2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2024 Jeep Gladiator

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 Platinum White Pearl paint and accessory 18-inch black alloy wheels, had an MSRP of $49,866, including destination charges.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator was offered in four core trim levels: Sport, Willys, Mojave, and Rubicon, with additional variants like Sport S, Mojave X, and Rubicon X. Regionally available versions such as Beach and Texas Trail were also offered. All Gladiators came in a crew-cab, shortbed configuration with a removable fabric roof or hard top, and doors that could be taken off. The windshield could be folded down, though it was not recommended at high speeds. Prices ranged from $37,895 for a base Sport to $63,590 for the Mojave X and Rubicon X. The Mojave X test vehicle, equipped with an automatic transmission, new-for-2024 Anvil paint, upgraded wheels, a Sunrider fabric panel, a spray-in bedliner, and all-weather slush mats, had an MSRP of $70,750, including a $1,895 destination charge.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline shared its platform and components with the third-generation Acura MDX, Honda Pilot, Honda Odyssey, and Honda Passport. It featured a fortified platform for pickup-truck duty, a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a torque-vectoring AWD system capable of directing up to 70% of power to a single rear wheel. 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 7.6 inches of ground clearance and lacked a traditional four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing. Despite these limitations, the Ridgeline excelled in driving dynamics on pavement, offering a comfortable and refined ride. It averaged 22.6 mpg on a road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco, landing between its EPA ratings of 21 mpg combined and 24 mpg highway. On a Southern California test-driving route, it averaged 21.4 mpg, beating the official EPA rating for combined driving.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator continued to offer a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission and one of four 4WD systems. Depending on the configuration, the Gladiator could tow up to 7,700 pounds, haul up to 1,725 pounds of payload, and provide up to 11.6 inches of ground clearance. The Mojave trim was designed for desert running, featuring a one-inch front suspension lift, FOX 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, Command-Trac part-time 4WD, a Tru-Lok locking rear differential, Dana 44 heavy-duty axles, and an Off-Road+ driving mode. During testing, the Mojave handled dirt roads confidently and provided a sense of adventure. However, it was less agreeable on road trips due to significant wind noise and a sloppy on-center steering feel. The Gladiator averaged 16.7 mpg during testing, below its EPA rating of 19 mpg combined.

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 easy entry and exit, comfortable seats, and a quality feel. The rear seat was less roomy 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 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 Jeep Gladiator shared its front design with the Jeep Wrangler but had a unique frame and rear suspension design. The five-foot steel cargo bed featured a dampened tailgate and integrated tie-downs, with optional upgrades like a spray-in bedliner and under-rail bed lighting. The interior lacked practical storage spots, with small bins and nets for smaller items. Climbing into the Gladiator was a hassle, and running boards or step rails were not recommended for off-roading. The new-for-2024 power-adjustable front seats offered reasonable comfort, but rear-seat passengers had to be cautious of protruding plastic hooks on the front seatbacks.

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 system was slow to load, and the voice recognition system had delayed responses. The touchscreen interface was simple but lacked modern design standards. The wireless smartphone charger worked inconsistently, and the navigation display was cluttered.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5, offering superior graphics, responsiveness, and features. It included Bluetooth pairing for two smartphones, Amazon Alexa compatibility, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. A TomTom navigation system with Jeep Adventure Guides was available. The improved microphone enhanced voice recognition, but responses to complex queries were hit-and-miss.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline had aging driver-assistance systems, with standard Honda Sensing features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Ridgeline earned favorable crash-test ratings from the IIHS and top marks from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator's safety ratings were unimpressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and poor ratings from the IIHS for headlights, seatbelt warnings, and pedestrian detection. However, the 2024 model included safety improvements like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors on higher trims. Structural enhancements and a standard roll cage with side-curtain airbags were also added.