The 2023 Ford Ranger and 2023 Honda Ridgeline are two of the most well-rounded vehicles on the market. They’re capable off-roaders with good fuel economy and a comfortable ride, making them great for everything from commuting to weekend getaways. Both trucks also offer a lot of space inside for hauling people or cargo, plus some unique features that make them stand out from similar trucks. So which one is better for you? Let’s take a closer look at what makes each truck special and how it stacks up against the competition before deciding which one to buy!
Design & Style
The Ford Ranger and the Honda Ridgeline are both great trucks. But when it comes to exterior design, the Ranger has the edge. It’s got a more muscular look than its Japanese counterpart, with larger wheel wells and a wider stance that give it an appealing appearance.
We also like how functional elements of this truck’s design—like its hood scoop—come together in a cohesive whole. And while both trucks have a high beltline and short overhangs, the Ranger’s higher roofline helps create an overall look more attractive to our eyes than the Ridgeline’s boxy shape.
If you’re looking for a minivan-like interior, then the Ford Ranger should be your pick. It features a seven-passenger seating arrangement—with three rows of seats—and while it’s not quite as roomy as some other models, it still offers plenty of space. The second row has plenty of legroom and headroom, but its positioning makes it difficult to access if you have an infant car seat installed in that position.
The Ridgeline’s interior feels smaller than the Ranger’s due to its smaller overall size. While it only offers five seats total (six if you opt for the optional captain’s chairs), they are nice and spacious with plenty of legroom and headroom for passengers up front or in the back.
Technology & Safety
Right now, Ford and Honda are not close competitors regarding technology and safety. The Ranger runs with a 5-year warranty on its powertrain, but the Ridgeline only has 3 years of coverage. Meanwhile, Ford offers adaptive cruise control, an emergency braking system that works at speeds up to 130 mph (209 km/h), lane departure warning with lane keep assist and automatic high beams. The Honda doesn’t offer those features or anything equivalent in its standard equipment list.
Performance
The Ford Ranger can be had with a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, or a 5.0-liter V8 engine. The 2.3-liter turbocharged engine produces 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, while the V8 has 385 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines are mated to either a 10-speed automatic transmission or an eight-speed automatic transmission, which can be shifted manually using steering wheel paddles (available on select models).
The Honda Ridgeline comes standard with a 3.5 liter VTEC V6 that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque, though it is also available with two other optional engines: a 3 liter twin cam inline four cylinder producing 280 hp and 252 lb.-ft.; A 2 liter turbocharged inline 4 cylinder making 280 hp/258 lb.-ft., both engines also have either six speeds manual transmissions or nine-speed automatics available from the factory depending upon your choice in drive train option packages (including all-wheel drive)
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that the 2023 Ford Ranger wins this battle, hands-down. The 2023 Ford Ranger has an impressive powertrain and a great interior design. In comparison, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline doesn’t have much to offer in terms of performance or comfort.
Ready to Schedule Your 2023 Ford Ranger Test Drive Today?
If you are in the market for a new 2023 Ford Ranger, we welcome you to Whitecourt Ford. We offer an extensive selection of the latest 2022 Ford models for you to choose from. Schedule your appointment today and test drive your favorite cars, SUVs, and trucks.
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