Which can best handle your rugged lifestyle, the 2024 Ford Ranger or the 2024 Honda Ridgeline? Depending on your priorities, you might find that you prefer one over the other. Our comparison guide gives you the scoop on both midsize trucks.
Key Takeaways
- Starting at $32,670, the 2024 Ford Ranger can help you score major savings over the 2024 Honda Ridgeline and its $39,750 MSRP!
- Thanks to its unibody design, the Ridgeline delivers the smoothest ride around town.
- When it comes to off-road capabilities and overall power, the Ranger leads the way.
- Choose the Ranger for much stronger towing and hauling capabilities!
What’s the Starting Price of the 2024 Ford Ranger?
When you select the 2024 Ranger (from $32,670) over the 2024 Ridgeline (from $39,750), you can enjoy major savings. Compared to the Ridgeline, the entry-level Ranger comes standard with an engine known for its sporty, low-end torque. The Ranger’s low MSRP also nets you plenty of high-tech features, including a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, digital gauge cluster, and forward collision mitigation!
The Ridgeline’s much higher starting price includes more upscale features, such as a wireless phone charger and automatic climate control. However, if you feel they’re worth your dime, you can always upgrade the Ranger with the same features!
Is the 2024 Honda Ridgeline a Body-On-Frame?
Unlike the Ranger, which rides on a body-on-frame chassis, the Ridgeline’s unibody platform makes it much smoother and more comfortable than the average pickup. In addition to excellent ride comfort, Honda’s midsize truck also delivers roomy, supportive seating and standard tri-zone automatic climate control. You can also equip this truck with high-end items, including leather upholstery and driver’s seat memory settings.
Although the Ridgeline has the edge here, the Ranger is also a comfortable option. Compared to other midsize, body-on-frame trucks, the redesigned Ranger delivers a notably smoother ride. The Ranger’s SuperCrew cabin is roomy and comfortable, with seats that deliver hours of on-road support. And Ford’s midsize truck is available with a wide range of options, including heated front seats, leather upholstery, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Is the 2024 Ford Ranger Powerful?
In terms of power and performance, the Ranger easily outclasses the Ridgeline. Redesigned for the 2024 model year, Ford’s midsize truck is now available with three torque-heavy engine options. Depending on which trim model you select, the Ranger can supply up to 405 horsepower! Plus, its all-new Raptor trim model is built for high-speed off-roading, thanks to upgrades like Fox shocks and locking front and rear differentials!
Choose from these three engines, according to Ranger powertrain:
- XL: 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (270 horsepower, 310 lb-ft of torque)
- XLT, Lariat: 2.7L turbo V6 (315 hp, 400 lb-ft)
- Raptor-only 3.0L turbo V6 (405 hp, 430 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
The Ridgeline’s powertrain isn’t nearly as versatile. Its only available engine, a sturdy V6, has plenty of horsepower. Compared to the Ranger, though, it’s not nearly as torque-heavy, and therefore not as capable in tough off-road situations. The Ridgeline’s standard all-wheel drive system is similar to the kind you’ll find on a crossover SUV. The system jumps into action when it senses slippage in the rear wheels, but its main drive is up front. Compared to the rear-wheel-drive Ranger, then, the Ridgeline isn’t as sporty or capable (see below).
Every Ridgeline has the same powertrain:
- 3.5L V6 (280 hp, 262 lb-ft)
- Nine-speed automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive
How Much Can the 2024 FOrd Ranger Tow?
If you’ve got hefty toys to tote, the Ranger is the best option! Thanks to its traditional chassis, the Ranger tows and hauls much more than the unibody Ridgeline. Properly equipped, Ford’s redesigned midsize truck can tow up to 7,500 pounds. Depending on trim model and equipment, the Ranger can haul payloads weighing up to 1,805 pounds.
Although the Ridgeline’s unibody setup delivers plenty of ride comfort, it also cuts down on this truck’s ability to tow and haul heavy loads. Similar to a midsize crossover SUV, the Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Its hauling performance — up to 1,583 pounds — isn’t bad, but it lags far behind the Ranger’s abilities.
Is the 2024 Ford Ranger A Good Option For A Mid-Size Truck?
In the end, the 2024 Ford Ranger is the best option for drivers who want a midsize truck with rugged capabilities. Not only does the redesigned Ranger deliver the best towing and off-roading performance, but it’s also available at the lowest price!