2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2022 Chevy Colorado

• 2022 Honda Ridgeline

  

  Starting at

  $38,140 ^[a]

  2022 Chevy Colorado

  

  Starting at

  $25,200

  1,583	Max Payload (lbs)	1,550
  5,000	Base Engine Max Towing (lbs)	3,500
  9-Speed Auto	Transmission	6/8-Speed Auto

  Pickup trucks are time-tested vehicles that have helped us solve the problem of how to move large objects since the dawn of automotive history. However, most people don’t realize how many different kinds of trucks there are until they actually get behind the wheel of a truck that’s either too large or too small for their needs. The 2022 Honda Ridgeline and the 2022 Chevy Colorado are smaller, lighter trucks, which means they don’t have the towing and payload capacity of their full-sized big siblings. But what they lack in muscle power, they more than compensate for in overall drivability. Plus, these quick and nimble trucks offer a lot of cool features that make them enjoyable as daily drivers, which some of the bigger trucks lack.

  If you’re looking for a truck that can help you accomplish your daily tasks but won’t overwhelm your parking situation, you might consider a noble midsize truck. But how do you decide between two exceptional midsize trucks, such as the 2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2022 Chevy Colorado. After all, both have been around for several years and have a loyal following. Let’s take a look at both models together to help you decide which is best for your life and driving style.

• Performance

  

  The term “faster” is probably a little more subjective than you’d think. Your driving style, number of occupants, and what you’ve got hitched to the back or what’s sitting in your bed can definitely slow down your take-off. However, power and performance are important to many drivers, especially those with pickup trucks that have a job to do.

  Which Goes Faster? The Honda Ridgeline?

  The 2022 Honda Ridgeline has been designed with drivability in mind. Only one engine is offered across the lineup. Some drivers might see this as a red flag, but in the case of the Ridgeline, it’s a very positive thing. The 3.5L V6 engine tucked under the hood is capable of 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with standard all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission, this vehicle is specifically engineered to maneuver responsively, accelerate smoothly, and brake obediently.

  Which Goes Faster? The Chevy Colorado?

  The 2022 Chevy Colorado, on the other hand, has three available engine options. The standard offering for several trims and cab/box configurations is a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that provides the Colorado with a mere 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque. If you’re the type of driver who requires a little more juice than that, a 3.6L DOHC V6 engine is offered across the lineup, optional on trims that include the 2.5L version and standard on the higher trims. This engine provides a more suitable 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. Also offered is a Duramax 2.8L Turbo-Diesel that offers 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

  Honda’s single engine option provides exceptional performance, with a reasonable amount of power for a midsize truck. While the Colorado’s V6 engine might be tempting for those who crave a little more horsepower, bear in mind that selecting this engine may be an additional charge, depending on the specific trim, cab, and box size you choose. For example, the two-wheel drive WT trim with extended cab includes the 2.5L engine, while the 4x4 WT trim with a crew cab and short box includes the 3.6L. You may need to pay close attention to make sure you’re getting the right combination if you choose the Chevy Colorado.

• Capability

  

  While some of the folks who drive midsize pickup trucks rarely haul large cargo or tow sizeable loads, it’s always important to know what your truck is capable of achieving. While helping your cousin pick up a new sofa might not max out your truck’s capacity, it’s a good idea to check the specs before hitching anything to your truck, regardless of the manufacturer.

  Which Truck Can Do the Most?

  The 2022 Ridgeline offers drivers a bit of an advantage: with only one engine option and standard all-wheel drive, each vehicle has the same towing capability. Each Ridgeline trim is capable of towing up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped.

  Honda has also equipped the truck with a variety of helpful features for those who will be using the bed frequently. A dual-action tailgate comes standard across the lineup, allowing drivers to fold the tailgate down or open it to the side, like a gate. This helps accommodate a greater range of cargo and offers drivers more access to the bed.

  Additionally, all Ridgelines include a 7.3 cu.ft. lockable In-Bed Trunk. Much like the trunk of a sedan, this space can hide smaller and more important objects. Unlike the trunk of a sedan, it has a removable drain plug, so you can use it as a cooler or store dirty and muddy items you don’t want to bring into the cabin. Furthermore, the scratch-resistant bed can handle payloads up to 1,583 lbs––which is probably more than your cousin’s new sofa weighs.

  Towing maximums for the 2022 Colorado, on the other hand, vary. Depending on the engine selected, as well as the box and cabin configuration chosen, a Colorado can tow as little as 3,500 lbs or as much as 7,700 lbs. The higher figure is associated with the diesel engine offering, and most vehicles equipped with the V6 top out in the 7,000-lb range.

  Payload capacity also varies by trim and set up but tops out at 1,550 pounds. The Colorado offers a standard bed light, as well as a cornerstep rear bumper, which aids in access to cargo at the bottom of the box. An EZ-Lift power tailgate is standard on some trims and can be optioned in via an additional package for the WT trim.

• Design

  

  We may be hesitant to admit it, but more and more drivers are looking closely at the features offered on their vehicles. With long commutes and travel becoming more prevalent, former “gimmicks” such as air conditioning and power-operated windows have become must-have features. Those who spend a significant part of their day on the road appreciate the comfort and convenience features that automotive manufacturers develop and debut with almost every new model. However, not every driver has the same needs or budget, which is why both the 2022 Honda Ridgeline and 2022 Chevy Colorado are offered in four different trim levels.

  Which Has the Better Features?

  The Ridgeline lineup includes the base Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and top Black Edition. Honda has included quite a few goodies as standard across the trims, including an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, as well as connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also on board is the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver assistance features. These include several standard features, including Forward Collision Warning with a Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, the Lane Keeping Assist System, and Lane Departure Warning.

  The Colorado lineup consists of the WT, LT, Z71, and ZR2 trims. The base WT includes a 7-inch touchscreen to connect with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, though the screen grows to 8 inches in the LT trim. Connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also standard. The safety offerings on the Colorado are a bit simple, with a full suite of airbags for front and rear passengers and Teen Driver technology as the only standard offerings. Those who choose the LT or Z71 trims may option in the Safety Package, which includes Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning. The LT trim adds the Rear Park Assist feature, which is available for WT trim drivers through the WT Convenience Package.

  The list of features can continue for pages, depending on the trim selected and the packages added on. However, if having a robust safety and driver assistance package is important to you, the Ridgeline is far more equipped than the Colorado. With both the Z71 and ZR2 trim levels equipped for various levels of off-roading, it’s clear the 2022 Chevy Colorado has a focus on other areas. While we used to think of midsize pickup trucks as a “one size fits all” senario, it has become more customary for the automotive industry to build trucks that fit the needs of a variety of drivers. With their variety of engines, capability, and features, it’s clear that both the 2022 Honda Ridgeline and 2022 Chevy Colorado encourage drivers to choose the best fit for their needs.

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