2024 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Ford Maverick

The 2023 Ford Maverick retained its distinctive design, characterized by its blocky front end and headlights, which set it apart from other Ford trucks. The Maverick Tremor variant added a rugged appeal with blacked-out logos, headlights, and taillights, along with unique color options like Avalanche Gray. The Tremor package also featured "Tremor Orange" tow hooks, updated fender vents, and a new grille with orange accents. Inside, the Maverick's crew cab was filled with hard plastic materials, though the Black Onyx seats offered a stylish salt-and-pepper look. Despite the utilitarian feel, the interior had a surprisingly highbrow appearance due to the blue-tinted plastic.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline, while not known for its looks, received styling updates that gave it more presence. The blunt nose, tall hood, and new tailgate lettering helped it blend in with other trucks, while the TrailSport's all-terrain tires added a touch of attitude. Inside, the Ridgeline featured a new center console design with a wide armrest and a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system was improved with a faster processor and new graphics. The Ridgeline offered four trims, each with a standard 280-horsepower V6 engine and torque-vectoring AWD, making it a family-friendly pickup.

The 2023 Ford Maverick was notable for its hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. It came with a CVT and FWD, but buyers could opt for a 2.0-liter, 250-hp EcoBoost engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The Tremor package introduced Ford's "Advanced 4WD" system, enhancing off-road capabilities with features like Trail Control. The Maverick Tremor also boasted special springs, shocks, and skid plates, along with a 1-inch lift for improved ground clearance. However, the Tremor package reduced towing capacity to 2,000 lbs and payload to 1,200 lbs.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Honda's i-VTM4 AWD system. The Ridgeline's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, and it had a maximum payload capacity of 1,583 pounds. While its off-road capabilities were limited by shallow approach and departure angles, the Ridgeline excelled on the road with its smooth powertrain, quick acceleration, and comfortable ride. The TrailSport's off-road suspension felt firmer on pavement, and the all-terrain tires emitted a faint whir at speed. The Ridgeline's automatic transmission occasionally rolled when parked, requiring careful use of the parking brake.

The 2023 Ford Maverick offered ample interior space, with 42.8 inches of front legroom and 36.9 inches in the second row for gas engine models. The hybrid version had slightly less rear legroom at 35.9 inches. The Maverick's headroom was nearly identical to the Hyundai Santa Cruz, with 40.3 inches in the front and 39.6 inches in the rear. While the interior featured a lot of plastic, it was in line with the truck's utilitarian nature. The Luxury Package added heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and power-adjustable seats for an upgraded experience.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline prioritized comfort and practicality, with easy entry and supportive seating for five passengers. The TrailSport trim included perforated leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The driver's seat offered 10-way power adjustment, while the front passenger seat was well-positioned despite lacking height adjustment. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed adequate legroom, padded seatbacks, and a triple-zone climate control system. The Ridgeline's interior featured numerous storage options, including a flip-up rear seat cushion for additional cargo space. The 33.9 cubic-foot cargo bed included a weatherproof and locking trunk with 7.3 cubic feet of space, perfect for various uses.

The 2023 Ford Maverick came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Lariat trim added a 6.5-inch LED driver-information display, a power-sliding rear window, and ambient lighting. The Lariat's Luxury Package included an eight-speaker B&O sound system, wireless charging pad, and Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system. While the tech was basic, it was adequate for an entry-level truck.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a faster processor and updated graphics. Standard equipment included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and smartphone charging. The Black Edition offered HD Radio, extra USB ports, and an eight-speaker premium sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quicker response times and improved voice recognition. The Ridgeline's instrumentation included a 7-inch digital display, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Ford Maverick came standard with Ford's Co-Pilot 360 suite, including automatic high beams, pre-collision assist, and a rearview camera. Additional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and blind-spot monitoring. The Maverick earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with some concerns about rollover resistance and frontal crash tests. The IIHS rated it Superior for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline Sport added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard features. The Honda Sensing suite included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. While the ADAS performed adequately, it was not as smooth as expected. The Ridgeline earned an Acceptable rating from the IIHS for small overlap frontal-impact tests, while the NHTSA awarded it five-star ratings in most categories.