2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Chevrolet Colorado

A few years back, Honda gave the Ridgeline a rugged makeover. With a new front end featuring bolder details, dual exhaust outlets, and sharper wheels wrapped in aggressive tread tires, the 2023 Ridgeline looked more truck-like. Despite its attempt at ruggedness, the optional Honda Performance Development (HPD) packages were not well-received due to their oversized fender flares. Available in Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition trims, each Ridgeline was equipped with a robust V6 engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a torque-vectoring AWD system. The price range was from $38,800 to $46,230, excluding a $1,345 destination charge. Our Black Edition test vehicle, with additional Platinum White Pearl paint and 18-inch black alloy wheels, had an MSRP of $49,866. The Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss, decked out in Radiant Red, was designed to appear as a capable off-roader, boasting a factory suspension lift, box-flared fenders, and a sculpted hood. The interior featured subtle nods to the Camaro, like dashboard toggle switches and circular air vents. However, the base Work Truck (WT) and Trail Boss trim's excessively gray interiors felt cheap. The Trail Boss did have a purposeful front skid plate, but the interior's monotone plastic surfaces were a letdown. Higher trims like LT, Z71, and ZR2 featured more vibrant interiors and additional paint accents. The 2023 Honda Ridgeline shared its platform with the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX, utilizing a reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and an AWD system capable of directing up to 70% power to a single rear wheel, the Ridgeline excelled in driving dynamics, especially on pavement. It offered a competitive 1,583-pound payload capacity and a 5,000-pound towing capacity. However, its 7.6-inch ground clearance and lack of four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing limited its off-road capabilities. The Ridgeline averaged 22.6 mpg on a road trip, outperforming its EPA rating in combined driving conditions. In contrast, every 2023 Chevy Colorado came with a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. The engine varied by trim, with the WT and LT producing 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, Trail Boss and Z71 delivering 310 horsepower and 391 lb-ft, and the ZR2 boasting 310 horsepower with an impressive 430 lb-ft of torque. The Colorado used an eight-speed automatic transmission and featured an Autotrac 4WD system with different capabilities based on the trim. The Trail Boss had a 2-inch suspension lift, while the ZR2 sported a 3-inch lift and superior Multimatic DSSV dampers for off-road performance. The Trail Boss's fuel economy was underwhelming, averaging 17 mpg compared to its EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline shared its platform with the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX, utilizing a reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and an AWD system capable of directing up to 70% power to a single rear wheel, the Ridgeline excelled in driving dynamics, especially on pavement. It offered a competitive 1,583-pound payload capacity and a 5,000-pound towing capacity. However, its 7.6-inch ground clearance and lack of four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing limited its off-road capabilities. The Ridgeline averaged 22.6 mpg on a road trip, outperforming its EPA rating in combined driving conditions. In contrast, every 2023 Chevy Colorado came with a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. The engine varied by trim, with the WT and LT producing 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, Trail Boss and Z71 delivering 310 horsepower and 391 lb-ft, and the ZR2 boasting 310 horsepower with an impressive 430 lb-ft of torque. The Colorado used an eight-speed automatic transmission and featured an Autotrac 4WD system with different capabilities based on the trim. The Trail Boss had a 2-inch suspension lift, while the ZR2 sported a 3-inch lift and superior Multimatic DSSV dampers for off-road performance. The Trail Boss's fuel economy was underwhelming, averaging 17 mpg compared to its EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline focused on practicality. Its interior, similar to the Honda Passport, featured shelves in the front door panels, a spacious center console, and heated front seats. The rear seats, although not as roomy as the Passport’s, were comfortable with their high seating position and padded front seatbacks. The rear seat cushion flipped up for additional cargo space, and the bed featured a dual-action tailgate and an in-bed trunk with 7.3 cubic feet of secure storage. The Ridgeline’s cargo bed measured 64 inches in length, offering 33.9 cubic feet of volume at the sills. It could handle larger loads with tie-down cleats rated at 350 pounds each. Accessories include a power outlet and in-bed stereo speakers, making it versatile for both work and leisure. In the Chevy Colorado Trail Boss, seating was comfortable for four, though fitting five was cramped. The cloth upholstery, which attracted pet hair, offered an eight-way power driver’s seat but no height adjustment for the front passenger. The rear seat provided enough space for adults, with good thigh support and rear air conditioning vents. The Trail Boss had limited soft-touch surfaces, mainly on the seats and armrests, with small storage compartments in the door panels and a challenging-to-use center armrest bin. The cargo bed was impressive at 41.9 cubic feet, just over five feet in length and featuring the EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate with the new StowFlex storage panel. This bed could support 500 pounds in Mid-Position tailgate mode.

The Honda Ridgeline's infotainment system, dating back to the mid-2010s, fell short of modern standards. While it included wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, most trims lacked advanced features like a navigation system and premium sound, available only in the RTL-E and Black Edition. The 8-inch touchscreen had dated graphics and slow loading times, and the voice recognition system was frustratingly delayed. Chevrolet, on the other hand, equipped every 2023 Colorado with an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Google Built-in technology. Even the base WT model had this feature, along with digital instrumentation. The system supported Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, SiriusXM, OnStar services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Trail Boss’s infotainment system provided impressive real-time off-roading data and trailer-towing technology, including high-definition cameras.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline, with its aging driver-assistance systems, included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were only available in higher trims and appeared as aftermarket features. Despite this, the Ridgeline earned favorable crash-test ratings, with top marks from NHTSA and high scores from IIHS except for its headlights. Chevy's 2023 Colorado featured a robust list of safety features, starting with OnStar emergency services and a Teen Driver system. Standard systems included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights, with options for adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, issues with the forward-collision warning system led to frequent false alerts, making it a frustrating experience.