2021 RAM 1500 vs 2020 Honda Ridgeline

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline had a unique design that was met with mixed reactions. Its front looked somewhat like a minivan while the rear resembled a conventional pickup truck. This design led to an image problem for Honda, as trucks are expected to look rugged and tough, and the Ridgeline's softer appearance didn't fully align with this expectation. Nonetheless, the 2020 model featured several updates, including a new nine-speed automatic transmission, standard Honda Sensing ADAS technology, and an upgraded infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Other additions included ambient interior lighting, a remote locking tailgate, and optional LED headlights. This iteration simplified its lineup to Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition trims, with a starting price rising to $33,900 due to the additional equipment. The tested model, an RTL-E trim, was priced at $43,140.

Inside, the Ridgeline's cabin offered a high-quality feel with perforated leather upholstery, gloss-black trim, metallic accents, and soft-touch surfaces. However, its dashboard was almost identical to that of the Honda Pilot SUV, which contributed to its "minivan" impression.

On the other hand, the 2021 RAM 1500 remained largely unchanged from its 2019 redesign but introduced a head-turning TRX model. The TRX featured an aggressive, purpose-built design inspired by off-road rally races, complete with a functional hood scoop, massive grille, and fender vents. Its crew cab-only configuration came with a 145.1-inch wheelbase and dimensions that almost classified it as a commercial vehicle, given its 80.9-inch height and 88-inch width. Key to its design were the heavy-duty skid plates, a new Ignition Orange paint option, and the large 325/65R18 all-terrain tires.

Inside, the TRX set a high bar for comfort and technology, borrowing cues from the Ram Rebel but enhancing them with durable and luxurious materials. Black premium cloth and vinyl were the standard finishes, with optional leather and suede available. The 12-inch Uconnect infotainment display was a highlight, and the SRT-signature flat-bottom steering wheel added a sporty touch. The TRX also featured a unique vehicle-specific ID marker with Easter Eggs like charts comparing the truck to dinosaurs.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline was powered by a smooth 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 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 that had seen continuous improvements for better shift quality. The Ridgeline’s electronic transmission controls were a deviation from traditional truck environments but suited its audience. Paddle shifters were included, though they weren’t expected to be frequently used except when towing.

Front-wheel drive was standard on Sport and RTL trims, with the optional i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system available and standard on RTL-E and Black Edition trims. The i-VTM4 system increased the Ridgeline’s ground clearance to 7.9 inches and could transfer 70% of power to the rear axle, significantly enhancing traction and handling. Driving modes included Eco, Normal, and Sport, along with Snow, Mud, and Sand modes. While the Ridgeline wasn’t designed to compete with off-road champions like the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, it still presented a smooth on-road experience, aided by its independent rear suspension. It offered a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg. All-wheel drive models could tow up to 5,000 pounds and had a maximum payload of 1,580 pounds.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX, with its 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 engine, was a different beast altogether. Developing an astonishing 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, it paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Capable of 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds, the TRX's performance numbers were impressive: an 118 mph top speed, 8,100-pound towing capacity, and 1,310-pound payload capacity. Despite a fast 12.9-second quarter-mile time, its fuel economy was a paltry 12 mpg combined.

Testing the TRX included varied terrains, from Sierra Nevada mountain roads to Wild West Motorsports Park’s dirt tracks. It achieved high comfort levels on-road and was exceptionally capable off-road with eight driving modes, including Baja. The off-road drive modes allowed it to smoothly handle speed bumps, maintain grip, and navigate rough terrains confidently.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline borrowed much from its SUV sibling, the Honda Pilot, offering comfort and utility along with the cargo versatility of a pickup. Its 33.9 cubic-foot cargo bed included a unique 7.3 cubic-foot in-bed trunk, useful for secure storage or as a beverage cooler. It combined a drop-down tailgate with a side-hinged option, and additional features like a 150-watt/400-watt power outlet and truck-bed audio system added to its practicality. Front seats were comfortable with heating in most trims and decent leg support. The rear seats were less generous with legroom but remained comfortable for passengers. In-cab storage was unexpectedly abundant, providing numerous storage options.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX, despite its larger exterior, offered similar interior dimensions to the standard Ram 1500, providing 40.9 inches of front headroom and legroom, and 39.8 inches of headroom and 45.2 inches of legroom in the rear. It excelled in interior storage solutions, featuring a large center bin and numerous compartments. The seats offered a compliant balance neither too plush nor too stiff, with powered-adjustable pedals for added convenience.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline included the Display Audio system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen. This system lacked physical buttons and knobs, relying heavily on voice-recognition technology, which had its limitations. Steering-wheel controls came in handy for volume and tuning, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided better user experience alternatives. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, navigation, and a premium sound system with a unique truck-bed audio feature.

Comparatively, the 2021 RAM 1500 came standard with a 12-inch Uconnect 4C infotainment system. The highly customizable display included navigation, wireless charging, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and multiple USB ports. This system also introduced new Performance Pages and Off-Road Pages for on-the-go performance tracking. Entertainment options ranged from a 10-speaker Alpine system to an available 19-speaker Harmon Kardon audio package. Additionally, the 2021 model introduced a full-color head-up display (HUD) for real-time driving information.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline featured standard Honda Sensing ADAS, encompassing 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 alert. While helpful, some ADAS elements were overactive. The Ridgeline scored top marks in most IIHS crash tests and received NHTSA five-star ratings, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.

For the 2021 RAM 1500 TRX, while IIHS and NHTSA crash-test ratings were not available at launch, it offered over 100 safety and security features. These included a rear backup camera, with 360-degree view available through the Advanced Safety Group package. Other features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, pedestrian detection, a digital rear-view mirror, and a brake-activated center high-mount stop lamp. Passive safety features like an auto-reverse function for windows and enhanced accident response were also included.