2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 RAM 2500

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was built on a unibody platform, similar to crossovers like the Honda Pilot and Passport, which provided increased rigidity compared to the traditional body-on-frame construction of most pickup trucks. Despite its innovative engineering, the Ridgeline's styling remained conservative, with a snub nose hinting at its front-wheel-drive origins. The rear maintained a classic pickup look with vertical taillights and dual exhausts. The 2021 redesign gave the Ridgeline a blockier, more upright grille, aligning it more closely with other trucks. The 2022 model continued to offer Honda Performance Development (HPD) packages for added visual flair, while the Black Edition test vehicle featured a sleek, all-black exterior. Inside, the Ridgeline's no-nonsense design was complemented by high-quality fit and finish, with features like leather upholstery and heated seats. However, the piano black trim was prone to smudges and scratches.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel shared a similar aggressive appearance with the Power Wagon but lacked its graphics, 17-inch wheels, and integrated winch. Instead, it featured a sport hood, 20-inch wheels, and a blacked-out look. The Rebel came with a crew-cab configuration and a 6-foot, 4-inch cargo bed, with a standard 6.4-liter V8 engine. It also offered a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel inline-six, unavailable in the Power Wagon due to cooling requirements. The base price was set at $67,045, with additional options like the Safety Group and Towing Tech Group raising the MSRP to $91,630. The 2023 model introduced a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and enhanced towing features, including side-view cameras and Trailer Reverse Steering Control. The interior boasted quality materials and a luxurious appearance, though the gloss black plastic was prone to dust and fingerprints.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. It had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and payload capacities ranging from 1,509 to 1,583 pounds, depending on the trim. While these figures were modest compared to competitors like the Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado, the Ridgeline excelled in ride quality and handling, thanks to its unibody platform and fully independent suspension. However, its off-road capabilities were limited by a maximum ground clearance of 7.64 inches and the absence of a dedicated off-road version.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel featured a standard 6.4-liter V8 engine with 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. It also offered a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine, producing 370 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission. The V8 provided a maximum towing capacity of 16,870 pounds and a payload capacity of 3,140 pounds. The Cummins engine offered better fuel efficiency, with observed figures of 19.1 mpg on highways and 14.7 mpg off-road. The Rebel's frame was constructed of 98.5 percent high-strength steel, and it featured a five-link rear suspension, 20-inch wheels with off-road tires, and skid plates, making it nearly as capable as the Power Wagon.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was available only with a four-door crew cab and a 64-inch bed, offering a balance of passenger and cargo space. The bed included a 7.3-cubic-foot lockable in-bed trunk with a drain plug, a slot for the spare tire, and an in-bed audio system. The Dual-Action Tailgate could open down or to the side, and the bed was wide enough to carry 4-foot-wide sheets of plywood. Inside, the Ridgeline provided additional storage under the rear seats, with rear USB ports available on higher trims. The interior featured a pushbutton shifter, a large center console, and easy-to-use controls.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel required some effort to enter and exit, with large handles on the roof pillars for assistance. The interior offered cloth or leather upholstery, with options for a front bench or bucket seats. Our test vehicle had premium leather and bucket seats, which were comfortable for long drives. The back seat was spacious, with air conditioning vents, heated cushions, USB ports, and a power outlet. The truck offered ample storage space, with hidden dashboard storage and bins throughout the cabin. Cargo box options included a spray-in bedliner, LED lighting, and a deployable step, with the Ram Box locking bedside storage bins as an attractive feature.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity and Bluetooth. SiriusXM satellite radio was available on all but the base trim, while navigation was offered on higher trims. The interface was straightforward, with analog controls for vital functions, making it user-friendly despite its dated graphics.

The 2023 RAM 2500 featured a new 12-inch digital instrumentation panel with customizable display configurations. It included advanced camera systems and trailering technologies, such as blind-spot cameras and a digital rearview mirror. The Trailer Reverse Steering Control allowed for easier trailer maneuvering. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with a 12-inch touchscreen, offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a navigation system. The optional Harman Kardon sound system provided excellent audio quality. While glare affected some controls, the infotainment screen remained visible in bright conditions.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, with a lower "Average" score in the passenger-side small overlap frontal test. It earned a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention but had a "Marginal" headlight rating. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included the Honda Sensing suite, with automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind spot monitoring was standard on most trims, but a 360-degree camera system was absent.

The 2023 RAM 2500 offered several advanced driving assistance systems, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist systems proved useful on highways. While crash-test ratings were unavailable, the truck's size and weight provided a sense of security.