2023 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2023 Honda Ridgeline

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline had undergone a styling update a couple of years prior, which included a new front end with bolder details, LED lighting, larger dual exhaust outlets, and more appealing wheels with aggressive tread design. 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 was available in four trims: Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Black Edition, all equipped with a V6 engine, nine-speed automatic transmission, and i-VTM4 torque-vectoring AWD system. Prices ranged from $47,435 to $56,435, excluding additional fees. The Ridgeline shared many components with the Honda Passport SUV, resulting in a refined and sophisticated driving experience. Its interior, though dating back to the 2016 Honda Pilot, was modern and upscale, offering quality materials, ample storage, and comfortable seating.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss featured a factory suspension lift, box-flared fenders, a sculpted hood, and a blacked-out look, making it appear ready for off-road adventures. The Colorado's styling was well-balanced, with hints of Camaro in the interior design. However, the base Work Truck (WT) and Trail Boss trims had a grey front fascia and a cheap interior, dampening enthusiasm. The Trail Boss had a front skid plate, while other trims like the LT, Z71, and ZR2 offered more body colour paint and nicer cabins. The Colorado was available with RWD in the WT trim, while 4WD was optional or standard in other trims. Prices ranged from $37,229 to $58,929, including fees. The Trail Boss test truck came with several options, including a red paint job and various packages, bringing the MSRP to $50,844.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline shared its platform with the Acura MDX, Honda Pilot, Odyssey, and Passport, featuring a fortified structure for pickup duties. It was powered by a 3.5-litre VTEC V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring AWD system. The Ridgeline offered a payload capacity of 694 kilograms and a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Its unibody construction limited off-road capabilities, but it excelled in on-road driving dynamics, offering a smooth and refined ride. The Ridgeline averaged 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres on a road trip, with official ratings of 11.5 L/100 km combined and 9.9 on the highway. It demonstrated exceptional ride and handling qualities, with a supple city ride and SUV-like highway performance.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado featured a turbocharged 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine. In the WT and LT trims, it produced 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the Trail Boss and Z71 offered 310 horsepower and 391 lb-ft. The ZR2 had a high-output version with 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard, with various 4WD systems available. The Trail Boss had a 5-cm suspension lift, while the ZR2 had a 7.6-cm lift and exclusive Multimatic DSSV dampers. The Colorado offered up to five driving modes, including an exclusive Baja mode for the ZR2. The Trail Boss excelled off-road, with impressive ground clearance and all-terrain tires. On pavement, it was quiet and handled well, though the engine lacked the zest of competitors. The Trail Boss averaged 13.8 L/100 km, higher than its official rating of 12.4 L/100 km combined.

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. It shared its front design with the Honda Passport, offering easy entry and comfortable seating. The rear seat was less spacious than the Passport, but it provided a high seating position and rear air conditioning vents. The rear seat cushion flipped up for additional cargo space, and the truck bed featured a dual-action tailgate and a flat, scratch-resistant composite cargo bed. The Ridgeline's unique unibody platform allowed for a lockable, weatherproof 206-litre trunk under the load floor, adding to its practicality.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss offered comfortable seating for four, with a fifth passenger fitting in the back seat only occasionally. The test truck had standard cloth upholstery and an eight-way power driver's seat. The back seat provided adequate headroom and legroom, with rear air conditioning vents. The Trail Boss had limited soft-touch surfaces and storage space, with small door panel trays and a narrow centre storage bin. The cargo bed measured 1,186 litres, with an EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate and a StowFlex storage panel. The Mid-Position tailgate feature allowed for carrying long items, supporting up to 225 kilograms.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline featured an older infotainment system with Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. SiriusXM was available from the EX-L grade, while Touring and Black Edition trims included navigation, 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, but manual tuning between radio stations was cumbersome. The wireless charger worked inconsistently, and the Ridgeline's technology needed an overhaul.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado came with digital instrumentation and an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology. Even the WT trim had these features, with an 8-inch screen for instrumentation. The system supported Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, SiriusXM, OnStar, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Google-based tech added natural voice recognition, updated navigation, and app access. The Trail Boss had a standard six-speaker stereo, with a seven-speaker Bose system in the ZR2. The infotainment system offered real-time off-roading data and trailer-towing technology, including high-definition cameras.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline relied on aging driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard in Canada. The adaptive cruise control system struggled to maintain a safe following distance. The Ridgeline received favourable crash-test ratings from the IIHS and top marks from the NHTSA, with a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado offered standard and optional safety features, including OnStar, a Teen Driver system, and a Buckle to Drive function. Chevy Safety Assist included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The forward-collision warning system produced false alerts, but adjusting the gap setting improved its performance.