The midsize pickup segment is one where competition between segment mainstays like Ford and GMC have kept their pickups relevant to modern consumers. In our comparison, we’ll be pitting the 2025 GMC Canyon and the 2025 Ford Ranger head to head in the latest round of midsize pickup madness.
Key Takeaways
- The GMC Canyon boasts a 310 horsepower inline four to propel it through the toughest jobs you can throw its way.
- The Ford Ranger boasts an incredible selection of trims for unmatched customization.
- The Canyon boasts a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds.
What is the performance of the GMC Canyon?
The 2025 GMC Canyon is powered by a 310-hp turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four engine producing 430 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, but opting for four-wheel drive is highly recommended for better traction and capability. This turbo-four setup delivers more power and torque than the V-6 engines found in the Honda Ridgeline and Jeep Gladiator, as well as outpacing the most powerful turbo-four in the Toyota Tacoma, although some buyers may miss the previous-generation Duramax Diesel for its slower yet more fuel-efficient performance.
The Canyon benefits from well-weighted steering, a firm brake pedal, and a solid-feeling chassis, giving it one of the best ride and handling experiences among body-on-frame pickups. The off-road-focused AT4X AEV, for example, can sprint to 60 mph in just 7.4 seconds in testing, demonstrating that it’s capable not just on rough trails but also on pavement.
Maximum towing capacity varies by trim: Elevation, AT4, and Denali models can tow up to 7,700 pounds, the AT4X drops to 6,000 pounds, and the AT4X with the Edition 1 package reduces towing to 5,500 pounds. Overall, the 2025 Canyon strikes a strong balance between everyday drivability, off-road readiness, and respectable towing performance.
Is Ford coming out with a 2025 Ford Ranger?
The Ford Ranger is available in the 2025 model year, sporting 6 trims with a starting price of $33,350 for the XL 2WD SuperCrew, with the Lariat 4WD SuperCrew topping the lineup.
A full list of trims reads as:
- XL 2WD SuperCrew - $33,350
- XLT 2WD SuperCrew - $35,875
- XL 4WD SuperCrew - $36,850
- XLT 4WD SuperCrew - $39,375
- Lariat 2WD SuperCrew - $43,755
- Lariat 4WD SuperCrew - $47,255
The Ford Ranger stands out for its comfortable, supportive front seats and spacious cabin, offering ample room for both passengers and cargo. The bed is thoughtfully designed, making it practical for hauling gear, while the interior provides plenty of storage solutions. That said, some of the switch gear feels a bit cheap, and the absence of second-row HVAC vents is a noticeable shortcoming, especially for rear passengers.
Currently, the Ranger is offered in only one cab and bed configuration, and its fuel economy is fairly average, though a future hybrid variant could potentially improve efficiency.
The Canyon offers a similar cab and bed configuration, but has a more powerful engine. The Canyon’s 310 horsepower 430 lb-ft of torque beats out the Ranger’s 270 horsepower 310 lb-ft of torque in the head to head.
Summary
The GMC brings the best package between the two, with the Canyon being one of the most distinct pickups on the market while the Ranger is overshadowed by it due to the upscale comfort of the Canyon. The Canyon keeps the pricing and features right where they ought to be, and it's a perfect choice for the practical consumer in the 2025 model year.