2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Jeep Gladiator

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator kept its rugged charm, making only minor changes to its exterior. It introduced the Gladiator Freedom Edition, which paid tribute to American servicemen and servicewomen. This edition was based on the Sport S trim and featured gloss black wheels, body-color fender flares, a winch-capable steel front bumper, steel rock rails, LED headlights, cloth seats with leather trim, and special decals. Jeep showcased its commitment by donating $250 from each sale to military charities and offering a $500 discount to active and recently retired service members. Other updates included a new High Velocity Yellow paint color, additional standard equipment for the Willys model, and a new Capability Package for the High Altitude model.

The 2023 Gladiator had nine trim levels, starting from the basic Sport trim at $38,305 to the High Altitude trim at $54,475, excluding the $1,595 destination charge. The test truck was the Gladiator Mojave, designed for high-speed desert driving. It featured Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks with external reservoirs, front hydraulic jounce bumpers, a 1-inch front suspension lift, 33-inch all-terrain tires, a locking rear differential, high-clearance front fender flares, and steel rock rails. The price, including various options and destination charges, reached $62,160.

The Gladiator's design was distinctive, with a longer wheelbase and fortified frame, akin to a mullet's automotive equivalent, balancing the need for both a crew cab and a functional cargo box. Mojave models added aesthetic elements like a hood scoop and orange detailing.

Contrastingly, Honda revamped the Ridgeline’s styling a few years prior, resulting in a bolder front end, larger dual exhaust outlets, and more appealing wheels with aggressive tread tires. The HPD packages were noted for their oversized fender flares, which were better avoided. The 2023 Ridgeline was available in four trims: Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition. The base model started at $38,800, while the top-tier Black Edition reached $46,230, excluding the $1,345 destination charge.

The test vehicle was a Black Edition with additional Platinum White Pearl paint and accessory 18-inch black alloy wheels, increasing the price to $49,866. Despite its higher price, the Ridgeline offered layers of refinement and sophistication, sharing a platform with Honda’s Passport crossover SUV. This sharing extended to interior elements, making the Ridgeline’s cabin appear more modern and upscale compared to many rivals.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator offered two engine options: a 285-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a 260-hp, 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 with an eight-speed automatic transmission providing 442 lb-ft of torque. The gas V6 engine was standard, known for its off-the-line acceleration, while the turbodiesel was aimed at improving fuel economy but had lower towing capabilities. Command-Trac part-time four-wheel-drive (4WD) with a two-speed transfer case was standard, with optional upgrades available for specific models. The Mojave test model, equipped with the gas V6 and Command-Trac, averaged 17.3 mpg in combined driving during the evaluation loop.

Despite its power, the Gladiator was noisy inside, even with a hardtop, highlighting engine roar and wind noise. Handling was tailored for off-roading, as demonstrated during tests over rutted and rough terrain near Ojai. However, its length posed challenges in tight spots, though it performed well in urban settings, absorbing imperfect pavements and large bumps.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline shared its platform and components with the Acura MDX and Honda Passport, which contributed to its sophisticated driving dynamics. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Ridgeline featured a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. Its payload capacity was 1,583 pounds, and it could tow up to 5,000 pounds. However, its 7.6 inches of ground clearance and lack of low-range gearing limited its off-road abilities.

During a road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco, the Ridgeline averaged 22.6 mpg, performing better than expected for its category. It displayed exceptional ride and handling qualities, akin to an SUV rather than a traditional truck. The unibody construction and independent suspension contributed to a smooth ride, averaging 21.4 mpg on a standard test loop.

Gracefully entering and exiting the 2023 Jeep Gladiator required some practice. Opting out of the optional side steps, awkwardly mounted for off-road purposes, was advisable. The driver’s seat, manually adjustable, tended to lower over time due to a poorly placed lever, necessitating regular readjustment. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were available, enhancing comfort.

The rear seats were spacious with good legroom and rear air conditioning vents, although the design of the plastic front seatback panels posed a challenge for taller passengers. Storage options included netting on the doors, multiple cupholders, a dashboard tray, and a storage bin under the center armrest. The rear storage bin under the back seat was generous and lockable.

The Gladiator’s five-foot cargo box offered 35.5 cubic feet of space but lacked depth. Enhancements such as a spray-in bedliner, tonneau cover, LED lighting, and a Trail Rail Management System improved utility, with a portable Bluetooth speaker available for outdoor activities.

In comparison, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline emphasized daily-driving practicality with its spacious and functional interior. The seats were comfortable with excellent leg support, but hosing down the cabin was not advisable. The rear seat space was slightly smaller compared to the Honda Passport, but it featured a high bench, padded front seatbacks, air conditioning vents, and large door panel cupholders.

The rear seat cushion flipped up to increase load capacity, and a rear underseat storage system was available. Up front, the Ridgeline offered convenient storage solutions, including a dashboard slot for smartphones, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console bin with a sliding cover.

The Ridgeline’s 64-inch cargo bed was notable for its dual-action tailgate and a flat, scratch-resistant composite floor with a minimum width of 50 inches. It provided 33.9 cubic feet of volume and featured tie-down cleats, a power outlet, and in-bed speakers in some trims. Unique to the Ridgeline was a 7.3 cubic-foot in-bed trunk with a drain plug, enhancing functionality for various uses.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator, despite its rugged appearance, packed several tech features. The Mojave test vehicle included an Off-Road+ driving mode, a TrailCam forward-facing camera, and the Off-Road Pages program integrated with the Uconnect infotainment system. A 7-inch touchscreen was standard, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB ports, and an eight-speaker stereo.

A premium 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, connected services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Alexa integration, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system were available. The voice recognition system, however, was inconsistent in its performance. Additional tech features included passive keyless entry and dual-zone automatic climate control with an advanced air filter.

Conversely, the Ridgeline’s technology was more dated. It included an 8-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HondaLink services, and optional satellite radio. Only the higher trims featured navigation, a premium sound system, cargo bed speakers, and wireless smartphone charging. The system was noted for slow loading and delayed voice recognition, with a basic user interface that involved tap-intensive radio tuning and a cluttered navigation display.

Despite the frustrations, users could acclimate to the Ridgeline’s tech, utilizing shortcut buttons, steering wheel controls, and preset radio stations for smoother operation. The wireless charger, however, was less reliable, often struggling to maintain a connection.