2020 Honda Ridgeline vs 2020 RAM 2500

The 2020 RAM 2500 stood out with its elegant design, offering a more upscale appearance compared to its competitors like the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and Ford F-250 Super Duty. Each of the six trim levels featured a unique grille, and the truck's massive size was complemented by sleek LED headlights and optional chrome or body-color bumpers. The Limited trim, in particular, showcased 20-inch chrome wheels and LED taillights, enhancing its sophisticated look. Inside, the RAM 2500 impressed with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, especially in the upper trims like the Laramie Longhorn and Limited. The interior was adorned with soft-grained leather, intricate stitching, and light wood trim, creating a luxurious atmosphere akin to a Mercedes. The optional 12-inch vertical touchscreen and large switches added to the truck's premium feel, making it a standout in the heavy-duty pickup segment.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline, on the other hand, faced criticism for its design, which some perceived as resembling a minivan in the front and a pickup truck in the back. Despite this, the Ridgeline offered several updates for the model year, including a new nine-speed automatic transmission and standard Honda Sensing advanced driving assistance systems. The infotainment system was upgraded to an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ridgeline's interior, especially in the RTL-E trim, featured perforated leather upholstery, gloss-black trim, and metallic accents, providing a sense of quality. However, the dashboard closely resembled that of the Honda Pilot, which some might find less appealing for a pickup truck.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered a choice between two powerful engine options. The 6.4-liter Hemi V8 delivered 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, paired with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. This configuration allowed for impressive payloads of up to 4,380 pounds and a towing capacity of up to 17,350 pounds. The diesel variant, featuring a 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six engine, produced 370 horsepower and a remarkable 850 pound-feet of torque. This setup enabled the RAM 2500 to tow up to 19,780 pounds and haul up to 3,060 pounds of payload. Despite its size, the RAM 2500 offered decent acceleration and a comfortable ride, with features like a diesel exhaust brake enhancing its towing capabilities. Fuel economy was not rated by the EPA, but the truck averaged close to 19 mpg during testing.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Ridgeline offered smooth performance, although the transmission's behavior required some adjustment. The Ridgeline's all-wheel-drive system, available on higher trims, provided increased ground clearance and enhanced off-road capability. The Intelligent Variable Torque Management system allowed for power distribution to the rear axle, improving traction and handling. The Ridgeline's independent rear suspension and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive contributed to a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience on pavement. The EPA rated the Ridgeline's fuel economy at 21 mpg combined, with real-world testing yielding an average of 20.9 mpg. The Ridgeline's towing capacity reached 5,000 pounds with all-wheel drive, while the maximum payload was 1,580 pounds.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered versatility with three cab options and two bed lengths. The single cab provided the highest payload capacity and seating for up to three passengers. The Crew Cab, available with either bed length, offered ample space for passengers and cargo. The Mega Cab option provided luxurious rear seating with reclining capabilities. The RAM 2500 featured practical options like power running boards, a retractable tailgate step, and a power tailgate. The truck's interior was spacious, with thoughtful storage solutions and optional features like a spray-in bed liner and LED lighting. Diesel models included helpful features like a countdown timer for glow plugs and an analog gauge for Diesel Emissions Fluid levels.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline combined the comfort of a Honda Pilot with the utility of a pickup truck. The Ridgeline's interior featured comfortable seats with adjustable armrests, and heated front seats were standard on most trims. The rear seat offered limited legroom but was comfortable, with air conditioning vents for passenger comfort. The Ridgeline excelled in in-cab storage, with numerous compartments and a flip-up rear seat cushion for additional space. The composite cargo bed included a locking in-bed trunk with a drain plug, allowing for versatile storage options. The tailgate could drop traditionally or swing to the side, and a power outlet and truck-bed audio system added convenience for outdoor activities.

The 2020 RAM 2500 came standard with a 5-inch touchscreen, but the 8.4-inch Uconnect upgrade was highly recommended for its user-friendly interface and high-resolution display. The optional 12-inch display was a standout feature, offering a large, customizable interface for navigation, settings, and camera views. The system included features like a 360-degree camera and dual rear-view cameras for enhanced visibility. The RAM 2500's infotainment system was praised for its ease of use and functionality, with a large display in the instrument cluster duplicating many features.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen display with Honda's Display Audio system. While the system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it lacked physical knobs and buttons, making it less intuitive to use. The voice-recognition technology required specific prompts and was often slow to respond. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, navigation, and a premium sound system, but the user experience issues persisted.

The 2020 RAM 2500 was not rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the RAM 1500, its smaller sibling, received high safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. The RAM 2500 offered optional driver assistance features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward emergency braking, which worked even with a trailer attached. While these features were not standard, the RAM 1500's strong crash test performance suggested a high level of safety.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. These included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added features like automatic high-beam headlights, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The Ridgeline received high crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with only minor areas for improvement.