2024 Honda Ridgeline vs 2024 Chevrolet Colorado

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline continued with its second-generation design, which initially drew mixed reactions due to its resemblance to the Honda Pilot SUV. However, recent styling updates gave it a more assertive presence. The blunt nose, tall hood, and new tailgate lettering for 2024 helped the Ridgeline blend in better with its peers. The TrailSport trim added all-terrain tires, enhancing its rugged appearance. Inside, a redesigned center console with a wide armrest and a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel improved the truck's interior feel, making it more pickup-like. The standard 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system received significant upgrades, and a new brown leather option was available in the RTL trim. The Ridgeline offered four versions: Sport, RTL, TrailSport, and Black Edition, all equipped with a 280-horsepower V6 engine and torque-vectoring AWD, with prices ranging from $39,750 to $46,350, plus a $1,395 destination charge.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado embraced a bold redesign, drawing inspiration from the Camaro with its aggressive, futuristic styling. The rakish headlights and sharply angled grille gave it a distinctive look. Inside, the Colorado featured a clean, horizontal dashboard layout with Camaro-inspired circular climate control vents. The truck was available in five trims: WT, LT, Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2. Even the base WT model came well-equipped with a fully digital instrument panel, an 11.3-inch touchscreen, and connectivity features like Bluetooth and USB ports. The LT trim added more convenience features, while the off-road-focused Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 trims offered various enhancements for adventurous driving. The ZR2 Bison, in particular, featured unique bodywork and off-road protection, making it a standout choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline was powered by a reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 262 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm. It utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission and Honda's intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) AWD system, allowing up to 70 percent of the engine's power to be directed to a single rear wheel. While its towing capacity of 5,000 pounds was a limitation compared to traditional body-on-frame rivals, its maximum payload capacity of 1,583 pounds (Sport trim) was competitive. Off-road capabilities were limited by shallow approach, breakover, and departure angles, with a maximum ground clearance of just over 7.6 inches. On-road, the Ridgeline excelled with its smooth powertrain, quick acceleration, and comfortable ride. However, the automatic transmission occasionally exhibited rolling issues when parked, requiring caution. Fuel economy averaged 19.4 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 20 mpg in combined driving.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado offered two turbocharged four-cylinder engines, both displacing 2.4 liters. The base version delivered 237 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the Turbo Max version produced 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing responsive power delivery. The Colorado's maximum towing capacity was 7,700 pounds, with a payload capacity of 1,710 pounds. The ZR2 Bison, designed for off-road adventures, featured Multimatic DSSV dampers for exceptional shock absorption. On-road, the ZR2 Bison offered a well-rounded driving experience, with a firmer ride due to its off-road suspension but generally comfortable handling. The truck's stability in corners and ability to absorb road imperfections contributed to a smoother ride than expected for a rugged vehicle.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline prioritized comfort and practicality over towing and off-roading capabilities. It offered easy entry and exit, with supportive cushions ensuring comfort for all passengers. The TrailSport trim featured perforated leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The driver's seat had 10-way power adjustment, while the front passenger seat was well-positioned despite lacking height adjustment. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed adequate legroom, and the triple-zone climate control system added to their comfort. The Ridgeline's interior boasted numerous storage options, including shelves, trays, and bins. The rear seat cushion could be flipped up for additional cargo space, and the TrailSport's rear window power-slid open for ventilation. The 33.9 cubic-foot cargo bed included a weatherproof and locking trunk with 7.3 cubic feet of space, ideal for various uses.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado was available in a four-door quad cab configuration with a 5-foot, 2-inch bed. While the bed provided decent space, it wasn't as spacious as a full-size pickup. The Colorado's car-like seating position offered comfort for long trips, with ample front-row legroom, headroom, and shoulder room. The user-friendly layout of the shifter and controls added to the driving experience. However, the low placement of cup holders in front of the center console posed a challenge for accessing larger drinks. Second-row legroom was tight, especially for taller passengers. The high bed wall and floor made loading items more challenging, but the open tailgate facilitated projects and tailgate parties. The ZR2 Bison's spare tire mounted in the bed reduced usable space, requiring consideration for frequent bed use.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a volume knob, tuning buttons, and steering wheel controls. The system received a faster processor and improved graphics for the navigation system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. The Ridgeline Sport benefited from these upgrades, while higher trims offered additional features like SiriusXM satellite radio and an eight-speaker premium sound system. The 7-inch digital display in the gauge cluster enhanced the driving experience, providing clear information alongside the analog speedometer.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado came standard with an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring an intuitive layout and hard-button controls. The digital dock on the left side of the screen allowed quick access to various functions, even when using Apple CarPlay. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and a digital home button for easy navigation. Standard tech features included an 11-inch fully digital instrument panel, Bluetooth connectivity, and satellite radio. The LT trim added wireless device charging and additional USB ports, while the LT Convenience Package offered more connectivity options, making it suitable for camping and commuting.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline Sport received a standard blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, joining the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). This included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights. While the ADAS performed adequately, it wasn't as smooth in moderate or thick traffic. The Ridgeline's Road Departure Mitigation system occasionally intervened unnecessarily. The truck earned an Acceptable rating in the IIHS small overlap frontal-impact test and a Marginal rating for headlights. However, the NHTSA awarded it five-star ratings across the board, except for rollover resistance, where it received four stars.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Teen Driver system allowed for setting speed and volume limits for a second set of keys. The LT Convenience Package III added reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The ZR2 offered an underbody camera feature, and adaptive cruise control was available on select trims. The NHTSA awarded the Colorado four stars for frontal crash testing, five stars for side crash testing, and three stars for rollover testing.