2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2022 RAM 1500

The 2022 RAM 1500 was available in both Quad Cab and Crew Cab styles, offering a standard 6-foot, 4-inch cargo box, with a shorter 5-foot, 7-inch box option for Crew Cab models. Canadian buyers could choose from eight trim levels, ranging from the basic Tradesman to the high-performance TRX. The model year introduced the next-generation Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available on lower trims and standard on higher ones, featuring an 8.4-inch or 12-inch touchscreen display. The new Trailer Hitch Light feature, part of the Trailer Tow Group, improved visibility after dark. The Limited trim test truck came with a turbodiesel engine, 4WD, and a host of luxury features, including a Limited 10th Anniversary Edition package with premium leather upholstery and a 19-speaker sound system. The RAM 1500's design was praised for its clean and contemporary look, with a luxurious interior that exuded quality and comfort.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline was built on a unibody platform, similar to crossovers like the Honda Pilot, offering increased rigidity. Its styling was conservative, with a snub nose and classic pickup rear view. The Ridgeline's front-end styling was updated in 2021 to resemble other trucks more closely. The Black Edition test vehicle featured Berlina Black paint and matching alloy wheels. Inside, the Ridgeline's design was straightforward, with high-quality fit and finish. The Black Line test vehicle included leather upholstery, heated seats, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, and a moonroof. However, the piano black trim was prone to smudging and scratching. The Ridgeline's interior was functional, with a no-nonsense design and ample features.

The 2022 RAM 1500 offered several engine options, including a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 with a mild-hybrid system, a 5.7-litre Hemi V8, and a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 for the TRX model. The test truck featured the EcoDiesel engine, a turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel V6 producing 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EcoDiesel's towing capacity reached up to 5,697 kilograms, with the test truck managing 4,354 kilograms. Fuel consumption was estimated at 9.7 litres per 100 kilometres, with the test truck averaging 9.5 L/100 km. The RAM 1500's ride quality was exceptional, thanks to its coil-spring rear suspension and optional air suspension. The interior was quiet, with minimal wind, road, and engine noise, and the truck handled well on various road conditions.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline came with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Ridgeline's towing capacity was 2,267 kilograms, with a maximum payload capacity of 690 kilograms for the Sport and EX-L trims. The V6 engine provided sufficient power, but the transmission was slow to respond, and the engine start-stop system was sluggish. The Ridgeline's unibody platform offered a comfortable ride and quiet cabin, with handling precision enhanced by fully independent suspension and torque vectoring AWD. However, its off-road capability was limited compared to traditional pickups, with a maximum ground clearance of 19.4 centimetres.

The 2022 RAM 1500 featured power-deploying running boards, which could be turned on or off through the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The Limited trim offered heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and ample space for passengers. The cabin provided practical storage solutions, including a centre console with trays and bins, rear centre armrest with cupholders, and concealed storage under the rear floor. The multi-function tailgate could support 900 kilograms and offered a centre bed step for easy access. RamBox storage bins were available but not included in the test vehicle.

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 storage space under the rear seats, a large centre console storage bin, and a wireless phone charger. The interior felt roomy, with a wider stance and lower cowl height.

The 2022 RAM 1500 featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with an 8.4-inch or 12-inch touchscreen display. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and connected services. A navigation system, 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and Ramcharger wireless charging dock were available. The system worked well overall, but voice recognition and system complexity posed challenges. Additional tech options included a head-up display, digital rearview camera mirror, and a surround-view camera system.

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 Sport trim, while navigation was available on the Touring and Black Edition models. The interface was straightforward, with analog controls for vital functions. While not cutting-edge, the system was easy to navigate and functional.

The 2022 RAM 1500 offered driver-assist features starting from the Big Horn trim, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims included automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Advanced Safety Group added a head-up display, surround-view camera, rain-sensing wipers, and a parking-assistance system. The IIHS gave the RAM 1500 a Top Safety Pick rating, while the NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating.

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 an "Average" score in the passenger-side small overlap frontal test and a "Marginal" headlight rating. The NHTSA gave the Ridgeline a five-star overall safety rating. The Ridgeline came standard with the Honda Sensing array of driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard in Canada.