2023 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2022 Honda Ridgeline

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was built on a unibody platform, setting it apart from the traditional body-on-frame construction of most pickup trucks. This design choice provided increased rigidity, akin to crossovers like the Honda Pilot and Passport. Despite its innovative engineering, the Ridgeline's styling remained conservative, with a snub nose hinting at its crossover roots. The rear maintained a classic pickup look, featuring vertical taillights and dual exhausts. The Black Edition test vehicle sported a sleek Berlina Black paint, complemented by matching alloy wheels and exterior trim. Inside, the Ridgeline offered a straightforward design with high-quality fit and finish, featuring leather upholstery, heated seats, and a moonroof. However, the piano black trim was prone to smudges and scratches, detracting from the otherwise well-equipped interior.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss exuded a rugged off-road persona with its factory suspension lift, box-flared fenders, and sculpted hood. The Radiant Red Trail Boss model showcased a balanced and expressive design, both inside and out, with Camaro-inspired dashboard elements. However, the base Work Truck (WT) and Trail Boss trims suffered from a monotonous grey front fascia and a lacklustre interior. The Trail Boss did feature a purposeful skid plate, but the interior's plastic-heavy design lacked colour contrast. The Colorado offered various trim levels, with the Trail Boss and Z71 models featuring all-terrain tires and the ZR2 boasting mud-terrain tires. The Trail Boss test vehicle included several options, such as a spray-on bedliner and advanced trailering packages, bringing its MSRP to $50,844.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). 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 other midsize pickups, the Ridgeline excelled in ride quality and handling, thanks to its unibody platform and fully independent suspension. However, its off-road capabilities were limited, with a maximum ground clearance of 19.4 centimetres and no dedicated off-road version.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado featured a turbocharged 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine, with power outputs varying by trim. The Trail Boss and Z71 trims offered 310 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, while the ZR2 boasted 430 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard, with the Trail Boss and ZR2 featuring a two-speed transfer case for enhanced off-road performance. The Trail Boss had a 5-centimetre suspension lift and all-terrain tires, providing impressive off-road capabilities. On-road, the Colorado offered a quiet and comfortable ride, with robust suspension and structural rigidity. However, its fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was available only as a four-door crew cab with a 162.5-centimetre bed, offering a balance of passenger and cargo space. The bed featured a 207-litre lockable in-bed trunk, a spare tire slot, and an in-bed audio system. The Dual-Action Tailgate and wide bed allowed for versatile cargo carrying. Inside, the Ridgeline provided ample storage, with under-seat compartments and a large centre console. The cabin felt spacious, with a wider stance and lower cowl height enhancing the sense of roominess.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss offered comfortable seating for four, with a snug fit for a fifth passenger. The test truck featured standard cloth upholstery and an eight-way power driver's seat. The back seat provided adequate headroom and legroom, with rear air conditioning vents standard on most trims. The Trail Boss's interior lacked soft-touch surfaces and storage space, with limited door panel trays and a narrow centre armrest compartment. The cargo bed measured 1,186 litres, with an EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate and a StowFlex storage panel. The Mid-Position tailgate feature allowed for carrying long items.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity and Bluetooth. While the interface was not cutting-edge, it was user-friendly, with analog controls for essential functions. SiriusXM satellite radio and navigation were available on higher trims, but the system lacked unique features compared to rivals.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado boasted digital instrumentation and an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology. Even the base WT trim included these features, offering Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play access. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Trail Boss featured a standard six-speaker stereo, with a seven-speaker Bose system available on the ZR2. The infotainment system provided real-time off-roading data and advanced trailer-towing technology.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, with a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention tech. However, it scored "Average" in the passenger-side small overlap frontal test and LATCH ease of use, with a "Marginal" headlight rating. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included Honda Sensing driver aids, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring, but it lacked a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including OnStar emergency services and a Teen Driver system. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. However, the forward-collision warning system was prone to false alerts, requiring adjustment to avoid frustration.