2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 RAM 1500

Last year, Honda updated the styling of the Ridgeline, delivering a new front end with bolder designs, enhancing the dual exhaust outlets, and introducing more attractive wheels and new, aggressively treaded tires. These changes gave the 2023 Honda Ridgeline a more rugged appearance, though the optional Honda Performance Development (HPD) packages might have gone overboard with oversized fender flares which some found excessive. The 2023 Ridgeline comes in four trims—Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition—all powered by a robust V6 engine, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. Our Black Edition test model sported an upscale Platinum White Pearl finish and added-cost 18-inch black alloy wheels, setting the price at $49,866, including delivery fees. The Ridgeline's interior bore a familial resemblance to Honda’s midsize Passport SUV, particularly from the center roof pillars forward. The classy, leather-lined interior offered ample storage, excellent visibility, an intuitive layout, and remarkable comfort for all passengers. Despite its interior design originating from the 2016 Honda Pilot, it still appeared more contemporary and luxurious compared to many competitors. Contrarily, the 2023 RAM 1500 provided a choice between quad cab and larger crew cab formats, our review incorporating the crew cab with a 5-foot, 7-inch bed. The pinnacle model RAM 1500 Limited that we tested exhibited an understated elegance with the optional Night Edition package, featuring a blackout theme including the grille, badging, and 22-inch wheels. The internal ambience was luxurious, marked by premium leather seating with distinctive stitching, open-pore wood accents, and a substantial 12-inch touchscreen that formed the centerpiece of the dashboard.

The Ridgeline’s 3.5-liter V6 engine, shared with several other vehicles in Honda’s lineup, produced 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It excelled in offering sophisticated driving dynamics primarily intended for paved roads, demonstrating agility rare for a pickup. The Ridgeline’s unibody construction limited its towing capacity to 5,000 pounds and contributed to its lower ground clearance and modest off-road capabilities, although it managed light off-roading with ease. Impressively, it averaged 22.6 mpg during our testing, showcasing efficiency alongside advanced ride and handling qualities typically unassociated with traditional trucks. For the RAM 1500, engine options were plentiful, ranging from the standard 3.6-liter V6 with a mild hybrid system to the formidable 5.7-liter Hemi V8, also available with the eTorque hybrid system for improved fuel efficiency and performance. Our V8 test model delivered robust performance with 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, ensuring breezy highway overtaking and an adept 18 mpg during our tests. The RAM 1500's capability extended to a superior towing capacity of 12,750 pounds and payload of 2,300 pounds, enhanced by innovative features like Trailer Reverse Steering Control in the Trailer Tow package that simplified maneuvering with a trailer.

The Ridgeline’s interior cleverly mirrored its Honda SUV cousins with an emphasis on comfort and usability. The dual-action tailgate and lockable in-bed trunk were standout features, underscoring the Ridgeline’s practicality as a daily driver rather than a rugged off-roader. The truck offered an efficient use of interior space with ample storage solutions including a sizeable console and smart bed design which maximized utility without sacrificing passenger comfort. RAM 1500's functionality was just as impressive, especially with the inventive RamBox cargo management system providing additional secure storage options. The interior was spacious, particularly in the crew cab model we tested, which boasted luxurious amenities such as reclining, heated, and cooled seats. The innovative multifunction tailgate and adjustable air suspension pointed to a vehicle designed for both comfort and utility, handling cargo and passengers with equal finesse.

In the tech department, the Ridgeline showed its age with a somewhat outdated infotainment system that offered basic connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but suffered from slow response times and a less user-friendly interface. Despite this, basic functions were adequately addressed, though it certainly lagged behind more recently updated competitors. The RAM 1500, in contrast, impressed with its high-tech offerings. The optional 12-inch infotainment screen provided a modern touch interface with excellent customization including split-screen capability, enhancing user experience significantly. Additional tech features in our tester like a digital rearview mirror and a comprehensive suite of USB and 115-volt outlets catered to tech-savvy users, making the RAM a leader in in-cabin technology.

Safety in the Ridgeline was comprehensive, though somewhat dated. The Honda Sensing suite included essential driver aids but lacked the refinement of newer systems. Nevertheless, it achieved excellent safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, underscoring its reliability as a family vehicle. The RAM 1500's safety features were dependent on optional packages that included modern aids like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warnings. While standard safety features were less comprehensive, the vehicle still performed admirably in NHTSA and IIHS testing, particularly in crashworthiness.