VS
At a Glance
Power
310hp @ 5600
540hp
Torque
430lb-ft @ 3000
521lb-ft
Fuel
17 mpg est.
18 mpg est.
Towing
6000lbs
9120lbs
Engine
—
3.0 L/183ci
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 540hp. On fuel, the Canyon returns 17 mpg est. while the 1500 uses 18 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $57,300 for the Canyon and $76,405 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 Canyon4WD Crew Cab AT4X 2026 - From $57,300
Ram 1500Longhorn 4x4 Crew Cab 5'7" Box 2026 - From $76,405
Performance
Power Output (hp)
310hp @ 5600
540hp
Torque (lb-ft)
430lb-ft @ 3000
521lb-ft
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
—
3.0 L/183ci
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
Four Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
17 mpg est.
18 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
17mpg
15mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
17mpg
21mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
21.4gal
33gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
213.2in
232.9in
Width (in)
72.4 w/Mirrors Folded, 84.4 w/Mirrorsin
82.1in
Height (in)
81.6in
77.6in
Wheelbase (in)
131in
144.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
—
5767lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
41.9cu ft
53.9cu ft
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
6000lbs
9120lbs
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
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Ram 1500
3 / 4 categories
Performance
1500
Fuel Economy
1500
Value
Canyon
Practicality
1500
Pros & Cons
GMC Canyon
Lower starting price ($57,300)
Higher fuel consumption (17 mpg est.)
Ram 1500
Better fuel economy (18 mpg est.)
Higher towing capacity (9120lbs)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Canyon or 1500?
The Canyon gets 17 mpg est. and the 1500 gets 18 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 540hp and 521lb-ft of torque. The 1500 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Canyon and 1500?
The Canyon starts from $57,300 and the 1500 from $76,405. The Canyon is cheaper by $19,105 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 6000lbs and the 1500 can tow 9120lbs. 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.