2024 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Jeep Gladiator

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator retained much of its previous design, with a few notable updates. The introduction of the Gladiator Freedom Edition paid tribute to American servicemen and servicewomen, featuring gloss black wheels, body-color fender flares, and a winch-capable steel front bumper. This edition also included special decals and a $500 discount for active and retired service members, with Jeep donating $250 to military charities for each unit sold. Other updates included a new High Velocity Yellow paint color and additional standard equipment for the Willys model. The Gladiator lineup offered nine trim levels, starting at $38,305 for the basic Sport trim and reaching $54,475 for the High Altitude trim, excluding a $1,595 destination charge. The Mojave trim, designed for high-speed desert driving, featured Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, a 1-inch front suspension lift, and 33-inch all-terrain tires. Despite its high price, the Gladiator's unique features, such as a removable top and doors, and its off-roading capabilities, made it a standout in the midsize pickup truck segment.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline, while not known for its striking design, received styling updates that enhanced its presence. The second-generation model, resembling a Pilot SUV, featured a blunt nose, tall hood, and new tailgate lettering for 2024. The TrailSport trim added all-terrain tires for a more rugged look. Inside, a redesigned center console with a wide armrest and a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel improved the cabin's functionality. The standard 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system received updates, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Ridgeline offered four trims, each equipped with a 280-horsepower V6 engine and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, with prices ranging from $39,750 to $46,350, plus a $1,395 destination charge. The TrailSport trim, priced at $46,990, included Radiant Red paint and optional black tailgate lettering, making it an affordable and family-friendly pickup option.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator offered two engine choices: a standard 285-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, and an optional 260-horsepower, 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbodiesel provided 442 lb-ft of torque but had a lower towing capacity, focusing on fuel economy. The Gladiator featured Command-Trac part-time four-wheel-drive with a two-speed transfer case, with upgrades available for certain models. The Mojave trim, equipped with the gas V6 and Command-Trac, averaged 17.3 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA's 19 mpg estimate. The Gladiator excelled in off-road conditions, with its Fox shocks and suspension modifications providing a smooth ride over rough terrain. However, the truck's length made navigating tight spaces challenging, and its on-road performance was marred by noise and steering imprecision.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Honda's i-VTM4 AWD system. The Ridgeline's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, with a maximum payload of 1,583 pounds in the Sport trim. Off-road capabilities were limited by shallow approach, breakover, and departure angles, and a ground clearance of just over 7.6 inches. On-road, the Ridgeline excelled with its smooth powertrain, quick acceleration, and quiet cabin. The TrailSport's off-road suspension felt firmer on pavement, and the all-terrain tires emitted a faint whir. The automatic transmission occasionally rolled when parked, requiring caution. The Ridgeline TrailSport averaged 19.4 mpg, slightly below the EPA's 20 mpg estimate.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator required practice to enter and exit, especially through the narrow rear doors. Optional side steps were more of a hindrance than a help. The manually height-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable but required frequent readjustment. The rear seats offered good legroom and support, though taller passengers might find the plastic front seatback panels uncomfortable. Storage options included netting on door panels, cupholders, and a deep but narrow center armrest bin. The five-foot cargo box offered 35.5 cubic feet of space, with available features like a spray-in bedliner and a Trail Rail Management System. The Gladiator boasted a best-in-class payload capacity of 1,710 pounds.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline prioritized comfort and practicality. Easy to enter and exit, the Ridgeline offered supportive seats and ample legroom for five passengers. The TrailSport trim featured perforated leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The driver's seat had 10-way power adjustment, while the front passenger seat was fixed. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed adequate legroom, padded front seatbacks, and a triple-zone climate control system. The Ridgeline's interior offered numerous storage options, including a large center armrest, cupholders, and a flip-up rear seat cushion for additional cargo space. The 33.9 cubic-foot cargo bed included a weatherproof and locking trunk with 7.3 cubic feet of space, perfect for tailgate parties or wet gear.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator featured an Off-Road+ driving mode and an optional TrailCam forward-facing camera. The standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eight-speaker stereo. An 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation, connected services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot was available, along with a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. The voice recognition system was less reliable, and the passive keyless entry system and dual-zone automatic climate control added convenience.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline came with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring a faster processor and updated graphics. Standard equipment included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and smartphone charging. The Ridgeline Sport had a seven-speaker stereo, while higher trims offered SiriusXM satellite radio and an eight-speaker premium sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with improved response times and voice recognition. The instrumentation included a 7-inch digital display, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator offered limited standard safety features, with optional packages adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. The Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Gladiator received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a four-star frontal-impact rating. The IIHS rated the headlights as Marginal.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline Sport included a standard blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. The Honda Sensing suite offered forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The ADAS performed adequately, though not seamlessly. The Ridgeline received an Acceptable rating in the IIHS small overlap frontal-impact test and a Marginal rating for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the Ridgeline five-star ratings, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.