2022 Ford F-150 Lightning vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline was designed with a clear understanding of what makes a truck visually appealing. It featured a long, flat hood, an aggressive grille, and bulging fenders, all contributing to its rugged truck-like appearance. The redesign included a new front end and rear bumper with exposed dual exhaust outlets, enhancing its bold look. The Ridgeline offered a range of trim levels, from Sport to Black Edition, with prices starting at $44,355. It came equipped with a 280-horsepower V6 engine, all-wheel drive, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The interior, modeled after the Honda Pilot SUV, emphasized functionality with ample storage and easy-to-clean surfaces.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, despite being a groundbreaking electric vehicle, maintained a familiar appearance akin to other F-150 models. It was available in XLT, Lariat, and Platinum trims, with the Pro grade reserved for fleet customers. The Lightning's unique styling cues included a distinctive LED headlight bar and a plastic façade replacing the traditional grille. Inside, the F-150 Lightning offered spacious seating with impressive legroom, making it suitable for both work and family use. The interior materials were of good quality, and the truck featured a range of amenities, including a panoramic sunroof and ample power outlets.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline was powered by a 280-horsepower V6 engine, delivering 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive with Intelligent Variable Torque Management. The Ridgeline's torque-vectoring AWD system could direct up to 70% of the engine's power to a single rear wheel, enhancing its agility. While not designed for rock crawling, the Ridgeline excelled on flat terrain with its 194 mm ground clearance. It offered a towing capacity of 2,267 kg and a payload rating of 694 kg, making it competitive in its class. The Ridgeline's unibody construction and independent rear suspension contributed to its smooth and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning stood out with its dual electric motors, providing 426 horsepower with the standard range battery and 563 horsepower with the extended range battery. Regardless of the battery, it delivered an impressive 775 lb-ft of torque. The Lightning's all-wheel drive and independent rear suspension enhanced its performance, although its weight limited its cornering capabilities. The standard-range battery offered a range of 370 km, while the extended-range battery increased it to 515 km. The Lightning's fast acceleration and low centre of gravity made it a formidable performer on the road, though its off-road capabilities were limited by its tires.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline excelled in comfort and functionality. It featured a spacious interior with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a roomy rear seat. Standard amenities included triple-zone automatic climate control, a power moonroof, and a sliding rear window. The Ridgeline's cargo bed was dent- and scratch-resistant, with a 960-litre capacity and a unique dual-action tailgate. The in-bed trunk added 207 litres of weatherproof storage, making it versatile for various needs.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning prioritized functionality with its 5.5-foot bed and numerous tie-down points. Its standout feature was the Mega Power Frunk, offering 400 litres of storage space. The Lightning's Ford Intelligent Backup Power feature allowed it to serve as a backup generator, powering a household for up to three days. The truck's towing capacity reached 4,535 kg, while its payload capacity was 907 kg. Onboard scales helped manage payload weight, ensuring optimal performance.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It included a seven-speaker sound system, text-messaging capability, and basic HondaLink connected services. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and a premium sound system. The Ridgeline's technology was straightforward and user-friendly.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning boasted advanced technology, with a 12-inch touchscreen running Sync 4 on lower trims and a 15-inch portrait-oriented screen on higher trims. The Lariat and Platinum trims featured a Bang & Olufsen stereo system, with the Platinum offering 15 speakers. The Lightning included wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Its infotainment system also featured games, providing entertainment during charging sessions.

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

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning came with Ford's Co-Pilot 360 ADAS, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning. It also included adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, and optional BlueCruise for hands-free driving. The Lightning's safety features were comprehensive, providing peace of mind for drivers.