2020 Honda Ridgeline vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

When the 2020 Honda Ridgeline arrived for evaluation, it was clear that its design was a point of contention. The front resembled a minivan, while the back maintained a pickup truck appearance. This blend of styles led to a perception problem, as trucks are typically expected to look rugged and tough. The second-generation Ridgeline swung too far from the original's quirky design, resulting in a vehicle that didn't quite fit the traditional truck image. Despite this, the 2020 model introduced 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 interior, especially in the RTL-E trim, exuded quality with perforated leather upholstery and soft-touch surfaces, though it closely resembled the Honda Pilot's dashboard.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, on the other hand, was unmistakably a truck. Its towering height was just shy of the average American woman's height, emphasizing its robust presence. Redesigned for 2020, the 2021 model introduced new special editions, enhanced camera technology, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Chevrolet offered the Silverado 2500HD in various body styles, trim levels, and bed lengths, catering to a wide range of preferences. The truck's exterior, while not as sophisticated as some competitors, was functional and ready for heavy-duty tasks. Integrated BedSteps and large CornerSteps provided access to the high bed, though it could be challenging for shorter individuals. The Silverado's design was more worksite-ready than chic, but it shared many parts with its GMC Sierra HD sibling.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 262 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which had seen continuous improvements for better shift quality. The Ridgeline featured electronic transmission controls and paddle shifters, though the latter were rarely used outside of towing scenarios. Front-wheel drive was standard on Sport and RTL trims, while the RTL-E and Black Edition came with Honda's Intelligent Variable Torque Management all-wheel drive (i-VTM4). This system could transfer up to 70% of the engine's power to the rear axle and 100% to a single rear wheel for added traction. The Ridgeline offered Eco, Normal, and Sport drivetrain modes, along with Snow, Mud, and Sand driving modes. It had a ground clearance of 7.9 inches with all-wheel drive and a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg. The all-wheel-drive model could tow up to 5,000 pounds and had a maximum payload of 1,580 pounds.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered two engine options: a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine with 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine with 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available. The gasoline engine had a maximum payload of 3,979 pounds with RWD and 3,965 pounds with 4WD, while the diesel engine had a maximum payload of 3,715 pounds. The Silverado 2500HD could tow up to 18,500 pounds with the diesel engine, regardless of the trailering setup. The diesel engine provided smoother acceleration and better towing performance, thanks to its high torque and refined transmission. Fuel economy figures were not provided for heavy-duty trucks like the Silverado 2500HD, as they are considered work vehicles.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline offered the comfort and utility of a Honda Pilot with a 33.9 cubic-foot cargo bed instead of a third-row seat. The front seats were comfortable, with adjustable armrests and standard heated front chairs in all trims except Sport. The rear seat, while short on legroom, was comfortable and featured air conditioning vents. The Ridgeline excelled in in-cab storage, with ample space and a locking, 7.3 cubic-foot in-bed trunk with a drain plug. The tailgate could drop traditionally or swing to the side, and the bed included a 150-watt/400-watt power outlet and a truck-bed audio system.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD provided a spacious and comfortable interior, especially in the Crew Cab version. The front featured a standard 40/20/40 split-bench seat, with higher trims offering bucket seats and a full center console. Vinyl or cloth upholstery was standard, with options for power-adjustable front seats in higher trims. Assist handles, manual windows, a rubberized floor, and single-zone climate control were standard. Upper trims offered more luxurious features, though competitors like the Ford Super Duty and Ram 2500HD provided more upscale interiors.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline came with an 8.0-inch touchscreen Display Audio system, which lacked physical knobs and buttons. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its voice-recognition technology was slow and required specific prompts. Steering wheel controls for volume and tuning were essential for a better user experience. Higher trims added SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, navigation, and an eight-speaker premium sound system with a truck-bed audio system, though user experience issues persisted.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD featured a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system worked well but had issues when scrolling through stations. Additional standard features included a 12-volt front power outlet, a two-speaker audio system, a 3.5-inch driver information display, Bluetooth, and Chevrolet Connected Access. Available features included a 120-volt power outlet, WiFi hot spot, an 8-inch driver information screen, bed view camera, Bose audio system, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, keyless entry, rear camera mirror, remote start, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Chevrolet excelled in camera technology, adding a bed-view camera to lower trims for 2021.

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. Higher trims added automatic high-beam headlights, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The Ridgeline earned top marks in most IIHS crash tests and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was not crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with six airbags, a rearview camera, Teen Driver software, electronic stability control with traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The Safety Confidence Package, available on Work Truck and Custom models, included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, steering-wheel audio controls, a 4.2-inch driver information screen, and cruise control. Additional safety features included front and rear park assist, lane-departure warning, OnStar, rear-seat reminder, high-beam assist, and following distance indicator.