2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2025 Honda Ridgeline

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline stood out in the midsize pickup segment with its unique unibody construction, setting it apart from traditional body-on-frame rivals. Its exterior design, characterized by a snub nose and curvaceous styling, hinted at its car-like platform, which was shared with Honda's crossovers like the Pilot and Passport. Despite updates such as a blockier grille and tailgate lettering, the Ridgeline's styling appeared somewhat dated compared to its more ruggedly redesigned siblings. The TrailSport trim, with its off-road enhancements and distinctive orange accents, added a touch of flair, though the interior remained predominantly black and plastic. However, the cabin's durability and practical features, like tri-zone climate control, made it well-suited for both work and play.

In contrast, the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a vast lineup with multiple cab styles, bed lengths, and engine options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, a diesel six-cylinder, and two V8s. Our test vehicle, the RST 4WD with a crew cab and short bed, featured a basic yet livable interior with modern technology and decent materials. The front bench seat, a nostalgic nod to the past, allowed for six-passenger seating, though it blocked access to the stereo volume knob when in Drive. The Silverado's interior design was more sophisticated than typical pickups, avoiding the cluttered look often seen in the segment. However, the RST's suspension and steering left much to be desired, with a bumpy ride and disconnected feel.

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. This combination delivered smooth and responsive performance, with the transmission efficiently utilizing its nine gears. The unibody construction contributed to a refined ride quality, precise handling, and reduced road noise. However, the Ridgeline's off-road capabilities were limited compared to rivals, and its towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and payload capacity of 718 kilograms were not class-leading.

The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, equipped with the TurboMax turbo-four engine, offered 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Despite its power, the engine's sound and mid-range performance were lacking. The Silverado's towing capacity with this engine was capped at 4,080 kilograms, while the optional Duramax diesel engine offered a higher towing capacity of 5,900 kilograms. Fuel economy was a concern, with the TurboMax engine averaging 15.3 L/100 km on a mountainous test loop. The Silverado's handling was competent but uninspiring, with slow steering and a bumpy ride. Brake overheating during mountain driving raised concerns about its suitability for towing heavy loads.

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline was available only as a four-door crew cab with a 5-foot, 4-inch bed. Its cargo box featured a dual-action tailgate and a 207-litre lockable in-bed trunk, providing versatile storage options. The bed's design allowed for a standard 4x8 sheet of plywood to be laid flat, and the reinforced material eliminated the need for a bedliner. Inside, the Ridgeline offered reasonable headroom and legroom, though rear-seat comfort was compromised by upright seating angles.

The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST featured a 40/20/40 bench seat, allowing for six-passenger seating. The interior offered ample space for taller occupants, with step rails aiding entry and exit. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed generous legroom and thigh support, though the lack of a centre armrest was noted. The Silverado's cargo capabilities were enhanced by an EZ Lower and Lift tailgate, CornerStep bumpers, and optional LED cargo area lighting. Storage options included a makeshift console, dash-top tray, and under-seat storage.

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline came standard with a 9-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The infotainment system, though smaller and less advanced than some rivals, was functional and user-friendly. Physical buttons and knobs for key functions were appreciated, especially for outdoor use. The Ridgeline's technology package was practical, though the lack of USB-C data ports highlighted its age.

The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST boasted a modern dashboard with a 12.3-inch digital display and a 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Google Built-in. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Google Assistant providing responsive voice control. The Silverado's technology package included a towing package with Hitch View and Hitch Guidance, though it lacked a semi-automated trailer reversing system available in some rivals.

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline was the only midsize pickup with a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It featured standard safety equipment such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Honda Sensing suite performed unobtrusively, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to accelerate. The lack of a 360-degree camera system was noted as a missed opportunity.

The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 came with Chevy's Safety Assist package, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist. However, our test truck lacked blind-spot monitors and parking sensors. The Silverado's safety ratings were subpar, with the IIHS giving it low scores in several crash tests. The absence of advanced driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and Super Cruise was a drawback.