2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty had undergone a subtle yet impactful styling update, featuring a more detailed grille and headlights that moved away from the previous model's excessive chrome. The new design elements lent the truck a more mature appearance, though it remained a modest evolution of the design introduced in 2017. Despite the front-end refresh, the cabin retained its blocky styling, which was not particularly inviting compared to competitors like Ram. However, the interior was well-suited for work use, offering ample space and functionality. The F-350 was available in various trim levels, from the basic XL with its work-truck aesthetic to the luxurious Limited, which boasted features like a panoramic sunroof and a premium audio system.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline embraced a more traditional truck appearance with its redesign, featuring a new front end and rear bumper with exposed dual exhaust outlets. The Ridgeline's styling updates included aggressive shoulder tread tires and new wheel designs, with the option to add the Honda Performance Division (HPD) Package for a more rugged look. The Ridgeline was available in Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition trims, each offering a range of features. The interior, modeled after the Honda Pilot SUV, emphasized functionality with generous storage and easy-to-clean surfaces. The Ridgeline's composite cargo bed was both durable and versatile, featuring a dual-action tailgate and a weatherproof trunk.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty offered a range of powerful engine options, starting with a 6.2-liter gas V8 producing 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. A 6.7-liter turbodiesel Power Stroke V8 delivered an impressive 475 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet of torque, while a new 7.3-liter gas V8 provided 430 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. The F-350's towing capabilities were exceptional, with a conventional towing capacity of 24,200 pounds and a gooseneck trailer capacity of 37,000 pounds. The Tremor off-road package added features like a lifted suspension and all-terrain tires, enhancing the truck's off-road prowess.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline, powered by a 280-horsepower V6 engine with 262 pound-feet of torque, offered a smooth and refined driving experience. Its standard all-wheel-drive system with Intelligent Variable Torque Management provided excellent traction, while Intelligent Traction Management offered settings for various terrains. Although the Ridgeline's towing capacity of 5,000 pounds was modest compared to the F-350, its unibody architecture and independent rear suspension made it remarkably agile and enjoyable to drive. The Ridgeline excelled on flat terrain and handled off-road conditions with ease, though it was not designed for rock-crawling.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty was available in Regular Cab, Super Cab, and Super Crew configurations, offering flexibility for different needs. The Super Crew provided ample space for rear-seat passengers, with fold-up seats for additional cargo space. The truck offered a choice between a 6-foot-9-inch bed and an 8-foot bed, with the latter available in a dual-rear-wheel configuration. The bed featured a convenient step for easier loading.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline prioritized comfort and functionality, with a spacious interior and supportive seats. The rear seat was the roomiest in its class, and higher trims offered features like leather seats and a power sunroof. The Ridgeline's cargo bed was designed for utility, with a dent-resistant composite material, tie-down hooks, and a power outlet. The dual-action tailgate and in-bed trunk added versatility, making it easy to load and unload cargo.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty featured the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The system was intuitive, though it occasionally experienced glitches. The F-350 also offered advanced towing features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which simplified trailer maneuvering.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like navigation and a premium sound system. While the Ridgeline's technology offerings were not as extensive as some competitors, they provided essential connectivity and entertainment options.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty included standard safety features like airbags and traction control, with additional options like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring available on higher trims. The Platinum trim added adaptive cruise control and upgraded headlights.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline featured the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. While these features were generally helpful, they were not infallible. The Ridgeline also included a multi-angle reversing camera and blind-spot warning on most trims. Honda's commitment to crashworthiness was evident in the Ridgeline's design, which earned high safety ratings in previous models.