Which One Reigns Supreme? Ford Ranger Vs. Honda Ridgeline: A Detailed Comparison
What To Know
- The Ridgeline gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, while the Ranger gets 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
- The Ranger offers features such as a SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system.
- The Ridgeline, on the other hand, comes standard with a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a HondaLink subscription service, and a premium audio system.
When it comes to choosing a midsize pickup truck, two of the most popular options are the Ford Ranger and the Honda Ridgeline. Both trucks offer a unique set of features and capabilities, making them ideal for different types of drivers. In this comprehensive comparison, we will put the Ford Ranger and Honda Ridgeline head-to-head to determine which one is the better choice for your needs.
Performance and Capability
The Ford Ranger is powered by a 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Honda Ridgeline, on the other hand, is equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine that generates 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. While both engines offer ample power, the Ranger’s turbocharged engine provides an edge in terms of torque and acceleration.
When it comes to towing and payload capacity, the Ford Ranger takes the lead once again. The Ranger can tow up to 7,500 pounds and carry a payload of up to 1,860 pounds. The Honda Ridgeline, on the other hand, has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,584 pounds.
Fuel Efficiency
The Honda Ridgeline has a clear advantage over the Ford Ranger in terms of fuel efficiency. The Ridgeline gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, while the Ranger gets 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. This difference in fuel economy is due to the Ridgeline’s lighter weight and more efficient V6 engine.
Interior and Comfort
The Ford Ranger and Honda Ridgeline offer spacious and comfortable interiors. Both trucks come standard with cloth seats, a touchscreen infotainment system, and a rearview camera. The Ranger has a slightly larger cabin than the Ridgeline, providing more legroom and headroom for front and rear passengers. However, the Ridgeline’s interior is more refined and features higher-quality materials.
Safety
Both the Ford Ranger and Honda Ridgeline have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Ranger received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the Ridgeline received a four-star overall safety rating. The Ridgeline, however, earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, while the Ranger did not.
Technology and Features
The Ford Ranger and Honda Ridgeline come with a variety of technology and features to enhance your driving experience. The Ranger offers features such as a SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system. The Ridgeline, on the other hand, comes standard with a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a HondaLink subscription service, and a premium audio system.
Price
The Ford Ranger has a starting price of $24,820, while the Honda Ridgeline starts at $36,490. This significant price difference is due to the Ridgeline’s more refined interior, higher safety ratings, and more advanced technology features.
Recommendations: The Verdict
The Ford Ranger and Honda Ridgeline are both excellent midsize pickup trucks with unique strengths and weaknesses. The Ranger offers more power, towing and payload capacity, and a lower price point. The Ridgeline, on the other hand, has better fuel efficiency, a more refined interior, higher safety ratings, and more advanced technology features. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which truck has better off-road capabilities?
A: The Ford Ranger has better off-road capabilities than the Honda Ridgeline. The Ranger offers a higher ground clearance, a four-wheel drive system with low-range gearing, and an off-road suspension.
Q: Which truck has a better warranty?
A: The Honda Ridgeline has a better warranty than the Ford Ranger. The Ridgeline comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Ranger, on the other hand, comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Q: Which truck has a higher resale value?
A: The Honda Ridgeline has a higher resale value than the Ford Ranger. The Ridgeline is known for its reliability and durability, which makes it a more desirable used vehicle.
