2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a truck that sparked mixed reactions with its bold design. It shared the same design language as the Camaro and Blazer, which had been criticized for their aesthetics. Despite initial skepticism, the Silverado's design began to grow on some over time, though it was clear that its primary focus was on functionality rather than form. The interior of the Silverado remained largely unchanged, maintaining a familiar layout that prioritized ease of use, especially for those using the truck for work. The cabin was spacious, with ample storage options, and the trims ranged from the basic Work Truck to the luxurious High Country, each offering varying levels of comfort and features.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline underwent a redesign that enhanced its truck-like appearance. Honda focused on giving the Ridgeline a more aggressive front end, new wheel designs, and a revamped rear bumper. The Ridgeline was available in Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition trims, with prices ranging from $36,490 to $43,920. The interior of the Ridgeline was modeled after the Honda Pilot SUV, emphasizing functionality and comfort. It offered generous storage options and a spacious rear seat, making it a practical choice for those who valued comfort and utility over rugged off-road capabilities.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered two powerful V8 engine options, both displacing 6.6 liters. The standard gas V8 produced 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, while the optional Duramax turbodiesel V8 delivered 445 horsepower and a massive 910 pound-feet of torque. This power allowed the Silverado to tow up to 18,500 pounds, making it a formidable choice for heavy-duty tasks. The diesel engine, while not offering instantaneous power, built up to a significant swell, providing impressive towing capabilities. The Silverado's fuel economy was not rated by the EPA, but it achieved around 17 mpg during testing, offering a range of over 600 miles with its 36-gallon tank.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline came with a single engine option: a 280-horsepower V6 paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Ridgeline's all-wheel-drive system with Intelligent Variable Torque Management was standard, providing torque-vectoring capabilities. While the Ridgeline's towing capacity of 5,000 pounds was modest compared to the Silverado, its payload rating of 1,583 pounds was competitive. The Ridgeline excelled in on-road performance, offering a smooth and refined driving experience thanks to its unibody architecture and independent rear suspension. It was not designed for serious off-roading but handled various terrains with ease during testing.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered various bed and cab configurations, including a spacious Crew Cab with a standard bed. The truck featured Chevrolet's CornerSteps and BedSteps, designed to accommodate work boots. The interior was practical, with a familiar layout that made it easy to find controls. The Crew Cab provided ample space, with massive cubbies and trays for storage. The rear seats folded up to reveal a flat load floor and additional storage options, maximizing utility.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline prioritized comfort and functionality, offering a roomy interior with manually-adjustable front seats and a spacious rear seat. The Ridgeline's composite cargo bed was dent- and scratch-resistant, with tie-down hooks rated for 350 pounds each. The bed also featured a power locking dual-action tailgate and a 7.3 cubic-foot weatherproof trunk, adding to its practicality. The Ridgeline's interior was filled with storage options, making it a versatile choice for everyday use.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD featured a straightforward infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen on the base trims and an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with multiple USB ports and power outlets throughout the cabin. A wireless charging pad was available on higher trims, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard on the LT, LTZ, and High Country trims.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and a premium sound system. The Ridgeline's technology was user-friendly, with essential connectivity options available even on the base Sport trim.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was equipped with a reversing camera, traction control, and a full array of airbags. The LTZ trim added a surround-view camera and the Safety Package II, which included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Safety Alert Seat was a notable feature, vibrating to alert the driver to safety messages. The Safety Package I added parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring, enhancing maneuverability and safety.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline featured Honda Sensing as standard, offering adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Ridgeline also included a multi-angle reversing camera and, on higher trims, blind-spot warning and automatic high-beam headlights. The Ridgeline was built to Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering standards, earning high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.