2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty was a robust and imposing vehicle, taking the muscular design of the F-150 to a more substantial level. Its heavy-duty appearance was not just for aesthetics; it was built to endure tough conditions with features like long bed lengths for enhanced cargo capacity and a tall ride height for improved ground clearance. The truck's massive grilles and durable bodywork were designed to withstand daily wear and tear. Inside, the cabin varied from utilitarian in the base XL trim to luxurious in higher trims like the Super Duty Limited, which offered leather and upscale finishes.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline featured a more conservative design, built on a unibody platform similar to crossovers. This construction provided increased rigidity, though the styling remained understated, with a snub nose and classic pickup rear view. The 2022 model saw a blockier front-end design, aligning it more with traditional trucks. The Ridgeline offered Honda Performance Development packages for added visual flair, and the Black Edition test vehicle showcased a sleek, dark aesthetic. Inside, the Ridgeline's interior was practical and well-equipped, with high-quality fit and finish, though the piano black trim was prone to smudges.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered three powerful engine options. The base 6.2-liter V8 delivered 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, while a 7.3-liter V8 provided 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The most potent option was the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine, producing 475 hp and a remarkable 1,050 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Super Duty trucks came standard with rear-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive available as an upgrade. The F-350 model could be configured with dual-rear wheels for enhanced towing capacity, reaching over 36,000 pounds with a gooseneck setup. The turbodiesel V8 offered the best capabilities, and Tremor models added off-road enhancements.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline, on the other hand, was equipped with a single 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Ridgeline's towing capacity was capped at 5,000 pounds, with payload capacities ranging from 1,509 to 1,583 pounds depending on the trim. While these figures were modest compared to other midsize pickups, the Ridgeline excelled in ride quality and handling, thanks to its unibody platform and fully independent suspension. However, its off-road capabilities were limited compared to traditional 4WD systems.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty was designed for utility, with a standard 40/20/40 folding bench seat in the front and spacious rear seats in Crew Cab and Super Cab models. However, its large size made it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces, and the tall ride height could be cumbersome for entry and exit. The truck featured a clever tailgate design with optional steps and a handle for easier access to the bed, though it was less elaborate than competitors' offerings.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was available only with a four-door crew cab and a 64-inch bed, providing a good balance of passenger and cargo space. The bed included a 7.3-cubic-foot lockable in-bed trunk with a drain plug, a spare tire slot, and an in-bed audio system. The Dual-Action Tailgate could open down or to the side, and the bed was wide enough to carry 4-foot-wide sheets of plywood. Inside, the Ridgeline offered under-seat storage, rear USB ports, and a well-organized front console with a pushbutton shifter, cupholders, and a wireless phone charger.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty featured the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system, with clearly labeled menus and minimal distractions. The base XL trim had a non-touch display, while higher trims offered a larger touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Additional tech options included a WiFi hotspot, upgraded seats, and adjustable upfitter switches. Diesel-equipped models could be fitted with a rapid heating unit for quick cabin warmth.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity and Bluetooth. While the interface was not cutting-edge, it was user-friendly, with analog controls for essential functions. SiriusXM satellite radio and navigation were available on higher trims. Although the Ridgeline's tech offerings were basic, they were comparable to its rivals.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered a range of safety features, though many were optional or reserved for higher trims. Available features included a trailer tow package with special camera views, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Super Duty trucks were not crash tested by the NHTSA or IIHS due to their commercial vehicle classification.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, with a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention tech. However, it received an "Average" score in the passenger-side small overlap frontal test and a "Marginal" headlight rating. The NHTSA awarded the Ridgeline a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included the Honda Sensing suite, with automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind spot monitoring was standard on all but the base trim, though a 360-degree camera system was absent.