2024 Honda Ridgeline vs 2025 RAM 1500

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline continued to evolve from its earlier, less conventional designs. While the first-generation model was known for its quirky appearance, the second-generation Ridgeline, still in production in 2024, adopted a more mainstream look. Recent styling updates, including a blunt nose, tall hood, and new tailgate lettering, gave it a more assertive presence. The TrailSport trim added all-terrain tires, enhancing its rugged appeal. Inside, a redesigned center console with a wide armrest and a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel improved the truck's interior aesthetics, making it feel more like a traditional pickup. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system received significant upgrades, and a new brown leather option was available in the RTL trim. The Ridgeline offered four versions: Sport, RTL, TrailSport, and Black Edition, all powered by a 280-horsepower V6 engine with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. Prices ranged from $39,750 to $46,350, with a $1,395 destination charge.

In contrast, the 2025 RAM 1500 underwent a subtle refresh, with changes to the front fascia, grille, and badge placement. The lineup featured eight different grille treatments, with the Tungsten trim standing out as the top-of-the-line option. It boasted chrome trim, body-colored bumpers, and a premium appearance. The Rebel trim, on the other hand, had a darker, more rugged look. New features for 2025 included a walk-up animation feature for the Tungsten and Limited trims, as well as standard LED headlights. Inside, each trim had its unique character, with new interior color schemes and materials. The Tungsten trim featured a suede headliner, Natura Plus leather, and carbon fiber accents. The center console lid was adorned with diamond-quilted leather and a "TUNGSTEN" badge. The dual-pane panoramic moonroof added a touch of luxury, and the overall interior design was reminiscent of high-end vehicles like Lincoln or Mercedes.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline was equipped with a reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 262 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and Honda's intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) AWD system, allowing up to 70 percent of the engine's power to be directed to a single rear wheel. The Ridgeline's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, which was a limitation compared to traditional body-on-frame rivals. Its maximum payload capacity was 1,583 pounds in the Sport trim. Off-road capabilities were limited by shallow approach, breakover, and departure angles, with a maximum ground clearance of just over 7.6 inches. On-road, the Ridgeline excelled with its smooth powertrain, quick acceleration, and comfortable ride. The TrailSport's off-road suspension felt slightly firmer on pavement, and the all-terrain tires emitted a faint whir at speed. The automatic transmission occasionally rolled when parked, requiring caution. Fuel economy averaged 19.4 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 20 mpg.

The 2025 RAM 1500 introduced a new engine option, the 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six, replacing the HEMI V8. In its base form, it delivered 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque, while the high-output version offered 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque. The standard-output Hurricane I6 provided a maximum towing capacity of 11,580 pounds, with a max payload of 2,300 pounds when equipped with the Pentastar engine. The eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission carried over, offering smooth and well-timed shifts. The Rebel trim impressed off-road with its 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler tires, Bilstein shocks, and factory lift. The air suspension, standard on the Longhorn trim, provided a comfortable ride and adjustable height settings for various purposes. The RAM 1500 offered a new 3.55 rear axle ratio, complementing the existing options.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline prioritized comfort and practicality over towing and off-roading capabilities. It offered easy entry and exit, with supportive cushions ensuring comfort for all 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 well-positioned despite lacking height adjustment. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed adequate legroom, and the triple-zone climate control system added to their comfort. The Ridgeline's interior boasted numerous storage options, including shelves, trays, and bins. The rear seat cushion could be flipped up for additional cargo space, and the TrailSport's rear window power slid open for ventilation. The cargo bed offered 33.9 cubic feet of space, with a weatherproof and locking trunk providing an additional 7.3 cubic feet.

The 2025 RAM 1500 took interior customization to the next level with 24-way power adjustable front seats, including four-way power headrests and a massage function. The Crew Cab Tungsten trim featured heated and ventilated seats front and rear, with 44.8 inches of rear-seat legroom. The Quad Cab offered 35.3 inches of rear-seat legroom. The RAM 1500 retained hard controls for climate and audio, with critical truck functions accessible via physical buttons. The Tungsten trim included the RamBox cargo management system, adding lockable compartments on either side of the bed. The power open/close tailgate provided access to a 5-foot-7-inch bed with covered power outlets. The on-board power inverter produced up to 2 kilowatts, though it did not operate while Hurricane-equipped vehicles were in motion.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a faster processor and improved navigation graphics. Standard equipment included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. The Ridgeline Sport benefited from these upgrades, while higher trims offered SiriusXM satellite radio and an eight-speaker premium sound system. The 7-inch digital display in the gauge cluster was well-executed, providing a user-friendly experience.

The 2025 RAM 1500 introduced a 10.25-inch passenger screen, available from the Laramie trim, offering navigation, external cameras, and entertainment. The cabin featured an 8.4-inch flush screen as standard, with a new 12-inch screen available. The 14.5-inch touchscreen, running Uconnect 5, was standard on all tested models. The Tungsten trim included a digital rearview mirror, full-color head-up display, and a 12.3-inch digital driver-information display. The 23-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere audio system replaced the previous Harmon Kardon system, offering an audiophile experience.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline Sport gained a standard blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. It joined the Honda Sensing suite, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights. The ADAS performed adequately but lacked smoothness in moderate traffic. The Ridgeline earned an Acceptable rating in the IIHS small overlap frontal-impact test and a Marginal rating for headlights. The NHTSA awarded it five-star ratings, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2025 RAM 1500 introduced a Hands-Free Driving Assist system, a Level 2+ semi-autonomous driving system. It maintained speed, distance, and lane centering without driver intervention, requiring a turn signal for lane changes. The system mirrored human behaviors, enhancing comfort. Enhanced automatic emergency braking included evasive steering assist, and the vehicle's cameras detected cyclists and motorcycles in blind spots. Blind-spot monitoring and other features were not standard.