2021 Ford F-150 vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline

2021 Ford F-150
2021 Ford F-150
$29,290MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Ridgeline
2021 Honda Ridgeline
$36,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford F-150
$29,290MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Ridgeline
$36,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$29,290

MSRP

$36,490

Average price

$38,313

Average price

$30,711

Listings

9459

Listings

338
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Multiple body styles
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Powerful engine
  • Great handling
Cons
  • No alternate bed or cab configurations
  • Limited towing and payload capacities

2021 Ford F-150 Reviews Summary

The Ford F-Series pickup truck has been the bestselling vehicle in the United States for decades, so a lot is at stake with any redesign. The 2021 Ford F-150 plays it safe, with changes that are smaller in scope than the truck’s previous redesign (for the 2015 model year), but nonetheless significant.

This latest redesign brought an updated version of the previous-generation truck’s bold styling, a revamped interior with more convenience features, and the new Sync 4 infotainment system, as well as an available PowerBoost hybrid powertrain. This is the first time Ford has offered an F-150 hybrid, and the PowerBoost is currently the only full-hybrid powertrain available in a full-size pickup truck.

The F-150’s traditional rivals are the Chevrolet Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500 twins and Ram 1500, along with the slower-selling Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra.

Ford offers a staggering array of options, including six trim levels (XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited), three cab configurations, three bed sizes, six powertrains, and the choice of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). Our test vehicle was an F-150 King Ranch with the SuperCrew cab, 4WD, and the PowerBoost hybrid powertrain.

2021 Honda Ridgeline Reviews Summary

Trucks dominate U.S. sales charts in terms of the best-selling models in America, but they account for only 20% of total new vehicle sales. Nevertheless, this is a segment in which nearly all of the major car companies compete, including Honda. Now, thanks to styling, packaging, and functionality changes, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline is poised to attract even more truck buyers. In part, that’s because it now actually looks like a truck.
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.3L 290 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle

Engine

3.5L 280 hp V6

Drive Train

4X2

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

3

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

Horsepower

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

MPG City

20

MPG City

18

MPG Highway

24

MPG Highway

24
2021 Ford F-150
2021 Ford F-150
$29,290MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Ridgeline
2021 Honda Ridgeline
$36,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford F-150
$29,290MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Ridgeline
$36,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$29,290
$36,490
Average price
$38,313
$30,711
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.6
4.8
Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

7.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Multiple body styles
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Powerful engine
  • Great handling
Cons
  • No alternate bed or cab configurations
  • Limited towing and payload capacities
Summary

The Ford F-Series pickup truck has been the bestselling vehicle in the United States for decades, so a lot is at stake with any redesign. The 2021 Ford F-150 plays it safe, with changes that are smaller in scope than the truck’s previous redesign (for the 2015 model year), but nonetheless significant.

This latest redesign brought an updated version of the previous-generation truck’s bold styling, a revamped interior with more convenience features, and the new Sync 4 infotainment system, as well as an available PowerBoost hybrid powertrain. This is the first time Ford has offered an F-150 hybrid, and the PowerBoost is currently the only full-hybrid powertrain available in a full-size pickup truck.

The F-150’s traditional rivals are the Chevrolet Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500 twins and Ram 1500, along with the slower-selling Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra.

Ford offers a staggering array of options, including six trim levels (XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited), three cab configurations, three bed sizes, six powertrains, and the choice of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). Our test vehicle was an F-150 King Ranch with the SuperCrew cab, 4WD, and the PowerBoost hybrid powertrain.

