2023 Ford Maverick 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 front-wheel-drive origins. The rear maintained a classic pickup look, featuring vertical taillights and dual exhausts. The Black Edition test vehicle showcased a sleek, dark aesthetic with Berlina Black paint and matching alloy wheels. 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.

The 2023 Ford Maverick retained its distinctive look, with a blocky front end and headlights that aligned with the Ford truck family. The Maverick Tremor package added off-road capabilities and unique styling elements, such as blacked-out logos and Avalanche Grey paint. The Tremor also featured tow hooks in "Tremor Orange," updated fender vents, and a new grille with orange accents. The interior of the Maverick was utilitarian, with cold, hard plastic dominating the cabin. The Black Onyx seats had a heathered look, and the blue-tinted plastic added a surprisingly upscale touch. Despite the basic materials, the Maverick offered a practical and affordable entry-level truck experience.

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 Ridgeline's naturally aspirated V6 provided ample power, but the transmission was slow to respond, and the engine start-stop system was sluggish. However, the Ridgeline excelled in handling and ride quality, thanks to its unibody platform, fully independent suspension, and torque vectoring AWD. It offered a comfortable ride and quiet cabin, though its off-road capabilities were limited by its design and ground clearance.

The 2023 Ford Maverick came standard with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid featured a CVT and front-wheel drive, while the 2.0-litre, 250-hp turbo EcoBoost engine offered an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada. The Tremor package introduced Ford's "Advanced 4WD" system, enhancing off-road adaptability. The Maverick Tremor also included special springs, shocks, skid plates, and a lift for improved ground clearance and approach angles. The EcoBoost engine allowed for a towing capacity of up to 1,814 kilograms with the 4K Tow Package, though the Tremor package reduced towing and payload capacities.

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 featured a 207-litre lockable in-bed trunk with a drain plug, a slot for the spare tire, 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 provided additional storage under the rear seats and a well-organized front cabin with a pushbutton shifter, cupholders, and a large centre console. 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 2023 Ford Maverick, with the Tremor package, was slightly longer but maintained consistent legroom across models. The gas engine offered 1,088 millimetres of front legroom and 937 mm in the rear, while the hybrid reduced rear legroom to 912 mm. The Maverick's headroom was comparable to the Hyundai Santa Cruz, with slight variations depending on the powertrain. The interior featured utilitarian plastic materials, but upgrades were available, such as heated seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat. The XLT and Lariat trims offered additional luxury and tech features, enhancing the overall cabin experience.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity and Bluetooth. SiriusXM satellite radio and navigation were available on higher trims. The interface was straightforward, with analog controls for essential functions, though the graphics were dated. While not cutting-edge, the system was functional and easy to use, aligning with the basic tech offerings of its rivals.

The 2023 Ford Maverick featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. FordPass Connect provided a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The driver-information display varied by trim, with the Lariat offering a larger screen. Standard features included two front USB ports, with additional ports and tech upgrades available on higher trims. The Lariat's Luxury Package added premium audio, a wireless charging pad, and Ford's Sync 3 system, enhancing the Maverick's tech offerings.

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, with automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard in Canada.

The 2023 Ford Maverick came with the Ford Co-Pilot 360 suite, offering automatic high beams, pre-collision assist, and a rear view camera. Additional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane centring, and blind-spot monitoring. The reverse camera was notably sensitive to cross traffic. The Maverick earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with concerns about rollover resistance and post-crash emissions. The IIHS rated its front crash prevention as Superior for vehicle-to-vehicle and Advanced for daytime vehicle-to-pedestrian scenarios.