2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs 2020 Honda Ridgeline

2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
$35,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2020 Honda Ridgeline
2020 Honda Ridgeline
$33,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
$35,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2020 Honda Ridgeline
$33,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
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CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2020 Honda Ridgeline scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD is the better choice, offering superior performance, functionality, and user-friendly technology.

Overview

MSRP

$35,800

MSRP

$33,900

Average price

$53,788

Average price

$28,849

Listings

515

Listings

263
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Plenty of cargo space
Cons
  • Poor value for money
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Comfortable
  • Plenty of cargo space
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Unintuitive technology

2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD Reviews Summary

Few automakers have developed sub-brands with as much recognition as “Denali.” More than just a trim level, it’s a luxury brand with its own identity, somewhat separate from the rest of the GMC “Professional Grade” lineup. Today, GMC offers a Denali trim on every model, from the midsize Canyon pickup to the full-size Yukon SUV. The Denali treatment extends to the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD, too. Not only is it one of the most expensive trucks on the U.S. market, but it’s also one of the most capable and upscale trucks offered by General Motors.

Trucks are more comfortable than ever and you can thank the Denali for many of those creature comforts becoming commonplace. But the Sierra Denali does not stand alone. Both Ford and Ram offer upscale pickups, and in the past decade or so, they’ve gotten a lot better at it. Ram has done a whole lot of innovating when it comes to trucks as well. Has the Denali has been overtaken by the competition that it helped create?

2020 Honda Ridgeline Reviews Summary

Based on a platform and engineering also used for a minivan and crossover SUVs, the 2020 Honda Ridgeline isn’t your typical pickup truck. True, it does trade maximum towing capacity, payload ratings, and off-road capability for greater comfort and superior driving dynamics, but most of the time, that’s preferable. And because Honda bakes in numerous thoughtful details that make daily driving more pleasing, you might just decide that the Ridgeline offers the right recipe for your needs.
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Popular Features & Specs

Engine

Engine

3.5L 280 hp V6

Drive Train

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

3

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

Horsepower

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

MPG City

MPG City

19

MPG Highway

MPG Highway

26
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
$35,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Ridgeline
2020 Honda Ridgeline
$33,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
$35,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Ridgeline
$33,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2020 Honda Ridgeline scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD is the better choice, offering superior performance, functionality, and user-friendly technology.

Overview
MSRP
$35,800
$33,900
Average price
$53,788
$28,849
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.9
4.6
Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Read full review

7.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Plenty of cargo space
Cons
  • Poor value for money
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Comfortable
  • Plenty of cargo space
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Unintuitive technology
Summary

Few automakers have developed sub-brands with as much recognition as “Denali.” More than just a trim level, it’s a luxury brand with its own identity, somewhat separate from the rest of the GMC “Professional Grade” lineup. Today, GMC offers a Denali trim on every model, from the midsize Canyon pickup to the full-size Yukon SUV. The Denali treatment extends to the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD, too. Not only is it one of the most expensive trucks on the U.S. market, but it’s also one of the most capable and upscale trucks offered by General Motors.

Trucks are more comfortable than ever and you can thank the Denali for many of those creature comforts becoming commonplace. But the Sierra Denali does not stand alone. Both Ford and Ram offer upscale pickups, and in the past decade or so, they’ve gotten a lot better at it. Ram has done a whole lot of innovating when it comes to trucks as well. Has the Denali has been overtaken by the competition that it helped create?

Based on a platform and engineering also used for a minivan and crossover SUVs, the 2020 Honda Ridgeline isn’t your typical pickup truck. True, it does trade maximum towing capacity, payload ratings, and off-road capability for greater comfort and superior driving dynamics, but most of the time, that’s preferable. And because Honda bakes in numerous thoughtful details that make daily driving more pleasing, you might just decide that the Ridgeline offers the right recipe for your needs.
Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.5L 280 hp V6
Drive Train
FWD
Seating Capacity
3
5
Horsepower
280 hp @ 6000 rpm
MPG City
19
MPG Highway
26
Look and feel
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
7/10
2020 Honda Ridgeline
6/10

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was a behemoth, prioritizing function over form with its massive scale. Whether in a base trim or the luxurious Denali, the Sierra 2500HD was always ready for serious work. The enormous grille fed multiple radiators for the hard-working engine and other sub-systems. The Denali stood out with its extensive use of chrome, including a large chrome grille and chrome wheels. Offered in premium exterior colors, the Onyx Black was particularly popular. Despite its flashy touches, the Denali was preferred over most versions of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or 2500 due to its more appealing design.

