2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 RAM 1500

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was constructed on a unibody platform, similar to crossovers like the Honda Pilot and Passport, unlike the traditional body-on-frame construction used by most other pickup trucks. This car-like construction, although not widely embraced by truck manufacturers, provided increased rigidity that was challenging for body-on-frame designs to match. The Ridgeline's innovative engineering was offset by conservative styling. Its unique snub nose, a characteristic of a platform designed for front-wheel-drive vehicles, revealed its non-traditional construction. From the rear three-quarter view, it featured classic pickup aesthetics, including vertical taillights, a prominent centered badge, and dual exhausts peeking out from the rear bumper. When the current Ridgeline generation debuted in 2017, its front styling was more rounded, resembling its cousin, the Honda Pilot. By 2021, Honda had reshaped the front end, incorporating a blockier and more upright grille, resulting in a look akin to other trucks, which was a welcomed update. The 2022 Ridgeline continued offering Honda Performance Development (HPD) packages, which added fender flares, bronze or black 18-inch alloy wheels, and decals for added visual appeal. However, the Ridgeline Black Edition test vehicle was cloaked in Berlina Black paint, with matching wheels and exterior trim that exuded a dark, cohesive aesthetic. Inside, the Ridgeline's no-nonsense design was fitting for a truck. High-quality fit and finish were evident, meeting Honda's high standards. The Black Line test vehicle boasted features including 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 liberal use of piano black trim led to smudges and scratches, and it failed to stand out from the overall black interior. On the other hand, the 2023 Ram 1500 offered both quad and larger crew cab configurations with a choice between a 6-foot, 4-inch bed or a 5-foot, 7-inch bed, as seen in the review model. The Ram 1500 Limited, nearly the pinnacle of the eight available trims, displayed a more sophisticated and stealthy look thanks to the $4,145 Night Edition package. This package included a blacked-out grille, black badging, black headlamp bezels, mirror caps, and 22-inch black aluminum wheels, ensuring a bold presence. Inside, the Limited trim of the Ram 1500 provided a luxurious experience with ample amounts of leather and contrasting stitching. The leather featured an embossed Limited logo on the center storage console, while open-pore wood on the dash and metallic trim enhanced the upscale feel. The steering wheel got special wood and leather trim, further elevating the interior’s sophistication. A standout feature was the 12-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen that gave the interior a unique appearance, complemented by chunky volume controls and a Ram logo on the dash. With the Limited logo between the seats and the overall luxurious touches, drivers were constantly reminded of the premium nature of the vehicle.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline stuck to a single powertrain configuration: a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). This engine delivered 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Honda listed a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds for all Ridgeline models, with payload capacities varying slightly across trims—from 1,509 pounds to 1,583 pounds. While these figures were comparable to those of many midsize crossovers, they lagged behind other midsize pickups. For instance, the Ford Ranger could tow up to 7,500 pounds with a 1,680-pound payload capacity, and diesel variants of the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon could tow up to 7,700 pounds. Despite this, the Ridgeline could comfortably handle smaller loads, such as a small boat or jet skis. In everyday driving without a load, the natural aspiration of the V6 engine provided a refreshing change from the common turbocharged engines, offering enough power to propel the Ridgeline comfortably. Unfortunately, the nine-speed automatic transmission was sluggish in response, further hindered by a slow engine start-stop system, making starts at intersections frustratingly slow. However, once on the move, the Ridgeline's unibody construction shined through, delivering a smooth, car-like ride quality unusual for pickup trucks. The fully independent suspension and torque vectoring AWD contributed to precision handling reminiscent of a luxury car, although these design choices limited its off-road capabilities. The 2023 Ram 1500, conversely, offered a versatile range of powertrain options, including rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). Standard on lower trims was a 3.6-liter V6 with Ram’s eTorque mild hybrid system, while a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine with eTorque was optional on lower trims and standard on upper trims. A 3.0-liter diesel engine was available on all trims except the top-tier TRX, which boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine. The V8 4WD model with eTorque delivered 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, making for a powerful driving experience. The EPA rated these models at 17 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and a combined 19 mpg, though real-world driving leaned towards 18 mpg due to a heavy right foot. The air suspension, standard on the Limited trim, smoothed out most road imperfections, while coilover rear suspension contributed to an impressively smooth ride. The 14.9-inch brake rotors offered strong, confident stopping power, and the steering felt precise with a quick ratio, although drivers preferring more substantial steering weight might desire more heft. In terms of towing, the Ram 1500 offered substantial capabilities depending on the configuration, with a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 2,300 pounds. Specific testing configurations had slightly lower ratings, but performance remained robust overall. The available Trailer Tow package simplified the process of maneuvering a trailer, using a dial to control steering direction, making it accessible even for newcomers. For off-road enthusiasts, the Ram 1500 provided options like the Rebel trim with a 1-inch lift and skid plates or the high-performance TRX with its 702-hp supercharged V8 engine and Bilstein active performance shocks, designed to handle extreme off-road conditions.