2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was built on a unibody platform, a departure from the traditional body-on-frame construction of most pickup trucks. This design choice, similar to that of crossovers like the Honda Pilot and Passport, provided increased rigidity. Despite its innovative engineering, the Ridgeline's styling remained conservative, with a snub nose hinting at its front-wheel-drive origins. The rear maintained a classic pickup look with vertical taillights and dual exhausts. The 2021 redesign introduced a blockier grille, aligning the Ridgeline more closely with other trucks. The Black Edition test vehicle featured a dark exterior with Berlina Black paint and matching alloy wheels. Inside, the Ridgeline offered a straightforward design with high-quality fit and finish, leather upholstery, heated seats, and a moonroof. However, the piano black trim was prone to smudging and scratching.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty underwent a visual evolution rather than a revolution. Available in trims from XL to Limited, the Super Duty offered a range of features. The XL, a work truck, included basic comforts like a four-speaker sound system and an 8-inch touchscreen. Higher trims like the Lariat and King Ranch added luxury features such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a 12-inch touchscreen. The King Ranch, with its two-tone paint and 20-inch alloy wheels, exuded luxury without excessive chrome. The interior featured two-tone brown leather, a Bang & Olufsen stereo, and Pro Power Onboard for power output. The Platinum and Limited trims offered additional luxury and styling options.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 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 of up to 690 kilograms, which was modest compared to other midsize pickups. The naturally aspirated V6 provided sufficient power, but 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 and independent suspension, offering a comfortable ride akin to a luxury car. However, its off-road capability was limited, with a maximum ground clearance of 19.4 centimetres and no dedicated off-road version.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered four engine options, starting with a 6.8-litre gas V8 producing 400 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. A 7.3-litre V8 delivered 430 horsepower and 485 lb-ft of torque. The 6.7-litre PowerStroke turbodiesel V8 offered 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque, while the high-output version produced 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque. Power was routed through a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive on the base XL trim and four-wheel drive on others. The Super Duty's towing capacity reached 18,140 kg with specific configurations, and it offered features like Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and Pro Trailer Backup Assist for easier towing. Despite its size, the Super Duty was manageable in traffic, though its turning radius was large.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was available only with a four-door crew cab and a 162.5-centimetre bed, offering a balance of passenger and cargo space. The bed included 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 could open down or to the side, and the bed was wide enough for 4-foot-wide sheets of plywood. Inside, the Ridgeline provided storage under the rear seats, a pushbutton shifter, and a large centre console. The cabin felt roomy, with a wider stance and lower cowl height.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty was offered in regular cab, SuperCab, and Super Crew configurations, with either a 6.75-foot or 8-foot bed. The SuperCab featured rear-hinged clamshell doors, providing a wide opening. Our test model included a Warn winch and bed steps for easy access. Inside, the Super Duty offered ample storage, with cupholders, a large centre storage bin, and dual glove boxes. The Super Crew's rear seats folded up for additional cargo space.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. While the interface was not cutting edge, it was easy to navigate, with analog controls for vital functions. SiriusXM satellite radio and navigation were available on higher trims.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty's base infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Our test model had a 12-inch screen with wireless connectivity and a logical control layout. The F-250 offered multiple USB ports, a wall-style power outlet, and wireless device charging. Ford's Trailer Navigation system optimized routes based on trailer weight and dimensions.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, with a lower "Average" score in the passenger-side small overlap frontal test. It earned a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention but had a "Marginal" headlight rating. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included the Honda Sensing suite, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty, starting at the XLT trim, included the Ford CoPilot 360 suite of driver assistance features, with specifics varying by trim. Our test model had dual-tier power-adjustable trailer mirrors and a trailer blind-spot monitoring system. Ford offered a backup camera for when the tailgate was lowered. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had crash-tested the Super Duty.