Which is truly worthy of a spot in your garage, the 2024 Ford Ranger or the 2024 Honda Ridgeline? Our side-by-side comparison helps you pick the midsize truck that has more of what you want in your everyday adventures.
Key Takeaways
- With its new engine lineup, the Ranger easily leaves the Ridgeline in its dust!
- The body-on-frame Ranger easily tows and hauls more weight than the unibody Ridgeline.
- Inside, both trucks impress. The Ridgeline offers a smooth, comfortable ride and the Ranger provides a roomy cabin and best-in-class tech options.
- The 2024 Ford Ranger (starting at $32,670) can save you a bundle compared with the 2024 Honda Ridgeline (starting at $39,750).
Is the 2024 Ford Ranger Powerful?
Thanks to an incredible redesign for the 2024 model year, the Ranger delivers maximum power. In fact, your Ranger can zoom around with up to 405 horsepower! And as usual, Ford’s midsize truck is big on low-end torque, helping you get up and over off-road obstacles at an easygoing pace.
Powertrain availability varies according to which 2024 Ford Ranger trim model you select:
- XL: 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (270 horsepower, 310 lb-ft of torque)
- XLT, Lariat: 2.7L turbo V6 (315 hp, 400 lb-ft)
- Raptor-only 3.0L turbo V6 (405 hp, 430 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
Compared to the Ranger, the Ridgeline isn’t as rugged or powerful. Unlike other midsize trucks, which feature a rugged, body-on-frame design, the Ridgeline is built atop a car-style, unibody chassis. In action, this means that the Ridgeline feels smoother than your average truck.
However, it also means that you won’t be able to travel as far off the grid as you might like. Although every Ridgeline comes standard with all-wheel drive, its main drive is up front. That is, the all-wheel-drive system only kicks on, powering the rear wheels, when the truck needs the extra traction. All-wheel drive is great in bad weather or on light trails, but it’s simply not as capable as true four-wheel-drive performance!
Every 2024 Honda Ridgeline comes standard with the same powertrain:
- 3.5L V6 (280 hp, 262 lb-ft)
- Nine-speed automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive
What is the Towing Capacity of the 2024 Ford Ranger?
In addition to major off-road adventures, the Ranger’s body-on-frame construction also lends itself to ample towing and hauling capabilities! Properly equipped, Ford’s midsize truck can tow a pretty big boat or camper, thanks to tow ratings of up to 7,500 pounds. The Ranger is equally ready to haul supplies around town, providing max payloads of 1,805 pounds.
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline’s towing capabilities are on par with a midsize crossover SUV (after all, it shares a chassis with the Honda Pilot), with max ratings of 5,000 pounds. Depending on body style and equipment, the Ridgeline can haul payloads weighing up to 1,583 pounds.
Is the Interior of the 2024 Ford Ranger Similar to the 2024 Honda Ridgeline?
Although both the Ridgeline and the Ranger deliver some enticing everyday features, these trucks differ in their interior appeal. The redesigned Ranger delivers both an excellent standard lineup and best-in-class tech offerings. Meanwhile, the Ridgeline impresses with its smooth, comfortable ride and accommodating seating.
Both midsize trucks offer a roomy crew cabin with spacious, supportive seating perfect for long-haul comfort. And both come standard with modern infotainment, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. These trucks are also equipped with helpful safety aids, including forward collision mitigation.
What is the Starting Price of the 2024 Ford Ranger?
Not only does the 2024 Ranger deliver the most rugged ride, but it also does so at the best price, starting at $32,670! Although it doesn’t deliver much more in the way of standard comfort or convenience features, the 2024 Ridgeline has a much higher MSRP: $39,750.
Is the 2024 Ford Ranger a Good Mid-Size Truck Option?
In the end, choosing between these trucks comes down to what kind of a drive you’re after. While the 2024 Honda Ridgeline offers easygoing handling, the 2024 Ford Ranger is the much more rugged option. In fact, the Ranger is the right choice for drivers who want the best off-roading performance, superlative towing capabilities, and a roomy, modern cabin — not to mention the lowest MSRP!