Trucks dominate U.S. sales charts in terms of the best-selling models in America, but they account for only 20% of total new vehicle sales. Nevertheless, this is a segment in which nearly all of the major car companies compete, including Honda. Now, thanks to styling, packaging, and functionality changes, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline is poised to attract even more truck buyers. In part, that’s because it now actually looks like a truck.
Video
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.3L 290 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle
3.5L 280 hp V6
Drive Train
4X2
AWD
Seating Capacity
3
5
Horsepower
280 hp @ 6000 rpm
MPG City
20
18
MPG Highway
24
24
Look and feel
2021 Ford F-150
8/10
2021 Honda Ridgeline
8/10
The 2021 Ford F-150 carries the legacy of America's bestselling vehicle with a cautious yet significant redesign. It brings enhanced styling, a more convenient interior, and introduces a PowerBoost hybrid, marking its first foray into full-hybrid powertrains in the full-size pickup truck category. The F-150 offers a staggering variety of options to cater to every need, from workhorse to luxury cruiser, maintaining its stronghold against traditional rivals and setting new benchmarks in versatility and innovation. In contrast, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline emerges with notable styling, packaging, and functionality changes, aimed at broadening its appeal in the competitive truck segment. With its redesign, the Ridgeline now boasts a more traditional truck appearance, combined with the practicality and comfort Honda is known for. Its unibody construction and intelligent all-wheel-drive system offer a unique proposition in the midsize truck market, focusing on on-road comfort without sacrificing utility.
Performance
2021 Ford F-150
8/10
2021 Honda Ridgeline
7/10
The F-150 and Ridgeline received ratings of 8 and 7 out of 10, respectively, from CarGurus experts in performance. The F-150's wide range of powertrains includes the innovative PowerBoost hybrid, offering impressive power and efficiency. It excels in payload and towing capabilities, albeit with a preference for non-hybrid variants for maximum towing. The Ridgeline comes with a single powertrain option, a 280-horsepower V6, providing a smooth and refined driving experience. Its standard all-wheel-drive system and intelligent traction management enhance its off-road capability, although it's more suited to mild off-road adventures. Despite its lower towing capacity, the Ridgeline's performance is commendable, especially considering its focus on daily driving comfort.
Form and function
2021 Ford F-150
8/10
2021 Honda Ridgeline
10/10
In terms of form and function, the CarGurus experts have given the 2021 Ford F-150 an 8 out of 10 and the 2021 Honda Ridgeline a perfect score of 10 out of 10. The Ford F-150 is designed with practicality in mind, offering innovative features like a fold-flat shifter for a makeshift work surface and Max Recline Seats for added comfort during long hauls. The storage options are generous, including a center-console bin that can fit larger items. The cabin and bed configurations are versatile, catering to a wide range of needs, from hauling equipment to accommodating passengers comfortably. Bed size options vary, allowing for customization based on cargo needs, with additional features like power running boards and a tailgate step for easier access. However, the F-150's cargo bed does not explicitly list its luggage capacity in cubic feet in the provided information. The Honda Ridgeline shines with its emphasis on utility and comfort, scoring higher in form and function. The Ridgeline's interior is spacious and well-appointed, with manually adjustable front seats in the Sport trim and upgrades like leather seats and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat in higher trims. The Ridgeline sets itself apart with a 33.9 cubic feet cargo bed that's both dent- and scratch-resistant, alongside an innovative dual-action tailgate and a 7.3 cubic-foot in-bed trunk, which is weatherproof and includes a drain plug. This unique combination of features ensures the Ridgeline is as much about utility as it is about comfort, offering a practical solution for both daily errands and adventure-filled weekends.
Technology
2021 Ford F-150
9/10
2021 Honda Ridgeline
6/10
Technology scores are 9 for the F-150 and 6 for the Ridgeline, highlighting a significant difference in this area. The F-150's Sync 4 infotainment system offers a seamless and intuitive interface with modern connectivity features, enhancing the driving experience. Its advanced towing aids further underscore Ford's commitment to combining innovation with functionality. The Ridgeline's infotainment system provides essential connectivity features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but lacks the advanced technology and customization options available in the F-150. Its straightforward approach will appeal to those who prefer simplicity and ease of use.
Safety
2021 Ford F-150
7/10
2021 Honda Ridgeline
6/10
Safety ratings are closely matched, with the F-150 at 7 and the Ridgeline at 6 out of 10. Both trucks offer a range of safety features, with the F-150 introducing Ford's new Active Drive Assist for semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Ridgeline's Honda Sensing suite provides comprehensive safety aids, though its effectiveness can vary under certain conditions.
Cost Effectiveness
2021 Ford F-150
7/10
2021 Honda Ridgeline
5/10

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Ford F-150 is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda Ridgeline scores 7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Ford F-150 is the recommended choice for its versatility, advanced technology, and performance capabilities.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Ford F-150 is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda Ridgeline scores 7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Ford F-150 is the recommended choice for its versatility, advanced technology, and performance capabilities.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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