The 2019 Ford Ranger and Honda Ridgeline are two midsize trucks with a knack for adventure. Both trucks even have a softer side, with cushy options like leather upholstery and smartphone integration. All of which makes it harder to choose between the two. Luckily, we’re here to help. Check out our comparison guide; we’ll help you make the best possible choice.
Sharpest Off-Road Skills: 2019 Ford Ranger
Its traditional truck performance gives the Ranger the edge here. You can add four-wheel drive performance technology to any trim level, from the base XL to the plush Lariat. This performance gear gives you the traction you need to take on the mud, sleet, or snow in your favorite adventure spot.
Back on the Honda Ridgeline, you’ll find optional all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is slightly different than four-wheel drive, supplying a little extra traction when you need it, on light trails or slick roads. But to really travel through the wilderness, four-wheel drive is the best choice.
Max Towing: 2019 Ford Ranger
These days, midsize trucks are bigger and more capable than ever. That’s good news for drivers, meaning you enjoy impressive towing and hauling performance without having to buy more truck than you need. If you’ve got big toys at home, the 2019 Ford Ranger is ready for action, with max tow ratings of up to 7,500 pounds.
The Ridgeline is plenty capable, if not quite as capable as the Ranger. All-wheel-drive models can tow up to 5,000 pounds’ worth of speedboat or Airstream. However, that figure drops to 3,500 pounds with front-wheel drive.
Thriftiest Truck: 2019 Ford Ranger
Modern trucks strive to deliver the best of both worlds: strong performance and modern fuel economy. The Ranger does a better job of this, bringing both the heaviest tow ratings and the thriftiest ride. Depending on configuration, Ford’s all-new midsize truck earns up to 21 city and 26 highway miles per gallon or 23 mpg combined. The Ridgeline does almost as well, earning up to 19 city and 26 highway mpg or 22 mpg combined.
Truck-Style Innovation: 2019 Honda Ridgeline
The Ridgeline has some features that you won’t see anywhere else. First off, there’s a large, lockable trunk in the truck bed that’s perfect for stowing valuable tools and any gear you want to keep out of the elements. It’s basically a cargo bin inside the truck bed. The Ridgeline’s two-way tailgate both folds down and swings out, giving you options about how you access your cargo.
Although the Ranger doesn’t have the above features, the Ford also doesn’t short you on modern truck convenience. Both midsize trucks offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so there’s no need to struggle with a smartphone when you should be keeping your eyes on the road. You’ll also find a nice supply of driver safety aids on these trucks. The Ranger even comes standard with forward collision mitigation and automatic emergency braking—technology that always has your back.
The Honda Ridgeline is certainly savvy, but the 2019 Ford Ranger leaves its rival in the dust with its hefty tow ratings, strong but thrifty performance, and potential for off-road adventure. That’s why we recommend the all-new Ranger as your next midsize truck.