2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 GMC Canyon

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was built on a unibody platform, a departure from the traditional body-on-frame construction of most pickup trucks. This design choice provided increased rigidity, akin to crossovers like the Honda Pilot and Passport. Despite its innovative engineering, the Ridgeline's styling remained conservative, with a snub nose hinting at its crossover roots. The rear maintained a classic pickup look with vertical taillights and dual exhausts. The Black Edition test vehicle featured a dark exterior with Berlina Black paint and matching alloy wheels. Inside, the Ridgeline offered a straightforward design with high-quality fit and finish, leather upholstery, and heated seats. However, the piano black trim was prone to smudges and scratches.

In contrast, the 2023 GMC Canyon exuded a tough and aggressive appearance, with scrunched headlights and a broad grille giving it an angry look. The body sides featured bulges and creases reminiscent of tensed muscles. Sharing dimensions with the Chevy Colorado, the Canyon boasted a longer wheelbase and an "Ultra Wide Track" stance. The AT4X model offered a significant lift for enhanced ground clearance. The Denali trim added chrome accents and 20-inch wheels, while the interior featured laser-etched wood trim and leather upholstery. The Canyon's interior was spacious, with the Denali offering a luxurious feel, and the AT4X providing a dramatic red-and-white upholstery option.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. It had a maximum towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms and a payload capacity of up to 690 kilograms, which was modest compared to rivals like the Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado. The Ridgeline's naturally aspirated V6 provided ample power, but the transmission was slow to respond, and the engine start-stop system was sluggish. However, the Ridgeline excelled in handling and ride quality, thanks to its unibody platform, offering a comfortable and quiet ride. Its off-road capability was limited by its design, with less ground clearance and no dedicated off-road version.

The 2023 GMC Canyon featured a 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, all models came with four-wheel drive, with the AT4X offering advanced off-road features like electronic lockers and Multimatic DSSV dampers. The Canyon balanced on-road comfort with off-road capability, with the AT4X excelling in challenging terrains. The engine and transmission worked well together, providing adequate acceleration, though steering was typical for a pickup. The Canyon's towing capacity reached 3,492 kilograms, with a payload capacity of 716 kilograms, slightly lower than some competitors.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was available only as a four-door crew cab with a 162.5-centimetre bed, offering a good balance of passenger and cargo space. The bed featured a 207-litre lockable in-bed trunk, a spare tire slot, and an in-bed audio system. The Dual-Action Tailgate and wide bed allowed for versatile cargo handling. Inside, the Ridgeline provided additional storage under the rear seats and a well-organized front cabin with a pushbutton shifter and ample storage. While headroom and legroom were comparable to rivals, the Ridgeline felt roomier due to its wider stance and lower cowl height.

The 2023 GMC Canyon was also available only as a crew cab with a 5.2-foot bed, similar to other midsize trucks. The interior offered ample space, with first-row legroom among the best in its class. The MultiStow tailgate added a waterproof storage compartment, though its utility was limited. The Canyon lacked a telescoping steering wheel and power-adjustable front seats, which was surprising for a premium brand. The towing capacity matched the previous diesel engine, with a maximum payload of 716 kilograms, slightly lower than some competitors.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity and Bluetooth. While the interface was not cutting-edge, it was user-friendly, with analog controls for essential functions. The system lacked unique features but was comparable to rivals in terms of basic tech offerings.

The 2023 GMC Canyon boasted an 11.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, and a head-up display on higher trims. The infotainment system featured Google Built-In functionality, offering a seamless experience for Android users. The graphics were impressive, with a dark background for less jarring visuals. The Off-Road Performance Display provided detailed off-road metrics, while the surround-view camera system offered enhanced visibility for off-roading and trailer hookups.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top scores in most IIHS crash tests, with a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. It earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included the Honda Sensing suite, with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 GMC Canyon's crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication. The standard Canyon Pro Safety Package included features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. The optional Safety Plus Package added rear cross-traffic alert and blind-zone steering assist, while the Technology Package offered adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system. These features were standard on higher trims, along with a Safety Alert Seat.