2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Jeep Gladiator

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, offering a more car-like driving experience. 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 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.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator retained its rugged, off-road-ready appearance, with minimal changes from previous models. The Mojave trim, designed for high-speed desert driving, featured Fox shocks, a front suspension lift, and 33-inch all-terrain tires. The Gladiator's design was based on the Wrangler, with a longer wheelbase and fortified frame for pickup duties. The Mojave added unique styling elements like a hood scoop and orange detailing. Inside, the Gladiator mirrored the Wrangler's utilitarian design, with easy-to-clean materials and practical features like drain holes in the floorboards. The interior was basic but included orange accents and fabric seats with Mojave branding, adding a touch of quality to the cabin.

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. It offered 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 excelled in ride quality and handling, thanks to its unibody platform and fully independent suspension, providing a comfortable and quiet driving experience. However, its off-road capabilities were limited, with a maximum ground clearance of 19.4 centimetres and no dedicated off-road version.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator offered two engine options: a standard 3.6-litre V6 with 285 horsepower and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 with 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Mojave trim featured the gas V6 and Command-Trac 4WD with a locking rear differential. The Gladiator's off-road prowess was evident, with its ability to tackle challenging terrains, aided by Fox shocks and high-clearance fender flares. However, the Gladiator was noisy inside, with engine and wind noise being constant companions. Its powertrain provided good low-speed throttle response, but passing power was only adequate. The Mojave's suspension excelled in absorbing rough surfaces, making it enjoyable to drive both off-road and in urban settings.

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. The Dual-Action Tailgate and wide bed allowed for versatile cargo handling. 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.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator's crew cab had narrow rear doors, making entry and exit challenging. The interior offered a manually adjustable driver's seat, with available heated seats and steering wheel. The rear seats were spacious, with good legroom and air conditioning vents. Storage options included netting on door panels, cupholders, and a storage bin under the back seat. The Gladiator's cargo box was 1,531 millimetres long, with available features like a spray-in bedliner and Trail Rail Management System. It offered a best-in-class payload capacity of 775 kilograms.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered SiriusXM satellite radio and navigation. The interface was straightforward, with analog controls for essential functions. While not cutting-edge, the system was user-friendly and met basic tech needs.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator featured a 7-inch Uconnect 4 system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation, connected services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot was available. The Mojave trim included Off-Road+ mode and a TrailCam camera. The infotainment system was comprehensive, but the voice recognition system was lacking. Additional tech included passive keyless entry and dual-zone climate control with an air filter.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top scores in most IIHS crash tests, with a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. It earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. 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 Jeep Gladiator offered limited standard safety features, with optional packages adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA gave it a four-star frontal-impact rating, and the IIHS rated its headlights as "Marginal." Our test vehicle included both safety packages, providing effective adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.