As time goes by, we embrace change and look for new goals to undertake. In the automotive industry, manufacturers demonstrate this spirit of competition as they debut new models and upgrades. The pickup truck is certainly no exception. Long heralded as one of the cornerstones of Americana, the pickup has been a significant part of the industry for well over a century and has been responsible for building and maintaining infrastructure, off-road excursions, and much more. With a new model year in full swing, two distinctive vehicles are poised to make a sizable impact on the automotive industry. These are the 2024 Honda Ridgeline and the 2024 Chevy Colorado. Both vehicles have gained exceptional notoriety among drivers and industry experts alike, and today, we’re going to take a closer look at both and determine which is the better option. If you’ve been considering a Chevy Colorado or a Honda Ridgeline for sale, it’s worth comparing the two side-by-side.
Power and Performance
Different drivers prioritize certain features with the vehicles they purchase. The most common feature buyers look for in a pickup truck almost always comes down to performance—both in terms of the powertrain and capability to deliver the necessary results. So, we’ll do what many truck buyers have done over the years and take a closer look under the hood. The Chevy Colorado has a turbocharged 2.7L four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. One of the advantages of going up the varying trim levels is that the engine’s horsepower steadily increases, allowing buyers to decide what level of performance they favor the most. Base trims produce 237 hp, whereas upper trims, including the off-road-oriented Z71 and ZR2, have 310 underneath the hood. On the other hand, the Honda Ridgeline equips all trim levels with a single powertrain and drivetrain. Honda’s 3.5L V6 engine offers 280 hp and the capacity to generate 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission for optimum performance. 4WD is also standard with each version of Honda’s pickup.
Verdict: Honda takes a streamlined approach to performance and offers more across all trim levels. The Colorado’s engine can produce more power, but only in higher trim levels, at a higher price.
Fuel Economy
One benefit of smaller vehicles is that they tend to be more conservative with fuel consumption. The Colorado and Ridgeline might not be overbearing vehicles, but they still have plenty of performance underneath the hood. Seeing how efficient they are with saving you money at the pump is another important factor when choosing between them. Both vehicles are neck and neck with one another in terms of fuel efficiency. The Colorado has an EPA-estimated in-city rating of 18 MPG, which increases to 23 on the highway for a combined total average of 20 MPG.
The Honda Ridgeline’s efficiency ratings are very similar to the Colorado’s. Its 2023 EPA-rated city mileage matches the Colorado’s rating of 18 MPG, but the Ridgeline gets 24 MPG on the highway for a combined rating of 21 MPG. On a day-to-day basis, a driver of either pickup can expect to pay about the same at the pump. Over time, however, small differences can add up. If you purchase a Chevy Colorado, you can expect to pay $3,250 in fuel costs over the course of a five-year period. On the other hand, the Ridgeline’s total is significantly less and amounts to only $2,750 for the same length of time.
Verdict: Both vehicles are exceptional in allowing drivers to go the distance while spending less. However, the lower costs you’ll pay over five years will make the Honda Ridgeline more economical.
Comfort & Interior Design
Performance and fuel efficiency aside, it’s time to focus on the vehicle’s interior and the amenities each offers. After all, this is where you’ll be spending most of your time, so you have to be comfortable during the hours you spend driving. There have been some exciting changes to the Colorado’s interior for the 2024 model year. These include a new 11-inch infotainment screen, and provides wireless phone charging and Android and Apple compatibility. While the Colorado still embodies the practicality of previous years, its headroom is lower by an inch, making driving slightly more cramped. While the Honda Ridgeline doesn’t have the expansive infotainment setup that the Chevy Colorado does, it outshines many other trucks in its class by offering more comfort. There’s plenty of space for passengers and drivers alike to stretch their legs, and the materials that Honda has chosen to incorporate are soft to the touch and leap ahead of anything the competition offers.
Verdict: This is another tough call, but the main selling point for the Colorado is its infotainment setup. With more comfort and room to stretch out, the Ridgeline has the advantage again.
Safety & Driving Assistance Features
While some truck enthusiasts might put a lower priority on the various safety features that their vehicles come with, they’re always of the utmost importance. Many features that the different brands offer are very similar to one another, but some are not available in all trims of a given model. Checking the ratings the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides in collision testing is always a good idea. In fact, this is a critical difference between these two vehicles. The Honda Ridgeline was awarded a five-star NHTSA rating, the highest that can be bestowed on a make or model. The Chevy Colorado, on the other hand, only received four stars. The differences between the two vehicles and their features come down to which come standard across all trims and which cost extra. The Chevy Colorado comes standard with many basics, such as automated emergency braking and forward-collision warning. Other features, such as adaptive cruise control, are available but cost extra. In addition to having a better collision test rating, Honda equips all Ridgelines with adaptive cruise control on top of lane departure and keeping assistance. Another point where Honda outshines Chevy is their complimentary maintenance that covers a period of two years/24,000 miles. Chevy covers the first visit, but that’s all.
Verdict: Safety is the most important aspect of any vehicle you purchase. Honda’s higher safety rating and more standard features make it a much more reliable vehicle. Maintenance at regular intervals is essential for ensuring a safe drive. Honda’s willingness to cover this area for a considerable length of time speaks to the level of care and quality that the brand possesses.
Our Final Verdict on the 2024 Honda Ridgeline and 2024 Chevy Colorado
There’s no denying that both vehicles are examples of quality and craftsmanship and can give drivers a rewarding and engaging experience when they’re behind the wheel. Both vehicles have many good points, but on balance, we find the Honda Ridgeline to be a superior truck. With more features, more comfort, and better fuel efficiency, the Ridgeline checks all boxes regarding what truck drivers look for. The competition that exists within the vehicle class tends to be very fierce. Still, Honda has succeeded in usurping the crown from Chevy with unbridled determination to provide better options for drivers.
