2021 Ford F-150 vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline

The 2021 Ford F-150 retained its rugged exterior styling, reminiscent of its predecessors, with oversized wheel arches and a tall hood. However, it introduced a new front fascia with larger headlights and a rounder grille, offering 11 design options and new tailgate appliques. Ford emphasized improved aerodynamics with active grille shutters, an automatically-deploying air dam, and reshaped cab and tailgate, all aimed at enhancing fuel efficiency. The aluminum bodywork, including the cab, bed, fenders, and hood, reduced weight, contributing to better fuel economy and increased payload capacity. Inside, the F-150 maintained its distinctive design with large angular air vents and a high centre console. The range of materials varied across trims, from basic in the XL and XLT to luxurious in the King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trims, with the King Ranch featuring leather upholstery and wood trim.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline underwent a redesign forward of the windshield and front doors, featuring a new rear bumper with exposed dual exhaust outlets. It sported more aggressive tire treads and new wheel designs in black and gunmetal. The Ridgeline was available in Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Black Edition trims, with pricing ranging from $44,355 to $53,355, excluding a $1,870 destination charge. Every Ridgeline came equipped with 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 hard plastic surfaces for easy cleaning. The Sport trim featured black cloth seats, while higher trims offered more luxurious materials.

The 2021 Ford F-150 offered a variety of powertrains, including a base 3.3-litre V6 with 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.0-litre V8 with 400 hp and 410 lb-ft. Two twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engines were available: a 2.7-litre with 325 hp and 400 lb-ft, and a 3.5-litre with 400 hp and 500 lb-ft. A 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 provided 250 hp and 440 lb-ft. The new PowerBoost hybrid combined a 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 with an electric motor, delivering 430 hp and 570 lb-ft. The F-150 excelled in payload and towing capacity, with a maximum payload of 3,325 pounds and towing capacity of 14,000 pounds with the non-hybrid 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6. The hybrid offered a towing capacity of 12,700 pounds. The PowerBoost hybrid provided impressive power, though the transition between electric and hybrid modes was not smooth.

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 (i-VTM4) offered torque-vectoring capabilities, distributing up to 70% of power to a single rear wheel. Intelligent Traction Management provided Snow, Sand, and Mud settings, though the Ridgeline was not designed for rock-crawling. With 194 mm of ground clearance, it excelled on flat terrain. The Ridgeline's unibody construction and independent rear suspension contributed to its athletic and enjoyable driving experience. It had a maximum towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms and a payload rating of 694 kilograms. The Ridgeline handled various off-road conditions with ease, though it was best suited for controlled environments.

The 2021 Ford F-150 catered to those using their trucks as mobile offices, with features like a fold-flat shifter creating a work surface for a 15-inch laptop. Higher trims offered fold-flat Max Recline Seats for resting. The F-150 provided ample storage, including a centre-console bin and large cupholders. It was available in regular, SuperCab, and SuperCrew configurations, with varying seating capacities. Bed sizes included 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot, and 8-foot options. The tailgate featured rulers and power opening/closing, though it lacked the versatility of competitors' tailgates. The Pro Power Onboard system offered in-bed power outlets, with up to 7.2 kW of output in the hybrid model.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline prioritized comfort and functionality, 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, with triple-zone automatic climate control and a power moonroof. The Ridgeline offered extensive storage, with a large centre console and various bins throughout the cabin. The composite cargo bed was dent- and scratch-resistant, with tie-down hooks and a power outlet in higher trims. The bed provided 960 litres of cargo space, and the dual-action tailgate and in-bed trunk added versatility.

The 2021 Ford F-150 featured the new Sync 4 infotainment system with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. An 8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 12-inch option available. The system included physical buttons for key functions. The F-150 offered Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Trailer Reverse Guidance for easier towing, though these features were optional.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It included a seven-speaker sound system, text-messaging capability, and USB ports. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM, navigation, and a premium sound system. The Ridgeline's technology was straightforward, with a focus on essential features.

The 2021 Ford F-150 had not yet received full crash-test ratings, but the IIHS gave it a "good" rating for roof strength. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Additional features like lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control were available. The F-150 was set to receive Ford's BlueCruise system for hands-free driving later in the year.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline included the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Ridgeline's safety systems were generally helpful, though not infallible. It featured a multi-angle reversing camera and automatic high-beam headlights. The Ridgeline met high safety standards, though its front-end redesign affected its IIHS crash test score.