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There are plenty of choices to be had when shopping for a new pickup. Among the choices are trucks like the 2021 GMC Canyon and the new Ford Ranger. But of the two, which makes for the better pick? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you enjoy the luxury of choice, the 2021 GMC Canyon is hard to beat.

The 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 on the trails
2021 GMC Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition takes Canyon’s capability to a higher level with increased protection and maneuverability. | GMC

The 2021 GMC Canyon can be had with a range of engines

At the heart and soul of the 2021 GMC Canyon is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that churns out a full 200-hp. That’s not the only engine that can be had when choosing the GMC Canyon, either. This year’s model is also available with a 308-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine and a 369 lb-ft of torque 2.8-liter Duramax Turbo Diesel engine. Opt for the available diesel engine, and you can expect to tow up to 7,700 lbs.

The 2021 Ford Ranger, on the other hand, comes driven by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost Engine with Auto Start Stop Technology that’s able to achieve 270-hp. While that does make the Ford Ranger’s base engine just a tad faster than that of the Canyon’s, it’s the only engine offered. So, if you’re after a V6 or diesel engine, you’re going to want to avoid the 2021 Ford Ranger.

It’s also available with multiple drive cabs and beds

When it comes to the 2021 GMC Canyon, you can expect to enjoy the luxury of choice. Not only is it available with a range of engines under the hood, but it’s also offered with multiple drive cab and bed configurations. Available in four trim levels, including the Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4, and Denali, the Canyon is available as an extended and crew cab model with either a short or long bed. Meanwhile, the AT4 and the Denali are exclusively crew cab trucks.

As for the Ford Ranger? The choices aren’t quite as extensive. Unlike the 2021 GMC Canyon, the Ford Ranger is only available in a combination of two cab sizes and two bed lengths. While for some pickup shoppers that might not present much of a problem, for others, it certainly will.

The 2021 GMC Canyon offers more space for passengers too

When you think of a pickup, how much interior space it has might not be the first thing that comes to mind. If you plan to use your pickup as a daily driver, though, you’re going to want to consider how much passenger space it has to offer. When comparing these two pickups, you’ll find that the 2021 GMC Canyon provides more interior space for passengers than its Ford competition.

Hop into the front seat of the 2021 GMC Canyon, and you’ll find that in comparison to the Ford Ranger, it offers a wealth of headroom for front-seat passengers. It also provides a significant amount of legroom for front and rear passengers and has more shoulder room for front-seat passengers. Unfortunately for the Ford Ranger, it’s interior isn’t quite as spacious.

Is the 2021 GMC Canyon the right choice for you?

The 2021 GMC Canyon has a lot going for it. And if you’re the kind of pickup shopper that enjoys the luxury of choice when shopping for a new truck, then it might just be the perfect new pickup for you. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Get behind the wheel of this year’s model and take it out for a spin.

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