2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty underwent a subtle styling update, featuring a more detailed grille and headlights that moved away from the excessive chrome of the 2019 model. The new design, while still imposing, offered a more mature look with its contoured headlights. Despite these changes, the overall design remained largely unchanged since its 2017 introduction, making it appear dated compared to newer models like the 2021 Ford F-150. Inside, the cabin retained its blocky styling, which, while not particularly inviting, was practical for work use, offering ample space. The F-350 was available in various trims, from the basic XL with its work-truck aesthetic to the luxurious Limited, which included features like a panoramic sunroof and a premium audio system.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline embraced a more traditional truck appearance with a redesigned front end and new rear bumper featuring exposed dual exhaust outlets. The aggressive shoulder tread on the tires and new wheel designs added to its rugged look. The Ridgeline was available in Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Black Edition trims, with prices ranging from $44,355 to $53,355. It came standard with a 280-horsepower V6 engine, torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The interior, modeled after the Honda Pilot SUV, emphasized functionality with generous storage and easy-to-clean surfaces. The Ridgeline's cabin was comfortable, with features like triple-zone automatic climate control and a power moonroof.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty offered a range of powerful engine options, including a standard 6.2-litre gas V8 with 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. A 6.7-litre turbodiesel Power Stroke V8 delivered 475 horsepower and an impressive 1,050 pound-feet of torque. New for 2020 was a 7.3-litre gas V8, producing 430 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. The F-350's towing capabilities were exceptional, with a conventional towing capacity of 10,977 kilograms, a fifth-wheel towing capacity of 14,742 kilograms, and a gooseneck trailer capacity of 16,783 kilograms. The Tremor off-road package added features like 35-inch all-terrain tires and a lifted suspension, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline featured a 280-horsepower V6 engine with 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The standard all-wheel-drive system with Intelligent Variable Torque Management allowed for torque-vectoring, distributing up to 70% of the engine's power to a single rear wheel. While not designed for rock-crawling, the Ridgeline excelled on flat terrain with its 194 mm ground clearance. Its towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms was modest compared to the F-350, but its maximum payload rating of 694 kilograms was competitive. The Ridgeline's unibody construction and independent rear suspension contributed to its athletic and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty was available in Regular Cab, Super Cab, and Super Crew configurations. The Super Cab offered rear-hinged half-doors, providing decent space for rear-seat passengers, while the Super Crew featured a full four-door crew cab with ample headroom and legroom. The F-350 offered two bed lengths: 2,081 mm and 2,492 mm, with the longer bed available in a dual-rear-wheel configuration. The bed included a step for easier loading.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline prioritized comfort and functionality, with a spacious interior and supportive seats. 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 composite cargo bed was dent- and scratch-resistant, with tie-down hooks rated for 158 kilograms each. The bed offered 960 litres of cargo space, and the dual-action tailgate and in-bed trunk added versatility.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty featured the SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. While not the latest version, SYNC 3 was intuitive, with large icons and a user-friendly menu layout. The F-350 also offered advanced towing features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which simplified trailer maneuvering.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM satellite radio and navigation. The Ridgeline's technology was straightforward, with a focus on essential features rather than advanced tech.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty included standard safety features like airbags, automatic high beams, and traction control. Higher trims added features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim offered all these features as 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. While these features were generally helpful, they were not infallible. The Ridgeline also featured a multi-angle reversing camera and was built to Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering standards, earning high safety ratings.