2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2022 GMC Canyon

The 2022 GMC Canyon, introduced in 2015, boasted a premium aesthetic, especially in its Denali trim. This version featured a distinctive chrome grille, 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and luxurious interior elements like heated and ventilated leather seats, Ash wood trim, and a Bose audio system. Even the rugged AT4 off-road variant maintained a high-end feel with its black chrome grille, LED lighting, and premium leather seats. While lower trims like the Elevation and Elevation Standard offered more standard materials, the Canyon's overall material quality exceeded expectations for its class.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline, with its updated styling, presented a more rugged appearance. It shared many components with Honda's SUVs, offering a refined and sophisticated driving experience. The Ridgeline's interior, especially in the Black Edition, was leather-lined and comfortable, with ample storage and excellent visibility. Despite its design dating back to the 2016 Honda Pilot, the Ridgeline's interior remained modern and upscale compared to its competitors.

The 2022 GMC Canyon offered three powertrains: a 200-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 308-hp 3.6-liter V6, and a 181-hp 2.8-liter turbodiesel with 369 lb-ft of torque. The V6 and turbodiesel engines could tow up to 7,700 pounds with the Trailering package. The Canyon's ride and handling were solid, with the AT4's off-road equipment enhancing its capabilities. The AT4's off-road tires provided stability, and the optional Off-Road Performance Edition package made it a formidable off-road contender.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring AWD. It offered a 1,583-pound payload capacity and a 5,000-pound towing limit. The Ridgeline excelled in on-road dynamics, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. It averaged 22.6 mpg on a road trip, showcasing its fuel efficiency. While not designed for extreme off-roading, the Ridgeline handled light off-road conditions well.

The 2022 GMC Canyon was available in extended and crew cab configurations, with bed lengths of 5'2" or 6'2". The crew cab offered ample space for rear passengers, while the extended cab was less accommodating. The Canyon's interior was comfortable, with power-adjustable heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Its cargo bed featured two-tier loading and 13 tie-down points, making it practical for carrying gear.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline prioritized functionality with features like a dual-action tailgate and in-bed trunk. Its interior, shared with the Honda Passport, was comfortable and practical, with heated front seats and a spacious center console. The rear seat flipped up for additional storage, and the cargo bed offered 33.9 cubic feet of volume. The Ridgeline's unique unibody platform allowed for a lockable, weatherproof trunk under the load floor, enhancing its versatility.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's technology offerings varied by trim. The Elevation Standard had a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The AT4 added wireless charging, and the Denali included navigation and a Bose audio system. Available tech included Amazon Alexa Built-In and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline's infotainment system was dated, with an 8-inch touchscreen and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered navigation, a premium sound system, and wireless charging. The system was slow to load, and voice recognition was delayed. Despite these drawbacks, the user interface was simple, with touch-sensing buttons and a volume knob.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's safety features improved with higher trims. The base model lacked advanced driver aids but included a Teen Driver system. The Driver Alert package, available on higher trims, offered forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning. The Canyon received mixed safety ratings, with a "Poor" rating in the IIHS front passenger-side small overlap test.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline included Honda Sensing, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring was available on higher trims. The Ridgeline received favorable crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with only its headlights receiving lower scores.