The 2024 Honda Ridgeline and GMC Canyon compete in the midsize pickup truck segment where off-road driving prowess is as important as having up-to-date infotainment systems, plus the latest in driver aids.
For this model year, Honda added an all-terrain-themed trim to the Ridgeline lineup called the TrailSport. Known for its refinement and easy-to-drive nature, the Ridgeline is still very much a truck at heart and can tackle all but the most extreme towing and hauling challenges.
The GMC Canyon and its mechanical twin, the Chevrolet Colorado, received a total redesign last year. From top to bottom, this third-gen Canyon is more rugged and luxurious than before. A lot depends on the Canyon’s chosen trim, which, similar to the Honda Ridgeline, has been bolstered for the 2024 model year by a new off-road variant.
Let’s explore some highlights of both the Ridgeline and Canyon.
2024 Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline rolls into the 2024 model year with four trims: Sport, RTL, TrailSport, and Black Edition. Each comes with a 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 coupled to a 9-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard.
With a base price of $41,145 (including destination charge), the Ridgeline has one of the highest entry fees among midsize trucks. Helping to justify the added expense is that Honda loads even the standard Sport trim with tons of features that usually cost extra on competing models.
Honda Ridgeline Highlights
Car-like dynamics: During miles and miles of testing, we’re routinely impressed by how the Ridgeline delivers the comfort and agility of a family-friendly SUV. This pickup isn’t the kind of truck that makes you feel like you’re piloting a barge. The 280-horsepower V6 serves up plenty of passing power, and the steering lets you place it with accuracy and confidence.
Hidden cargo storage: This lockable storage compartment is perfect for those times when you want to keep cargo safe and secure. It’s located underneath the floor of the 5-foot cargo bed, measuring 7.3 cubic feet in capacity.
Leave the phone cords at home: Good news, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard on the Ridgeline, another update for the 2024 model year.
TrailSport model: The new Honda Ridgeline TrailSport amps up the all-terrain credentials of this pickup. Starting at $46,375, the TrailSport includes steel underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, and an off-road-tuned suspension system.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Ridgeline models for sale near you.
2024 GMC Canyon
The GMC Canyon has a starting price of $37,595, including destination charge, and five trims are available: Elevation, AT4, Denali, AT4X, and AT4X AEV. Similar to the Ridgeline, the Canyon is pricier than many rivals. Yet standard features like an 11.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, and remote locking tailgate help justify its premium.
Like the Honda Ridgeline, the GMC Canyon also has one available engine. The turbocharged 2.7-liter 4-cylinder produces 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. The Elevation model offers a choice of rear-wheel or 4-wheel drive; all other trims have 4WD standard.
GMC Canyon Highlights
AT4X AEV: For 2024, the Canyon’s mud-plugging capability skyrockets with the new AT4X AEV Edition. It has locking front and rear differentials, trim-specific front and rear steel bumpers, 12.2 inches of ground clearance, launch control, beadlock-capable 35-inch tires, and Multimatic spool-valve shocks.
Upscale Denali interior: Should you like your pickup truck to coddle you, then consider the Denali. Fancy touches like wood trim, perforated leather seating, a Bose audio system, 20-inch alloys, chrome side steps, and a surround-view parking camera abound. It’s fancier than a loaded Honda Ridgeline.
Modern tech: You get an expansive 11.3-inch touchscreen standard in the Canyon. Not only does it come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google-based voice commands and Google Maps navigation are included also.
Functional bed: Pickup truck buyers appreciate attention to detail. As the name implies, the CornerStep rear bumper provides a handy toehold for accessing the cargo bed. An optional waterproof tailgate storage compartment is another clever touch perfect for storing gear.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Canyon models for sale near you.
Similarities
There isn’t a wrong choice in this comparison. The Honda Ridgeline and GMC Canyon are priced slightly more than other midsize pickups, but each comes better equipped than is the norm for this market segment.
Conclusion
These are two well-rounded trucks with above-average refinement and trims seemingly tailored to anything from rock-crawling to Michelin-starred dining. Of the two, the newer GMC Canyon has several advantages. It can tow and haul more than the Honda Ridgeline, has a larger infotainment screen and more tech, and holds a horsepower advantage.
Does this relegate the Honda Ridgeline to also-ran status? Not at all. If you want a truck that’s comfortable, super reliable, and easy to maneuver, then definitely take the Honda out for a test drive.
| 2024 Honda Ridgeline | 2024 GMC Canyon | |
| Starting Price | $39,750 | $37,595 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.5-liter V6 | Turbocharged 2.7-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 310 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm | 430 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 18 city/24 highway/21 combined | 19 city/23 highway/20 combined |
| Also Available | 4WD | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 4 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 125.2 inches | 131.0 inches |
| Overall Length | 210.2 inches | 213.2 inches |
| Width | 78.6 inches | 72.4 inches |
| Height | 70.8 inches | 79.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 43.4 feet | N/A |
| Headroom, Front | 40.1 inches | 40.3 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.8 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 40.9 inches | 45.2 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 36.7 inches | 34.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 62.0 inches | 57.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 61.5 inches | 56.1 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 33.9 cubic feet | 41.9 cubic feet |
