2024 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty underwent a visual evolution rather than a complete redesign, maintaining its robust and commanding presence. The truck was available in several trims, including XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited, each offering varying levels of luxury and functionality. The King Ranch trim, which we tested, was a standout with its 20-inch alloy wheels, two-tone paint job, and less chrome than previous versions. The interior was beautifully styled with two-tone brown leather, perforated seats, and the signature Flying W logo, providing a luxurious feel. The King Ranch also featured an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system, auxiliary switches for electronic add-ons, and Pro Power Onboard for a 2-kilowatt power output, making it a versatile and well-equipped choice for those seeking a blend of luxury and utility.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Ridgeline, while not a traditional beauty, offered a more practical and family-friendly design. The second-generation model received styling updates for 2024, including a blunt nose, tall hood, and new tailgate lettering, giving it a more assertive presence. The TrailSport trim added all-terrain tires for a rugged look. Inside, the Ridgeline featured a new center console design, a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with improved graphics and functionality. The Ridgeline was available in four trims: Sport, RTL, TrailSport, and Black Edition, all powered by a 280-horsepower V6 engine with torque-vectoring AWD. The TrailSport trim, which we tested, came with Radiant Red paint and optional black tailgate lettering, offering a stylish and practical option for families.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered a range of powerful engine options, starting with a 6.8-liter gas V8 producing 400 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, a 7.3-liter V8 delivered 430 horsepower and 485 lb-ft of torque. Diesel enthusiasts could opt for the 6.7-liter PowerStroke turbodiesel V8, which produced 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Our test model featured a high-output version of this engine, boasting 500 horsepower and an astonishing 1,200 lb-ft of torque. The power was managed through a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and efficient performance. The Super Duty's towing capacity maxed out at 22,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it a formidable choice for heavy-duty tasks. The truck's size, however, made maneuvering in tight spaces challenging, but it handled well on the road with precise steering.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and Honda's i-VTM4 AWD system, allowing up to 70 percent of the engine's power to flow to a single rear wheel. The Ridgeline's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, which was lower than its body-on-frame rivals, but its maximum payload capacity of 1,583 pounds was competitive for a midsize pickup. Off-road capabilities were limited by shallow approach, breakover, and departure angles, and a ground clearance of just over 7.6 inches. However, the Ridgeline excelled on the road, offering a smooth powertrain, quick acceleration, and responsive handling. The automatic transmission had some quirks, such as rolling when parked, but overall, the Ridgeline provided a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty was available in regular cab, SuperCab, and Super Crew configurations, with either a 6.75-foot or 8-foot bed. The SuperCab featured rear-hinged clamshell doors, providing a wide opening for easy access. Our test model included an optional Warn winch and a soft-opening tailgate, enhancing its utility. Inside, the Super Duty offered ample storage with numerous cupholders, a massive center storage bin, dual glove boxes, and spacious door pockets. The Super Crew's rear seats folded up to create a large cargo area, making it a practical choice for those needing extra space.

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, a triple-zone climate control system, and a fold-down center armrest with cupholders. The Ridgeline's interior was equipped with numerous storage options, including shelves, trays, and bins. The rear seat cushion could be flipped up for additional cargo space, and the TrailSport's rear window power slid open for ventilation. The Ridgeline's 33.9 cubic-foot cargo bed included a weatherproof and locking trunk with 7.3 cubic feet of space, perfect for various storage needs.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Our test model had a larger 12-inch screen with wireless connectivity, offering a user-friendly interface and logical control layout. The system included multiple USB ports, a wall-style power outlet, and wireless device charging. Ford's navigation system featured Trailer Navigation, optimizing routes based on trailer weight and dimensions, enhancing the truck's towing capabilities.

In 2024, the Honda Ridgeline came standard with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring a volume knob, tuning buttons, and steering wheel controls. The system was updated with a faster processor and improved graphics, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and smartphone charging. The Ridgeline Sport included a seven-speaker stereo, while higher trims offered SiriusXM satellite radio and an eight-speaker premium sound system. The infotainment system was more responsive and user-friendly, with a 7-inch digital display added to the instrumentation, providing a modern and enjoyable experience.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty, starting at the XLT trim, included the Ford CoPilot 360 suite of driver assistance features, such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Our test model featured dual-tier power-adjustable trailer mirrors and a trailer blind-spot monitoring system, enhancing safety during towing. The Super Duty had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline Sport added a standard blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, joining the Honda Sensing suite of ADAS. This included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. During testing, the ADAS performed adequately, though not as smoothly as desired. The Ridgeline received an Acceptable rating from IIHS for small overlap frontal-impact tests and a Marginal rating for headlights. NHTSA awarded the Ridgeline five-star ratings, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance.