2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, redesigned for the 2020 model year, boasted a bold exterior with a tall hood, squared-off lines, and a massive grille, giving it a commanding presence. While its exterior was impressive, the interior left something to be desired. The material quality, especially in the top trims, did not match the standards set by competitors like Ram and Ford. Despite being spacious, the cabin wasn't as roomy as the Ram 1500 or Ford Super Duty. The Sierra 2500HD was available in five trim levels, each offering a unique look and feel, with the AT4 trim focusing on off-road capabilities and the Denali trim catering to luxury truck enthusiasts.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline, with its updated styling, presented a more rugged appearance. It shared many components with the Honda Passport SUV, resulting in a refined and sophisticated driving experience. The Ridgeline's interior, though not as spacious as some competitors, offered quality materials and a comfortable layout. The Black Edition trim, in particular, featured a leather-lined interior with excellent storage options and a sensible layout. Despite its interior design dating back to the 2016 Honda Pilot, it still appeared modern and upscale compared to rivals.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD was equipped with a powerful 6.6-litre V8 engine, offering 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. It had a maximum payload capacity of 1,637 kilograms and could tow up to 8,391 kilograms. Despite these impressive figures, it was not the most capable in its class, with competitors like the Ford F-250 Super Duty and Ram 2500 offering higher towing capacities. The Sierra 2500HD's Duramax diesel engine, paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission, provided abundant power, making it feel quick for a heavy-duty truck. However, the ride was jittery without a payload or trailer. The AT4 trim excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its off-road suspension, locking rear differential, and all-terrain tires.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline, powered by a 3.5-litre VTEC V6 engine, delivered 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. While its towing capacity was limited to 2,268 kilograms due to its unibody construction, the Ridgeline offered a competitive payload capacity of 694 kilograms. Its driving dynamics were sophisticated, providing a comfortable and refined ride on pavement. The Ridgeline excelled in city driving and highway cruising, with fuel economy averaging 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres on a road trip. However, its off-road capabilities were limited compared to traditional trucks.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered three cab configurations, two pickup bed lengths, and several convenience features. It could seat up to six passengers, with abundant space in both the front and rear seats. The truck's height and AT4 package made entry challenging, but side steps and assist handles aided access. Inside, the Sierra 2500HD featured a spacious centre console, dual glove boxes, and hidden storage compartments. The MultiPro tailgate, available on higher trims, offered six functions to improve cargo box access. The truck also had power outlets in the cabin and bed for added convenience.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline prioritized practicality with its functional interior and innovative features. It shared its front design with the Honda Passport, making entry and exit easy. The seats were comfortable, with power adjustments and excellent leg support. The rear seat offered a high seating position and flip-up cushions for additional cargo space. The Ridgeline's 1,625 mm truck bed featured a dual-action tailgate and a lockable, weatherproof trunk with a drain plug. Honda offered various accessories, including a bed extender and in-bed stereo speakers, enhancing the truck's versatility.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD featured a range of infotainment systems, with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on higher trims, while a navigation system was available on select models. The truck offered 15 camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view, enhancing towing and visibility. The Bose premium audio system provided rich sound, but the voice-recognition system occasionally delivered odd results.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline's infotainment system, dating back to the mid-2010s, included Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The 8-inch touchscreen was smaller than expected, with outdated graphics and slow content loading. The user interface was simple, but the lack of a tuning knob and manual radio station tuning was frustrating. The navigation system was cluttered, and voice recognition was not conversational. The wireless charging pad worked inconsistently, adding to the technology's shortcomings.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered a range of safety and driver-assistive features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Teen Driver system was standard, allowing parents to monitor their teen's driving habits. Due to its high gross vehicle weight rating, the Sierra 2500HD was not rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline came equipped with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard in Canada. The adaptive cruise control system occasionally struggled to maintain a safe following distance. The IIHS rated the Ridgeline favourably, with only the headlights receiving a lower score. The NHTSA awarded the Ridgeline top marks in crash tests and a four-star rollover resistance rating.