2021 Ford Ranger vs GMC Canyon

New for 2021, the Ford Ranger offers four new colors – cactus gray, carbonized gray, cyber orange and velocity blue. It comes in two bed lengths with either an extended cab with a 6-foot bed or a crew cab model with a 5-foot bed. The crew cab model seats up to five people and comes with four full-size doors, while the extended cab provides seating for four passengers and has two smaller half-doors. Both models offer comfortable cabins with available heated seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Ranger comes in three trims, with available Ford Ranger Appearance Packages: XL, XLT, and Lariat. The Base Ranger XL has a starting price of $24,410 and ranges to a starting price of $32,500 for the Lariat.

The 2021 GMC Canyon features a nice interior with a functional design, cloth upholstery and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Leather upholstery, a power-adjustable passenger seat, and a heated steering wheel are available. It seats two people; but the Extended Cab models have two rear seats, and Crew Cab models have a three-person rear bench seat. Crew Cab models offer extra legroom and full-size doors. The Extended Cab comes with a 6-foot-2-inch bed and the Crew Cab models can have either a 5-foot-2-inch or a 6-foot-2-inch bed. The GMC Canyon is available in four trims: Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4, and Denali. Starting price for the Elevation Standard is $22,200 and ranges to $44,700 for the Denali Crew Cab/long box configuration.

The Ford Ranger is strong and powerful enough to move you confidently on your next adventure. There is enough power to make the Ford Ranger move swift, yet offer a smooth ride. You will get a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that generates 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and is paired with a class-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission. A new Tremor off-road package is now available for 2021 that includes an off-road tuned suspension, special off-road tires, a locking rear differential, skid plates, a terrain management system, and crawl control. When properly equipped with an optional tow package, the 2021 Ford Ranger can deliver an impressive 7,500 pounds tow rating and a best-in-class maximum payload of up to 1,860 pounds. It has an estimated fuel rating of 21/26 mpg city and highway with rear-wheel drive and 20/24 mpg with four-wheel drive.

The GMC Canyon has a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that gives you 200 horsepower, with 191 pound-feet of torque; and works great to get you around town. You can also opt for a 3.6-liter V6 with 308-horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque that delivers smooth and quick acceleration for some of your heavy-duty work. A 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine is also available and produces 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The four-cylinder and diesel engine are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the V6 is paired to an eight-speed automatic. The new AT4 trims adds several off-road-oriented features, including a locking rear differential, a two-speed transfer case, and hill descent control. With the GMC Canyon’s base engine, it can tow 3,500 pounds. When properly equipped with a turbo diesel engine, you will get a towing capability up to 7,700. With the Crew Cab, you will get a maximum payload capacity of 1,605. The Canyon gets an estimated 19/28 mpg in the city and on the highway, with its diesel engine and 19/25 mpg with its base engine.

Ford offers plenty of available features, including one of the most user-friendly infotainment systems in its class. Top safety features on the Ford Ranger include standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, available blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and available adaptive cruise control. The base XL trim comes standard with an infotainment system that includes a four-speaker AM/FM audio system, a single USB port, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The XLT or Lariat model will feature an 8.0-inch touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, and SiriusXM satellite radio. A navigation system and a 10-speaker Bank & Olufsen sound system is an upgraded option.

The Canyon comes standard with a rearview camera, and GM’s Teen Driver system. Available active safety features include rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. All Canyons come with the GMC’s intuitive infotainment system, featuring a 7-inch touch screen that is straightforward with easy-to-use controls. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard; as well as six speakers, two USB ports, and Bluetooth. Optional features include an 8-inch touch screen, HD Radio, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hot spot, wireless device charging, and navigation.