2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 RAM 2500

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 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 sported a sleek Berlina Black paint, with 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.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel shared a similar aggressive appearance with the Power Wagon but lacked its graphics, badging, and winch. Instead, it featured an aluminum sport hood and 20-inch wheels, contributing to its trendy blacked-out look. The Rebel came with a unique grille and a crew-cab configuration with a 6-foot, 4-inch cargo bed. It offered a standard 6.4-litre V8 engine, with an optional 6.7-litre Cummins turbodiesel inline-six. The interior boasted quality materials and a luxurious appearance, though the gloss black plastic surrounding the infotainment system was prone to dust and fingerprints. The Mega Cab back seat was spacious and comfortable, with additional storage space under the rear seat cushion. The Rebel's cargo box options included a spray-in bedliner and LED lighting, with the available Ram Box storage bins adding to its utility.

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, depending on the trim. While these figures were modest compared to other midsize pickups, the Ridgeline excelled in handling and ride quality, thanks to its unibody platform and fully independent suspension. However, its off-road capability was limited by its design, with a maximum ground clearance of 19.4 centimetres and no dedicated off-road version.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel featured a standard 6.4-litre V8 engine with 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. It also offered a 6.7-litre Cummins turbodiesel engine, producing 370 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Rebel's maximum towing capacity was 7,652 kilograms with the V8 engine, while the Cummins offered better fuel efficiency. The Rebel's frame was constructed of 98.5 percent high-strength steel, providing a robust foundation. It featured 20-inch wheels with off-road tires, a locking rear differential, and skid plates, making it nearly as capable as the Power Wagon. The Rebel's ride was smooth and refined, with the turbodiesel's torque providing an effortless surge of power.

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 slot for the spare tire, and an in-bed audio system. The Dual-Action Tailgate could open down or to the side, and the bed was wide enough to carry 4-foot-wide sheets of plywood. Inside, the Ridgeline offered additional storage under the rear seats, with rear USB ports available on higher trims. The interior felt roomy, with a wider stance and lower cowl height providing a more open feel.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel required some physical effort to enter and exit, with large handles on the roof pillars aiding the process. The interior featured premium Natura Plus leather and bucket seats, with heated and ventilated options. The Mega Cab back seat was spacious and comfortable, with air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a power outlet. The Rebel offered ample storage space, with hidden dashboard storage and bins throughout the cabin. The cargo box options included a spray-in bedliner, LED lighting, and a step for easier access, with the available Ram Box storage bins adding to its utility.

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

The 2023 RAM 2500 featured a new 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and numerous improvements to its camera systems and trailering technologies. The Rebel offered blind-spot cameras, a digital rearview mirror, and Trailer Reverse Steering Control. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system included a 12-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 17-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The system was intuitive, with configurable screens and a responsive voice-recognition system.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, with a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention tech. However, it received a "Marginal" headlight rating and an "Average" rating for LATCH ease of use. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included the Honda Sensing array of driver aids, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring.

The 2023 RAM 2500 offered several advanced driving assistance systems, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The driving aids proved worthwhile on wide highways, though their performance in denser traffic was unknown. Crash-test ratings were not available for the Ram 2500, but its size and weight provided a sense of security.