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was available exclusively with a four-door crew cab and a 64-inch bed, balancing passenger and cargo space effectively. The bed, longer than those of the crew-cab Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma, featured a 7.3-cubic-foot lockable in-bed trunk for dirty items, complete with a drain plug for easy cleaning. Additional innovations included a spare tire slot accessible without crawling under the truck, an in-bed audio system, a 115-volt AC outlet, and Honda’s versatile Dual-Action Tailgate. Inside the spacious cabin, under-seat storage added practicality, while the front featured a pushbutton shifter, ample cupholders, a large center console storage bin, and a substantial wireless phone charger. While headroom and legroom were not standout figures among midsize pickups, the Ridgeline’s wider stance and low cowl height created a more spacious and comfortable feeling inside. In contrast, the 2023 Ram 1500 crew cab's interior featured a two-tiered center console with upper-level cupholders and storage that could slide to reveal a lower-level cubby, providing extensive storage options. The massive center console could accommodate a laptop, a purse, and assorted items easily. Heated and cooled front seats with eight-way power adjustments for both driver and passenger added comfort, while power-adjustable pedals offered additional flexibility. Rear seats in the crew cab version reclined up to eight degrees, and the 45.2 inches of rear legroom provided ample space, nearly 10 inches more than the quad cab. A flat floor facilitated cargo loading, and seats could flip up for even more room, complete with tie-down rings. Cargo accessibility was enhanced by a multifunction tailgate that could open like a 60/40 split door or a traditional tailgate. With air suspension, the open tailgate height was a convenient 32.8 inches from the ground. The optional RamBox storage system added lockable compartments integrated into the rear quarter panel, securing tools and other items. Comparatively, the Ridgeline's innovative bed features, like the lockable trunk and Dual-Action Tailgate, catered to practical needs, while the Ram 1500 focused on expansive interior storage and versatile cargo access.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, incorporating Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered SiriusXM satellite radio and navigation. While not cutting-edge, the interface was straightforward, with easy-to-navigate menus and analog controls for vital functions, aided by accessible steering wheel buttons. The simplicity and reliability of the system made it user-friendly, though it lacked unique features. The 2023 Ram 1500 received a technological update with an available reconfigurable 12-inch gauge cluster, offering detailed menus and information tiles, although not present in the tested model. The centerpiece, however, was the 12-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen available in upper trims, capable of running dual functions, such as audio and navigation, simultaneously. The Uconnect system allowed dual-phone Bluetooth connections, though it had a slight lag with Apple CarPlay. The optional Equipment Group 1 added advanced features like a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror with a wide-angle lens, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing parking and driver awareness. The truck was well-equipped for road trips, with multiple USB-A and -C outlets, a wireless charging pad, two 115-volt outlets, and a 12-volt outlet, ensuring all devices could be charged simultaneously. While the Ridgeline's infotainment system was practical and easy to use, the Ram 1500 stood out with its technological advancements and additional options for tech-savvy users.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but earned a lower "Average" rating in the passenger-side small overlap frontal test. The IIHS also awarded it a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention tech, while the headlight rating was "Marginal" and the LATCH ease of use was rated "Average." The NHTSA gave the Ridgeline a five-star overall safety rating, with top marks in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover tests. Standard safety features included the Honda Sensing suite: automatic emergency braking, Road Departure Mitigation, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Automatic high beams were standard on higher trims, while blind spot monitoring was available on all but the base trim, with an easily visible warning light at the base of the forward pillar. However, a 360-degree camera system was notably absent. In contrast, the 2023 Ram 1500 lagged in standard advanced driver-assist systems, with no features universally included across all trims. Optional systems such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning added functionality, with trailer coverage for blind-spot monitoring being particularly useful. Despite this, the NHTSA awarded the 2023 Ram 1500 crew cab a five-star overall safety rating. The IIHS gave it "Good" marks in most categories but "Marginal" ratings for seat belt reminders and LATCH ease of use. Light evaluations varied with trims, with higher trims receiving better marks.