Starting at
Starting at
181-308 | Horsepower (HP) | 270 |
191-369 | Torque (lb-ft) | 310 |
7,700 | Max Towing Capacity (lbs) | 7,500 |
The all-new 2021 GMC Canyon is the latest in GMC's lineup of popular midsize trucks. Combining sleekness and simplicity, the all-new Canyon is designed to impress and offers V6 and diesel engine options for the performance you need. Many prospective buyers compare the 2021 GMC Canyon vs 2021 Ford Ranger, but you get a different drive, exterior look, and interior feel from each. There's also a surprising quality difference between the two.
Overall, the new GMC Canyon has been making waves as a high-performance midsize truck with outsize capability that can match some full-size trucks. The newest model has been designed for better off-roading and a more modern exterior. Even more surprising, though, is its luxurious interior beyond what you'd expect of such a low-priced pickup - it starts at an attractive MSRP of only $26,400. If you're looking for the best new pickup and are having trouble deciding between the 2021 GMC Canyon and the 2021 Ford Ranger, read on for detailed specs about each. This buyer's guide can help you decide which truck may be best for your lifestyle and driving needs.
The new 2021 Ford Ranger is a solid performance truck, with a 270-horsepower, 2.3-liter turbocharged engine. Compare that to the 2021 GMC Canyon's available 308-horsepower, 2.5-liter V6 engine, and the numbers speak for themselves - you ultimately get more power out of the Canyon than with the Ranger.
The only advantages the Ranger has over the Canyon's V6 are in torque and fuel efficiency - but if that is what you're seeking, then the Canyon's optional turbo-diesel handily outperforms the Ranger's turbocharged four-cylinder on both counts. While the Ford engine provides 310 lb-ft of torque and makes 26 MPG on the highway, the GMC diesel generates 369 lb-ft of torque and achieves no less than 30 MPG on the highway.
As for towing capacity, the Ranger's 7,500 lbs is certainly impressive for a midsize pickup. However, the GMC Canyon slightly outdoes the Ranger with a 7,700 lbs max. If you want a powerful truck that's great for everyday hauling and towing needs, you can't go wrong with either truck. But the Canyon has an undisputed edge that can't be discounted. Feel the peace of mind that comes with driving a stronger truck that still provides great value with an MSRP of $26,400.
If you want strong off-road performance from a Ford pickup, you're better off considering the much pricier Ford Raptor rather than settling on a Ranger. In order to get quality off-road capabilities out of the 2021 Ranger, you may have to upgrade to the optional FX4 trim package. The souped-up (and priced-up) FX4 provides the bulky tires, tuned suspension, and electronic locking rear differential that you need.
Meanwhile, the new 2021 GMC Canyon is designed for superior off-road performance, with specially tuned suspension, a locking rear differential, and a transfer case skid plate that gear you up for the roughest terrain. It comes with 31-inch Goodyear tires that can power you through tough terrain and provide tough grip for superior handling. While even the base Canyon is a great off-road truck, the 2021-exclusive Canyon AT4 trim package is designed to be the ultimate off-road option. Overall, any Canyon trim package offers a quick and powerful pickup with great handling, even on uneven terrain.
The 2021 GMC Canyon may be a compact pickup truck, but its interior refinement is unlike any other offering in the truck game today, while also durable enough to handle a little rough treatment. Its comfortable 5-seat arrangement is roomy while also versatile enough for safe interior storage. Inlaid doors with triple seals and liquid-applied sound deadener all keep the interior cab quiet even when you're powering through rough terrain and pulling a heavy load. Features like hidden storage and jet-black leather-appointed seating keep things sleek, modern, and versatile enough to suit various tastes.
The 2021 Canyon is the leader in interior tech for affordable pickup trucks. Even those who drive a Canyon for business or utility purposes will appreciate the soft-touch instrument panel, heated steering wheel, and adjustable seat with ergonomic lumbar support. Do you want the best sound quality in a midsize truck? Select the Denali trim package that includes a Bose 7-speaker premium audio system. Pair that with its specially engineered quiet cabin, and you have the perfect acoustics for an immersive drive.
The Ford Ranger, meanwhile, has a simple and straightforward interior. In the past, Ford has been criticized for its use of flimsy plastic interior linings, but the 2021 Ranger does have some trim additions throughout that give it a slightly more contemporary vibe. While an easy to use infotainment system is available, the base Ranger model's outdated SYNC system and 4-speaker audio are more utilitarian than modern. Even basic features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are only available as upgrades on the 2021 Ford Ranger. And unlike the new GMC Canyon, there's little to offer from the Ranger in terms of luxury interior material upgrades.
The new Ford Ranger is surprisingly unlike its more popular cousin, the Ford F-150. It actually has a leaner, more athletic silhouette, with unique features like curved headlight housings and a sleek hexagonal front grille. Less bulky in appearance than the F-150, the new 2021 Ford Ranger actually looks like it's designed for speed and great handling.
You can choose between one of two cab configurations. The SuperCab has rear-hinged half-doors for a more compact cabin, while the SuperCrew comes with four full-sized doors and a bulkier cabin. However, the SuperCrew sacrifices bed length for cabin volume. If you want a better hauling pickup, the SuperCab has a longer, 6-foot bed.
Sadly missing from the new Ranger is an extended bed option for the crew cab - a feature that's available in the 2021 GMC Canyon. If you want an extended bed from a Ford truck, you might as well consider the F-150 instead. The Denali edition of the new Canyon, meanwhile, has enormous bed volume for superior haul capabilities, especially for the price and its medium size.
In terms of exterior looks, the all-new Canyon is designed for a balanced but attractive aesthetic. It combines the best of tough styling, a sleek exterior, a slightly sporty feel, classic GMC pickup looks, and a contemporary edge. In other words, it's designed with every driver in mind. The AT4's tough 17-inch industrial-looking wheels and black grill cement its adventurous, off-road style. Meanwhile, the Denali trim package of the 2021 Canyon has a luxury feel unlike any other pickup on the market, with chrome accents, diamond-cut exclusive wheels, smooth body lines, and LED fog lamps - features that combine practicality with signature GMC style.