Ford and Honda are two top competitors that offer great options for midsized trucks. The two options that will be compared are the 2023 Ford Ranger and the 2023 Honda Ridgeline. To help you decide which truck suits your needs, let’s evaluate the performance, design, and features of these two popular models.
Key Takeaways
- The Ford Ranger offers higher towing and hauling capacity than the Ridgeline.
- The Ranger has a more robust design while the Ridgeline has a more modern design.
- Both trucks come with great safety and technological features.
- The Ranger has a starting price of about $29,000 while the Ridgeline has a starting price of about $40,000.
Performance
When it comes to performance, both the trucks offer capable options, but each one has its different approaches.
The Ranger has a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The towing and payload capacity of the Ranger is measured up to 7,500 pounds and 1,860 pounds respectively. The Ranger comes standard with RWD, but 4WD is optional. Thanks to its high torque, towing and hauling various things is easy for the Ranger, and it can also come with an off-road package for those who seek adventure from the highway.
The Ridgeline comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. While it may have a lower torque than the Ranger, its AWD enhances traction and off-road capability. The Ridgeline has a towing and payload capacity of up to 5,000 pounds and 1600 pounds respectively, which is suitable for most light to medium-duty tasks. However, it does not compare well with the max towing and hauling capacity of the Ranger.
Design
The Ranger exhibits a classic truck design with a bold and robust appearance. It features a large grille, defining lines, and unique proportions that give it a rugged look. The Ranger's interior comes in two cabin styles: SuperCab or SuperCrew. The SuperCab comes with just two doors and offers ample space for you and the front passenger, but it may be small for any more passengers. The SuperCrew offers a larger cabin with four doors that can fit you and four other passengers with good comfort and space.
The Ridgeline takes a more modern approach to its design. Its distinctive lean grille and aerodynamic body lines give it a unique appearance. Inside the Ridgeline, you'll find a practical and comfortable cabin that has comfortable seating (especially for the rear passengers) and wide-open doors for easier entry.
Though design is subjective, it plays a crucial role in choosing a truck that matches your lifestyle. If you are more robust, then the Ranger is for you; however, if you go for a modern look that gets the job done, then the Ridgeline is the truck for you.
Features and Technology
The Ranger offers an 8-inch touchscreen that comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Sirius XM radio. For safety, it also has driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, rear-cross traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
The Ridgeline comes with an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and in-bed audio system to liven up any party. The Ridgeline’s advanced safety features include forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking.
Price
The Ranger has an MSRP range of about $30,000 – $41,000 with a starting price of about $29,000. The Ridgeline’s MSRP range is about $39,000 – $46,000 with a starting price of about $40,000. Though the Ridgeline is more expensive than the Ranger, you would pay for its practical and comfortable interior. However, the Ranger provides more power and versatility for a cheaper price.
Overview
Both trucks have their unique strengths and perks. The Ranger excels with a more traditional midsize truck design while the Honda Ridgeline offers a modern design, a refined interior, and innovative features. The choice between these two trucks will depend on your preference for performance, utility, and features. A test drive of both models is highly recommended for you to make an informed decision based on personal needs and desires.