What To Know
- While the Ridgeline has a clear advantage in terms of power, the Sport Trac offers better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway compared to the Ridgeline’s 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway.
- The Ridgeline has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,584 pounds, while the Sport Trac offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,250 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,600 pounds.
- The Honda Ridgeline and Ford Explorer Sport Trac both offer a comprehensive suite of safety features to keep you and your passengers safe on the road.
The Honda Ridgeline and Ford Explorer Sport Trac are two popular mid-size pickup trucks that offer a unique blend of utility and comfort. Both vehicles have their own strengths and weaknesses, making it difficult to decide which one is the better choice. In this blog post, we will compare the Honda Ridgeline vs Ford Explorer Sport Trac in terms of performance, features, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Performance: Power and Efficiency
The Honda Ridgeline is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Ford Explorer Sport Trac, on the other hand, comes with a 4.0-liter V6 engine that generates 210 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque. While the Ridgeline has a clear advantage in terms of power, the Sport Trac offers better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway compared to the Ridgeline’s 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway.
Features: Comfort and Convenience
Both the Honda Ridgeline and Ford Explorer Sport Trac offer a comfortable and spacious interior with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. However, the Ridgeline has a more modern and upscale cabin with features like a touchscreen infotainment system, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Sport Trac, on the other hand, offers a more rugged and utilitarian interior with features like durable cloth seats and a rubberized floor.
Off-Road Capability: Adventure-Ready Performance
The Honda Ridgeline and Ford Explorer Sport Trac both offer impressive off-road capabilities, making them ideal for outdoor adventures. The Ridgeline comes with a standard all-wheel drive system and a ground clearance of 9.4 inches, while the Sport Trac features a part-time four-wheel drive system and a ground clearance of 8.5 inches. Both vehicles also offer features like hill descent control and skid plates to enhance their off-road performance.
Towing and Payload Capacity: Workhorse Capabilities
When it comes to towing and payload capacity, the Honda Ridgeline and Ford Explorer Sport Trac are evenly matched. The Ridgeline has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,584 pounds, while the Sport Trac offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,250 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,600 pounds.
Safety Features: Protecting What Matters Most
The Honda Ridgeline and Ford Explorer Sport Trac both offer a comprehensive suite of safety features to keep you and your passengers safe on the road. Both vehicles come standard with features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. Additionally, the Ridgeline offers features like lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring, while the Sport Trac offers features like adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning.
Price and Value: Bang for Your Buck
The Honda Ridgeline has a starting price of $36,490, while the Ford Explorer Sport Trac has a starting price of $32,995. While the Ridgeline is more expensive, it offers a more powerful engine, a more modern interior, and a more comprehensive suite of safety features. The Sport Trac, on the other hand, is more affordable and offers better fuel economy.
Which One is Right for You? Making the Final Decision
Ultimately, the choice between the Honda Ridgeline and Ford Explorer Sport Trac depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a powerful and feature-rich pickup truck with excellent off-road capabilities, the Honda Ridgeline is the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable and fuel-efficient pickup truck with good off-road capabilities, the Ford Explorer Sport Trac is the better choice.
“The Verdict: A Tale of Two Trucks”
In the battle of the mid-size adventure pickups, the Honda Ridgeline and Ford Explorer Sport Trac both offer unique strengths and weaknesses. The Ridgeline is more powerful, more comfortable, and more feature-rich, while the Sport Trac is more affordable, more fuel-efficient, and has a slightly better towing capacity. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac has a better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway compared to the Honda Ridgeline’s 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway.
2. Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
The Honda Ridgeline has a more powerful engine, with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque compared to the Ford Explorer Sport Trac‘s 4.0-liter V6 engine that generates 210 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque.
3. Which vehicle has a higher towing capacity?
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac has a slightly higher towing capacity, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,250 pounds compared to the Honda Ridgeline’s maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.