Canyon vs Ridgeline
The Canyon and the Ridgeline are two different answers to the same midsize pickup brief, each with its own set of priorities. Across 5 compared areas, the Canyon takes 3. The widest gap shows up under engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Canyon wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Ridgeline wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Canyon wins
- Safety & Tech Canyon wins
- Price Canyon wins
- Engine & Performance10.0
- Fuel Economy & Range0.7
- Off-road & Towing10.0
- Engine & Performance4.2
- Fuel Economy & Range2.9
- Off-road & Towing5.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Canyon has 168 lb-ft more torque
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Canyon makes its strongest case: 430 lb-ft against 262 lb-ft. The Canyon’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The Canyon has 2,700 lb more towing capacity
The Canyon clearly leads on max towing, and 7,700 lb versus 5,000 lb is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. If you tow regularly, the Canyon’s higher rating gives you more margin.
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The Canyon has 30 hp more power
You may not notice this one every day, but the Canyon’s 310 hp is a step ahead of the Ridgeline’s 280 hp. The Canyon’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Ridgeline has better fuel economy
Slight advantage to the Ridgeline: 21 mpg compared with 20 mpg. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The Canyon has a bigger 11.3 in touchscreen
On largest touchscreen, the Canyon posts 11.3 in against 9 in for the Ridgeline, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Canyon | Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 210.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 78.6 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 70.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 131.4 in | 125.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Canyon leads
The Canyon dominates the engine & performance section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. On its side, the Canyon has 168 lb-ft more torque. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type. For anyone who cares most about engine & performance, the Canyon is the safer choice.
Torque
Canyon: 430 lb-ft Ridgeline: 262 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Total system output
Canyon: 310 hp Ridgeline: 280 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Fuel Economy & Range
Ridgeline leads
The Ridgeline edges the fuel economy & range section, though the Canyon stays close. The Ridgeline brings better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. The Canyon gives you better city fuel economy. Net result: the Ridgeline leads this part of the comparison.
Fuel economy (combined)
Canyon: 20 mpg Ridgeline: 21 mpg The Ridgeline uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Canyon: 19 mpg Ridgeline: 18 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Canyon has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the space & practicality section. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Off-road & Towing
Canyon leads
This is one of the Canyon’s strongest areas. On off-road & towing, the Ridgeline falls well short. The Canyon adds 2,700 lb more towing capacity. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at. If off-road & towing is your priority, the Canyon is the car to pick.
Max towing
Canyon: 7,700 lb Ridgeline: 5,000 lb A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
Safety & Tech
Canyon leads
Slight edge to the Canyon on safety & tech. Most buyers could live happily with either. The Canyon wins here with a bigger 11.3 in touchscreen. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance. The safety & tech verdict goes to the Canyon.
Largest touchscreen
Canyon: 11.3 in Ridgeline: 9 in The Canyon’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Canyon | Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.7L turbo I4 (TurboMax) | 3.5L V6 |
| Total system output | 310 hp (winner) | 280 hp |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft (winner) | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (4WD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Canyon | Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 20 mpg | 21 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 19 mpg (winner) | 18 mpg Thirstiest in the city |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 23 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 21 gal | 19.5 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Canyon | Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Canyon | Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 7,700 lb (winner) | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Canyon | Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 11.3 in (winner) | 9 in Smallest touchscreen |
| Driver-assist suite | GMC Pro Safety | Honda Sensing |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Canyon | Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 210.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 78.6 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 70.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 131.4 in | 125.2 in |
Price
| Spec | Canyon | Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $38,400 (winner) | $40,595 Priciest in class |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Choosing the Canyon saves $2,195 at launch prices, which is nice but not decisive. It’s unusual for the cheaper option to lead, but the Canyon does, and it keeps $2,195 in your pocket.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of launch. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Canyon if…
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (430 lb-ft vs 262 lb-ft of torque)
- you want the higher towing capacity (7,700 lb vs 5,000 lb)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (310 hp vs 280 hp)
- you rely on navigation and phone mirroring on a larger display (11.3 in vs 9 in)
- you’d rather keep $2,195 in your pocket
Choose the Ridgeline if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (21 mpg vs 20 mpg)
- you prefer staying with Honda
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Canyon or the Ridgeline?
We’d point most buyers to the Canyon. The main exception is if you’d trade the rest for better fuel economy.
Which costs less, the Canyon or the Ridgeline?
The Ridgeline launched at $2,195 more than the Canyon, based on prices as of launch.
Executive Summary
GMC or Honda? For a lot of people, the question really comes down to the Canyon versus the Ridgeline. Honestly, 168 lb-ft more torque on the Canyon does a lot of the persuading for me. The Canyon also scores with 2,700 lb more towing capacity. To be fair, the Ridgeline has better fuel economy, and that’s not nothing.
If you’d rather have strength in engine & performance, go with the Canyon. If fuel economy & range is what you’d miss, go with the Ridgeline.
My pick: the Canyon. I’d only go for the Ridgeline if you value better fuel economy above everything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.