2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2022 Ford Maverick

The 2022 Ford Maverick presented a conventional pickup appearance, reminiscent of larger Ford trucks like the F-150 and Ranger, with its prominent wheel arches and taillights. However, its front end diverged from this pattern, featuring large headlights and a grille crossbar that didn't make a particularly strong styling statement. Despite being smaller than the Ford Ranger, the Maverick maintained a substantial presence, measuring 5,073 millimetres in length and standing 1,879 mm tall. It utilized a unibody platform shared with the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport, differing from the traditional body-on-frame construction of larger Ford trucks. The Maverick's interior was a standout feature, with a design that made economical materials appear stylish. The use of multicoloured plastic and exposed fasteners added character, while the base XL trim offered seats with a unique weave pattern. Ford's design team succeeded in creating an entry-level vehicle that didn't sacrifice style, making the Maverick's interior one of its best attributes.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline, built on a unibody platform similar to the Honda Pilot and Passport, offered increased rigidity compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks. Its styling was conservative, with a snub nose hinting at its crossover roots. The Ridgeline's front-end design evolved over the years, becoming blockier and more truck-like by 2021. The Black Edition test vehicle featured a dark exterior with matching alloy wheels and trim. Inside, the Ridgeline's no-nonsense design was complemented by high-quality fit and finish. The Black Edition boasted 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 smudging and didn't stand out from the predominantly black interior. Overall, the Ridgeline's interior was well-equipped and met Honda's high standards.

The 2022 Ford Maverick offered a standard hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, producing a total system output of 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. An optional 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged engine delivered 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid was available only with front-wheel drive, while the EcoBoost offered all-wheel drive. The optional FX4 off-road package for AWD models added features like different suspension tuning, underbody protection, and specific drive modes. The Maverick FX4 demonstrated impressive off-road capability on a test course, although it wasn't intended for hardcore off-roading. On pavement, the Maverick's unibody platform provided a smooth ride, akin to a small car or crossover. The hybrid powertrain was noted for its linear power delivery and refinement, while the EcoBoost offered more towing capability and spirited acceleration.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. It had a maximum towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms and a payload capacity ranging from 674 to 690 kilograms, depending on the trim. While these figures were modest compared to some competitors, the Ridgeline's naturally aspirated V6 provided ample power. However, the transmission was slow to respond, and the engine start-stop system was sluggish. The Ridgeline excelled in handling and ride quality, thanks to its unibody platform, independent suspension, and torque vectoring AWD. It offered a comfortable ride and quiet cabin, but its off-road capability was limited compared to traditional 4WD systems. The Ridgeline's design prioritized on-road comfort over off-road prowess.

The 2022 Ford Maverick was available exclusively in a four-door crew-cab configuration, offering more legroom than the Toyota Tacoma and Hyundai Santa Cruz. It excelled in interior storage, with numerous cubbies, under-seat storage, and the innovative Ford Integrated Tether System (FITS) for customizable accessories. The 1,382 mm bed, though shorter than the Ranger's, provided a 680-kilogram payload capacity and featured in-bed power outlets and tiedowns. The FlexBed system allowed for creative use of the bed space, with options for dividers and a multi-position tailgate. The Maverick's towing capacity reached 1,814 kilograms with the 4K Tow Package, offering practical capability despite being less than some crossovers.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline came in a four-door crew cab with a 162.5-centimetre bed, balancing passenger and cargo space. The bed featured 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 and wide bed allowed for carrying 4-foot-wide sheets of plywood. Inside, the Ridgeline offered under-seat storage, rear USB ports, and a well-organized front console with a pushbutton shifter. While it didn't have a clear advantage in headroom or legroom, the Ridgeline felt roomier due to its wider stance and lower cowl height.

The 2022 Ford Maverick featured the older Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, though not wirelessly. A built-in Wi-Fi hotspot supported up to 10 devices. The infotainment system was basic but functional, with a large phone slot and available wireless charging. Hybrids included a brake-coaching feature to optimize regenerative braking, though its practical use was debatable.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity and Bluetooth. SiriusXM satellite radio was available on all but the base trim, while navigation was offered on higher trims. The interface was straightforward, with analog controls for essential functions. While not cutting-edge, the Ridgeline's infotainment system was user-friendly and comparable to its rivals.

The 2022 Ford Maverick's crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Optional extras included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane centring, and evasive steering assist.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, with a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. However, it received an "Average" score in the passenger-side small overlap frontal test and a "Marginal" headlight rating. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included the Honda Sensing suite, with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard in Canada.