2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a towering presence, with its hood nearly reaching the height of an average American woman. Despite its imposing stature, the Silverado 2500HD was more than just a tall truck; it was a highly capable vehicle, surpassing its Silverado 1500 sibling in performance. Redesigned in 2020, the 2021 model introduced new special editions, advanced camera technology, and wireless connectivity options. Chevrolet offered a wide array of body styles, trim levels, and bed lengths, emphasizing variety as its specialty. The Silverado 2500HD was available in several special editions, and its high-strength steel beds came in standard and long-bed versions, though not all cab styles matched every bed length. The truck's design, with its integrated BedSteps and CornerSteps, facilitated access to the high bed, albeit with some difficulty for shorter individuals. The exterior, while not as sophisticated as some competitors, had a rugged appeal, sharing many components with its GMC Sierra HD sibling.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline featured a unibody platform, akin to crossovers like the Honda Pilot, offering increased rigidity compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks. Its styling was conservative, with a distinctive snub nose and classic pickup rear design. The Ridgeline's front-end styling was updated in 2021, giving it a more truck-like appearance. The 2022 model continued to offer Honda Performance Development packages for added visual flair. Inside, the Ridgeline's no-nonsense design was complemented by high-quality fit and finish, with features like leather upholstery and heated seats in the Black Edition. However, the piano black trim was prone to smudging. The Ridgeline's interior was well-equipped, with a focus on practicality and comfort, though it lacked the standout luxury of some competitors.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered a choice between a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine and a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel. The gas engine delivered 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Duramax engine, available for an additional cost, produced 445 horsepower and an impressive 910 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive as an option. The Silverado 2500HD's maximum payload varied depending on the engine and drivetrain, with the diesel engine offering a maximum towing capacity of 18,500 pounds. 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 the Silverado 2500HD, as it was classified as a work vehicle.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline, on the other hand, came with a single powertrain option: a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The V6 engine produced 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The Ridgeline's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, with payload capacities varying by trim level. While its towing and payload figures were modest compared to other midsize pickups, the Ridgeline excelled in ride quality and handling, thanks to its unibody construction and fully independent suspension. The nine-speed automatic transmission, however, was slow to respond, and the engine start-stop system detracted from the driving experience. The Ridgeline's design limited its off-road capabilities, with less ground clearance and traction management compared to traditional 4WD systems.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample headroom and seating for three adults across the cab. The Crew Cab version provided generous rear seat legroom. Standard features included a 40/20/40 split-bench seat, with higher trims offering bucket seats and a center console. Upholstery options ranged from vinyl to cloth, with power-adjustable front seats available on higher trims. The Silverado's interior could be upgraded with carpeted floor mats and softer-touch surfaces, though it fell short of the luxury offered by some competitors.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was available only with a four-door crew cab and a 64-inch bed, offering a balance of passenger and cargo space. The bed featured a lockable in-bed trunk with a drain plug, a slot for the spare tire, and an in-bed audio system. The Dual-Action Tailgate and wide bed allowed for versatile cargo carrying. Inside, the Ridgeline offered additional storage under the rear seats and a well-organized front cabin with a pushbutton shifter, cupholders, and a wireless phone charger. While the Ridgeline's headroom and legroom were comparable to other midsize pickups, its wider stance and lower cowl height provided a more spacious feel.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system was generally user-friendly, though it had limitations when browsing radio stations. Additional features included a 12-volt power outlet, Bluetooth, and a 3.5-inch driver information display. Available upgrades included a WiFi hotspot, Bose audio system, and wireless smartphone connectivity. Chevrolet excelled in camera technology, with a bed-view camera available on lower trims.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. While the interface was not cutting-edge, it was easy to navigate, with analog controls for essential functions. SiriusXM satellite radio and navigation were available on higher trims. The Ridgeline's infotainment system was functional, though it lacked unique features and advanced technology compared to some competitors.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was not crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS due to its heavy-duty classification. Standard safety features included six airbags, a rearview camera, and an electronic stability control system. Optional safety packages added features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top scores in most IIHS crash tests, with a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included the Honda Sensing suite, with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind spot monitoring was available on higher trims, though a 360-degree camera system was absent.