2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 presented a bold and aggressive exterior design that aligned with Chevrolet's current vehicle portfolio. Its small headlights and body panel design were somewhat unconventional, yet they fit the brand's aesthetic. The Silverado offered various appearance packages like the Rally Edition and Redline Edition to enhance its visual appeal. Inside, the cabin was functional and varied depending on the trim level, ranging from the basic WT and Custom trims with older interiors to the more modern and tech-savvy LT and above. The Silverado's interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring intuitive controls and a range of upholstery options from vinyl to leather, depending on the trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline had undergone a styling update a few years prior, resulting in a more rugged appearance with LED lighting and larger exhaust outlets. The Ridgeline shared its platform with the Honda Passport SUV, which contributed to its refined and sophisticated look. The interior of the Ridgeline, especially in the Black Edition, was leather-lined and offered quality materials, ample storage, and excellent visibility. Despite its design dating back to the 2016 Honda Pilot, the Ridgeline's interior remained modern and upscale compared to its competitors, providing a comfortable and practical driving experience.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a range of engine options, starting with a turbocharged 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the Silverado had optional V8 engines: a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.2-litre V8 delivering 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. Additionally, a six-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel engine was available, offering 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. The Silverado's towing capacity reached up to 6,000 kilograms (13,300 pounds) with the 6.2-litre V8 and Max Towing package. The truck's handling was commendable for its size, with the Trail Boss and ZR2 trims providing enhanced off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline was powered by a 3.5-litre VTEC V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Its torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system could direct up to 70 percent of power to a single rear wheel, offering sophisticated driving dynamics on pavement. The Ridgeline's payload capacity was 694 kilograms (1,530 pounds), and it could tow up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds). While its unibody construction limited its off-road prowess, the Ridgeline excelled in ride comfort and handling, providing a smooth and refined driving experience. It achieved a fuel economy of 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres on a road trip, showcasing its efficiency among midsize pickups.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered various body styles, including regular, double, and crew cabs, with different bed lengths. The regular cab was suited for work-focused trims, while the double cab provided easy access to rear seats with conventional doors. The crew cab was spacious, offering ample headroom and legroom in both rows, with a rear bench that folded up for additional cargo space. The Silverado's bed lengths ranged from 1,776 millimetres (5 feet 8 inches) to 2,494 mm (8 feet), catering to different hauling needs.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline prioritized functionality with features like shelves in the front door panels, a large storage console, and a dual-action tailgate. Its interior, shared with the Honda Passport, offered comfortable seating and a practical layout. The rear seat cushion flipped up to create a load floor, and an optional underseat storage system was available. The Ridgeline's 1,625 mm (64-inch) truck bed featured a dual-action tailgate and a lockable, weatherproof 206-litre trunk with a drain plug. This unique unibody platform allowed for additional cargo space and versatility, making it ideal for daily driving and light-duty tasks.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 featured a base infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity, a digital instrument panel, and additional USB ports. The LTZ trim added wireless device charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Silverado's infotainment system was user-friendly, with vivid graphics and responsive touch controls, catering to both tech-savvy users and those preferring simplicity.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline's infotainment system, dating back to the mid-2010s, included Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Higher trims offered satellite radio, navigation, and premium audio. The 8-inch touchscreen was smaller and slower compared to modern systems, with a simple user interface. The Ridgeline's technology was functional but in need of an update, with some features like the wireless charger proving inconsistent.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 came equipped with advanced driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The Silverado received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high scores from the IIHS, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline featured Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard in Canada. While the Ridgeline's safety systems were effective, they lacked the refinement of newer Honda models. The Ridgeline received favourable crash-test ratings from the IIHS and top marks from the NHTSA, with a four-star rollover resistance rating.