Starting at
Starting at
181-308 HP | Horsepower | 280 HP |
20/30 MPG | Optimal Fuel Economy | 19/26 MPG |
7,600-7,700 LBS | Towing Capacity | 3,500-5,000 LBS |
Trying to decide between the 2019 GMC Canyon vs 2019 Honda Ridgeline? While both of these vehicles have become popular pickup trucks, each of them has a very different set of strengths. While the 2019 GMC Canyon is the ultimate vehicle for performance, capability, and technology, the 2019 Honda Ridgeline was built more like an SUV and offers comfort above all other features. So, which vehicle is the right choice for you? Let’s take a closer look.
The 2019 GMC Canyon is incredibly versatile, offering class-leading performance specs, a generous list of standard technology, and an upscale interior. With three available engines, the Canyon makes customizing your vehicle to your exact performance needs as convenient as possible. Drivers can opt for the well-rounded base engine, the powerful V6 engine, or the efficient and capable turbo-diesel engine. On the inside, the Canyon is one of the most advanced vehicles in its class, offering a standard 7-inch touchscreen display and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Meanwhile, the 2019 Honda Ridgeline offers only one engine, which lacks power and capability but is relatively efficient. Standard interior features like a touchscreen display and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also lacking, but the Ridgeline’s overall cabin is comfortable and spacious. The Ridgeline also features a nice selection of safety features, but its high starting MSRP makes it difficult to enjoy these features at a reasonable price.
Overall, both the 2019 GMC Canyon and 2019 Honda Ridgeline appeal to very different audiences. To help you determine which of these vehicles is the right choice for you, check out how these vehicles compare in terms of performance, interior features, and safety.
In the category of performance, the 2019 Honda Ridgeline takes an exceptional beating from the 2019 GMC Canyon, as well as many other competitors in its class. The Canyon is more powerful, more capable, and even more fuel-efficient. If you’re looking for a truck with a high level of performance, you’ll want to opt for the 2019 GMC Canyon.
The 2019 GMC Canyon offers a total of three engine options for drivers to choose from. These include a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, a 3.6L V6 engine, and a turbo-diesel 2.8L 4-cylinder engine. The standard engine is the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This configuration is capable of producing up to 200 hp and 191 lb-ft torque.
The V6 engine is one of the most popular choices among consumers, offering up to 308 hp and 275 lb-ft torque. Meanwhile, the turbo-diesel engine is the most fuel-efficient option with fuel economy ratings of up to 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. This engine also offers the highest torque output at up to 369 lb-ft, which allows for a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 LBS. However, the V6 engine is not too far behind with a maximum towing capacity of 7,000 LBS.
When considering engine and cab options, the 2019 GMC Canyon offers over 20 different configurations for drivers to choose from. No matter which configuration you choose, you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of power, capability, and efficiency, combined with superior handling and ride quality.
The 2019 Honda Ridgeline offers some of the worst performance specs in its class, mainly due to its lack of available configurations. Where nearly all competitors offer multiple engine options, the Ridgeline offers only one engine. While the standard engine is a 3.5L V6 engine, it offers only 280 hp and 262 lb-ft torque. The Ridgeline is also not a capable choice, with the ability to tow up to 5,000 LBS at most. However, this truck does offer good fuel economy ratings at up to 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Drivers and critics have also given negative reviews to the Ridgeline for its available drivetrains. While many trucks come in RWD and 4WD, neither options are available on the Ridgeline. Instead, FWD is offered as standard, and AWD is an available option. For this reason, the Ridgeline is unable to handle tough terrains and weather conditions as well as other pickup trucks, and drives more like an SUV. For some, the Ridgeline’s SUV-like ride quality is a nice touch. However, drivers looking for the power and capability of a truck will likely be disappointed. It is also important to note that the Ridgeline is much more expensive than the 2019 GMC Canyon, so upgrading to AWD will add substantially to your cost.
The 2019 GMC Canyon offers one of the nicest interiors in its class, featuring an abundance of standard technology and premium materials. Meanwhile, the 2019 Honda Ridgeline offers high-quality materials but fails to provide an advanced entertainment suite. While the Ridgeline may be comfortable, that’s about all it has to offer in terms of interior features.
The 2019 GMC Canyon follows the lead of other GMC vehicles by offering a long list of standard features on its base model. These features include a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a 6-speaker sound system. Physical controls for the touchscreen are also present, making it easier and less distracting to operate the system when driving. Throughout the cabin, drivers can find premium materials, which add soft-touch surfaces and comfortable seating to the truck’s interior.
Available features are also incredibly advanced and include an 8-inch touchscreen display, heated front seats, and automatic climate control. Remote keyless entry and a 7-speaker Bose sound system are also available for upgrade with the Canyon’s numerous trim levels and packages. Whether you’re looking for comfort or technology, the interior of the 2019 GMC Canyon will have you covered, and for thousands less than the 2019 Honda Ridgeline.
The interior of the 2019 Honda Ridgeline mimics the Honda Pilot, one of Honda’s popular SUVs. Both vehicles offer a nearly identical set of standard features, which are pretty bare in terms of technology. The base model of the Ridgeline lacks a touchscreen display, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Just about the only entertainment features you’ll find onboard the base model of the Ridgeline is Bluetooth and one USB port, despite its high starting MSRP. This means tech-savvy drivers will likely be forced to upgrade to an even more expensive model, which still lacks many of the features of the Canyon.
The interior quality of the Ridgeline is nice, featuring high-quality materials, comfortable seating, and plenty of space. Available upgrades on the Ridgeline include leather upholstery, heated seating, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but these upgrades will add thousands more to the starting price. Drivers looking for an affordable, versatile, and advanced SUV will want to avoid the new Ridgeline. However, drivers looking for only comfort and a more SUV-like appearance may appreciate what it has to offer.
Both the 2019 GMC Canyon and 2019 Honda Ridgeline can boast high safety scores and generous safety features. Drivers prioritizing safety in their next vehicle will be pleased with either option; yet, the Canyon takes the win with a much lower starting MSRP.
The 2019 GMC Canyon earned 5-star ratings in both the side barrier and side crash tests with the NHTSA and offers standard features like a rearview camera, stability control, and traction control. However, the Canyon also offers more advanced driver assist features including Teen Driver technology, forward collision alert, and lane departure warning.
Drivers looking to enjoy as many driver assist features as possible can easily do so with a variety of trim levels and packages, while drivers opting for the base model can still experience plenty of features and the Canyon’s excellent reliability and construction. Like other GMC vehicles, the new Canyon also features a comprehensive warranty program, featuring a basic warranty, powertrain warranty, and a roadside assistance plan.
The 2019 Honda Ridgeline earned 5-star ratings in the front crash and side crash categories with the NHTSA, while also earning a 4-star rating in the rollover test category. Standard features on the base model of the Ridgeline include a rearview camera, front parking sensors, and traction and stability control. Available driver assist features include lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning, which are part of the Ridgeline’s Honda Sensing suite.
Meanwhile, the 2019 Honda Ridgeline also features a comprehensive warranty program with a basic warranty and powertrain warranty. Drivers looking for a safe vehicle will enjoy either the 2019 GMC Canyon or 2019 Honda Ridgeline. However, the Canyon’s much lower price makes it easy to upgrade to numerous driver assist features at a reasonable price.