2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Nissan Frontier

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline had undergone a significant styling update a few years prior, which included a new front end with bolder details, LED lighting all around, larger dual exhaust outlets, and more appealing wheels with aggressive tread designs. These changes gave the Ridgeline a more rugged appearance, although the optional Honda Performance Development (HPD) packages were criticized for their oversized fender flares. The Ridgeline was available in four trims: Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Black Edition, all equipped with a V6 engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and an i-VTM4 torque-vectoring AWD system. Prices ranged from $47,435 to $56,435, excluding destination charges and 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 praised for its quality, comfort, and modern design.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier was offered in six trims in Canada: S, SV Convenience, SV, Pro-4X, Midnight Edition, and SV Premium. The Frontier retained its well-received exterior redesign inspired by the 1986 Nissan Hardbody and the interior introduced in 2022. The 2023 updates included a Midnight Edition with blacked-out features and unique 17-inch alloy wheels for the Pro-4X trim. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and power-adjustable seats were available on most trims. The Frontier offered nine exterior colour options, including "Baja Storm" tan and Tactical Green. The Pro-4X trim was designed to balance off-road capability with on-road comfort, featuring Bilstein off-road shock absorbers and noise reduction measures. The Frontier's interior included Zero Gravity seats and ample storage space, making it a practical choice for both off-road adventures and daily driving.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline shared its platform with the Acura MDX, Honda Pilot, Odyssey, and Passport, providing it with sophisticated driving dynamics. 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 its off-road capabilities, but it excelled in on-road performance, offering a comfortable and nimble ride. The Ridgeline's fuel economy was class-leading among midsize pickups with gas-powered V6 engines, averaging 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres on a road trip. Its ride and handling qualities were exceptional for a pickup truck, with a supple ride in the city and SUV-like performance on the highway.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier was equipped with a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Frontier featured a shift-on-the-fly 4WD system, allowing drivers to switch between RWD and 4WD modes. Hill-start assist and hill-descent control were standard, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Pro-4X trim focused on balancing off-road prowess with on-road comfort, featuring Bilstein off-road shock absorbers and noise reduction measures. The Frontier's towing capacity was 2,952 kilograms, with a maximum payload of 635 kilograms. Its fuel economy ratings were 12.8 L/100 km in the city, 10.2 on the highway, and 11.6 combined for most versions, with the Pro-4X rated at 13.3 L/100 km city, 10.5 highway, and 12.0 combined.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline prioritized functionality with features like shelves in the front door panels, a giant storage console, a dual-action tailgate, and an in-bed trunk. Its interior, shared with the Honda Passport, offered comfortable seats with power adjustment and excellent leg support. The rear seat was less spacious than the Passport but provided a high seating position and rear air conditioning vents. The Ridgeline's truck bed was impressive, with a dual-action tailgate, a flat cargo bed floor, and a lockable, weatherproof trunk with a drain plug. Honda offered numerous accessories for the Ridgeline, including a roof rack, bed extenders, and in-bed stereo speakers.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier was available in two cab configurations: Crew Cab and King Cab. The Crew Cab offered more interior space and was available with a 6-foot bed, while the Pro-4X trim had a 5-foot bed. The King Cab had a smaller interior and a 6-foot bed. The Frontier's cargo bed featured LED under-rail lighting, a spray-in bedliner, and increased volume due to higher walls. The hydraulically assisted tailgate opened slowly and was designed for one-handed operation. The Pro-4X trim included skid plates for off-road protection. Inside, the Frontier featured Zero Gravity seats, ample storage space, and under-seat storage in the second row.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline's infotainment system was dated, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. SiriusXM was available on the EX-L grade, while the Touring and Black Edition included a navigation system and premium audio. The infotainment system was criticized for slow loading times, delayed voice recognition, and a lack of modern design. The user interface was simple, but manual tuning between radio stations was cumbersome. The wireless smartphone charger was unreliable, and the Ridgeline was in need of a technology overhaul.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier offered wireless Apple CarPlay on the Pro-4X trim, with a wired connection required for Android Auto. The Pro trim featured two USB-A and two USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and two 120-volt power outlets. Infotainment was hosted on an 8-inch touchscreen for most trims, with a 9-inch system on the Pro-4X. A four-speaker audio system was standard, with a six-speaker system on the Pro-4X and an available 10-speaker Fender premium sound system. The Frontier included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, keyless entry, push-button start, and an off-road gauge cluster.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline was equipped with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard in Canada. 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 Nissan Frontier featured forward-collision warning, trailer sway control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Traffic-sign recognition was standard on the Pro-4X. The NHTSA gave the Frontier a four-star overall safety rating, with a five-star side crash test rating. The IIHS rated the 2022 model Superior for daytime front vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention.