Fayetteville drivers need a midsize truck that can take them from city streets to backroad trails. In other words, they need a truck like the 2025 Ford Ranger or GMC Canyon! But which is better? Our buying guide helps you choose the best pickup truck for your fun-loving North Carolina lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- Choose the Ranger and save thousands of dollars on a new midsize truck!
- Thanks to its available V6 engines, the Ford Ranger out-powers the GMC Canyon.
- While the Canyon can tow the biggest camper, the Ranger hauls the biggest payloads.
- Recently redesigned, the Ranger treats you to maximum comfort and exclusive tech features!
Best MSRP: 2025 Ford Ranger
Got money on your mind? You’re in luck — the entry-level Ranger starts at $33,330*, helping you save thousands of dollars on a brand new midsize truck. It’s also handsomely equipped; standard features include an 8-inch digital instrument display, SYNC 4 infotainment with a 10-inch touchscreen, forward collision mitigation, and more.
The 2025 GMC Canyon, on the other hand, is available starting at $38,400*. This midsize truck doesn’t offer a back-to-basics entry-level trim model that’s comparable to the Ranger XL. Instead, the stylish Elevation model kicks off the lineup, treating passengers to a lifted suspension and all-terrain tires. When it comes to comfort and convenience features, though, the base Canyon doesn’t add much to the base Ranger lineup.
*Price as of 6/5/25.
Sporty Power: 2025 Ford Ranger
Which midsize truck is tougher, Ranger or Canyon? Even though the Canyon puts a major focus on off-road performance, the Ranger outclasses the competition with its top-tier Raptor truck. Not only does this trim model treat you to outstanding speed, but it’s also loaded with high-end performance gear like Fox shocks and 33-inch BFGoodrich KO3 all-terrain tires!
2025 Ford Ranger Powertrain Options
- Standard 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (270 hp, 310 lb-ft)
- Available for XLT, Lariat: 2.7L turbo V6 (315 hp, 400 lb-ft)
- Raptor-exclusive 3.0L turbo V6 (405 hp, 430 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
All three GMC Canyon trim models utilize the same turbocharged engine. While it’s impressive, spitting out 310 horses, this four-cylinder engine can’t quite match the Ranger Raptor’s oversized output. We also wish the Canyon offered an entry-level option, like the Ranger’s base EcoBoost engine, to cut down on costs. While the Ranger earns up to 23 mpg combined (21 city/26 highway), the Canyon achieves just 20 mpg combined (19 city/23 highway).
2025 GMC Canyon Powertrain Options
- 2.7L turbo four-cylinder engine (310 hp, 430 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
Towing and Hauling Capabilities: It’s (Sort of) a Tie!
The 2025 GMC Canyon can tow a slightly bigger trailer, but the 2025 Ford Ranger hauls slightly bigger payloads. If your camper weighs up to 7,700 pounds, the Canyon is perfect for you. The Ranger, meanwhile, tows up to 7,500 pounds.
On the other hand, if you’ve got major work supplies or camping gear to haul, the Ranger’s 1,805-pound max payload rating has more appeal. Depending on configuration, the Canyon hauls payloads weighing up to 1,700 pounds.
Comfort and Convenience: 2025 Ford Ranger
After a redesign for the 2024 model year, the Ranger became one of the most comfortable trucks on the road. New suspension tuning strikes a pitch-perfect balance between sporty capabilities and everyday ride comfort.
Better still, the new Ranger offers best-in-class technology! Ford’s midsize truck is available with features you can’t get from competitors, including the Pro Trailer Backup Assist system, blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology. Every Ranger includes an expansive digital gauge cluster and central touchscreen, along with the SYNC 4 infotainment system.
The 2025 GMC Canyon comes standard with many of the same must-have tech features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And just like the Ranger, this midsize truck helps you stay safe with standard lane-keeping assist and forward collision mitigation systems. Unlike the Ranger, however, GMC’s midsize truck doesn’t offer innovative tech features to help you back a trailer in the right direction or safely switch lanes with a trailer attached!
The Best Midsize Truck for North Carolina Drivers
For Fayetteville drivers, the Ranger’s incredible capabilities make it a standout choice for both rugged off-roading and comfy commuting! Experience the Ranger’s excellent balance of power and comfort firsthand— visit us at Lafayette Ford to test-drive this midsize truck!