Trims for the Sierra 2500HD started with the Base, known as the “Sierra,” followed by the SLE, SLT, and the top-tier Denali. The base model came with a V8 engine and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SLE added features like 17-inch aluminum wheels, two-tier trailering mirrors, and a 4.2-inch color driver-information screen. The SLT offered more upscale features, including 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and a power-release tailgate. The Denali boasted a full leather interior, wood-grain inserts, navigation, wireless device charging, and a Bose premium sound system. However, the Denali’s cabin was criticized for its lackluster fit-and-finish compared to competitors like the Ram 2500 Limited.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline had a design that drew mixed reactions. Its front resembled a minivan, while the back looked like a pickup truck. This design choice led to a perception problem, as trucks were expected to look rugged and tough. The Ridgeline’s second-generation design swung too far from the original’s rugged look. For 2020, Honda made several updates, including a new nine-speed automatic transmission, standard Honda Sensing ADAS, and an upgraded infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The lineup was simplified to Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition trims, with the base price rising to $33,900 due to added standard equipment.

The Ridgeline’s interior was high-quality, with perforated leather upholstery, gloss-black trim, and soft-touch surfaces, especially in the RTL-E trim. However, the dashboard was nearly identical to the Honda Pilot, a vehicle known for its suburban appeal. The test truck, an RTL-E trim, came in at $43,140 MSRP, including destination charges. Despite its design quirks, the Ridgeline offered a comfortable and well-appointed interior compared to other midsize trucks.

Performance
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
9/10
2020 Honda Ridgeline
7/10

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered two V8 engine options: a gas and a diesel. The gas V8 produced 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, while the Duramax diesel V8 delivered 445 horsepower and an impressive 910 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine, paired with a 10-speed Allison transmission, provided a lively feel and immense power, making it capable of towing up to 18,510 pounds and hauling a payload of up to 3,979 pounds. The gas engine used a 6-speed automatic transmission. Despite its power, the Sierra 2500HD had a poor turning radius, making it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces. The truck averaged 16.5 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the engine provided smooth and effortless performance. The Ridgeline offered front-wheel drive in Sport and RTL trims, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The RTL-E and Black Edition trims came standard with all-wheel drive, increasing ground clearance to 7.9 inches. The i-VTM4 system could transfer up to 70 percent of the engine’s power to the rear axle, enhancing traction and torque-vectoring. The Ridgeline’s independent rear suspension and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive made it enjoyable to drive on pavement, while its off-road capabilities were sufficient for most users. The Ridgeline achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg combined, with a tested average of 20.9 mpg. The all-wheel-drive version could tow up to 5,000 pounds and haul a payload of up to 1,580 pounds.

Form and function
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
10/10
2020 Honda Ridgeline
10/10

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was available in various bed and cab configurations, including regular, double, and crew cabs with standard or long beds. The Denali trim was offered only with the crew cab and a choice of bed lengths. Both bed sizes featured bed corner steps and steps ahead of the rear wheel well, accommodating larger work boots. The EZ lift-and-lower tailgate and the MultiPro tailgate, with its six configurations, provided easy access to the truck bed. Inside, the 2500HD offered ample room and numerous storage options, including a storage area below the rear seats in SLT-and-up trims.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline provided the comfort and utility of a Honda Pilot with a 33.9 cubic-foot cargo bed. The front seats were comfortable, with adjustable armrests and heated front chairs in all trims except the Sport. The rear seat, while short on legroom, was comfortable and featured air conditioning vents. The Ridgeline excelled in in-cab storage, with numerous compartments and a weather-tight storage area behind the rear seat. The composite cargo bed included a 7.3 cubic-foot in-bed trunk with a drain plug, a dual-action tailgate, a 150-watt/400-watt power outlet, and a truck-bed audio system.

Technology
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
9/10
2020 Honda Ridgeline
6/10

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running GMC Infotainment 3, featuring customizable icons, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SLT and Denali trims upgraded to an 8-inch infotainment screen, with navigation available. The Denali also included an 8-inch color driver-information screen in the instrument panel. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though modest compared to competitors like the Ram 2500 Limited.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline featured Honda’s Display Audio system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen. The system lacked physical knobs and buttons, relying on voice-recognition technology that was often slow to respond. Steering wheel controls for volume and tuning were essential for ease of use. The RTL-E and Black Edition trims added SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, navigation, and an eight-speaker premium sound system with a truck-bed audio system. However, user experience issues persisted.

Safety
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
8/10
2020 Honda Ridgeline
8/10

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD included standard safety features such as front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Driver Alert Package I added front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Alert Package II included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The truck’s size and poor turning radius posed safety challenges, but the camera system and trailering mirrors helped mitigate these issues.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist. The RTL-E and Black Edition trims added automatic high-beam headlights, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The lane-departure warning system wobbled the steering wheel, and the forward-collision warning system was overly sensitive. Despite these issues, the Ridgeline earned top crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the exception of an "acceptable" score for the small overlap frontal impact test for the front passenger and a four-star rollover resistance rating.

Cost Effectiveness
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
6/10
2020 Honda Ridgeline
7/10
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