VS
At a Glance
Power
310hp @ 5600
305hp @ 6400
Torque
430lb-ft @ 3000
269lb-ft @ 4800
Fuel
21 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Towing
7700lbs
6370lbs
Engine
—
3.6 L/220ci
Choosing between the GMC Canyon and the Ram 1500 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The GMC Canyon delivers 310hp @ 5600 while the Ram 1500 produces 305hp @ 6400. On fuel, the Canyon returns 21 mpg est. while the 1500 uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $38,900 for the Canyon and $48,175 for the 1500. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
GMC Canyon2WD Crew Cab Elevation 2026 - From $38,900
Ram 1500Express 4x4 Crew Cab 5'7" Box 2026 - From $48,175
Performance
Power Output (hp)
310hp @ 5600
305hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
430lb-ft @ 3000
269lb-ft @ 4800
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
—
3.6 L/220ci
Engine Layout
—
Inline
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
21 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19mpg
19mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
23mpg
24mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
21.4gal
26gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
213.2in
232.9in
Width (in)
72.4 w/Mirrors Folded, 84.4 w/Mirrorsin
82.1in
Height (in)
79.8in
77.6in
Wheelbase (in)
131in
144.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
—
5109lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
41.9cu ft
53.9cu ft
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
7700lbs
6370lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
GMC Canyon
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Canyon
Fuel Economy
1500
Value
Canyon
Practicality
Canyon
Pros & Cons
GMC Canyon
Lower starting price ($38,900)
Higher towing capacity (7700lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (21 mpg est.)
Ram 1500
Better fuel economy (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Canyon or 1500?
The Canyon gets 21 mpg est. and the 1500 gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The 1500 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Canyon or 1500?
The Canyon produces 310hp @ 5600 and 430lb-ft @ 3000 of torque while the 1500 delivers 305hp @ 6400 and 269lb-ft @ 4800 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Canyon and 1500?
The Canyon starts from $38,900 and the 1500 from $48,175. The Canyon is cheaper by $9,275 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Canyon or 1500?
The Canyon has a braked towing capacity of 7700lbs and the 1500 can tow 6370lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Canyon or the 1500?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.