2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Ford F-150

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline, with its unibody platform, offered a unique take on pickup truck construction, providing increased rigidity compared to the traditional body-on-frame design. 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 appearance, featuring vertical taillights and dual exhausts. The 2021 redesign introduced a blockier grille, aligning the Ridgeline more closely with conventional trucks. The Black Edition test vehicle showcased a sleek, dark aesthetic with Berlina Black paint and matching alloy wheels. Inside, the Ridgeline's straightforward design met high Honda standards, offering leather upholstery, heated seats, and a moonroof, though the piano black trim was prone to smudging.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford F-150 presented a familiar and appealing design, with a wide array of configurations to suit various needs. The F-150's styling was consistent with its predecessors, avoiding any radical changes that might deter buyers. The test truck, in Ford's Area 51 paint, exuded a robust presence. Inside, the F-150 adopted a modular approach, emphasizing functionality over form. The cabin featured cloth seats, which were comfortable in extreme temperatures, and a Ford Work Surface upgrade for added utility. While some interior elements felt cheap, the overall design was practical and user-friendly, with ample storage and a quiet cabin at highway speeds.

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. Its towing capacity was capped at 2,267 kilograms, with a payload capacity of up to 690 kilograms, trailing behind competitors like the Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado. The Ridgeline excelled in ride quality and handling, thanks to its unibody platform and independent suspension, offering a car-like driving experience. However, its off-road capabilities were limited, with a maximum ground clearance of 19.4 centimetres and no dedicated off-road variant.

The 2023 Ford F-150 offered a range of engine options, with the test truck featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6, producing 400 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and responsive performance. The F-150 boasted a maximum towing capacity of 6,350 kilograms and a payload rating of 1,503 kilograms, depending on configuration. While the ride could be harsh when unloaded, the F-150 felt structurally solid and handled well, with strong brakes and unremarkable steering. Fuel efficiency fell short of expectations, averaging 13.8 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was available only in a four-door crew cab configuration 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. Honda's Dual-Action Tailgate and a 115-volt AC outlet added to its utility. Inside, the Ridgeline provided under-seat storage, a pushbutton shifter, and well-organized controls, creating a spacious and user-friendly cabin.

The 2023 Ford F-150, with its step rails, facilitated easier access to the cabin, which comfortably seated five people. The test truck's High equipment package included power-adjustable front seats and pedals, enhancing driving comfort. Storage was abundant, with a large centre bin, dual glove compartments, and flexible rear seating. The cargo bed featured a spray-in bedliner and the Pro Power Onboard system, though accessing the bed was challenging without the optional tailgate step.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity and Bluetooth. While the interface was basic, it was easy to navigate, with analog controls for essential functions. The system lacked cutting-edge features but was functional and straightforward.

The 2023 Ford F-150's Sync 4 infotainment system featured a 12-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. While the system was user-friendly, it suffered from slow loading times and needed bolder graphics. The voice recognition system was excellent, and the standard stereo provided decent sound. Additional features included remote engine starting, trailer-brake controller, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, enhancing the F-150's technological appeal.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and mostly "Good" scores from the IIHS, with a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. Standard safety features included Honda Sensing driver aids, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring. However, it lacked a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Ford F-150, equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, offered a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The system performed well, though some features were overly aggressive. The F-150 earned high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a post-collision braking system adding to its safety credentials.