2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline had undergone a 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 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, 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, unlike the raw and unrefined Toyota Tacoma. The interior, though dating back to the 2016 Honda Pilot, was leather-lined, exuded quality, and offered a comfortable and modern feel.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was available in six trims: Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ, High Country, and the off-road-specific ZR2. The truck was notably large, with a wheelbase up to 4.25 metres and an overall length of 6.7 metres. Each trim had distinct front fascia styling, with the ZR2 featuring a blacked-out grille and Chevrolet “flow tie” badging. For 2024, Chevrolet added standard tow hooks and wheel options up to 22 inches, along with 10 colour options. The High Country trim featured open-pore wood, leather trim, and metal accents, creating a simple yet upscale interior. The ZR2 trim, equipped with Multimatic DSSV spool valve shocks, excelled in off-road conditions, while the Bison package added 35-inch tires, increased ground clearance, and skid plating for enhanced off-road capability.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline shared its platform with the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX, 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, limited by its unibody construction. Despite its limitations in off-roading and towing, the Ridgeline excelled in driving dynamics, offering a smooth and refined ride on pavement. It averaged 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres on a road trip, showcasing class-leading fuel efficiency among midsize pickups with gas-powered V6 engines.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came standard with a 6.6-litre V8 gas engine delivering 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, with an optional 6.6-litre Duramax turbodiesel V8 producing 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. The Duramax diesel was quiet and well-matched to the transmission, providing smooth shifts and quick acceleration. The Silverado 2500HD offered a towing capacity of up to 10,175 kilograms and a payload capacity of 1,680 kilograms, with our tester capable of towing 8,600 kilograms. The ZR2 Bison trim excelled in off-road conditions, with Multimatic DSSV shocks, 35-inch tires, and increased ground clearance.

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 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 featured a dual-action tailgate, a flat cargo bed floor, and a lockable, weatherproof trunk with a drain plug. Honda offered numerous accessories, including a roof rack, bed extenders, and in-bed stereo speakers.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD excelled in towing and hauling capabilities, with a towing capacity of up to 10,175 kilograms and a payload capacity of 1,680 kilograms. The Silverado featured a six-way MultiFlex tailgate, power-retractable running boards, and a grab bar for easy access. The High Country trim offered heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The interior was comfortable, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and lumbar support. However, the audio system was limited to six speakers.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline featured an aging infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The system was slow to load, and the voice recognition system was delayed. The user interface was simple, but the lack of a tuning knob and cluttered navigation display were drawbacks. The wireless charging pad was unreliable, and the Ridgeline was in need of a technology overhaul.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD boasted a 12.3-inch configurable gauge cluster and a 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, with Google Maps and Google Assistant built-in. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with plentiful charging options and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An available 15-inch head-up display and rear camera mirror enhanced visibility. However, the screen was always in split-mode, and the Silverado lacked an on-board generator.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline came 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 NHTSA, with only the headlights receiving a lower score.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered front pedestrian braking, forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a following distance indicator as standard. The Safety Seat feature provided tactile alerts to prevent collisions. Adaptive cruise control was optional and worked while towing. The Silverado had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.