Open Today Sales: 9 AM-8 PM
Starting at
Starting at
| 7,700 | Towing (lbs) | 7,500 |
| 7 | Standard Screen Size (in) | 4.2 |
| Avl. | Diesel | No |
Midsize trucks are in high demand as more and more drivers are looking for the capability of a truck in something the size of an SUV. With the growing popularity of these smaller pickups, manufacturers are under a lot of pressure to produce the best vehicles they can and ensure that drivers everywhere are satisfied with their new trucks. But while some of the most popular models may appear to be pretty even on paper, numbers don't tell you everything about how a vehicle drives and feels when you're behind the wheel.
When you take a deeper look at the different midsize trucks available, you'll recognize that some of them are far superior to the rest of the models out there. We are going to examine whether there is a superior model as we compare the 2022 GMC Canyon vs 2022 Ford Ranger. After looking at a couple of different aspects, we think you'll be able to decide for yourself which truck is really the better buy.
The engine that moves your midsize truck is a huge factor that you should consider when you are looking into your next pickup. This aspect of the vehicle will help you decide if a midsize truck will meet your needs and be able to fulfill the purpose you are buying it for. The chances are that you're looking at a midsize truck because you need something stronger than a car or SUV. So what's under the hood of these two different models, and how will it impact you as a driver?
Not every driver is the same, and many of us have very different requirements for our trucks. GMC did an excellent job considering this factor when designing the 2022 Canyon, giving drivers three very different engines to choose from.
2.5-Liter I-4: This is the Canyon's smallest engine, generating 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque. This level of power, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, makes the 2022 Canyon responsive and quick on the road. If you need a truck bed but don't require an excessive level of performance, this is the engine for you. The 2.0-liter is great for keeping you in control while still having enough power to get the job done. It even gets up to 25 MPG on the highway, making it great for a daily driver.
3.6-Liter V6: If you're looking for a more powerful engine, this is the one you want. The 3.6-liter V6 is the Canyon's highest horsepower option. Coming in with 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, the V6 is the fastest and most responsive engine available. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that allows you to get more power without sacrificing that 25 MPG on the highway fuel economy. With great efficiency and power, the V6 is an excellent engine option that is perfect for every task you can imagine.
2.8-Liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel I-4: The third and final engine option for the 2022 GMC Canyon is the Duramax. This turbo-diesel engine is a definite favorite. GMC pairs the overall reliability of its vehicles with an incredibly coveted and reliable engine, making the Canyon an extremely capable truck. The Duramax provides 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, allowing drivers to feel that g-force as they accelerate down the road. This engine feels just as powerful as it is, and that power makes it very capable. However, GMC knew that while power is important, it can't come at the cost of fuel efficiency, which is why the Duramax engine can get up to 30 MPG on the highway!
Ford is known for producing solid trucks every year. But unfortunately for drivers, the 2022 Ranger only has one engine option. Don't get us wrong, this is an excellent engine, but the Ranger just doesn't give buyers any options at all when it comes to selecting an engine that matches their lifestyle.
2.3-Liter EcoBoost I-4: The Ranger's 2.3-liter EcoBoost is a great engine, producing 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. This combination allows drivers to feel that g-force off the line, and the Ford can maintain high speed well. However, Ford didn't get the memo that while power is a necessary feature for trucks, so is fuel efficiency. Even with its 10-speed automatic transmission, the 2022 Ranger can only get up to 26 MPG on the highway. This is great until you consider that the Canyon can get up to 30 MPG on the highway. We really wish that Ford had invested a bit more into the customizability and efficiency of the Ranger's powertrain options.
Nobody who buys a truck says: "Gee, I sure hope my truck can't tow." That completely defeats the purpose of having a truck! When we buy trucks, we do so for a lot of reasons, but having a vehicle that can handle a trailer is a big part of those reasons. However, when it comes to trailering, GMC and Ford don't deliver the same level of capability.
The Canyon has a lot of different powertrains that can handle different weights, but when it is properly equipped, its maximum towing capacity is a best-in-class 7,700 lbs. This is enough for a small camper, a boat, or a flatbed trailer, depending on what you want to haul. The best-in-class rating provides the peace of mind that your truck can handle everything you need for work. It's the peace of mind that your truck can tow a friend's vehicle if they need help. And it's the peace of mind that your truck can get your kid and their stuff to college in another state.
The 2022 Ranger isn't too far behind the Canyon when it comes to trailering, but even when properly equipped, the most you can hope to tow is 7,500 lbs. Now, 200 lbs may not seem like much to you, but it is still less than the Canyon. Those 200 lbs could be the difference between having to leave behind a dresser and nightstand when moving and fitting everything on your trailer. Those 200 lbs could mean not having the peace of mind that your truck can get everything where you need it on the first trip. Less is not more when it comes to towing, and the Ranger simply gives less than the Canyon can.
The demand for technology is just as high as the demand for midsize trucks. But when it comes down to what is standard in the Canyon and Ranger, drivers can expect two completely different systems. These features show the real difference between Ford and GMC.
GMC has always given drivers the best systems available, even in its entry-level trims. That means when you opt for the Canyon, you can expect your truck to be able to connect to your phone via standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This awesome hands-free system allows you to utilize your phone's navigation system, voice commands, and even send and receive messages. These features are accessible through a standard 7-inch touchscreen that allows for easy use of the infotainment system. GMC also didn't go entirely to a touchscreen interface, which is nice because using physical knobs to adjust the volume is much easier than using a touchscreen while driving. We really feel like GMC gave the 2022 Canyon the best infotainment setup and that hands-free connectivity goes a long way to keeping drivers entertained and focused on the road.
In contrast, Ford gave the 2022 Ranger an extremely basic standard infotainment setup. You can expect your Ranger to have Bluetooth connectivity, USB and AUX cord inputs, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Unfortunately, the standard system ends its modern features there. The infotainment screen is only 4.2 inches, and you don't have the option to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto unless you pay more to upgrade your truck. We feel like Ford really missed the mark on this part of the Ranger, and while it built a quality vehicle, the brand just didn't do enough to make the Ranger competitive with the Canyon.
At Rick Hendrick Buick GMC Duluth, we sell a wide range of vehicles. You can come to us to get the best new GMC and Buick models available, and we also carry the most desirable used vehicles on the market. We really have a little of everything, but we definitely have a favorite when it comes to midsize trucks. If it was up to us to decide between the 2022 GMC Canyon and the 2022 Ford Ranger, we would definitely go with the Canyon. It has a lot more options, allowing you to select the best engine for your own personal driving style, it has best-in-class towing capability, and it comes standard with some of the best infotainment features available. If you go with the Ranger, you'll still get a great truck, but you won't get the best midsize truck. That title certainly falls to the 2022 GMC Canyon. If you're interested in getting the best midsize truck you can, we'll be seeing you at Rick Hendrick Buick GMC Duluth.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.