2020 Ford Ranger vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline

The 2020 Ford Ranger marked its return to North America with a design rooted in its international version, offering a larger and more sophisticated truck than its predecessor. While it shared some grille styling with the F-Series, the Ranger's design language was distinct, avoiding the bulky trend of American trucks. Its exterior was clean and aggressive, reflecting its sporty and capable nature. Inside, the Ranger's cabin was functional but not particularly inviting, with hard plastics that could withstand wear but felt less premium compared to competitors like the Honda Ridgeline. The Ranger was available in three trims: XL, XLT, and Lariat, each offering varying levels of features and comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline underwent a redesign that enhanced its truck-like appearance with a new front end and rear bumper. It featured aggressive tires and new wheel designs, contributing to its rugged look. The Ridgeline was available in Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Black Edition trims, with a price range reflecting its premium features. Every Ridgeline came equipped with a 280-horsepower V6 engine, all-wheel drive, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The interior, modeled after the Honda Pilot SUV, emphasized functionality with ample storage and easy-to-clean surfaces, making it a practical choice for those seeking comfort and utility.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was powered by a 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Ranger excelled in towing, with a capacity of up to 3,401 kilograms, and offered a payload capacity of 748 kilograms in the SuperCab configuration. However, its ride was stiff, and it lacked the comfort of the Honda Ridgeline. The FX4 Off-Road package enhanced its off-road capabilities with features like an electronically locking rear differential and Trail Control.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline, with its 280-horsepower V6 engine, provided a smooth and refined driving experience. Its all-wheel-drive system with Intelligent Variable Torque Management allowed for torque-vectoring, enhancing its agility. While not designed for rock-crawling, the Ridgeline handled various terrains with ease, thanks to its Intelligent Traction Management system. Its towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms was lower than the Ranger's, but its payload rating of 694 kilograms was competitive. The Ridgeline's unibody construction and independent rear suspension contributed to its car-like driving dynamics, making it enjoyable on paved roads.

The 2020 Ford Ranger offered two configurations: SuperCab and SuperCrew. The SuperCab, with its 2+2 layout, was less accommodating for adults in the rear seats, while the SuperCrew provided more space with a full rear bench. Both configurations featured practical storage solutions, including deep in-door pockets and a centre console bin. The Ranger's bed options included a six-foot bed for the SuperCab and a five-foot bed for the SuperCrew, with available features like a remote locking tailgate and LED bed lighting.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline excelled in interior comfort and utility. It featured a spacious rear seat, standard triple-zone climate control, and a power moonroof. The Ridgeline's interior was designed for functionality, with ample storage throughout the cabin. Its composite cargo bed was durable and included a power locking dual-action tailgate and a 207-litre in-bed trunk with a drain plug. The bed's design allowed for easy loading and unloading, and its tie-down hooks were rated for 158 kilograms each.

The 2020 Ford Ranger's base XL trim offered basic entertainment features, including an AM/FM stereo and Bluetooth connectivity. The XLT trim upgraded to SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Lariat trim offered an optional B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen. FordPass Connect, available on all trims, provided remote access and Wi-Fi hotspot capability.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM, HD Radio, and a premium sound system. The Ridgeline's infotainment system was user-friendly, and its standard wireless smartphone charging added convenience.

The 2020 Ford Ranger included a comprehensive suite of safety features, with Ford's CoPilot360 technologies available on higher trims. It earned high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though it had a recall related to its 10-speed automatic transmission. The Ranger's safety features included automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind spot monitoring.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline featured the Honda Sensing suite of safety features as standard, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. While effective, these systems were not infallible, as demonstrated during testing. The Ridgeline also included a multi-angle reversing camera and automatic high-beam headlights. It met Honda's crashworthiness standards, earning high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.