2024 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 presented a bold and aggressive design that aligned with Chevrolet's current vehicle portfolio. Its small headlights and body panel design were somewhat unconventional, yet they fit the brand's aesthetic. Various appearance packages, such as the Rally Edition and Redline Edition, allowed for additional customization. Inside, the Silverado offered a functional and user-friendly cabin, with different interior layouts depending on the trim. The WT and Custom trims featured a more traditional setup, while higher trims boasted a modern, high-tech dashboard centred around a large touchscreen.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Ridgeline, while never a standout in terms of looks, received styling updates that improved its presence. The blunt nose and tall hood, along with new tailgate lettering, gave it a more robust appearance. The TrailSport trim added all-terrain tires for a touch of ruggedness. Inside, the Ridgeline's new centre console design and 7-inch digital instrumentation panel enhanced its pickup feel. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system was updated for better usability, and the interior offered comfort and practicality, with features like heated seats and a triple-zone climate control system.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a range of engine options, starting with a turbocharged 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.3-litre V8 delivered 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, while the 6.2-litre V8 offered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. A six-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel engine was also available, providing 305 hp and 495 lb-ft. The Silverado's towing capacity reached up to 6,000 kilograms with the 6.2-litre V8 and Max Towing package. The truck handled well for its size, with the Trail Boss trim excelling off-road, thanks to its 4WD system and upgraded suspension.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Honda's i-VTM4 AWD system. While its towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms was lower than traditional body-on-frame rivals, the Ridgeline excelled on-road with its smooth powertrain and responsive handling. Off-road capabilities were limited by its ground clearance and approach angles, but the TrailSport trim offered a firmer suspension and all-terrain tires. The Ridgeline's automatic transmission was generally smooth, though it required careful parking due to some rolling.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered various body styles, including regular, double, and crew cabs, with different bed lengths. The regular cab was suited for work-focused trims, while the double cab provided easy rear seat access with conventional doors. The crew cab was spacious, offering ample headroom and legroom in both rows, with a foldable rear bench for additional cargo space.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline prioritized comfort and practicality, with easy entry and supportive seating for five passengers. The TrailSport trim featured perforated leather upholstery and heated seats, while the rear seats offered adequate legroom and a triple-zone climate control system. The Ridgeline's interior was equipped with numerous storage options, and the rear seat cushion could be flipped up for extra cargo space. The 960-litre cargo bed included a weatherproof trunk with a drain plug, ideal for various uses.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's base infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity and a fully digital instrument panel. The LTZ trim added wireless device charging and additional USB ports, catering to those who preferred modern infotainment systems.

In 2024, the Honda Ridgeline came standard with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless smartphone charging. The system was updated for better performance, with a faster processor and improved navigation graphics. The Black Edition offered additional features like HD Radio and an eight-speaker premium sound system. The 7-inch digital display in the instrument panel provided a user-friendly experience.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was equipped with advanced driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The Silverado received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and high scores from the IIHS.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline included the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, such as forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Ridgeline Sport trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While the ADAS performed adequately, some features were less smooth in operation. The Ridgeline received an Acceptable rating from the IIHS for small overlap frontal-impact tests and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, except for rollover resistance, which scored four stars.