Honda Ridgeline vs RAM 1500

This year, the 2024 Honda Ridgeline gets several updates that make the unibody crew-cab, short-bed truck more appealing. Foremost among them is a new TrailSport trim level with an off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, underbody protection, and an available exclusive Diffused Sky blue paint colour. Tech updates and a new centre console modernize the interior, and the dual-action tailgate now says RIDGELINE in big letters, just like other trucks.

Verdict: With those changes to the 2024 Ridgeline, Honda makes its midsize pickup truck more appealing than ever. If you won’t need more than 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds) of towing capacity and have no plans to tackle technical terrain, a Honda Ridgeline is almost perfect. Why? It is endlessly practical and a terrific daily driver deserving more consideration than it gets.

There's a new super-luxe trim joining the perennial favorites. There's lots and lots of new tech, including a hands-free driver-assistance system. There are new powertrain options, bringing more power at better efficiency. And we're told we can expect the fully electric Ram 1500 REV and plug-in hybrid Ram 1500 Ramcharger soon, too.

Verdict: The full-size truck market just seems to get more and more competitive every year, and Ram just brought its offering back up to the front of the pack. Whether it will stay there another five years remains to be seen, but this update has certainly proven the brand is motivated to fight.