2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2024 Chevrolet Colorado

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline had undergone a styling update a couple of years prior, featuring a new front end with bolder details, larger dual exhaust outlets, and more appealing wheels with aggressive tread tires. These changes gave it a more rugged appearance, although the optional Honda Performance Development (HPD) packages with oversized fender flares were best avoided. The Ridgeline was available in four trims: Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition, all equipped with a V6 engine, nine-speed automatic transmission, and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Prices ranged from $38,800 to $46,230, excluding a $1,345 destination charge. The Black Edition test vehicle, with extra-cost paint and accessory wheels, had an MSRP of $49,866. Despite its higher price, the Ridgeline offered a refined and sophisticated driving experience, sharing many components with the Honda Passport crossover SUV.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado featured a bold, new look with aggressive, futuristic designs inspired by the Camaro muscle car. The interior followed similar design trends, with circular climate control vents and a clean, horizontal dashboard layout. The Colorado was available in five trims: WT, LT, Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2. The base WT model came with a fully digital instrument panel, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and satellite radio. The LT trim added features like alloy wheels, a remote locking tailgate, and rear air vents. Off-road models like the Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 offered various chassis enhancements and unique features. The ZR2 Bison, an upgraded version of the ZR2, included additional off-road protection and unique bodywork.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline shared its platform and components with the third-generation Acura MDX and Honda Pilot SUVs, as well as the Honda Odyssey minivan and Honda Passport SUV. It featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. The Ridgeline offered a competitive 1,583-pound payload capacity but was limited to a 5,000-pound towing capacity due to its unibody construction. It had a ground clearance of 7.6 inches and lacked a traditional four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing. Despite these limitations, the Ridgeline provided a refined driving experience, averaging 22.6 mpg on a road trip and 21.4 mpg on a test-driving route.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado came exclusively with turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The base version produced 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the Turbo Max version delivered 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Colorado had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,710 pounds. The ZR2 Bison, designed for off-road capability, featured Multimatic DSSV dampers for exceptional shock absorption. On paved roads, the ZR2 Bison provided a well-rounded driving experience, with a firmer ride due to its off-road suspension but generally remained comfortable. The truck handled corners with stability, although there was some body roll typical of higher-riding, off-road trucks.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline prioritized function with features like shelves in the front door panels, a giant storage console, a dual-action tailgate, and an in-bed trunk. The interior, similar to the Honda Passport SUV, offered easy entry and exit, comfortable seats, and a practical layout. The rear seat was less roomy than the Passport but provided an elevated seating position and rear air conditioning vents. The rear seat cushion flipped up to create a sizable load floor, and the cargo bed featured a dual-action tailgate and a flat, scratch-resistant composite floor. The Ridgeline also had a lockable, weatherproof, 7.3 cubic-foot trunk under the load floor, adding to its practicality.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado was available in a four-door quad cab with a 5-foot, 2-inch bed. The bed provided decent space but was not as large as a full-size pickup. The Colorado had a car-like seating position, offering plenty of front-row legroom, headroom, and shoulder room. The layout allowed for a user-friendly car-like arrangement for the shifter and controls. However, the cup holders were located low in front of the center console, making it difficult to access large drinks while driving. The second-row legroom was tight, especially for taller passengers. The high bed wall and floor made loading items more challenging, but the higher open tailgate was useful for projects or tailgate parties. The ZR2 Bison's spare tire mounted in the bed reduced usable bed space.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline's infotainment system was dated, with an 8-inch touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and basic HondaLink services. Higher trims included a navigation system, premium sound system, cargo bed speakers, and wireless smartphone charging. The infotainment system was slow to load, and the voice recognition system had delayed responses. The touchscreen display had touch-sensing shortcut buttons and a stereo volume knob but lacked a manual tuning option. The navigation display was cluttered, and the voice recognition system was not natural or conversational. The wireless smartphone charger worked intermittently, making it unreliable.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado featured an 11.3-inch touchscreen with an intuitive layout and hard-button controls. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a digital dock of buttons for easy navigation. The system also had a digital home button and a volume dial for easy operation. Other standard tech features included an 11-inch fully digital instrument panel, two front USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and satellite radio. The LT trim added wireless device charging and a rear USB port, while the LT Convenience Package added more USB ports and wall-style power outlets.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline came with the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. The adaptive cruise control system struggled to maintain a safe following distance. The Ridgeline received favorable crash-test ratings from the IIHS and top marks in all crash tests from the NHTSA, with a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado came standard with a comprehensive collection of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The LT Convenience Package III added reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The ZR2 offered an underbody camera feature, and adaptive cruise control was available on certain trims. The Colorado received four out of five stars for frontal crash testing, five out of five stars for side crash testing, and three out of five stars for the rollover test from the NHTSA.