When choosing between the 2023 Ford Ranger and the 20230 Honda Ridgeline, there are a few things to consider. While the Ridgeline is a reliable truck that offers space, the real winner here is the Ranger if you're looking for a truck that checks all the boxes. By the end of this comparison guide - you'll know why we suggest the Ranger.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The Ranger offers superior cargo space, by a lot.
- By being nearly just as powerful as the Ridgeline, you're getting the Ranger for much less.
- With the lower price comes all the same safety features the Ridgeline has, except for a few added benefits driving a Ranger.
- Ridgeline has slightly better horsepower.
- You’ll get better gas mileage in a Ranger.
POWER AND GAS MILEAGE
For having the more powerful engine, the Ridgeline offers a smooth drive with good throttle response. You can expect this from its 3.5-liter V-6 engine, maxing its horsepower at 280. That being said, the Ranger is not far behind, and for what it can do it's more worth it to go for the Ranger despite having the lesser engine. The Ranger also only offers one engine, a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 270 horsepower. It also generates 310 lb-ft of torque while the Ridgeline maxes its torque out at 262 lb-ft. The Ranger with its nearly identical horsepower and more powerful torque is going to give more truck utility in the long run than the Ridgeline. The Ranger also has the better fuel efficiency estimate at 21 mpg in city drives and 26 on the highway, while the Ridgeline it's 18 and 24 mpg, respectively.
WHICH TRUCK OFFERS THE BETTER PERFORMANCE?
It's time to put those engines to the test, and there is one clear winner here. The Ford Ranger always shows up to work for drivers. The Ridgeline still offers some great utility, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. While powerful, this is nothing compared to its competitors like the Ranger, which maxes out at 7,500 pounds. The Ranger also works up to 1,860 pounds for payloads and the Ridgeline gets 1,600 pounds. If you're looking for a truck that is not only able to drive and look nice but does the really hard work, go with the Ranger. For cargo space, the Ranger continues to blow the Rideline out of the water with approximately 50 cubic feet of space, nearly 20 cubic feet more than the Ridgeline's 33 cu-ft.
ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES: A TIE
If you were hoping one truck had an advantage in the entertainment department, we're sorry to break it to you because both trucks are going to give you a lot of the same benefits. The 8 inch infotainment system, Apple Carplay, and Android Auto can all be found on the standard models. In different trims on the Ridgeline, an in-bed audio system can be found, while on the Ranger there's the option for Wi-Fi hotspots. So a lot of its features will come down to what you prioritize if you're looking to shop across trim levels.
INTERIOR COMFORT & SAFETY: RANGER VS. RIDGELINE
We have found that the Ridgeline has a slight advantage in the included safety equipment while also having a slight edge in overall interior comfort. Blind-spot monitors and cross-traffic alerts are optional features you can find on a Ranger that aren't offered with a Ridgeline. The Ridgeline does have standard child safety locks however, so if you are going to have more passengers who are small children - this extra caution may be worth it to you. Other than that the Ranger offers more for work and daily safety.
The Ridgeline is one of the most luxurious standard cabins you can find in a base model truck with hard plastics below the dash and quality upholstery materials. However, when compared to the Ranger, the Ranger gets a couple more inches of front leg room than the Ridgeline. Passengers in the front will have more space for their legs, by about two inches in the Ridgeline.
AND THE WINNER IS…
Except for a few child safety features, the Ranger trumps the Ridgeline in nearly any way that makes a difference while on the road and working. Starting estimates for a Ridgeline go for about $38,800 and the Ranger starts at $27,400. Side with the more affordable hard working truck in this matchup and you'll get the Ranger that will offer more in the long haul.