2025 Honda Ridgeline vs. Colorado vs Ranger vs Santa Cruz

Midsize pickup trucks have grown in popularity due to their unrivaled combination of utility, affordability, and creature comforts that make them suitable for daily driving. Compared to many of the uninspired models that have filled this segment in recent years, the Honda Ridgeline is a refreshing departure from the ordinary. Infused with clever features that include spacious interior room, potent power, and remarkable versatility – the Ridgeline continues to stand out from the competition in the midsize truck segment. In an effort to demonstrate how the Ridgeline is the best choice in its class, our team at Germain Honda of Surprise has assembled this competitive comparison between midsize pickups. You’ll discover how the Ridgeline measures up against its top rivals including the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, and Hyundai Santa Cruz. Which model will take home the trophy? Let’s find out!

Table of Contents

Honda Ridgeline vs Chevrolet Colorado

The first challenger to go up against the Honda Ridgeline is the formidable Chevrolet Colorado. Taking equivalent trim levels of both models, the Ridgeline begins with a slight price advantage over the Colorado. A closer look at the details reveals that you’ll save even more by choosing Honda over Chevrolet.

You get a more advanced 9-speed transmission with the Ridgeline that contributes to low-end torque response, always extremely important when talking about trucks. Remote start for the engine is standard across the whole Ridgeline lineup but is standard on only the top ZR2 trim of the Colorado.

A lockable in-bed storage trunk and clever dual-action tailgate are two forward-thinking features that you simply won’t find on the Colorado. A truck bed audio system is also not available on the Colorado because the only vehicle in the midsize pickup truck segment equipped with such a system is the Ridgeline. You get better audio inside as well thanks to more speakers and active noise cancellation. Finally, standard wireless smartphone charging inside the Ridgeline adds convenience and eliminates unnecessary clutter from charging cables.

Honda Ridgeline vs Ford Ranger

Second on our list, we’ll examine how the Ford Ranger measures up against the Honda Ridgeline. Yet again, we’ve placed equal trim levels of both models side-by-side for fairness. In this matchup, the Ridgeline once again has a price advantage and the value continues to add up once we compare the details of both trucks.

Under the hood, you’ll find a larger 3.5-liter V6 engine that powers the Honda Ridgeline. Producing more horsepower and torque than the smaller turbocharged 4-cylinder of the Ford Ranger, the Ridgeline is the clear choice for drivers looking for maximum performance. Thanks to its multi-link rear suspension design, the Ridgeline also delivers a far more comfortable ride both on and off paved roads.

Ford simply can’t match the innovative lockable in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate of the Ridgeline as well. Additional standard equipment found on the Ridgeline includes active noise cancellation, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a tire fill assist feature. Finally, choosing the Honda Ridgeline means that you’ll receive greater space for back seat passengers compared to the Ford Ranger.

Honda Ridgeline vs Hyundai Santa Cruz

Third on our list of competitors to challenge the Honda Ridgeline is the Hyundai Santa Cruz. Similar to the Ridgeline, the Santa Cruz is a unibody pickup truck that features a multi-link suspension for superior on-road driving manners and a cabin that’s passenger-focused. Even with these similarities, it’s easy to see where the Santa Cruz falls short of the Ridgeline.

It’s impossible to ignore the superior performance capabilities you’ll enjoy by choosing the Ridgeline over the Santa Cruz. You’ll have more passenger volume for your crew to stretch out and get comfortable inside of the Ridgeline. Hyundai also doesn’t offer features like the dual-action tailgate and truck bed audio system of the Ridgeline, two great amenities that you’ll appreciate for your next tailgate party or weekend project. A larger fuel tank capacity means that you can take your adventures further inside the Honda Ridgeline.

Rounding out the list of advantages for the Honda Ridgeline is the fact that it delivers a greater payload capacity, larger bed cargo volume, a longer bed length, and wider bed width compared to the Hyundai Santa Cruz. All of these characteristics are essential for DIY enthusiasts tackling their next weekend project or those living active lifestyles that demand maximum space for their gear.

Honda Ridgeline vs Nissan Frontier

The final competitor to challenge the Honda Ridgeline is the formidable Nissan Frontier. Yet again, the significant price advantage for the Ridgeline only continues to grow as we dive deeper into the details. While total power figures are similar between these two pickups, the Ridgeline is significantly more fuel-efficient across all three categories. These MPG figures are further helped by its standard Eco Assist drive mode setting. Larger 18-inch wheels and a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension play a role in on-road comfort as well.

Another advantage for the Ridgeline is a larger payload capacity, perfect for tackling your next weekend project. Other benefits of choosing the Ridgeline include its dual-action tailgate, capless fueling system, remote start system, and LED headlights. Unfortunately for Nissan shoppers, these great features are either expensive options or not available on any trim level of the Frontier. Lastly, the Honda Ridgeline is far more spacious for rear seat occupants.

Winner – Honda Ridgeline

Now that we’ve crunched the numbers and tallied the results, the clear winner of this competitive comparison is the Honda Ridgeline. Its top rivals from Chevrolet, Ford, Nissan, and Hyundai simply cannot match its tremendous value, innovative features, and impressive standard equipment. Ready to see all that the Honda Ridgeline has to offer for yourself? Stop in today at Germain Honda of Surprise and browse our large selection of the latest Ridgeline models.

DISCLAIMERS:

*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $1,395 destination charge, and accessories. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $455 charge for premium colors.

**18 city/24 highway/21 combined mpg rating for Sport, RTL & Black Edition trims. 18 city/23 highway/20 combined mpg rating for TrailSport trim. Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.