2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2021 Ford F-150

The 2021 Ford F-150 retained its iconic tough look with oversized wheel arches and a tall hood, but introduced a new front fascia with larger headlights and a rounder grille shape. Ford offered 11 grille design options and new tailgate appliques, enhancing the truck's aesthetic appeal. The new design was more aerodynamic, featuring active grille shutters, an automatically-deploying air dam, and reshaped cab and tailgate to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. The aluminum bodywork, including the cab, bed, fenders, and hood, reduced weight, aiding in 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 interior 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 2022 Honda Ridgeline, built on a unibody platform, offered increased rigidity compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks. Its styling was conservative, with a snub nose and classic pickup rear view. The 2021 redesign gave it a blockier, more upright grille, aligning it more with traditional trucks. The Black Edition test vehicle featured Berlina Black paint and matching alloy wheels and trim. Inside, the Ridgeline's no-nonsense design was complemented by high-quality fit and finish. The Black Edition included leather upholstery, heated seats, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, and a moonroof. However, the piano black trim was prone to smudges and scratches, detracting from the otherwise well-equipped interior.

The 2021 Ford F-150 offered a range of powertrains, including a base 3.3-litre V6 with 290 horsepower and 265 lb-ft 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, with a maximum payload of 3,325 pounds with the V8 and a towing capacity of 14,000 pounds with the non-hybrid 3.5-litre EcoBoost. The hybrid offered a smooth ride, but the transition between electric and hybrid modes was not seamless.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. It had a towing capacity of 2,267 kg (5,000 pounds) and a payload capacity of up to 690 kg (1,500 pounds). While not leading in towing or payload, the Ridgeline's naturally aspirated V6 provided sufficient power, though the transmission was slow to respond. The unibody platform offered superior ride quality and handling, akin to a luxury car, with fully independent suspension and torque vectoring AWD. However, its off-road capability was limited compared to traditional 4WD systems, with a maximum ground clearance of 19.4 cm.

The 2021 Ford F-150 catered to mobile office needs with a fold-flat shifter creating a work surface for a 15-inch laptop. Higher trims offered Max Recline Seats for resting. Storage was ample, with a large centre-console bin and cupholders. The F-150 came in regular, SuperCab, and SuperCrew configurations, with bed sizes of 5.5, 6.5, and 8 feet. The SuperCrew provided more rear passenger space, though competitors offered more legroom. The F-150 featured power running boards, a tailgate step, and Pro Power Onboard outlets, with up to 7.2 kW output in the hybrid.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was available only as a four-door crew cab with a 162.5 cm (64-inch) bed. The bed included a 207-litre lockable in-bed trunk with a drain plug, a spare tire slot, and an in-bed audio system. The Dual-Action Tailgate opened down or to the side, and the bed accommodated 4-foot-wide sheets of plywood. Inside, the Ridgeline offered under-seat storage, rear USB ports, and a pushbutton shifter. The cabin felt spacious, with a wide stance and low cowl height enhancing the sense of roominess.

The 2021 Ford F-150 featured the new Sync 4 infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. An 8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 12-inch option available, paired with a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. The system included physical controls for key functions and Pro Trailer Backup Assist for easier trailer handling.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Bluetooth. SiriusXM and navigation were available on higher trims. The interface was straightforward, with analog controls for essential functions. While not cutting-edge, the system was user-friendly, and most rivals offered similar tech.

The 2021 Ford F-150 had not yet received full crash-test ratings, but the IIHS gave a "good" rating for roof strength. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams, with additional features available. The BlueCruise system for hands-free driving was expected later in 2021.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top "Good" scores in most IIHS tests, with a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included Honda Sensing driver aids, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring. A 360-degree camera system was notably absent.