Honda’s Ridgeline has presented a departure from conventional pickups since its introduction just over a decade ago. Now, after a hiatus of several years, Honda has brought an all-new Ridgeline back into its lineup with features that make the model better than ever.

Available as a four-door crew cab with seating for five, the second generation Ridgeline delivers fresh new styling with a more traditional pickup appearance and loads of on-board tech. It shares its platform with the Honda Pilot SUV and thus continues to march to its own drummer by featuring unibody construction, rather than the body-on-frame underpinnings typical of pickups.

Why the departure from conventional pickup construction? Honda's aim is to provide all the functionality expected of a modern pickup with a very high-profile differentiator: a much more comfortable and car-like ride for the short and long haul.

Several innovations from the earlier Ridgeline are retained including a dual-action tailgate that folds down or swings open, conveniently meeting diverse loading needs. Tailgaters will appreciate the Ridgeline’s in-bed audio system that positions speakers behind bed liner sides, effectively making the bed liner a giant speaker baffle. A lockable trunk in the pickup bed floor can hold more gear securely or serve as a cooler for tailgating since it’s equipped with a bottom drain plug.

Ridgeline is powered by a direct-injected 3.5 liter i-VTEC V-6 with variable cylinder management. It makes 280 horsepower, 30 more than its predecessor. This offers both desired power and an EPA estimated 26 highway mpg. A six-speed automatic replaces the previous-generation’s 5-speed automatic. Buyers have a choice of front- or all-wheel-drive.

We’ve now put several thousand miles on the odometer of our long-term Honda Ridgeline Black Edition, already heading out on a few road trips and putting its user-friendly truck bed to work. With this pickup now in the long-term garage, it promises to be a good year indeed.

The GMC Canyon mid-size pickup is a close cousin to the Chevrolet Colorado, built on the same platform and sharing much in the way of mechanicals while remaining distinctive inside and out. Distinguished as the only premium pickup in the mid-size segment, the brand’s DNA is clearly evident with the Canyon appearing a smaller version of the GMC Sierra truck. Work-oriented base, SL, SLE, and SLT trim levels are available. Additional model choices offered this year include a new top-of-line Canyon Denali and availability of an All Terrain X package on the Canyon SLE.

Canyon Denali features a Denali-signature chrome grille, 20-inch ultra-bright machined aluminum wheels with painted accents, tubular chrome assist steps, and spray-on bed liner. Inside, an exclusive Jet Black interior features leather-appointments, heated and ventilated front seats, unique instrument panel and console trim, heated steering wheel, and Denali-logo sill plates and floor mats. Additional standard features include GMC IntelliLink with Navigation, an 8-inch color touchscreen, full-color driver information center, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, automatic climate control, Bose premium seven-speaker audio system, and remote start. Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning are also part of the package. The Canyon Denali is available only as a crew cab in 2WD and 4WD.

The All Terrain package offered on the SLE is the most off-road-capable of Canyon choices. The ‘X’ adds Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac P255/65R17 all-terrain tires on unique aluminum wheels and all-weather floor liners to the already-available All Terrain package. There is also a body-color grille surround and matching rear step bumper, Hill Descent Control, and an off-road suspension.

Canyon benefits from a new 3.6-liter V-6 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This new engine, which is shared among other GM models including Cadillac crossovers and the Chevrolet Camaro, replaces the previous-generation 3.6-liter LFX V-6. The new V-6 is rated at 308 horsepower with 275 lb-ft torque, improving these specs by just a slight margin over the earlier engine. The new powerplant is more efficient, though, due to the use of GM’s Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation and refinements to the direct injection system.

Two additional powertrain choices are carried over from the previous model year. These include a fuel-efficient 2.5-liter gasoline inline-four and the notable 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel four-cylinder that was introduced last year. The four-cylinder engine is the only version available with a manual gearbox, and only on the SL model with rear-wheel drive. Canyon nets a welcome 25 to 30 highway mpg depending on engine choice, with the Duramax diesel the most efficient.

Extended Cab long-box Canyons start at $21,880 with two-wheel drive. Base cost moves upward for four-wheel drive, Crew Cab models, and optional equipment. The Canyon Denali is $39,995 to $43,760 depending on box length and two- or four-wheel drive choices.