For a long time, the Honda Ridgeline occupied something of a “no man’s land” in the truck market. Although it had outstanding reliability, handling, and comfort, it fell short of other large pickup trucks in terms of horsepower and was much more expensive than smaller competitors such as the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, and Chevy Colorado. However, with the introduction of the Jeep Gladiator, it has something much more its size and price. In the battle of the midsize trucks, it’s the Honda Ridgeline vs. the Jeep Gladiator!
Prices of the two medium trucks
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline is available in four trims, including Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition, with the base Sport option available starting at $38,800. The top-end Black Edition can be had for a starting price of $46,230.
The base Sport trim of the 2023 Jeep Gladiator is similarly priced at $38,775. However, there are eight other models, namely the Willys Sport, Sport S, Willys, Freedom, Overland, Mojave, Rubicon, and sitting on top, the High Altitude model. Naturally, the High Altitude trim is the most expensive, at an MSRP of $54,475.
Honda Ridgeline vs. Jeep Gladiator: performance and capabilities
the sling The Ridgeline’s powertrain features a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 280 horsepower along with 262 lb-ft of torque. Performance numbers for the 2023 Jeep Gladiator are almost similar, given that its 3.6-liter V6 can produce 260 pound-feet of torque and 285 horsepower.
However, the two midsize trucks are quite different when it comes to towing capacity. Five versions of the 2023 Jeep Gladiator, including the Sport, Sport S, Willys, Willys Sport and Freedom, can tow up to 4,000 lbs. with a towing capacity of 1,700 lbs.
Mojave and Rubicon models are next in line with a 4,500-lb. towing capacity. However, the payload capacity for these models is also reduced to 1,200 lbs. Finally, the Overland and High Altitude versions have the highest towing capacities at 6,000 lbs. However, they also have the lowest payloads in the range at 1120 pounds.
By comparison, the Ridgeline’s towing capacities stay level across the board at 5,000 lbs. Payload capacities range from 1,509 to 1,583 lbs., with the lowest configuration having the highest maximum payload capacity.
Jeep Gladiator vs. Honda Ridgeline: ground clearance and transmission options
all terrainThe claim of best-in-class ground clearance stands up, as most models boast 10 inches of ground clearance and can go as high as 11.6 inches depending on the model. Comparatively, ground clearance on the 2023 Honda Ridgeline is 7.6 inches, which could be an advantage going inside. However, the Jeep’s ground clearance is much better suited for rock scrambling and rough terrain adventures.
The transmissions are also different, as the Ridgeline has an AWD system. Its counterpart, the Gladiator, has 4WD. With that, the Ridgeline has a system that decides which wheels need more power and acts accordingly. With the Jeep Gladiator, a full-time 4WD drive is available on several models, for example, Sport, Overland and Mojave. However, with the other decorations, you will need to activate it manually. Depending on the terrain, you’ll also have to choose between high and low range 4WD modes.
However, the Jeep’s 4WD system plus the extra ground clearance is better suited to deserts, rocky, and driving through water.
Jeep Gladiator and Honda Ridgeline: Fuel Economy
The Honda Ridgeline offers the best fuel economy of the two midsize trucks, at 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined. Fuel economy for the Jeep Gladiator is one of two options depending on the trim. In the city, you get 16 or 17 mpg; On the highway, it’s 22 or 23 mpg. However, the combined figure for all models is 19 mpg.
Honda Ridgeline vs. Jeep Gladiator: Seats
Both the Jeep Gladiator and the Honda Ridgeline are five-seat trucks. The former has the advantage in room for the driver and front passenger with superior leg, shoulder, hip and head room. However, the Ridgeline offers a bit more shoulder and hip room in the rear seats.
Honda Ridgeline and Jeep Gladiator: Warranty
Warranty terms for the two midsize trucks are fairly similar, and both have three years of basic coverage. They also have a five year old powertrain and rust covers. That said, the Jeep Gladiator has premium roadside assistance coverage that lasts up to five years, while the Honda Ridgeline only works for three years.
The strengths of each medium truck
Overall, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline has better fuel economy and slightly more torque than its counterpart. It also outperforms the Jeep Gladiator in towing capacities for comparably priced models and a stronger reliability record. As for the Gladiator, it has more horsepower and can carry more weight. The increased ground clearance can also come in handy when driving through obstacles and uneven terrain.
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