2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 had undergone a styling update in 2022, which refined its already impressive design for a full-size truck. The changes included a wider, more imposing grille and updated headlights, maintaining its sharp appearance. However, these exterior modifications felt more like a lateral move rather than a significant upgrade. The interior, on the other hand, marked a notable departure from its predecessor. The cabin was redesigned to resemble more of a daily driver car or SUV, featuring a large screen that replaced the simpler layout of the previous model. While this evolution was expected, it might not have been for the better, as the new infotainment system could be unnecessarily complicated for those seeking a straightforward truck for work purposes. Despite this, traditional climate controls, a conventional volume dial, and a home button were retained.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline had received a styling update a few years prior, which included a new front end with bolder details, LED lighting, and larger dual exhaust outlets. These changes gave the Ridgeline a more rugged appearance, although the optional Honda Performance Development (HPD) packages with oversized fender flares were best avoided. The Ridgeline shared its platform with the Honda Passport SUV, resulting in a refined and sophisticated driving experience. The interior, while dating back to the 2016 Honda Pilot, still appeared modern and upscale compared to its rivals. The leather-lined cabin offered quality, ample storage, and excellent visibility, making it comfortable for all occupants. Despite its age, the Ridgeline's interior design remained competitive, providing a practical and comfortable environment for daily driving.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered four powertrain options, starting with a gas 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbocharged inline-six diesel engine delivered 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, with increased horsepower and torque for 2023. Additionally, two gas V8 engines were available: a 5.3-litre V8 generating 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, and a 6.2-litre V8 producing 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The gas four-cylinder engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while all other engines came with a 10-speed automatic. The Sierra's towing capacity reached up to 5,987 kilograms (13,200 pounds) with the diesel engine and RWD, and it had a maximum payload capacity of 1,093 kilograms (2,410 pounds) with the turbo-four and 5.3-litre V8 engines. The diesel engine provided a heavy-duty truck presence and lively performance, thanks to the 10-speed automatic transmission. The Sierra excelled in power delivery, steering, and braking, offering a smooth and composed ride. However, its maneuverability in tight spaces was limited due to its wide turning radius and blocky styling.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline shared its platform with the Honda Passport SUV, featuring a 3.5-litre VTEC V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. This setup provided sophisticated driving dynamics on pavement, where the Ridgeline spent most of its time. The Ridgeline's payload capacity was competitive at 694 kilograms (1,530 pounds), but its unibody construction limited towing capacity to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds). The Ridgeline's ground clearance, lack of traditional four-wheel-drive, and shallow approach angles were drawbacks for serious off-roading. However, it excelled in on-road performance, offering a comfortable and quiet ride, nimble handling, and impressive fuel economy. The Ridgeline averaged 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres on a road trip, showcasing its efficiency among midsize pickups with gas-powered V6 engines.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered various cab and bed configurations, including regular cab with a standard-size bed, single cab with a long bed, double cab with a standard bed, full four-door crew cab with a short bed, and crew cab with a standard bed. Trim availability depended on the chosen configuration. The crew cab/short-bed setup provided ample cabin space with generous head and legroom for both rows. The interior featured large storage trays in the doors, multiple spots for large water bottles, and a centre console with cup holders, a tray, and a deep storage compartment. The rear bench folded up for additional storage space. The Denali Ultimate trim included the GMC MultiPro tailgate, offering multiple configurations for convenience, such as a bed step-up, fold-out workstation, and passage for longer items. Bed steps cut into the rear bumper corners provided easy access to the cargo bed.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline prioritized function with features like shelves in the front door panels, a giant storage console, a dual-action tailgate, and an in-bed trunk. The Ridgeline shared its platform with the Honda Passport SUV, resulting in easy entry and exit, comfortable seats with power adjustment, and a refined interior. The rear seat offered less headroom and legroom compared to the Passport, but the elevated seating position and padded front seatbacks provided comfort. The rear seat cushion flipped up to create a load floor, and an accessory rear underseat storage system was available. The Ridgeline's 1,625 mm (64-inch) truck bed featured a dual-action tailgate, a flat cargo bed floor, and standard tie-down cleats. Honda offered various accessories, including a roof rack, bed extenders, and a bed tent. The Ridgeline's unique unibody platform allowed for a lockable, weatherproof, 206-litre trunk with a drain plug, providing additional cargo space.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Pro came with a 7-inch touchscreen and a carryover infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Other trims received an updated infotainment system with a 13.4-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new system had a logical layout, large icons, and a home button, but lacked a tuning knob. It included Google-connected apps, trailering status apps, and average fuel economy displays when connected to a trailer. The Sierra Denali Ultimate featured a wireless charging pad, USB-A and USB-C ports, and a wall-style power outlet. A 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel was standard on all trims except the base Pro, and a massive head-up display was available.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline's infotainment system dated back to the mid-2010s, lacking the latest technology. It included Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and basic HondaLink services. SiriusXM was available from the EX-L grade, while the Touring and Black Edition trims offered a navigation system, premium audio, and cargo bed speakers. The 8-inch touchscreen was smaller than expected, with slow content loading and delayed voice recognition. The user interface was simple, with touch-sensing shortcut buttons and a stereo volume knob. However, manual tuning between radio stations was cumbersome, and the navigation display was cluttered. The wireless smartphone charger worked inconsistently, and the Ridgeline's technology needed an overhaul.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 came standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and GM’s Teen Driver system. Higher trims, like the Denali Ultimate, included additional features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and GM’s Super Cruise driver assist system. The rear headrests flipped down for improved rearward visibility, and the rearview camera mirror provided added visibility. The surround-view camera system and parking sensors aided in maneuvering the large truck in tight spaces.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline featured Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. Automatic high-beam headlights were standard. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard in Canada, but the warning indicators were poorly placed. The lane-departure warning system's steering wheel wobble was irritating, and the adaptive cruise control system struggled to maintain a safe following distance. The Ridgeline received favourable crash-test and safety ratings from the IIHS, with only the headlights receiving a lower score. The NHTSA awarded the Ridgeline top marks in crash tests and a four-star rollover resistance rating.