2024 Ford Ranger Jumps Ahead Honda Ridgeline for 1 Big Reason
The Ford Ranger and the Honda Ridgeline have multiple qualities that appeal to midsize pickup truck drivers. However, the 2024 Ford Ranger jumps ahead of the 2023 Honda Ridgeline for one big reason: an excellent redesign, including the new Raptor off-road trim.
Unlike the 2023 Honda Ridgeline, the 2024 Ford Ranger has a redesign
The Ford Ranger has long been a popular choice for pickup truck drivers. However, in recent years, it was starting to get outdated. While sales were still respectable, the Ranger showed its age. Also, it was getting overshadowed by other midsize trucks. However, for the 2024 model year, this all changes with the new fifth-generation model. The 2024 Ford Ranger has a complete redesign, and it greatly impresses.
Conversely, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline is a carryover model. It has no major changes. The Ridgeline is still in its 2nd generation, which has been around 2017. In automotive life cycles, that’s a long time. While there’s a possibility for a refreshed design next year, it isn’t guaranteed.
If you desire the newest look for a midsize truck, the Ranger is the way to go. Also, it’s worth noting that the fifth-generation Ranger is already available in international markets for the 2023 model year. However, for the American market, the redesign is for the 2024 model year, with it arriving in Summer 2023.
Bolder styling of the 2024 Ranger compared to the 2023 Ridgeline
The redesigned 2024 Ford Ranger midsize truck has a commanding presence. Its exterior design is bolder and more aggressive than the 2023 Honda Ridgeline. Also, it incorporates design elements from the Ford F-150 full-size truck, particularly for the front. There’s a new massive grille, along with matrix LED headlights. Stylish new taillights are at the rear, and strong character lines flow along the sides.
Additionally, the cabin of the Ranger is more refined and technologically advanced. It features the SYNC 4 infotainment system, a distinctive portrait-style center touchscreen, and high-quality soft-touch materials.
Furthermore, while the Ridgeline has a unibody design, the Ranger features a body-on-frame construction. The body-on-frame set-up is generally more appealing for pickup truck enthusiasts — due to its improving durability, off-road capabilities, towing, and payload.
Ford Ranger has better off-road capabilities than the Honda Ridgeline, including the new Raptor model
The 2024 Ford Ranger is better for off-road use than the 2023 Honda Ridgeline. For one, it has higher ground clearance for driving over rough terrain. Additionally, the four-wheel drive system in the Ford midsize truck is more advanced and capable than the basic all-wheel drive set-up offered for the Ridgeline.
Plus, there’s the new Ranger Raptor off-road model. It’s ready for outdoor adventures with its beefy all-terrain tires, rear coil-spring suspension, and Fox shock absorbers.
Conversely, the Ridgeline doesn’t currently have an off-road model. There will likely be the rugged TrailSport trim for the 2024 model year. However, based on the TrailSport trims for other Honda models like the Pilot and Passport SUVs, it won’t match the capabilities of the Ranger Raptor.
Ranger outmuscles the Ridgeline with its powerful engine options
On the performance front, the Ranger still offers the 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine from the outgoing model — but adds a more powerful 2.7-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6. The I-4 generates 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the twin-turbo V-6 delivers 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Also, the new Ranger Raptor comes equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6, which churns out 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.
In comparison, the Ridgeline only offers a 3.5-liter V-6 engine. It generates 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
Also, the Ranger can tow more and haul more payload in the pickup bed. It has a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds and a total payload capacity of 1,805 pounds, compared to 5,000/1,583 pounds for the Ridgeline.
With its excellent redesign, the 2024 Ford Ranger jumps ahead of the 2023 Honda Ridgeline for the midsize pickup truck segment. After getting overshadowed by the Ridgeline in recent years, the next-generation Ranger makes a major leap forward.
