2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2023 Honda Ridgeline

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline had undergone a styling update a few years prior, which included a new front end with bolder details, larger dual exhaust outlets, and more appealing wheels with aggressive tread design. These changes gave the Ridgeline a more rugged appearance, although the optional Honda Performance Development (HPD) packages with oversized fender flares were best avoided. The Ridgeline was available in four trims: Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition, all equipped with a V6 engine, nine-speed automatic transmission, and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. Prices ranged from $38,800 to $46,230, excluding destination charges, with the Black Edition test vehicle priced at $49,866. Despite its higher price, the Ridgeline offered refinement and sophistication, sharing many features with the Honda Passport SUV. Its interior, though dating back to the 2016 Honda Pilot, was leather-lined, exuded quality, and provided a comfortable and modern experience.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was available in nine trims and various configurations, including a two-door regular cab, double cab, and crew cab. The off-road-specific ZR2 model, available only in the crew cab, short bed configuration, was the focus of this review. The Silverado's front end, refreshed in 2022, remained attractive with squinty headlamps, angular daytime running lights, and a large grille. Wheel sizes varied from 17-inch steelies on the base trim to 22-inch chrome wheels on the High Country trim. The interior saw significant improvements, with higher trim levels featuring leather, open-pore wood trim, and numerous screens. The Silverado's cabin was modern, with better quality materials and a user-friendly layout, offering a comfortable and upscale experience.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline shared its platform and components with the Acura MDX, Honda Pilot, Odyssey, and Passport, providing sophisticated driving dynamics on pavement. It featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. The Ridgeline offered a competitive 1,583-pound payload capacity but was limited to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity due to its unibody construction. Its 7.6 inches of ground clearance and lack of a traditional four-wheel-drive system limited its off-road capabilities. However, the Ridgeline excelled in on-road performance, offering a comfortable and nimble driving experience with an average fuel economy of 22.6 mpg on a road trip.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered four engine choices, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 310 horsepower, two V8s, and a 3.0-liter six-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel with 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine provided strong performance, and the 10-speed automatic transmission delivered smooth shifts. The Silverado ZR2, designed for off-road use, featured a two-inch lift, front and rear differential lockers, and Multimatic shocks for a superior ride on various terrains. The ZR2 Bison package added steel bumpers, skid plates, and rock rails for enhanced off-road capability. The Silverado's towing capacity varied, with the diesel engine capable of towing up to 13,300 pounds, while the ZR2 model was limited to 9,000 pounds.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline prioritized function with features like shelves in the front door panels, a giant storage console, a dual-action tailgate, and an in-bed trunk. The interior, similar to the Honda Passport, offered comfortable seats and a practical layout. The rear seat was less spacious than the Passport but provided a high seating position and rear air conditioning vents. The Ridgeline's 64-inch cargo bed featured a dual-action tailgate and a flat, scratch-resistant composite floor. It also had a lockable, weatherproof, 7.3 cubic-foot trunk with a drain plug, ideal for carrying various items.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a range of interior options, from basic vinyl seats in the WT trim to luxurious features in the High Country trim. The ZR2 trim, close to the High Country in terms of features, lacked some premium items. The crew cab configuration provided 43.4 inches of rear legroom, while the double cab offered 35 inches. The Silverado's towing capacity varied, with the diesel engine capable of towing up to 13,300 pounds, while the ZR2 model was limited to 9,000 pounds. The bed featured 12 tie-downs and an optional Multi-Flex six-way tailgate for added versatility.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline's infotainment system was dated, with an 8-inch touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and basic HondaLink services. The RTL-E and Black Edition included a navigation system, premium sound system, and wireless smartphone charging. The system was slow to load, and the voice recognition system was delayed. The user interface was simple, but the lack of a tuning knob and cluttered navigation display were drawbacks. The wireless smartphone charger was unreliable, and the Ridgeline was in need of a technology update.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a seven-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 13.4-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and responsive controls. Google integration provided access to maps and voice recognition. The Silverado excelled in trailering technology, with up to 14 camera views, a rear camera mirror, and a 15-inch head-up display.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline's safety features were aging, with the standard Honda Sensing suite lacking blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. These features were available on higher trims but were not integrated seamlessly. The Ridgeline included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The IIHS rated the Ridgeline favorably, while the NHTSA gave it top marks in crash tests and a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Optional features included a vibrating safety alert seat, 360-degree camera, and parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control and Super Cruise were available on higher trims. The NHTSA gave the Silverado a five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it "Good" in driver’s side crashworthiness but lower in other areas.