2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2022 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a refreshed aesthetic with the introduction of the Denali Ultimate and AT4X variants, expanding on the already premium Denali and AT4 trims. Featuring eight trim levels in total, the Sierra appeared aggressive and commanding on the road, especially in comparison to its Silverado counterpart. Its larger appearance was emphasized by an updated grille, split-C headlights, and newly designed wheels that gave it a menacing demeanor. The interior of the Sierra also underwent a significant transformation, resulting in a more spacious and luxurious feel. Premium materials such as Vanta ash wood, full-grain leather, and open-pore Paldao wood accentuated the high-end trims, making the cabin a pleasant space to be in.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline was built on a unibody platform, which set it apart in terms of construction. Its styling remained conservative but functional, highlighted by a redesigned front end that made it look more truck-like. The HPD packages added a bit of spice to its appearance, offering options like fender flares and alloy wheels. However, the interior maintained a straightforward design with high-quality fit and finish. The Ridgeline Black Edition, decked out in Berlina Black with matching trim, brought an element of sophistication. Despite the piano black trim being prone to smudges, the Ridgeline’s cabin was well-equipped with features like leather seats, tri-zone climate control, and a power-sliding rear window.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 came with a plethora of options to cater to different needs. It offered four engine choices: a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, a class-leading 3.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel inline-six with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 hp, and a powerful 6.2-liter V8 generating 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Sierra’s towing capabilities were impressive, with the Duramax diesel models achieving a maximum tow rating of up to 13,200 pounds. The ride quality in both Denali Ultimate and AT4X trims was smooth and capable, with the AT4X excelling in off-road conditions thanks to its unique damping system and increased ground clearance.

On the other hand, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline kept things simple with a single 3.5-liter V6 engine that generated 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and an AWD system, it had a decent towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. While the Ridgeline’s towing figures didn’t compare favorably to its competitors, its ride quality was exceptional, feeling more like a luxury SUV than a traditional pickup truck. The unibody design and fully independent suspension gave it a level of handling precision not typically found in this segment. However, its off-road capabilities were somewhat limited due to lower ground clearance and the absence of a traditional 4WD system.

In terms of interior space, the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 was a winner. Even with the short bed, it offered best-in-class cargo capacity. Front headroom was generous at 43 inches, with rear headroom averaging 40 inches. Legroom was equally impressive, with 44.5 inches for front passengers and up to 43.4 inches for rear-seat occupants in the crew cab. Despite some ergonomic quirks, such as the plethora of low-positioned knobs and buttons, the Sierra’s cabin was functional and well-suited for long drives.

The Honda Ridgeline, while more limited in configuration options—available only as a four-door crew cab with a 64-inch bed—was incredibly versatile. The bed featured a 7.3-cubic-foot lockable in-bed trunk, a spare tire slot for easy access, and an in-bed audio system. The Dual-Action Tailgate and a wide enough bed to fit 4-foot-wide sheets of plywood between the wheel wells added to its utility. Inside, the Ridgeline offered clever storage solutions like rear seat storage and a large center console. Although it may not have topped the charts in headroom or legroom on paper, it felt airy and spacious, thanks to its wider stance and lower cowl height.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 boasted larger screens with a 12.3-inch digital cluster for the driver and a 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring Google built-in. Compatibility with Android and Apple devices with three years of complimentary service made the system user-friendly. Additional options like a 15-inch head-up display and a 12-speaker Bose system added to its high-tech appeal. However, the system could be slightly confusing when integrating smartphone navigation with in-car navigation.

Conversely, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, alongside Bluetooth. While the interface wasn’t cutting-edge, it was functional and straightforward, with essential functions readily accessible. The inclusion of SiriusXM satellite radio and navigation on upper trims added some premium touches, but overall, the Ridgeline’s tech offerings were basic compared to other midsize pickups.

Safety was a strong point for both trucks, though with some differences. The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 featured GM’s Super Cruise, a highly advanced Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system, but it was limited to the Sierra Denali Ultimate. The Sierra also offered up to 14 camera views for trailering and various driver-assistance features through GMC Pro Safety. While it received high ratings in most crash tests, it fell short in the IIHS’s small overlap front-passenger test and headlight ratings.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline also scored highly in safety, with top marks in most IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The Honda Sensing suite came standard, providing a comprehensive array of driver aids. Additionally, features like automatic high beams and blind spot monitoring were available on higher trims, although the absence of a 360-degree camera system was a drawback.