-inch bed. Our test model was the Limited trim, nearly the top of the eight available trims. The $4,145 Night Edition package added a stealthy look with a blacked-out grille, badging, headlamp bezels, mirror caps, and 22-inch black aluminum wheels. Inside, the Limited trim featured luxurious leather with contrasting stitching, open-pore wood on the dash, and a 12-inch portrait-oriented screen that added a unique touch to the interior.

The 2024 GMC Canyon, stretching 213.2 inches in length and standing 79.8 inches tall, was one of the tallest midsize trucks on the market. It shared many parts with the Chevrolet Colorado but boasted a wider track and at least 9.6 inches of ground clearance. The Canyon was available in four trims: Elevation, AT4, Denali, and AT4X. Our test model, the AT4X with the AEV package, came equipped with 35-inch all-terrain tires, AEV-stamped bumpers, and multiple steel skid plates. The interior featured high-quality Obsidian Rush upholstery, excellent fit and finish, and an 11-inch digital gauge cluster alongside an 11.3-inch touchscreen display.

The 2023 RAM 1500 offered drivers a choice between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). The standard engine on lower trims was a 3.6-liter V6 with Ram’s eTorque 48-volt mild hybrid system, while a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with eTorque was optional on lower trims and standard on upper trims. A 3.0-liter diesel engine was also available, except on the top TRX trim, which featured a supercharged 6.2-liter V8. The V8 engine produced 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, with the eTorque system providing up to 130 pound-feet of supplemental torque. The RAM 1500 had a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds and could haul up to 2,300 pounds of payload. The TRX trim, with its 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, was the epitome of off-road trucks.

The 2024 GMC Canyon came with a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. This engine was robust enough to be used in larger trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500. The Canyon had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,670 pounds. The eight-speed automatic transmission was well-suited to the turbo four-cylinder, and the truck’s road manners were impressive, thanks to Multimatic spool-valve dampers. The AT4X trim included a Baja drive mode with launch control, making it a capable off-road vehicle. However, its fuel economy ratings were less impressive, with the best figures being 19 mpg city, 23 highway, and 20 combined.

The 2023 RAM 1500 featured numerous storage options, including a two-tiered center console and the RamBox storage integrated into the rear quarter panel. The front seats were heated and cooled, with eight-way adjustability, and the rear seats reclined up to eight degrees. The crew cab configuration provided 45.2 inches of rear legroom, and the multifunction tailgate could open like a 60/40 split door or a traditional tailgate. The optional air suspension lowered the tailgate height to 32.8 inches from the ground.

The 2024 GMC Canyon, while offering best-in-class towing capacity, struggled with interior space. The rear-seat legroom was limited, making it uncomfortable for adults on long drives. The 5.2-foot bed offered less cargo capacity compared to competitors, and the AEV package’s spare tire took up valuable space. The Canyon’s height and width made it challenging to maneuver in urban areas, and the lack of a digital rearview mirror was a notable omission.

The 2023 RAM 1500 received a tech upgrade with a new 12-inch reconfigurable gauge cluster, although it was not available on our tester. The upper trims featured a 12-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, allowing for dual-function display. The Uconnect system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though there was some lag with the former. Our tester included the optional Equipment Group 1, adding a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system. Multiple USB-A and -C outlets, a wireless charging pad, and 115-volt and 12-volt outlets ensured all devices could be charged.

The 2024 GMC Canyon came standard with an 11.3-inch touchscreen display featuring Google Built-in, providing access to Google Maps and Google Assistant without needing to pair a phone. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were also included. The headlight controls were embedded in the infotainment software, which required taking eyes off the road. The Denali and AT4X trims featured a head-up display, and all trims included off-road performance display pages.

The 2023 RAM 1500 lacked standard advanced driver-assist systems, with features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning being optional or part of a package. However, the NHTSA awarded the RAM 1500 crew cab an overall safety rating of five stars, and the IIHS gave it Good marks in most categories, with some Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and LATCH ease of use.

The 2024 GMC Canyon received an overall rating of four out of five stars from the NHTSA. It came standard with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and a rear-seat reminder system. However, advanced driver assist systems like rear park assist, rear cross-traffic braking, and blind-zone steering assist were available only via options packages on lower trims. The AT4X trim included an HD surround-view camera and a blind-spot avoidance system that worked with a trailer.