2024 Honda Ridgeline vs 2025 Ford F-150

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline continued to evolve its design, offering a more assertive presence compared to its earlier iterations. While the first-generation model had a polarizing design, the second-generation Ridgeline, still in production in 2024, received styling updates that enhanced its appeal. The truck featured a blunt nose, tall hood, and new tailgate lettering, which helped it blend in with its peers. The TrailSport trim added all-terrain tires, giving it a rugged edge. Inside, the Ridgeline's new centre console design, with a wide armrest and large storage bin, improved the interior's pickup truck feel. The addition of a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with numerous enhancements further modernized the cabin.

In contrast, the 2025 Ford F-150 Tremor SuperCrew offered a bold and distinctive look, with off-road-focused design elements that set it apart from other F-150 models. The Tremor trim featured a mix of body-colour and black exterior details, Active Orange accents, and exclusive wheels with all-terrain tires. The Space White Metallic paint, new for 2025, complemented the truck's chiseled bodywork and detailing. Inside, the F-150 Tremor's black interior with orange accents and optional leather upholstery provided an industrial yet comfortable atmosphere. The cabin was equipped with digital instrumentation and a touchscreen infotainment system, along with numerous physical controls for ease of use, even when wearing gloves.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline was powered by a reliable 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 262 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Honda’s i-VTM4 AWD system, allowed up to 70% of the engine’s power to be directed to a single rear wheel. However, the Ridgeline's towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds) was a notable shortcoming compared to its body-on-frame competitors. Its maximum payload capacity of 687 kilograms (1,583 pounds) was competitive for a midsize pickup. Off-road, the Ridgeline struggled with shallow approach, breakover, and departure angles, and its 19.4-centimetre ground clearance was unimpressive. On-road, the Ridgeline excelled with a smooth powertrain, quick acceleration, and responsive handling, though the TrailSport's off-road suspension felt firmer on pavement. The automatic transmission occasionally rolled excessively when parked, posing a potential hazard. Fuel economy during testing averaged 14.5 litres per 100 kilometres, higher than the official rating.

The 2025 Ford F-150 Tremor, equipped with a 5.0-litre V8 engine, produced 400 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 410 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm. This engine provided a maximum towing capacity of 4,490 kilograms (9,900 pounds) and a payload capacity of 780 kilograms (1,725 pounds). Despite the V8's impressive performance and sound, the base twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 offered more power, torque, and better fuel efficiency. The V8 averaged 14.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing. The Tremor's off-road capabilities were enhanced with a long-travel suspension, skid plates, and various driving modes. Ford's Trail Control system, including 1-Pedal Drive and Trail Turn Assist, further improved off-road performance. However, the F-150's size posed challenges on narrow trails and in tight spaces. On-road, the Tremor offered a firm and quiet ride, though its size required careful handling in urban environments.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline excelled in comfort and practicality, despite its limitations in towing, hauling, and off-roading. The truck offered easy entry and exit, with supportive cushions ensuring comfort for all passengers. The TrailSport trim in Canada featured perforated leather upholstery, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The driver’s seat provided 10-way power adjustment, while rear-seat passengers enjoyed adequate legroom and a triple-zone climate control system. The Ridgeline's interior boasted numerous storage options, including a large centre armrest, cupholders, and a flip-up rear seat cushion for additional cargo space. The 960-litre cargo bed included a weatherproof and locking trunk with 206 litres of space, ideal for various uses.

The 2025 Ford F-150 Tremor offered ample interior space and comfort, with oversized, power-adjustable front seats and a spacious rear bench. The test truck featured perforated black leather, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The optional panoramic sunroof and power sliding rear window enhanced the driving experience. Storage was abundant, with the Mobile Office package transforming the centre console into a workstation. The rear seat cushion flipped up to reveal a flat floor and concealed storage. The Tremor's Pro Access tailgate provided versatile loading options, and a hard tonneau cover and spray-in bedliner added security and protection.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring a volume knob, tuning buttons, and steering wheel controls. The system received updates, including a faster processor and improved navigation graphics. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. The Ridgeline Sport benefited from these upgrades, while higher trims offered additional features like SiriusXM satellite radio and an eight-speaker premium sound system. The 7-inch digital display in the gauge cluster was well-executed, providing a user-friendly experience.

The 2025 Ford F-150 Tremor featured dual 12-inch displays, including a digital instrument panel and Sync 4 infotainment touchscreen. While the screens were smaller than some competitors, they offered impressive usability. The infotainment system, paired with a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, provided excellent performance. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the navigation system and voice recognition technology were outstanding. The Tremor also included a widescreen head-up display, off-roading and parking cameras, and trailering assistance features.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline Sport received a standard blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, joining the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). This included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights. While the ADAS performed adequately, it lacked the smoothness and confidence of some competitors. The Ridgeline earned an Acceptable rating in the IIHS small overlap frontal-impact test and a Marginal rating for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the Ridgeline five-star ratings, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2025 Ford F-150 Tremor boasted an impressive array of safety features, including new oncoming-traffic detection, evasive steering assist, intersection braking assist, and predictive speed assist. The lane-keeping assist system featured Road Edge Detection and Active Blind-Spot Assist. BlueCruise hands-free driving technology was standard, offering a reliable experience with occasional limitations. The F-150 earned high marks in NHTSA crash tests, with a five-star overall rating and a four-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS also rated the F-150 highly, with only the Toyota Tundra performing better.