2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2022 Honda Ridgeline

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 was a truck that stood out for its styling and the upscale Denali trim level, which was often compared to owning a Mercedes in the truck world. Even without opting for the Denali, other variants could be customized to reach similar high-end pricing. The Sierra AT4, priced at $66,695, was the off-road-ready version, featuring a 2-inch suspension lift, off-road suspension, and unique design elements like red front recovery hooks. The AT4 CarbonPro Edition added a carbon fiber composite cargo bed and a MultiPro Audio System. Despite its rugged capabilities, the Sierra's interior was dominated by black plastic, with some caramel seat trim and metallic accents, reflecting a more industrial design.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline was built on a unibody platform, offering increased rigidity and a more car-like feel. Its styling was conservative, with a snub nose and classic pickup rear view. The Ridgeline's front-end styling was updated in 2021 to appear more truck-like. Available with Honda Performance Development packages, the Ridgeline could be visually enhanced with fender flares and alloy wheels. The Black Edition test vehicle featured a dark exterior and a well-equipped interior with leather upholstery, heated seats, and a moonroof. However, the piano black trim was prone to smudges and scratches, detracting from the overall interior appeal.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, producing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth gear changes and impressive torque delivery. The Sierra's automatic 4WD system was user-friendly, and during testing, it maintained traction in various weather conditions, averaging 21.1 mpg. The AT4's suspension handled rough terrain with ease, and the truck's towing capacity reached up to 9,300 pounds, with a payload rating of 2,150 pounds.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline, on the other hand, came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Ridgeline's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, with payload capacities varying by trim. While the V6 engine provided adequate power, the transmission was slow to respond, and the start-stop system was sluggish. However, the Ridgeline excelled in ride quality and handling, thanks to its unibody platform and independent suspension. Its off-road capabilities were limited compared to traditional pickups, with a maximum ground clearance of 7.64 inches.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered comfortable seating with power adjustments and heated and cooled cushions. The rear seats were spacious, with heated options and rear air conditioning vents. The Sierra's CarbonPro Edition package added a carbon fiber composite cargo bed, increasing payload capacity. The bed held between 62.9 and 89.1 cubic feet of cargo, with multiple tie-downs for added utility. However, interior storage was less impressive compared to other full-size pickups.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline featured a four-door crew cab and a 64-inch bed, providing a balance of passenger and cargo space. The bed included a 7.3-cubic-foot lockable in-bed trunk, a spare tire slot, and an in-bed audio system. The Dual-Action Tailgate and wide bed allowed for versatile cargo handling. Inside, the Ridgeline offered under-seat storage, USB ports, and a well-organized center console. While headroom and legroom were not exceptional on paper, the Ridgeline felt more spacious due to its wider stance and lower cowl height.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 was equipped with various camera-based technologies, including a surround-view camera and a rear camera mirror, enhancing maneuverability. The optional Technology Package added a 15-inch head-up display and an 8-inch driver information display. The infotainment system featured a choice between a 7-inch and an 8-inch touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a navigation system. The Bose premium sound system was adequate but not exceptional.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity and Bluetooth. SiriusXM was available on higher trims, and navigation was offered on the RTL-E and Black Edition models. While the interface was not cutting-edge, it was user-friendly, with analog controls for essential functions. The Ridgeline's infotainment system was basic but functional, similar to its competitors.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered optional safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The Denali trim included blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims. The Sierra's crash-test ratings were mixed, with a four-star overall rating from NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings from IIHS for certain tests. The 2022 model was expected to improve with the addition of GM's Super Cruise technology.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, with a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The Ridgeline came standard with Honda Sensing driver aids, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Blind spot monitoring was standard on higher trims, but a 360-degree camera system was not available.