2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

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 the Ridgeline 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, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive 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 SUV.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was available in six trims: Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ, High Country, and the off-road-specific ZR2. Buyers could choose from regular, double, or crew cabs with a seven-foot or eight-foot bed. The Silverado 2500HD was a large truck, with a wheelbase up to 14 feet and an overall length of 22 feet. The trims were distinguished by their front fascia styling, with the Work Truck being plain but handsome, and the Custom, LT, LTZ, and High Country trims featuring varying degrees of chrome. The ZR2 trim had a blacked-out grille and Chevrolet "flow tie" badging. For 2024, Chevrolet added standard tow hooks, wheel options up to 22 inches, and ten color choices. The High Country trim featured an upscale interior with open-pore wood, leather trim, and metal accents, while the ZR2 trim was equipped for off-road adventures.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline shared its platform and components with the Honda Passport SUV, featuring a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. The Ridgeline offered a competitive 1,583-pound payload capacity and a 5,000-pound towing capacity. Its unibody construction and four-wheel independent suspension provided sophisticated driving dynamics on pavement, with a comfortable and quiet ride on the highway and nimble handling in the city. The Ridgeline averaged 22.6 mpg on a road trip and 21.4 mpg on a test-driving route, beating its EPA rating for combined driving. However, its 7.6 inches of ground clearance and lack of a traditional four-wheel-drive system limited its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came standard with a 6.6-liter V8 gas engine delivering 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. An optional 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8 with 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque was available, paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. The Duramax diesel was quiet and well-mated to the transmission, providing smooth shifts and quick acceleration. The Silverado 2500HD returned 20.3 mpg in 2WD and 17 mpg in a mix of 2WD and Auto 4WD. The ZR2 Bison trim featured Multimatic DSSV spool valve shocks, 35-inch tires, and a 1.5-inch lift, providing 11.6 inches of ground clearance and impressive off-road capabilities. The Bison package added skid plating and steel bumpers, making it a formidable off-road truck.

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, shared with the Honda Passport SUV, offered comfortable seats, excellent leg support, and a quality feel. The rear seat was less roomy but had a high seating position and padded front seatbacks. The rear seat cushion flipped up to create a sizable load floor, and Honda offered an accessory rear underseat storage system. The 64-inch cargo bed had a dual-action tailgate, a flat floor, and 33.9 cubic feet of volume. The Ridgeline also had a lockable, weatherproof, 7.3 cubic-foot trunk with a drain plug, perfect for carrying groceries, luggage, or wet gear.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD excelled in towing and payload capacities, with the 2500HD capable of towing up to 22,430 pounds and hauling up to 3,700 pounds. The Silverado 2500HD ZR2 Bison with the diesel engine made towing 11,000 pounds easy, thanks to its myriad camera views and transparent trailer camera technology. The truck featured a side step for easy access to the bed, a six-way MultiFlex tailgate, and power-retractable running boards. The High Country trim had heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat for comfort on long drives. However, the audio system was limited to six speakers.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline's infotainment system was dated, with an 8-inch touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and basic HondaLink services. The RTL-E and Black Edition 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 interface was simple but lacked modern design standards, and the navigation display was cluttered. The wireless smartphone charger worked intermittently, making it unreliable.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD featured a 12.3-inch configurable gauge cluster and a 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, starting on the LT trim. The system was user-friendly, with Google maps, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Charging options included USB-A and USB-C ports, wireless charging, and a traditional power outlet. A Wi-Fi hotspot was also available. The Silverado 2500HD offered a 15-inch head-up display and a rear camera mirror, providing key information and improved visibility. However, it lacked an on-board generator, which would have added versatility.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline's driver-assistance systems were aging, with standard Honda Sensing features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on the RTL trim and higher. 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 from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD included standard safety features like front pedestrian braking, forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a following distance indicator. The Safety Seat feature provided tactile alerts to the driver. Adaptive cruise control was optional and worked while towing a trailer. The Silverado 2500HD also offered GM's Buckle to Drive feature and Teen Driver technology. The 2024 model had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.