2024 Honda Ridgeline vs 2024 Jeep Gladiator

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator was available in four core trim levels: Sport, Willys, Mojave, and Rubicon, with additional variants like the Sport S and the new-for-2024 Mojave X and Rubicon X. Jeep also offered regionally specific versions such as the Beach and Texas Trail. The Gladiator featured a crew-cab, shortbed configuration with a removable fabric roof or an optional hard top. The doors were also removable, and the windshield could be folded down, although this was not recommended at high speeds due to bug splatter. The Gladiator's pricing ranged from $37,895 for a base Sport to $63,590 for the Mojave X and Rubicon X, with our test vehicle, a Mojave X, priced at $70,750. The 2024 model received subtle styling updates, including a new black seven-slot grille and integrated antenna, along with interior enhancements like a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and premium leather upholstery in higher trims.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline, while not known for its striking looks, had undergone styling changes to give it more presence. The second-generation model featured a blunt nose, tall hood, and new tailgate lettering, with the TrailSport trim adding all-terrain tires for a rugged appearance. The interior saw improvements with a new center console design and a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel. The Ridgeline was available in four trims: Sport, RTL, TrailSport, and Black Edition, all equipped with a 280-horsepower V6 engine and torque-vectoring AWD. Prices ranged from $39,750 to $46,350, with our TrailSport test vehicle priced at $46,990. The Ridgeline's interior was praised for its comfort and practicality, with features like perforated leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a triple-zone climate control system.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator continued to offer a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. It featured four 4WD systems, with a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,725 pounds. The Mojave trim was designed for desert running, with a one-inch front suspension lift, FOX shocks, and an Off-Road+ driving mode. During testing, the Mojave handled dirt roads confidently, though it was less agreeable on highways due to wind noise and steering feel. The Gladiator averaged 16.7 mpg, below the EPA's 19 mpg estimate.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Honda’s i-VTM4 AWD system. It had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,583 pounds. The Ridgeline excelled on-road, offering smooth power delivery, quick acceleration, and a quiet cabin. However, its off-road capabilities were limited by shallow approach angles and a ground clearance of just over 7.6 inches. The Ridgeline averaged 19.4 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA's 20 mpg estimate.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator shared its front styling with the Wrangler but had a unique frame and rear suspension design, providing a five-foot steel cargo bed with integrated tie-downs. Interior storage was limited, with small bins and nets for smaller items. Climbing in and out of the Gladiator was challenging, but the new power-adjustable front seats offered reasonable comfort.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline prioritized comfort and practicality, with easy entry and exit, supportive seats, and ample legroom for five passengers. The TrailSport trim featured perforated leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Ridgeline offered numerous storage solutions, including a large center armrest, rear seat storage, and a 33.9 cubic-foot cargo bed with a weatherproof in-bed trunk.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5, offering superior graphics and responsiveness. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth pairing for two smartphones, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The system's voice recognition worked well for basic commands but struggled with more complex queries.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline came with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, updated with a faster processor and new graphics. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and a seven-speaker stereo. The system was user-friendly, with quick response times and a capable voice recognition system. The Ridgeline also featured a 7-inch digital display in the gauge cluster.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator's safety ratings were not impressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA and criticism from IIHS regarding its headlights and pedestrian detection. However, it received safety upgrades, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and structural improvements for side-impact collisions.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline featured a standard blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, along with the Honda Sensing suite of ADAS. The system included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. While the ADAS performed well, it was not as smooth as expected. The Ridgeline received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA but had an Acceptable rating from IIHS for small overlap frontal-impact tests.