Ford’s Ranger — a staple of the midsize truck market since 1982 — has been completely modernized for the 2024 model year with tough, angular styling that’s more in line with other Ford trucks than the outgoing model. However, a formidable challenger exists in the GMC Canyon, which itself underwent a clean-sheet redesign for the 2023 model year. If you’re in the market for a less-than-gigantic pickup from an American automaker, chances are that these two popular trucks are in your sights, so let’s compare powertrain, roominess, and price.
Key Takeaways
- Both trucks are configured as four-door crew cabs with short (5-foot) cargo beds. However, Ford is dropping clues that an extended cab Ranger with a longer (6-foot) cargo bed is coming soon.
- The 2024 GMC Canyon has a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which very slightly betters the 2024 Ford Ranger, which can tow 7,500 pounds.
- When it comes to payload, the Ranger can haul more weight in its bed at 1,805 pounds versus the Colorado’s 1,684 pounds payload capacity.
- The GMC Canyon is mechanically identical to the Chevrolet Colorado, but is considered more upscale and carries a hefty price tag to match.
Does the 2024 Ranger have more horsepower than the 2024 Canyon?
The base engine for the 2024 Ford Ranger is the same 2.3-liter four-cylinder from the 2019 to 2023 model, which isn’t a bad thing. It makes a very respectable 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Depending on whether you choose a rear-wheel or four-wheel drive configuration Ranger, fuel economy will hover at about 19 miles per gallon (mpg) in stop and go city traffic and 21 to 26 mpg out on the open road.
A big announcement for the 2024 Ranger is the availability of a V6 engine as an alternative to the four-banger. More specifically, it’s a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter making 315 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Both Ranger engines are backed by an excellent 10-speed automatic transmission.
By contrast, the 2024 GMC Canyon has only a single engine option, but admittedly, it’s a good one: a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder that cranks out 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. On the Canyon’s Chevy twin, the Colorado, that engine is the top powertrain option, known as the “Turbo Plus High-Output.” However, it’s standard in all GMC Canyons, commensurate with their higher pricing.
The Canyon’s transmission is an eight-speed automatic and of course, four-wheel drive is an available option. Fuel economy is rated 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on highway or 17 mpg/21 mpg for the four-wheel drive versions.
When equipped with the new V6 engine, the 2024 Ford Ranger and 2024 GMC Canyon are very comparable in both torque and horsepower output. Yes, Ford’s base engine is less powerful than the Canyon, but at a significantly lower price. Without any disclaimers, Ford’s 10 forward gears trounce the GMC’s 8-speed in driving pleasure and responsiveness. Advantage: Ford.
Is the Ford Ranger’s cabin roomy?
For now, both the Ranger and Canyon are only sold in a four-door crew cab body style that seats five adults and both trucks have an approximately 5-foot-long cargo bed. However, Ford has been hinting at a SuperCab extended cab model coming soon which seems plausible since this model is already produced and sold in other parts of the world. To be clear, the Ranger SuperCab has a smaller rear seat area than the SuperCrew, but a longer 6-foot cargo bed.
If the Ranger SuperCab becomes a reality, it will definitely help the Ranger trump the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon by offering two different cab and bed configurations versus the General Motors twins which are firmly committed to a crew cab only.
Speaking of the passenger compartments, the Canyon has a slight advantage in legroom for front seat passengers, while the Ranger SuperCrew has a roomier rear seat. We call a tie between the two midsize trucks when judged on interior space.
Is the 2024 Ford Ranger a better value?
The least expensive 2024 Ford Ranger is XL SuperCrew with rear-wheel drive, starting at $34,265 including a mandatory destination charge. At the upper end of the spectrum is the exquisitely well-equipped LARIAT SuperCrew with four-wheel drive, which begins at $48,710 including destination fee.
By comparison, the 2024 GMC Canyon is much more expensive to purchase than the Ranger. The most basic two-wheel drive Canyon, called Elevation, starts at $37,595 including a destination fee. A 2024 Canyon with the luxury Denali trim level (four-wheel drive only) is going set buyers back at least $52,595 including destination.
So which is best?
Buyers can always rely on Ford to produce the toughest trucks at a great price and the new-for-2024 midsize Ranger is no exception. But don’t just take our word for it. Stop by today and let our experienced staff show you that just because the GMC Canyon is more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s better.