2021 RAM 1500 vs 2022 Honda Ridgeline

The 2021 RAM 1500 continued to build upon the comprehensive redesign it received in 2019, meaning most of its cosmetic and design elements remained the same. It was available in quad and crew cab configurations, with the possibility of a five-foot, seven-inch bed or a six-foot, four-inch bed. A two-door version was reserved for the longer box setup. Both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) options were available.

The standout for 2021 was the new TRX model, aimed at off-road enthusiasts with its rugged aesthetics and high functionality. The TRX sported a hood scoop, a large grille, and functional fender vents, all originally inspired by the Rebel trim's styling. It had a commanding presence, significantly larger than its standard Ram 1500 counterparts.

Measuring 80.9 inches in height and 88 inches in width, the TRX needed identifier lamps as per U.S. commercial vehicle regulations. It sat on a 145.1-inch wheelbase with an overall length of 232.9 inches. The ride height was significantly beefed up with a ground clearance of 11.8 inches, allowing it to ford through 32 inches of water.

Inside, the TRX prioritized luxury and functionality, echoing the rest of the Ram brand's emphasis on comfort and technology. It featured black premium cloth and vinyl upholstery with contrasting red accents. Leather and suede options were available, as well as carbon fiber and graphite metal finishes. The 12-inch Uconnect infotainment display was a highlight, providing a seamless blend of utility and sophistication. Additionally, the TRX had vehicle-specific ID markers and various Easter Eggs like a scale chart under the storage lid.

Conversely, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline opted for a more car-like feel with its unibody construction, differentiating itself from traditional body-on-frame pickups. While its engineering was innovative, the Ridgeline adopted a conservative styling. The primary distinguishing feature was its snub nose, a result of its FWD-based design. From the rear, it carried a more traditional pickup look with vertically aligned taillights and dual exhausts peeking out from the bumper.

In 2022, the Ridgeline retained the reshaped front-end introduced in 2021, which featured a blockier grille that made the vehicle appear more like a conventional truck. The available Honda Performance Development (HPD) packages added some flair with fender flares, alloy wheels, and decals, though these were merely cosmetic enhancements.

The Ridgeline's interior was straightforward yet functionally robust, with typical Honda fit and finish. Its Black Edition trim level featured leather upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, a power-sliding rear window, and a moonroof. However, the interior’s extensive use of piano black trim was prone to smudging and scratching.

When evaluating performance, the 2021 RAM 1500 TRX stood out as a truly high-octane performer. Propelled by a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain was lifted from Dodge's performance vehicles like the Hellcat. It churned out a jaw-dropping 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. The TRX had a payload capacity of 1,310 pounds and could tow up to 8,100 pounds.

In performance metrics, the TRX was a beast: it accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and achieved a quarter-mile time of 12.9 seconds at 108 mph. Its top speed reached 118 mph, though the trade-off was its thirst for fuel, clocking in at 10 mpg city, 14 highway, and 12 combined mpg.

Ram organized a rigorous test day for the TRX, spanning different terrains. On standard roads, the TRX showcased its comfort and stability, aided by its eight driving modes, including a special Baja mode. Off-road venues, like the Wild West Motorsports Park, compounded its robust character. Whether navigating dirt tracks, rock climbs, or high-speed race circuits, the TRX showed impressive grip, stability, and off-road finesse. Even the front-facing camera came in handy for treacherous mountain courses and off-road driving, while its launch control feature added an exhilarating dimension.

On the flip side, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline sported a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. This combination produced 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and managed a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, with a payload capacity ranging from 1,509 to 1,583 pounds depending on the trim level.

While the HP figures weren’t as eye-catching as those of the TRX, the V6 engine delivered a satisfactory performance, even though the nine-speed transmission was somewhat sluggish to respond. The Ridgeline felt more like a luxury vehicle on the road thanks to its unibody construction, offering a smoother ride and better handling than traditional body-on-frame trucks. The fully independent suspension and torque vectoring AWD contributed to its superior ride comfort and handling precision.

Off-road, the Ridgeline fell short compared to traditional 4WD setups found in other pickups. With a ground clearance of 7.64 inches, it couldn’t compete with hardcore off-roaders but did well for mild off-road duties, thanks in part to its torque vectoring AWD system.

In terms of form and function, the 2021 RAM 1500 TRX was packed with practical and convenient features. Available full-length rock rails served dual functions as running boards and body protection. The TRX came with standard LED headlights and taillights and offered auto high beams as an option.

The interior dimensions of the TRX were generous and identical to the standard Ram 1500. Front headroom measured at 40.9 inches and legroom at 40.9 inches, while the rear seats offered 39.8 inches of headroom and 45.2 inches of legroom. The cabin provided ample storage space, including a large central storage bin.

The Ridgeline, available only in a four-door crew cab configuration with a 64-inch bed, focused on striking a balance between passenger and cargo space. Although it lacked the variety of configurations found in other trucks, its truck bed came with unique features. Honda incorporated a 7.3-cubic-foot lockable in-bed trunk with a drain plug for easy cleaning, a slot for the spare tire accessible from the bed, and an in-bed audio system for those who enjoy tailgating.

Additional features included a Dual-Action Tailgate that could open down or to the side, and Honda claimed the bed could fit 4-foot-wide sheets of plywood between the wheel wells. Inside the cab, the rear seats offered under-seat storage, though rear USB ports were only available on higher trims. Up front, the pushbutton shifter, practical cupholders, and a wireless phone charger added convenience. The controls were sensibly laid out with easily accessible cabin temperature toggle switches.

Payload and towing capacities also set these trucks apart. The RAM 1500 TRX boasted a towing capability of 8,100 pounds and a payload of 1,310 pounds. In contrast, the Ridgeline's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, with varying payload capacities up to 1,583 pounds depending on the trim level. While the RAM 1500 TRX was the bigger hauler, the Ridgeline offered an array of storage solutions that emphasized ease of use and practicality in day-to-day scenarios.

The 2021 RAM 1500 came with an advanced suite of tech features. The centerpiece was a 12-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 4C infotainment system and built-in navigation. The system's customizable interface allowed users to personalize the display, organize controls, and choose between single-panel or split-screen layouts. However, it lacked haptic feedback, and its glossy screen easily picked up fingerprints.

Despite the non-driver-centric placement of the touchscreen, which faced the rear seats, the vehicle was loaded with tech-friendly features. It included Performance Pages that displayed vehicle performance data, Off-Road Pages for detailed off-road parameters, and a range of compatibility options like wireless charging, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and multiple connectivity ports. Additionally, higher trims came with a premium Harmon Kardon audio system and extended SiriusXM subscriptions.

Among the new additions for 2021 was a fully customizable head-up display (HUD) that projected real-time driving information, and although the system relied on GPS-based speed limits, it provided a wealth of driving data. Remote start, keyless entry, and a robust selection of ADAS functionalities rounded out the tech package.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with Bluetooth. While the base Sport trim lacked SiriusXM satellite radio, this feature was available on higher trims, as was navigation for RTL-E and Black Edition models.

The Ridgeline’s interface was basic but user-friendly, with a simple touchscreen layout supported by analog controls for vital functions. The inclusion of a volume knob and steering wheel controls ensured ease of use. Although it didn’t boast high-tech bells and whistles, the infotainment system offered straightforward functionality that didn’t require a steep learning curve. Moreover, its competitors didn’t offer groundbreaking features either, making the Ridgeline’s simpler system more palatable.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX was prepared for a variety of driving conditions and featured more than 100 safety and security measures. Nevertheless, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) typically found in luxury vehicles were optional and bundled into packages that increased the overall cost.

Standard safety features included a rear backup camera with dynamic guidelines, but supplementary features like a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and pedestrian detection were part of additional packages. The new digital rear-view mirror, brake-activated center high-mount stop lamp, and other ADAS features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available as part of higher-tier packages.

On the other hand (phrased to avoid redundancy), the 2022 Honda Ridgeline excelled in most safety assessments. It scored top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in nearly all crash tests, though it received an "Average" rating in the passenger-side small overlap frontal test and a "Marginal" rating for headlight performance. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover testing.

Honda’s standard Honda Sensing suite included features like automatic emergency braking, Road Departure Mitigation, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims, like RTL-E and Black Edition, came with automatic high beams and blind spot monitoring, strategically placed for better visibility. However, the absence of a 360-degree camera system was notable, especially for a truck of its size.