Honda Ridgeline vs. Competitors

When it comes to midsize pickup trucks, the Honda Ridgeline is a refreshing alternative to the uninspired entrants that have filled the segment for years. Packed with forward-thinking versatility features, capable performance, and unrivaled interior space – the Ridgeline continues to make a splash in the midsize pickup class. To further illustrate how the Ridgeline outperforms the competition, our team at Honda East Cincinnati has created this in-depth pickup truck comparison. You'll learn exactly how the Ridgeline measures up to familiar names including the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, and Toyota Tacoma. Which pickup will earn the victory? Let's find out together!

Table of Contents

Honda Ridgeline vs Chevrolet Colorado

First up to challenge the Honda Ridgeline is the Chevrolet Colorado. Comparing equivalent trim levels of both trucks, the Ridgeline begins with a modest price advantage over the Colorado. These savings only continue to add up the further down the list we go.

The Ridgeline comes with a more advanced 9-speed transmission. More gears mean better low-end torque, and that’s always something you want in a truck. Whichever trim you choose with the Ridgeline, it will come with a remote start, but only the top ZR2 trim of the Colorado, which is quite a bit more expensive, comes with this feature as standard. Standard wireless smartphone charging is yet another bonus that comes from choosing Honda over Chevrolet.

Two other class-exclusive features of the Honda Ridgeline include its ingenious dual-action tailgate and lockable in-bed trunk storage compartment. One feature that is totally unique to the Ridgeline is the truck bed audio system, which acts as a large external speaker. Although a similar feature is available on the Colorado, it’s available only as a dealer-installed accessory and not a factory-installed option. There are also more speakers on the interior, and you’ll be able to hear them better too, thanks to active noise canceling.

Honda Ridgeline vs Ford Ranger

Up next, we’ll take a closer look at how the Honda Ridgeline fares against the Ford Ranger. Once again, we’ve taken equivalent trims of both models to keep this matchup as fair as possible. The Ridgeline once again has a price advantage and the value only continues to increase once we examine the finer details of both trucks.

Beneath the hood, the Honda Ridgeline offers a larger 3.5-liter V6 engine that also produces greater horsepower than the smaller turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that powers the Ford Ranger. Another advantage of choosing the Ridgeline is its multi-link rear suspension design that delivers superior handling both on and off the road.

Ford is also unable to match the clever dual-action tailgate and lockable in-bed trunk of the Ridgeline. Other standard features of the Ridgeline not included on the Ranger are active noise cancellation, tri-zone automatic climate control, and tire fill assist feature. Last but not least, the Honda Ridgeline offers greater space for back seat passengers as compared to the Ford Ranger.

Honda Ridgeline vs Toyota Tacoma

Third on our list of challengers to face off against the Honda Ridgeline is the Toyota Tacoma. Although they begin with vastly different price tags when comparing equivalent trim levels, it’s the Ridgeline that has the edge when it comes to highway and combined fuel economy ratings. This is due in part to its advanced 9-speed automatic transmission, far more sophisticated than the outdated 6-speed manual unit found on the Tacoma. Larger 18-inch alloy wheels also add to the composed on-road handling characteristics of the Ridgeline.

Premium standard features are yet another strong suit of the Honda Ridgeline. You’ll receive standard wireless smartphone charging, tire fill assist, and remote engine start. Additionally, only the Ridgeline comes standard with a dual-action tailgate and a lockable in-bed trunk. The Toyota Tacoma also cannot compete with the generous second-row space found inside the Honda Ridgeline.

Winner — Honda Ridgeline

No matter which way you look at it, the competition from Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota is simply no match for the Honda Ridgeline. The Ridgeline remains the standout choice in its class thanks to its capable performance, outstanding value, clever engineering, and premium standard features. Eager to discover all that this remarkable pickup truck has to offer? Visit us at Honda East Cincinnati to browse our extensive selection of the latest Ridgeline models.

*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $1,395 destination charge, and accessories. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $455 charge for premium colors.

**18 city/24 highway/21 combined mpg rating for Sport, RTL & Black Edition trims. 18 city/23 highway/20 combined mpg rating for TrailSport trim. Based on 2024 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.