2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline had undergone a styling update a couple of years prior, which included a new front end with bolder details, larger dual exhaust outlets, and more appealing wheels with aggressive tread design. 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, nine-speed automatic transmission, and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. The Black Edition, despite its name, was also available in white and gray. Prices ranged from $38,800 to $46,230, excluding a $1,345 destination charge. The Black Edition test vehicle, with additional features, had an MSRP of $49,866. The Ridgeline shared many components with the Honda Passport SUV, offering a refined and sophisticated driving experience compared to traditional pickups like the Toyota Tacoma. Its interior, though dating back to the 2016 Honda Pilot, was modern, upscale, and technologically advanced, providing quality, comfort, and practicality.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ultimate was a striking vehicle with a massive grille and road presence comparable to 18-wheelers. The test model featured Onyx Black paint, Alpine Umber tan interior, and 20-inch aluminum alloys with gloss black inserts. The HD lineup received updates for 2024, including a new front bumper and grille assembly, standard LED headlights and taillights, and sequential turn signals. The Denali Ultimate trim was available only with a six-passenger Crew Cab and offered two cargo bed lengths. The truck came with GMC's MultiPro Tailgate, which could be configured in six different ways, and optional MultiPro step lights for nighttime use. With a starting price of around $94,000, the Denali Ultimate was a luxury workhorse, offering a blend of style, functionality, and advanced features.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline shared its platform with the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX, featuring a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It had a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system capable of directing up to 70% of power to a single rear wheel. The Ridgeline offered a payload capacity of 1,583 pounds and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, limited by its unibody construction. It excelled in on-road driving dynamics, providing a comfortable and refined experience. The Ridgeline averaged 22.6 mpg on a road trip, surpassing its EPA ratings. Its unibody construction and independent suspension contributed to exceptional ride and handling qualities, though its steering felt heavy at lower speeds.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ultimate was powered by a 6.6-liter Duramax turbocharged diesel V8 engine, delivering 470 horsepower and an impressive 975 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The truck featured a locking rear differential, two-speed transfer case, all-terrain tires, and a diesel exhaust brake. Despite its size, the Denali Ultimate offered smooth and quick acceleration, with strong highway passing power. Its handling was influenced by its size, requiring ample space for maneuvering. The firm ride and suspension settings were designed for towing and hauling, though rough roads could unsettle the suspension.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline prioritized function with features like shelves in the front door panels, a giant storage console, dual-action tailgate, and in-bed trunk. Its interior, similar to the Honda Passport, offered easy access, comfortable seats, and a quality feel. The rear seat was less spacious than the Passport but provided an elevated seating position and rear air conditioning vents. The rear seat cushion flipped up for additional cargo space, and the Ridgeline's 64-inch cargo bed featured a dual-action tailgate and a flat, scratch-resistant composite floor. The bed offered 33.9 cubic feet of volume and standard tie-down cleats. The Ridgeline also had a lockable, weatherproof 7.3 cubic-foot trunk under the load floor, adding to its practicality.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ultimate featured a luxurious interior with full-grain leather seats, leather-covered door panels, and a microsuede headliner. The front seats were wide, supportive, and equipped with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The rear seat offered limo-like legroom and ample headroom. Storage space was excellent, with a spacious center console and optional locking safe. However, the front door pockets were difficult to access while driving. The Denali Ultimate's interior combined luxury with practicality, providing a comfortable and spacious environment for long journeys.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline's technology was dated, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and basic HondaLink services. Higher trims included a navigation system, premium sound system, and wireless smartphone charging. The infotainment system was slow to load, and the voice recognition system had delayed responses. The user interface was simple, but the lack of a tuning knob and cluttered navigation display were drawbacks. The wireless smartphone charger was unreliable, and the Ridgeline's technology needed an overhaul.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ultimate boasted a 13.4-inch touchscreen, 15-inch head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The navigation system was sharp and accurate, and the climate control system was conveniently located below the touchscreen. However, the steering-column-mounted gearshift stalk obstructed the view of the center screen. The Denali Ultimate also featured a range of trailer aids, including a trailer-brake controller, hitch guidance, and ProGrade trailering system with 14 camera views.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline's safety features were aging, with standard Honda Sensing technology that included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. 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 NHTSA, with top marks in all crash tests and a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ultimate came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. It also had front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view parking camera, and pedestrian detection. The power-operated side mirrors provided an expansive view, and the truck's safety features were designed to enhance driver confidence and security.