2024 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 presented a bold and aggressive design that was both polarizing and in line with Chevrolet's current vehicle portfolio. Its small headlights and body panel design were unique, though not universally appealing. The Silverado offered various appearance packages like the Rally Edition and Midnight Edition to enhance its visual appeal. Inside, the cabin was functional and varied depending on the trim level, with options ranging from the basic WT and Custom trims to the luxurious High Country. The interior design was practical, with controls conveniently placed, and higher trims featured a modern, high-tech dashboard with a large touchscreen.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Ridgeline, while never a standout in terms of looks, had improved its presence with recent styling updates. The second-generation model, still in production, had a more SUV-like appearance, with a blunt nose and tall hood. The TrailSport trim added all-terrain tires for a tougher look. Inside, the Ridgeline's new center console design and updated infotainment system made it feel more like a traditional pickup. The interior was comfortable, with supportive seating and a new 7-inch digital instrumentation panel. The Ridgeline offered a practical and family-friendly environment, with features like a triple-zone climate control system and a versatile cargo bed with a weatherproof trunk.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a range of engine options, starting with a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the Silverado had two V8 options: a 5.3-liter engine with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.2-liter engine delivering 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. Additionally, a six-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel engine was available, generating 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. The Silverado's towing capacity reached up to 13,300 pounds with the 6.2-liter V8 and Max Towing package, while the base four-cylinder engine offered a maximum payload capacity of 2,260 pounds. The truck's handling was commendable for its size, with the Trail Boss and ZR2 trims providing off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Honda's i-VTM4 AWD system. The Ridgeline's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, which was lower than its body-on-frame competitors, but its maximum payload capacity of 1,583 pounds was competitive for a midsize pickup. Off-road capabilities were limited by its shallow approach, breakover, and departure angles, as well as a ground clearance of just over 7.6 inches. However, the Ridgeline excelled on-road, offering a smooth powertrain, responsive handling, and a quiet cabin. The TrailSport trim's off-road suspension was slightly firmer on pavement, and the all-terrain tires emitted a faint whir at speed.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered various body styles, including a regular cab with standard or long bed, a double cab with a standard bed, and a crew cab with short or standard bed. The crew cab was particularly spacious, providing ample headroom and legroom in both rows, with a rear bench that folded upward for additional in-cabin cargo space. The double cab featured conventional car doors for easy access to the rear seats, though legroom was limited. The regular cab, tied to work-based trims, had a front bench seat for up to three passengers, with a fold-down center seat back that doubled as a center console.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline prioritized comfort and practicality, with easy entry and exit and supportive seating for five passengers. The TrailSport trim featured perforated leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The driver's seat offered 10-way power adjustment, while the front passenger seat was well-positioned despite lacking height adjustment. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed adequate legroom, with a triple-zone climate control system and rear air conditioning vents enhancing comfort. The Ridgeline's interior was equipped with numerous storage options, and the rear seat cushion could be flipped up for additional cargo space. The cargo bed featured a dual-action tailgate and a weatherproof in-bed trunk with 7.3 cubic feet of space.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's base infotainment system featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims offered a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. The modern dash layout in these trims included a fully digital instrument panel, and additional features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless device charging were available. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with vivid graphics and responsive controls, catering to both tech-savvy users and those preferring simplicity.

In 2024, the Honda Ridgeline came standard with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring a faster processor and improved graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and smartphone charging were standard, along with a seven-speaker stereo. The Black Edition trim offered an eight-speaker premium sound system and additional USB ports. The infotainment system was more intuitive and responsive, with a 7-inch digital display added to the instrumentation. The system's ease of use and elimination of smartphone cables were notable improvements.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was equipped with advanced driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning. The LTZ trim added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The Silverado received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high scores from the IIHS.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline Sport gained a standard blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, joining the Honda Sensing suite of ADAS features. These included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. While the ADAS performed adequately, some features were less smooth and confidence-inspiring. The Ridgeline received an Acceptable rating in the IIHS small overlap frontal-impact test and a Marginal rating for headlights, but earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.