2022 RAM 1500 vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline

For the 2021 Honda Ridgeline, it was clear that Honda understood the need for a truck to look the part of a truck, with a long and flat hood, aggressive front end, and pivotal accessories. The redesigned 2021 Ridgeline was revamped from the windshield forward and the rear bumper, flaunting exposed dual exhaust outlets. It sported tires with more aggressive shoulder tread and new wheel designs in black, dark gray, and bronze, enhancing its bold and rugged appeal. The standout bronze wheels were part of the new Honda Performance Division (HPD) Package, which also included oversized fender trim and an exclusive grille design. The HPD Package was available on all trim levels including Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition, with prices ranging from $36,490 to $43,920.

The Ridgeline housed a 280-horsepower V6 engine, standard torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Even at its basic level, the Ridgeline wasn't stripped down, featuring 18-inch aluminum wheels, triple-zone automatic climate control, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Our test model, priced at $41,039, came with the Sport trim, extra-cost Radiant Red Metallic II paint, all-weather rubber floor mats, and the HPD Package.

On the other hand, the 2022 RAM 1500 offered a range of configurations, from the Quad Cab with a 6-foot, 4-inch cargo box to the Crew Cab with a shorter optional box. It spanned seven trim levels, from the basic Tradesman to the high-performance TRX, with multiple appearance packages for further customization.

For 2022, all RAM 1500 models incorporated a Clean Air System that filtered 95 percent of particulates from the interior air. Higher trims began including the next-gen Uconnect 5 infotainment system with either an 8.4-inch or 12-inch touchscreen. New special editions with exclusive details further diversified the lineup.

The Limited trim of our test RAM 1500, priced at $77,260, boasted a turbodiesel engine, four-wheel drive, an electronic locking rear axle, and a plethora of packages including the Limited Level 1 Group, Technology Group, and Trailer Tow Group. The Limited 10th Anniversary Edition added a luxurious touch with quilted and stitched leather, a suede headliner, and a 19-speaker premium sound system. Despite features aimed at luxury, the RAM maintained its roots with subtle “big rig” styling, striking a balance between bold and sophisticated.

Honda's 2021 Ridgeline featured a sole but powerful 280-horsepower gasoline V6 engine. This engine churned out 262 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Honda's Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) system, now standard with all-wheel drive, could channel up to 70% of power to a single rear wheel. Intelligent Traction Management (ITM) offered Snow, Sand, and Mud settings, highlighting its utility for diverse terrains, though its modest 7.64 inches of ground clearance and shallow approach angles limited heavy-duty off-road adventures. Its maximum towing capacity stood at 5,000 pounds, with a payload capacity of 1,583 pounds, competitive for its class.

Conversely, the 2022 RAM 1500 offered a broader range of engines, from the standard 3.6-liter V6 with mild-hybrid eTorque to a robust 5.7-liter V8 and the TRX’s exclusive supercharged 6.2-liter V8. Our test model sported the EcoDiesel V6, which commanded a higher price but delivered 260 horsepower and a whopping 480 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This configuration allowed for a towing capacity up to 12,560 pounds, while our Crew Cab Limited 4WD managed up to 9,600 pounds of towing and 1,780 pounds of payload. Additionally, the RAM’s fuel economy was noteworthy at 24.8 mpg during testing, aided by a tonneau cover.

Comfort and functionality were key highlights for the 2021 Honda Ridgeline. With Sport trim, it featured manually-adjustable front seats with height adjustment for the driver, and a rear seat that was the most spacious in its class. Standard triple-zone automatic climate control added to the comfort level. Higher trims offered leather seats, heated front seats, a 10-way power driver seat, and a power sunroof. The Ridgeline also excelled in utility with ample interior storage, a dent- and scratch-resistant composite cargo bed holding 33.9 cubic feet, tie-down hooks rated at 350 pounds each, and an innovative dual-action tailgate. The built-in trunk under the bed, with a 7.3 cubic-foot capacity, was a standout feature.

The 2022 RAM 1500 Limited came fully loaded with practical and luxurious features, such as heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, ample space, and reclining rear seats. The RAM boasted versatile storage solutions including a practical center console, concealed Ram Bins under the rear floor, and flip-up rear-seat cushions. Its multi-function tailgate could support 2,000 pounds and swing open for easier access. While the test vehicle lacked RamBox storage bins, the available cargo solutions were impressive.

Honda Ridgeline’s 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, supplemented by a base seven-speaker sound system. Higher trims offered upgrades such as SiriusXM, HD Radio, navigation, voice recognition, and a premium sound system. Our Sport trim test vehicle didn’t include these enhancements, but Apple CarPlay ensured functional navigation and music streaming.

The 2022 RAM 1500 saw a significant technological upgrade with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. Available as an 8.4-inch or a 12-inch display, this system featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa Built-in, satellite radio, and WiFi access. The test truck’s 12-inch vertical screen included dual-zone automatic climate controls, wireless charging, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Additional options included a head-up display, digital rearview camera mirror, and surround-view camera system.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline included the Honda Sensing package as standard, featuring adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-centering assistance. However, some features like adaptive cruise control had limitations during our tests. Additionally, a multi-angle reversing camera was standard, while higher trims included blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert and automatic high-beam headlights. The redesigned front-end meant new safety ratings were pending from NHTSA and IIHS.

For the 2022 RAM 1500, driver-assist features varied by trim. Lower trims offered lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims included the Advanced Safety Group and Rebel Safety Group packages, adding forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. The truck earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS when equipped with all driver aids.