2021 Honda Ridgeline vs 2020 RAM 2500

The 2020 RAM 2500 stood out with its elegant design, setting it apart from its chunkier competitors like the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and Ford F-250 Super Duty. Each of the six trim levels featured a unique grille, adding to its upscale appearance. The truck's massive size was complemented by sleek LED headlights and optional chrome or body-colour bumpers. The RAM 2500's design was reminiscent of the smaller RAM 1500 but stretched to accommodate its larger stature. The Limited trim, with its 20-inch chrome wheels and LED taillights, added a touch of luxury, while optional clearance lights and extended side mirrors gave it a semi-truck look. Inside, the RAM 2500 impressed with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, especially in the upper trims like the Laramie Longhorn and Limited. The interior featured soft-grained, perforated leather, intricate stitching, and light wood trim, creating a luxurious atmosphere. The attention to detail extended to the grab handles and shifter knob, and the optional 12-inch vertical touchscreen added a modern touch, making the RAM 2500 a class leader in interior design.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline underwent a redesign, focusing on a more traditional truck appearance. The front end and rear bumper were updated, with new wheel designs in black and gunmetal. The Ridgeline offered a range of trim levels, from Sport to Black Edition, with pricing starting at $44,355. It featured a 280-horsepower V6 engine, standard 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 hard plastic surfaces. The Ridgeline's interior was practical, with cloth seats in the Sport trim and a focus on durability. While it lacked some luxury features, the Ridgeline's design was aimed at providing a comfortable and functional experience for midsize truck owners.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered a choice between two powerful engine options. The 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine delivered 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This configuration provided a high payload capacity of up to 1,986 kilograms and a towing capacity ranging from 7,307 kg to 7,869 kg, depending on the model. The diesel option featured a 6.7-litre Cummins inline-six engine with 370 horsepower and an impressive 850 lb-ft of torque. This setup allowed the RAM 2500 to tow up to 8,972 kg and haul up to 1,388 kg of payload. Despite its size, the RAM 2500 offered decent acceleration and a comfortable ride, although it was less agile than the RAM 1500. The diesel's exhaust brake was a standout feature, enhancing safety and extending brake life. Fuel efficiency was not officially rated, but the RAM 2500 averaged around 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

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 provided torque-vectoring capabilities, enhancing the Ridgeline's performance. While it lacked a rock-crawling mode, the Ridgeline excelled on flat terrain with its 194 mm ground clearance. The Ridgeline's unibody construction and independent rear suspension contributed to its athletic and enjoyable driving experience, setting it apart from traditional body-on-frame trucks. Its towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms and payload rating of 694 kilograms were competitive for its class. The Ridgeline demonstrated its capabilities during testing in various off-road conditions, although it was best suited for controlled environments.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered versatility with three cab options and two bed lengths. Single cabs provided the highest payload and seating for three, while the Crew Cab and Mega Cab configurations offered more space and luxury. The Mega Cab allowed rear passengers to recline and enjoy a luxurious experience. The RAM 2500 featured power running boards, a retractable tailgate step, and optional RamBox storage bins for added convenience. The truck's interior was spacious, with features like a power tailgate, adjustable mirrors, and pre-drilled holes for a fifth-wheel hitch. Diesel models included helpful features like a countdown timer for glow plugs and an analog gauge for Diesel Emissions Fluid levels.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline prioritized comfort and functionality. It featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat, both with heating. The rear seat was spacious, and the Ridgeline included standard triple-zone automatic climate control, a power moonroof, and a sliding rear window. The interior offered ample storage, with a large centre console, door panel shelves, and various bins. The composite cargo bed was durable, with tie-down hooks and a power outlet. The Ridgeline's standout feature was its dual-action tailgate and in-bed trunk, providing versatility and convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2020 RAM 2500 came with a standard 5-inch touchscreen, but the 8.4-inch Uconnect upgrade was highly recommended for its user-friendly interface. The optional 12-inch display was a highlight, offering a large, intuitive interface for navigation, settings, and camera views. The system allowed for customization and provided a comprehensive view of the truck's surroundings, making it a valuable tool for towing and maneuvering.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system included a seven-speaker sound system, text-messaging capability, and basic HondaLink services. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM, HD Radio, and navigation. While the Ridgeline's technology was straightforward, it provided essential connectivity and entertainment options for drivers.

The 2020 RAM 2500 was not rated by major safety organizations, but its sibling, the RAM 1500, received high safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. The RAM 2500 offered optional driver-assist features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control, enhancing safety for drivers.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline came standard 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, as demonstrated during testing. The Ridgeline also featured a multi-angle reversing camera and automatic high-beam headlights. Its crashworthiness was supported by Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering standards, although the redesigned front-end affected its IIHS crash test ratings.