2021 Honda Ridgeline vs 2020 RAM 2500

The 2020 RAM 2500 stood out with its elegant design, setting it apart from the chunkier Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and Ford F-250 Super Duty. Each of the six trim levels featured a unique grille, and the truck's imposing size was complemented by sleek LED headlights and optional chrome or body-color bumpers. The Limited trim, in particular, boasted 20-inch chrome wheels and LED taillights, giving it a sophisticated yet robust appearance. Inside, the RAM 2500 impressed with high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship, especially in the upper trims like the Laramie Longhorn and Limited. The interior featured soft-grained, perforated leather, light wood trim, and a stunning beige-and-navy-blue color combo, making it feel more like a luxury vehicle than a heavy-duty truck.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline received a significant redesign, particularly in the front end and rear bumper, giving it a more aggressive and truck-like appearance. The new wheel designs and the Honda Performance Division (HPD) Package, which included bronze wheels, oversized fender trim, and bold stickers, added to its rugged look. The Ridgeline's interior, modeled after the Honda Pilot SUV, emphasized functionality with generous storage and hard plastic surfaces for easy cleanup. The Sport trim featured cloth seats, while higher trims offered leather seats, heated front seats, and ambient cabin lighting, enhancing comfort and convenience.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered two engine options: a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, and a 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six diesel with 370 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque. The V8 engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, provided a smooth and powerful driving experience, with a maximum towing capacity of 17,350 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 4,380 pounds. The diesel engine, on the other hand, excelled in towing, with a maximum capacity of 19,780 pounds and a payload capacity of 3,060 pounds. Despite its size, the RAM 2500 was unexpectedly quick to merge on highways, and its diesel exhaust brake proved highly effective for safe towing.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline came with a single engine option: a 280-horsepower V6 with 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Ridgeline's all-wheel-drive system with Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) and Intelligent Traction Management (ITM) provided excellent handling and traction on various terrains. While its maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds was modest compared to the RAM 2500, its payload rating of 1,583 pounds was competitive. The Ridgeline's unibody architecture and independent rear suspension contributed to its athletic and enjoyable driving experience, making it a standout in the midsize pickup segment.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered three cab options and two bed lengths, with the Single Cab providing the highest payload capacity. The Crew Cab, available with either bed length, offered ample space and comfort, while the Mega Cab provided ultimate luxury with reclining rear seats. The RAM 2500 featured power running boards, a retractable tailgate step, and optional RamBox storage bins for added convenience. The truck's bed was designed for heavy-duty use, with pre-drilled holes for a fifth-wheel hitch and power and brake connections. The diesel models included a countdown timer for glow plugs and an analog gauge for Diesel Emissions Fluid (DEF) levels.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline excelled in comfort and functionality, with manually-adjustable front seats and the roomiest rear seat in its class. Higher trims offered leather seats, heated front seats, and a power sunroof. The Ridgeline's interior featured numerous storage compartments, including a large center console with a rolltop cover, shelves in the door panels, and various bins throughout. The composite cargo bed was dent- and scratch-resistant, with tie-down hooks rated for 350 pounds each. The dual-action tailgate and 7.3 cubic-foot weatherproof trunk added to the Ridgeline's utility, making it a versatile choice for everyday use.

The 2020 RAM 2500 came standard with a 5-inch touchscreen, but the 8.4-inch Uconnect upgrade was highly recommended for its quick, logical, and high-resolution interface. The optional 12-inch display was a standout feature, offering a large, customizable screen for maps, settings, and 360-degree camera views. The system's ease of use and functionality made it a top choice for tech-savvy drivers.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, navigation, and a premium sound system. While the Sport trim lacked these upgrades, the inclusion of Apple CarPlay ensured easy access to music and navigation. The Ridgeline's infotainment system was straightforward and user-friendly, though it lacked some of the advanced features found in the RAM 2500.

The 2020 RAM 2500 was not rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2020 RAM 1500, which shared many safety features, earned a Top Safety Pick+ and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Optional driver assists included blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward emergency braking, which worked even with a trailer attached.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-centering assistance. The Ridgeline also featured a multi-angle reversing camera, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. Built to Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) standards, the Ridgeline was designed for maximum crash energy absorption and deflection, earning high safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.