2021 RAM 1500 vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline

The 2021 RAM 1500 continued to shine with a robust and commanding design, unchanged since its 2019 redesign. It featured a mix-and-match configuration of quad or crew cabs and varying bed lengths. The standout for 2021 was the all-new TRX model. Inspired by off-road rally races, the TRX was a formidable sight with its massive grille, hood scoop, and fender vents, boasting practical and rugged aesthetics. Especially with dimensions stretching up to 232.9 inches in length, a 145.1-inch wheelbase, an 80.9-inch height, and an 88-inch width, the TRX truly commanded the road. The vehicle sported 11.8 inches of ground clearance and could ford through up to 32 inches of water. These features, combined with enhanced tires and unique badging, gave the TRX an unmistakable presence.

The interior of the TRX continued to impress with premium materials and innovative design. It showcased a combination of black cloth and vinyl or optional leather and suede with contrasting stitching. The flat-bottom performance steering wheel added a touch of sportiness, while the colossal 12-inch Uconnect infotainment display brought modern tech sophistication into the mix. Enhancements like the vehicle-specific ID marker and quirky Easter eggs embedded within the design underscored the 1500 TRX's unique identity.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline, redesigned forward of the windshield and front doors, emphasized a more rugged truck-like appearance. Honda focused on giving the Ridgeline a standout aggressive front end, new wheel designs in varied finishes, and a distinct Honda Performance Division (HPD) package option, adding oversized fender trims and bold stickers. The rear bumper design incorporated exposed dual exhaust outlets, contributing to a sportier aesthetic. The available trims, ranging from Sport to Black Edition, allowed for customization and price points from $36,490 to $43,920. The new wheel treads and paint makeovers further accentuated its appeal.

Inside, the Ridgeline borrowed from the Honda Pilot SUV, ensuring a functional layout filled with practical storage solutions. The focus on easy-clean hard plastic surfaces and generous cabin space contributed to a highly usable and comfortable environment, despite the basic cloth seats in the Sport trim. The overall redesign enabled the Ridgeline to align more closely with traditional truck aesthetics, making it a more attractive option for truck enthusiasts.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX was designed to excel in extreme conditions. Featuring a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 engine with 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, it boasted performance figures that bested most in its class. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the TRX accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and had a top speed of 118 mph. The TRX’s payload stood at 1,310 pounds, with a towing capacity of 8,100 pounds. Its off-road capabilities were undeniable, with specialized drive modes including a Baja mode and impressive handling on rugged terrains, from sandy washes to steep hills, showcased during extensive testing sessions.

Conversely, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline's 3.5-liter V6 engine provided 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It was coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Honda's standard Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) system, promising a refined and smooth driving experience. The Ridgeline excelled in normal and sport modes, providing brisk acceleration and agile handling uncommon in midsize pickups. Although its towing capacity was lower at 5,000 pounds, its payload capacity of 1,583 pounds was competitive. Honda’s commitment to a unibody design and independent rear suspension delivered a uniquely car-like ride quality, making it enjoyable on and off the pavement, albeit less proficient at serious off-roading compared to the RAM 1500 TRX.

The interior of the 2021 RAM 1500, specifically the TRX variant, focused on luxury and practicality. With identical interior dimensions to non-TRX models, it offered substantial front and rear space: 40.9 inches of headroom and 45.2 inches of legroom in the back. The practical interior featured various storage compartments, powered-adjustable pedals, and a highly functional steering wheel to minimize driver fatigue. During long journeys, these ergonomic details flattered the TRX, making it a driver-friendly option. The payload capacity of 1,310 pounds and towing capability of 8,100 pounds ensured its functionality matched its performance.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline excelled in everyday comfort and utility. The Sport trim's manually-adjustable front seats provided ample support, accompanied by the most spacious rear seat in its class. The triple-zone automatic climate control further boosted cabin comfort. Higher trims added leather upholstery, power adjustments, and heating options. The Ridgeline's stand-out feature, however, was its bed. Constructed from composite materials, it offered 33.9 cubic feet of cargo volume with minimal wheel well intrusion, and features like a power-locking dual-action tailgate and a weatherproof trunk with 7.3 cubic feet of space set it apart. The Ridgeline's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, and its higher payload at 1,583 pounds, showcased its practical edge.

The 2021 RAM 1500 was packed with cutting-edge technology, headlined by the 12-inch Uconnect 4C touchscreen infotainment system. This system offered a customizable display, navigation, wireless charging, and seamless smartphone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Despite its fingerprint-prone screen and non-driver-focused positioning, the interface provided numerous controls and personalization options. Performance Pages, Off-Road Pages, and integrations with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay enhanced user interaction, while audio systems ranged from a 10-speaker Alpine setup to a premium 19-speaker Harmon Kardon system.

Technology the 2021 Honda Ridgeline was straightforward and efficient. A standard 8-inch touchscreen included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with additional features such as SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and a premium sound system available in higher trims. While our Sport-trim test truck lacked these extras, the inclusion of Apple CarPlay ensured seamless connectivity. The Ridgeline maintained a refreshingly analog feel, catering to those who preferred less tech-heavy interactions.

Built for durability on and off the road, the 2021 RAM 1500 TRX included over 100 safety features. Standard components included a rear backup camera with dynamic guidelines, but the Advanced Safety Group package was required for a full 360-degree view. Additional safety tech encompassed adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, pedestrian detection with emergency braking, adaptive headlights, and blind-spot monitoring. Unique features like a digital rear-view mirror and automated accident response system highlighted RAM’s dedication to safety.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline boasted the comprehensive Honda Sensing package, featuring adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping and centering assistance. This combination offered a layer of safety during our drive, although it showed occasional over-caution on winding roads. For added convenience, higher trims included blind-spot warning and automatic high beams. The Ridgeline was built using Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering framework, ensuring high crash-worthiness standards. Despite its redesign requiring new safety testing, previous models earned high ratings for their safety performance.