2020 Honda Ridgeline vs 2021 Ford F-150

2020 Honda Ridgeline
2020 Honda Ridgeline
$33,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford F-150
2021 Ford F-150
$29,290MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Ridgeline
$33,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford F-150
$29,290MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Honda Ridgeline is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Ford F-150 scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Ford F-150 is the recommended choice, offering a better blend of performance, utility, and innovation.

Overview

MSRP

$33,900

MSRP

$29,290

Average price

$28,873

Average price

$38,936

Listings

265

Listings

9554
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Comfortable
  • Plenty of cargo space
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Unintuitive technology
Pros
  • Multiple body styles
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Advanced safety features are not standard

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.

2021 Ford F-150 Reviews Summary

The Ford F-Series pickup truck has been the bestselling vehicle in the United States for decades, so a lot is at stake with any redesign. The 2021 Ford F-150 plays it safe, with changes that are smaller in scope than the truck’s previous redesign (for the 2015 model year), but nonetheless significant.

This latest redesign brought an updated version of the previous-generation truck’s bold styling, a revamped interior with more convenience features, and the new Sync 4 infotainment system, as well as an available PowerBoost hybrid powertrain. This is the first time Ford has offered an F-150 hybrid, and the PowerBoost is currently the only full-hybrid powertrain available in a full-size pickup truck.

The F-150’s traditional rivals are the Chevrolet Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500 twins and Ram 1500, along with the slower-selling Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra.

Ford offers a staggering array of options, including six trim levels (XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited), three cab configurations, three bed sizes, six powertrains, and the choice of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). Our test vehicle was an F-150 King Ranch with the SuperCrew cab, 4WD, and the PowerBoost hybrid powertrain.

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 280 hp V6

Engine

3.3L 290 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

3

Horsepower

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

MPG City

19

MPG City

20

MPG Highway

26

MPG Highway

24
2020 Honda Ridgeline
2020 Honda Ridgeline
$33,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford F-150
2021 Ford F-150
$29,290MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Ridgeline
$33,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford F-150
$29,290MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Honda Ridgeline is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Ford F-150 scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Ford F-150 is the recommended choice, offering a better blend of performance, utility, and innovation.

Overview
MSRP
$33,900
$29,290
Average price
$28,873
$38,936
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.6
4.6
Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Read full review

7.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Comfortable
  • Plenty of cargo space
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Unintuitive technology
Pros
  • Multiple body styles
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
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.

The Ford F-Series pickup truck has been the bestselling vehicle in the United States for decades, so a lot is at stake with any redesign. The 2021 Ford F-150 plays it safe, with changes that are smaller in scope than the truck’s previous redesign (for the 2015 model year), but nonetheless significant.

This latest redesign brought an updated version of the previous-generation truck’s bold styling, a revamped interior with more convenience features, and the new Sync 4 infotainment system, as well as an available PowerBoost hybrid powertrain. This is the first time Ford has offered an F-150 hybrid, and the PowerBoost is currently the only full-hybrid powertrain available in a full-size pickup truck.

The F-150’s traditional rivals are the Chevrolet Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500 twins and Ram 1500, along with the slower-selling Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra.

Ford offers a staggering array of options, including six trim levels (XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited), three cab configurations, three bed sizes, six powertrains, and the choice of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). Our test vehicle was an F-150 King Ranch with the SuperCrew cab, 4WD, and the PowerBoost hybrid powertrain.

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.5L 280 hp V6
3.3L 290 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle
Drive Train
FWD
4X2
Seating Capacity
5
3
Horsepower
280 hp @ 6000 rpm
MPG City
19
20
MPG Highway
26
24
Look and feel
2020 Honda Ridgeline
6/10
2021 Ford F-150
6/10
The 2020 Honda Ridgeline stands apart from traditional pickup trucks with its crossover SUV-like platform and emphasis on comfort and driving dynamics over maximum towing and off-road capabilities. It features numerous thoughtful details aimed at enhancing daily driving pleasure, suggesting that for many, it could be the perfect blend of utility and comfort. Conversely, the 2021 Ford F-150, part of the best-selling F-Series, introduced a cautiously evolved design emphasizing improved functionality, fuel efficiency, and the first-ever full-hybrid powertrain in a full-size pickup. Its wide range of options and configurations caters to a broad spectrum of truck users, reinforcing its position as a versatile and innovative choice in its segment.
Performance
2020 Honda Ridgeline
7/10
2021 Ford F-150
8/10
The 2020 Honda Ridgeline scores a 7 out of 10 in performance. Its 3.5-liter V6 and nine-speed automatic transmission provide a smooth driving experience, complemented by an advanced AWD system that enhances off-road capability without compromising ride quality. The Ridgeline's fuel economy is competitive for its class, and its towing and payload capacities, though not class-leading, are adequate for most daily needs. The 2021 Ford F-150 earns an 8 out of 10, with a range of powertrains that includes the innovative PowerBoost hybrid, offering unmatched power and efficiency in the full-size truck category. Its towing and payload capacities are among the best, though the hybrid model's performance in real-world fuel economy tests was less impressive than anticipated.
Form and function
2020 Honda Ridgeline
10/10
2021 Ford F-150
8/10
In the realm of practicality and utility, the 2020 Honda Ridgeline excels with a perfect score of 10 out of 10. It cleverly merges the comfort and user-friendly features of the Honda Pilot with the versatility of a pickup, offering an open 33.9 cubic-foot cargo bed. This unique combination provides ample space for both passengers and cargo, distinguishing it from typical midsize trucks. The Ridgeline's innovative in-bed trunk, which adds an additional 7.3 cubic feet of secure, weather-tight storage under the bed floor, further enhances its utility. This feature, along with its dual-action tailgate and the available truck-bed audio system, positions the Ridgeline as a highly functional vehicle for both daily use and leisure activities. The 2021 Ford F-150, scoring an 8 out of 10, is designed with an eye towards accommodating the needs of professionals who may use their truck as a mobile office or rest area. The interior includes smart solutions such as a fold-flat shifter and Max Recline Seats in higher trims, enabling the cabin to be transformed into a comfortable workspace or sleeping area. Ford's full-size truck offers a range of bed sizes that exceed the Ridgeline's cargo capabilities, especially given the F-150's larger overall size. The F-150's versatility is further underscored by its available in-bed power outlets, which support the use of tools and equipment on the go, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of tasks from construction to recreation.
Technology
2020 Honda Ridgeline
6/10
2021 Ford F-150
9/10
The 2020 Honda Ridgeline's technology offering is rated 6 out of 10, with the standard Display Audio system's usability hampered by a lack of physical controls and slow voice-recognition. The system includes modern necessities like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but it leaves room for improvement in user experience. The 2021 F-150 advances with a 9 out of 10 score, courtesy of its Sync 4 system, which provides a more intuitive interface and robust feature set, including over-the-air updates and wireless smartphone integration. The available 12-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster set a high standard for connectivity and information display in the segment.
Safety
2020 Honda Ridgeline
8/10
2021 Ford F-150
7/10
The Ridgeline is awarded an 8 out of 10 for safety, featuring standard Honda Sensing technologies and earning high crash-test ratings. However, some ADAS functionalities, like the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, could benefit from refinement. The F-150's safety features earn a 7 out of 10, with Ford Co-Pilot360 offering a comprehensive suite of ADAS. The upcoming Active Drive Assist is anticipated to enhance its capabilities further, although full crash-test ratings were not available at the time of comparison.
Cost Effectiveness
2020 Honda Ridgeline
7/10
2021 Ford F-150
7/10
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