2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD had a polarizing exterior design, with a front end and grille that resembled a vintage furnace or a freight train. It was anything but a handsome new vehicle, yet it exuded a strong sense of machismo. Inside, the cabin was more conventional, focusing on quantity over quality. Despite not having the best fit and finish, the spacious interior could be forgiven. The Silverado 3500HD offered various trim levels, from the basic W/T to the luxurious High Country, each adding more features and comfort.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline was built on a unibody platform, similar to crossovers like the Honda Pilot and Passport, providing increased rigidity. Its styling was conservative, with a snub nose hinting at its front-wheel-drive origins. The rear three-quarter view was classic pickup, featuring vertical taillights and dual exhausts. The 2022 model had a blockier, more upright grille, making it look more like other trucks. The interior was basic but well-finished, with high-quality materials and practical features like leather upholstery, heated seats, and a moonroof in the Black Edition.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD offered two engine options. The standard 6.6-liter V8 gas engine produced 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The optional Duramax turbodiesel 6.6-liter V8 delivered 445 horsepower and an impressive 910 pound-feet of torque, mated to an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. Both powertrains could be configured with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The diesel engine, in particular, provided excellent performance, making the 3500HD feel lively. The Silverado 3500HD could tow up to 36,000 pounds and had a payload capacity of 7,442 pounds, making it a powerhouse in its class.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline, on the other hand, came with a single powertrain option: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Ridgeline's maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, with payload capacities ranging from 1,509 to 1,583 pounds, depending on the trim level. While these figures were lower than some competitors, the Ridgeline's naturally aspirated V6 provided a smooth driving experience. The unibody construction and fully independent suspension offered a comfortable ride and precise handling, though its off-road capabilities were limited compared to traditional pickups.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD was available in various configurations, including regular cab/long-bed, double cab/long-bed, crew cab/standard bed, and crew cab/long-bed. The crew cabs provided two rows of spacious seating with ample headroom and legroom. The Silverado featured integrated bed steps in the rear bumper and additional step-ups along the side of the bed, making it easier to access the cargo area.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was only available with a four-door crew cab and a 64-inch bed. The bed included a 7.3-cubic-foot lockable in-bed trunk with a drain plug, a slot for the spare tire, and an in-bed audio system. The Dual-Action Tailgate could open down or to the side, and the bed was wide enough to carry 4-foot-wide sheets of plywood. Inside, the Ridgeline offered additional storage under the rear seats, rear USB ports on higher trims, and a pushbutton shifter that freed up space for cupholders and a large center console.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with upgraded trims featuring an 8-inch screen and navigation on the High Country trim. The system was user-friendly, with hard buttons and dials for easy operation. The Silverado also offered numerous trailering features, including backup camera guidelines and additional camera angles, as well as a trailering app with a pre-trailering checklist.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. SiriusXM satellite radio was available on all but the base Sport trim, and navigation was included on the RTL-E and Black Edition models. While the interface was not cutting-edge, it was easy to navigate, with analog controls for vital functions. The Ridgeline's infotainment system was functional, though not particularly advanced.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD came standard with a backup camera and a full array of airbags. However, advanced safety features like forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking were optional. Additional options included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system, which were particularly useful given the truck's size.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top scores in most IIHS crash tests, with a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention tech. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The Ridgeline came standard with the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like automatic high beams and blind-spot monitoring. However, a 360-degree camera system was notably absent.