2023 Ford Maverick vs 2023 Honda Ridgeline

In 2023, the Ford Maverick maintained its youthfulness as a relatively new entry in Ford’s lineup, projecting a strong presence reminiscent of its larger siblings, particularly through its robust truck lineage aesthetics. Users noticed the familiar blocky front end and distinctive headlights. The Maverick Tremor variant introduced an adventurous, gritty twist with its blackened emblems and striking orange-tinged details, making it a statement both off and on the road.

Conversely, the Honda Ridgeline presented a more polished evolution of its design, moving away from its softer origins to embrace a tougher demeanor, all while retaining a smooth operational feel akin to an SUV. This brought a mix of ruggedness without sacrificing sophistication, thanks in part to upgrades like bolder tires and larger exhaust outlets. Despite some criticisms over the oversized fender flares with HPD packages, it underscored Honda’s commitment to an aggressive, yet practical aesthetic.

The 2023 Ford Maverick’s claim to fame was its standard hybrid powertrain, a pioneering move establishing it as a thrifty yet capable contender in the pickup class. With a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and electric motor, it mustered a respectable 191 horsepower. Opt for the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, and power surged to 250 horsepower, complemented by a choice of FWD or a more versatile AWD system, a preferable setup for challenging terrains, especially with the off-road-ready Tremor package enhancing its rugged capabilities.

The Honda Ridgeline continued to operate under its proven formula with a robust 280 horsepower V6 engine across all its trims, paired with an advanced torque-vectoring AWD system that emphasized superior road handling, rather than raw off-road muscle. Its structure, shared with the likes of Honda’s family SUVs, imparted a refined ride that stood out notably during highway travel, creating a driving experience typically uncharacteristic of traditional pickups, making it ideal for long drives and urban commutes alike.

Interior space was generous in both models, but with different priorities. The Ford Maverick’s added off-road gear did not compromise on cabin comfort, providing ample legroom across both rows while ensuring the ride was outfitted for the rugged outdoors without a hefty price tag. Options allowed further enhancements for comfort and utility, aligning functionality with user demands for more customized experiences.

Honda's Ridgeline capitalized on its SUV-shared architecture to deliver an exceptionally user-friendly cabin, accentuated by spacious and comfortable seating and versatile storage solutions. It excelled in daily usability with its dual-action tailgate and a distinctive in-bed trunk that provided additional secure storage space, a rarity in the segment.

Technology in the Ford Maverick was straightforward, leaning towards the basics but including essential modern conveniences like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Its infotainment system, though not the pinnacle of modern tech, delivered sufficient connectivity to satisfy everyday needs without complication.

Honda’s Ridgeline displayed a mixed bag in terms of tech offerings. While it supported essential smartphone integrations and added premium audio in higher trims, the system's performance felt dated, hampered by slow load times and a cumbersome interface that could frustrate users accustomed to more contemporary systems.

Ford’s Maverick came equipped with their Co-Pilot 360 suite, providing a robust array of driver-assistance features standard across all trims, ensuring both passive and active safety were covered comprehensively. Despite some setbacks in crash tests, its array of safety technologies provided peace of mind.

The Honda Ridgeline utilized Honda Sensing technologies to equip the vehicle with a wide variety of safety features, though it displayed some quirks in performance that might draw concerns regarding consistency. Yet, it maintained strong safety credentials in testing, ensuring that it remained a safe choice for families.