2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Jeep Gladiator

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline presented a more subdued aesthetic, embodying a conservative style with slight bolder touches introduced in its latest model iteration. The unibody structure, deviating from the traditional body-on-frame design found in most trucks, imparted a car-like feel to the vehicle, which enhanced the rigidity and overall driving experience. Visual enhancements contributed by the Honda Performance Development packages added flares and character, especially with options such as bronze or black alloy wheels and distinct decals.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator maintained its rugged and bold appearance, characterized by its long wheelbase which might seem disproportionate but is functional, catering to the needs of a crew cab with adequate cargo space. Notable style elements included a purposeful hood scoop and bright orange detailing exclusive to the Mojave variant, which aligns with its off-road identity. Despite its utilitarian functionality, it possesses an aesthetic that declares its capabilities and adventures it's meant to undertake.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. Although the Ridgeline's towing capacity was comparatively modest at 5,000 pounds, it boasted a comfortable ride akin to luxury vehicles due to its unibody construction and fully independent suspension. This made it noticeably better in handling and ride quality compared to more traditional pickups.

On the other hand, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator offered different engine options, including a standard 285-horsepower V6 and an optional 260-horsepower diesel engine, enhancing fuel efficiency and torque. Its structural design was based on the durable Jeep Wrangler, suited for rugged terrains with options like the Command-Trac and Rock-Trac four-wheel-drive systems, making it superior in off-road conditions. The Gladiator Mojave variant highlighted an optimized suspension for both high-speed desert driving and urban expeditions, though it was noted for being somewhat less refined on the highway due to noise levels and steering precision.

Inside the cabin, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline provided a balanced combination of space and functionality, offering a four-door crew cab with a 64-inch bed and innovative features such as an in-bed trunk and a Dual-Action Tailgate. The interior storage solutions were well-thought-out, with additional storage under the rear seats and a sensible layout in the front cabin area.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator, though rugged in design, also offered practical interior features but with a focus on durability suitable for outdoor activities. Its five-foot bed was accompanied by adaptable features like a portable Bluetooth speaker and a Trail Rail Management System for enhanced cargo securing. The crew cab configuration provided adequate space, although ingress and egress were less convenient due to high step-in height and narrow rear door openings.

The infotainment systems in both vehicles catered to modern needs but with distinct approaches. The 2022 Honda Ridgeline featured an 8-inch touchscreen with straightforward functionality and connectivity including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, albeit with slightly dated graphics. The system was praised for its intuitive usability despite not boasting advanced technology.

Conversely, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator’s infotainment, particularly in the higher trims, included a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen with advanced functionalities like navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Jeep integrated modern technologies such as the Off-Road Pages to enhance the driving experience by providing essential off-roading data, underscoring its focus on utility and adventure-friendly features.

Safety configurations in both vehicles followed their brand philosophies. The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was well-equipped with Honda Sensing technologies, offering comprehensive driver assists and receiving commendable safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA, although it had room for improvement in the headlight and child seat anchor categories.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator provided essential safety features with additional options available through packages, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. However, the Gladiator's basic safety offerings and lack of some modern assist technologies pointed towards a minimalistic approach, prioritized less over its off-road capabilities.