2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty underwent subtle updates that were noticeable to keen observers. The front bumper featured more black-painted areas, and the grille design was less ostentatious than before, resulting in a more restrained style. The headlights were sleeker due to the altered grille shape, maintaining the truck's overall form. The F-250 was available in various trims, each offering distinct appearances, from the basic XL with its black grille and bumpers to the luxurious Limited with a satin-chrome grille. Inside, the F-250 prioritized functionality with a logical control layout and ample storage, though it felt somewhat cold and mechanical. The base XL model was equipped with essential features, while higher trims like the King Ranch and Platinum offered more luxurious amenities, including leather upholstery and advanced infotainment systems.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline received a redesign that enhanced its truck-like appearance. The front end and rear bumper were updated, and new wheel designs were introduced. The Ridgeline was available in Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Black Edition trims, with pricing ranging from $44,355 to $53,355. It featured a 280-horsepower V6 engine, standard all-wheel drive, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The interior, modeled after the Honda Pilot SUV, emphasized functionality with generous storage and hard plastic surfaces for easy cleaning. The Ridgeline's cabin was comfortable, with standard features like triple-zone automatic climate control and a power moonroof. The composite cargo bed was durable, and the dual-action tailgate and in-bed trunk added to its utility.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty came standard with a 6.2-litre gasoline V8 engine producing 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. It also offered a 6.7-litre Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 with 475 horsepower and an impressive 1,050 pound-feet of torque. A new 7.3-litre gas V8 was introduced, delivering 430 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. The gas engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel used a six-speed TorqShift automatic. The F-250 had a maximum towing capacity of up to 10,977 kilograms when properly equipped. The truck's suspension was designed for heavy-duty work, resulting in a bumpy ride when unloaded. The Tremor off-road package added features like 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler tires and a rock crawl driving mode.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline featured a 280-horsepower V6 engine with 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive system with Intelligent Variable Torque Management was standard, allowing up to 70% of the engine's power to be directed to a single rear wheel. Intelligent Traction Management offered Snow, Sand, and Mud settings. The Ridgeline's unibody construction and independent rear suspension provided a smooth and athletic driving experience. It had a maximum towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms and a payload rating of 694 kilograms. The Ridgeline excelled on flat terrain and handled various off-road conditions with ease, though it was not designed for rock crawling.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty was available in Regular Cab, SuperCab, and Crew Cab configurations, with bed sizes of 2,081 mm or 2,492 mm. The cabin was spacious and functional, with deep cup holders and a massive centre console for storage. The rear seats in the SuperCrew and Crew Cab folded up to reveal a load floor for large items, providing secure storage for equipment.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline offered a comfortable and functional interior, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat as standard. The rear seat was the roomiest in its class, and features like triple-zone automatic climate control and a power moonroof added to the comfort. The Ridgeline's utility was enhanced by a large centre storage console, various storage compartments, and a composite cargo bed with tie-down hooks. The dual-action tailgate and in-bed trunk added to its practicality.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty's base XL model came with an AM/FM/MP3 radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB-C port. The XLT trim added the SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as SiriusXM satellite radio. FordPass Connect was standard across the lineup, offering features like a WiFi hotspot and remote vehicle access via a smartphone app.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It included a seven-speaker sound system and wireless smartphone charging. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and a premium sound system. The Ridgeline's technology was straightforward and user-friendly.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty included standard safety features like front- and side-impact airbags, trailer sway control, and AdvanceTrac traction control. Optional features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The F-250 had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS, and some safety features were not standard.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline came with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. It also featured a multi-angle reversing camera and automatic high-beam headlights. The Ridgeline was built to Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering standards and received high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, though the redesigned front-end affected its IIHS score.