2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2024 Ford Ranger

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline had undergone a styling update a few years prior, featuring a new front end with bold details, LED lighting, and larger dual exhaust outlets. These changes gave it a more rugged appearance, although the optional Honda Performance Development packages were criticized for their oversized fender flares. The Ridgeline was available in four trims, all equipped with a V6 engine, nine-speed automatic transmission, and an i-VTM4 torque-vectoring AWD system. Prices ranged from $47,435 to $56,435, excluding additional fees. The Ridgeline was noted for its refinement and sophistication, sharing many components with the Honda Passport SUV, which contributed to its modern and upscale interior.

The 2024 Ford Ranger adopted a design reminiscent of a smaller F-150, with C-shaped daytime running lights and chrome bars intersecting the headlights and grille. The Ranger was available only as a crew cab with a five-foot bed, reflecting a shift towards using pickups more like cars. The XLT trim featured Azure Grey Metallic paint and chrome accents, while the FX4 Off-Road Package added side steps that were criticized for their vulnerability to off-road obstacles. The interior was improved but still featured brittle plastics and uneven gaps. Despite these issues, the Ranger offered a comfortable ride with decent fuel economy.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline shared its platform with the Acura MDX and Honda Pilot, featuring a 3.5-litre VTEC V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It offered a competitive payload capacity of 694 kilograms and a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The Ridgeline excelled in driving dynamics, providing a smooth and refined ride on pavement, with fuel economy averaging 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres on a road trip. However, its unibody construction limited its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Ford Ranger offered three engine choices, including a standard 2.3-litre turbo inline-four with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 2.7-litre twin-turbo V6 with 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The Ranger could tow up to 3,400 kilograms, with a payload capacity of 775 kilograms. The Raptor variant featured a 3.0-litre V6 with 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, designed for off-road performance. The Ranger provided a comfortable ride with well-weighted steering, and fuel economy was decent, though the Raptor was less efficient.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline emphasized practicality with features like shelves in the door panels, a large storage console, and a dual-action tailgate. The interior was comfortable, with power-adjustable seats and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat offered less headroom and legroom compared to the Passport, but the seat cushion flipped up for additional cargo space. The truck bed was impressive, with a dual-action tailgate and a lockable, weatherproof trunk offering 206 litres of space.

The 2024 Ford Ranger had a longer wheelbase and wider body, providing more rear-seat room. The interior featured physical climate controls and a touchscreen, though some functions were duplicated. The bed had a damped tailgate and could hold up to 1,231 litres, with an optional 400-watt AC outlet. Ford's Zone Lighting was a useful feature for extended lighting needs.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline's technology was dated, with an 8-inch touchscreen and basic HondaLink services. While it included Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, the system was slow to load, and the voice recognition was delayed. The interface was simple, but the lack of a tuning knob and manual tuning options was frustrating. The wireless charging pad was unreliable, highlighting the need for a technology update.

The 2024 Ford Ranger's Lariat trim featured a 12.4-inch instrument panel and a 10-inch portrait touchscreen, with a 12-inch screen on higher trims. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but menus were slow to load, and BlueCruise was unavailable. The Lariat and Raptor included a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo and 360-degree cameras.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline came with Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping 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 scoring lower.

The 2024 Ford Ranger had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS. The XLT and higher trims included forward and reverse emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and evasive steering assist. Adaptive cruise control was optional on the XLT and standard on Lariat and Raptor.