Jeep Gladiator vs. Honda Ridgeline

1. Introduction

With a clear understanding of both brands and new vehicles, the comparison between these two pickups is no ordinary one. The two vehicles have very different visions, and both have pros and cons. The vehicles are essentially aimed at the same pickup truck segment market, but when compared to each other, it's an intriguing battle between two very different philosophies in how a pickup truck should be.

The pickup truck market isn't quite the same as the SUV market; an SUV can be attributed to many car characteristics and referred to as a car. However, the pickup truck functionality is the unique selling point. Honda has always been independent in its work and it didn't want to create another pickup truck because it would be missed in the segment. The company wanted to create something different, and it did so with the Honda Ridgeline. With the Jeep Gladiator, there may be no significant vehicle that it's trying to step away from, but the 4x4 functionality compared to other trucks is unique.

Jeep and Honda are two of the well-known automobile brands in the global market. Honda is recognized as the manufacturer of the Honda Ridgeline, the ultimate Honda pickup truck, while Jeep produces the Jeep Gladiator, a new concept vehicle. Jeep has always been linked with the production of 4x4 vehicles, while Honda has been linked with the production of motorcycles, cars, and sporadically taking part in races. However, the latter has never altered from its course in producing bikes and cars. With the new release of the Jeep Gladiator, we have the first encounter of the two brands in the same market segment: pickup trucks.

2. Design and Exterior Features

In contrast to the competition, the Honda Ridgeline, with three generations since 2006, is anything but ordinary. Featuring a unibody frame and smoother rounded edges, it often rivals that of the SUVs it is built on. This may be a plus or minus depending on the individual's preference of looks as it slightly departs from the conventional boxy frame of traditional pickup trucks. Whether or not it's appreciated at first glance, it's hard to argue against the advanced mid-sized pickup design towards crash safety and fuel efficiency. Despite losing some ruggedness credibility, the Ridgeline's overall lower costs of ownership and a car-like driving feel have maintained its popularity in the modern market. Designed for the demographic that needs occasional hauling capabilities, the Honda can be found in most suburbia settings where the need is for a vehicle that can do it all.

The Jeep Gladiator's design was inspired by the Jeep Wrangler, and it shows in the design. It has a retro and aggressive look reminiscent of the Jeep of the past. With the abolition of the Jeep Comanche after 1992, the mid-size truck slot was essentially vacated until Gladiator's release in 2019. While strong plastic fenders produce an overall cleaner look to the Jeep's exterior, keep in mind that it is easier to replace a scratched plastic fender than to try to repair scratched paint from a traditional metal fender. An all-steel bed and body is never a bad quality in a pickup truck, yet more crash-oriented plastic maintains lower repair costs for the Honda Ridgeline. At a foot longer, six inches wider, and 500 lbs heavier, understand that parking the Gladiator presents a greater challenge and is not ideal for confined urban uses.

3. Performance and Off-Roading Capabilities

The Ridgeline and each version of the Gladiator are using the same tire/wheel size on every trim level. This means each has the same ability to clear obstacles with the correct lines and angles. Both vehicles offer a form of torque vectoring for their AWD systems to proactively aid in cornering and adverse weather conditions. It remains to be seen which system is more sophisticated. The Ridgeline's AWD system has Intelligent Variable Torque Management, and the Sport and RTL trims have an AWD setting for the 4-mode terrain management system. This means that unless the driver engages the system to send up to 70% of torque to the rear wheels, the front wheels will receive 100% of available torque. The top-of-the-line RTL-E and Black Edition have the system default to AWD with the aforementioned torque split unless the driver selects FWD for fuel saving through the push of a button. This is all in comparison to the Gladiator's Selec-Trac with an AWD mode that automatically distributes torque to the wheels with the most grip and has a 2HI setting. A driver-activated rear locker is optional on Sport and standard on Overland and Rubicon trims for the Gladiator. This advantage over the Ridgeline is quite significant as the rear differential of the Ridgeline is open and lacks any ability to transfer torque left and right. Both vehicles lack low-range gearing.

Both the Gladiator and Ridgeline are underpinned by unibody platforms. The advantages of unibody construction include a lower floor height and typically a more carlike driving experience. But unibody vehicles tend to be less capable off-road and have lower towing limits than body-on-frame trucks. The Gladiator's solid front and rear axles help it achieve a higher degree of off-road readiness than the typical unibody SUV, but its off-road exceptionalism is bettered by the Ridgeline only in terms of ground clearance. With 7.6 inches, the Ridgeline has 0.2 inches more ground clearance than the typical 2019 model year car, yet is still 0.4 inches shy of a Subaru Outback. The Gladiator will have 11.1 inches of clearance under its rear differential when properly equipped due to an available rear air suspension.

4. Interior and Technology

When last inspected, the Ridgeline's lodge was one of the calmest in the section. Wind and street clamor is scarcely perceptible at thruway speeds, and the V6 motor is about the main thing that can be heard under hard increasing speed. A nice (however not incredible) sounding 6-speaker sound framework is the base arrangement. It merits referencing that spare the RT trim level, all Ridgelines come standard with a force moonroof and XM satellite radio.

The rear seat base pads pivot up, giving an additional inside stockpiling zone best for hauling grocery sacks or concealing resources. Discretionary calfskin, route with voice acknowledgment, Bluetooth without hands network, an incredible sounding 6 CD XM satellite radio framework, and a back view camera are accessible. Tragically, there is no iPod or MP3 integration; an inexcusable oversight these days. Dual-zone atmosphere control, a force customizable driver's seat, and coolers under the raise seat instead of a third column make the Ridgeline a decent road trip vehicle for families.

Honda Ridgeline has a spotless, agreeable lodge that is wealthy in highlights. It has competent materials quality, yet the styling has begun to look somewhat obsolete. While the lodge style in the Ridgeline may be somewhat detached, it is, apparently, the most easy to use of all pickup insides. Beginning with the shrewdly planned rear end that opens to the side as opposed to down, getting to the payload territory is a lot simpler than customarily planned pickup boxes.

5. Conclusion

Approach and departure angles are also key in off-road ability. The further the wheel is from the front or back bumper, the less likely it is to hit and get stuck on an obstacle. The Honda has 20.1/22.1 degrees, while the Jeep has 40.8/25 degree angles. With the Honda's AWD system and more clearance, it still has a good ability to get to most places compared to other unibody SUVs, but it is not a rival to the Gladiator's off-road ability.

Locking in 4WD with the ability to put it in low, the Gladiator significantly outperforms the Ridgeline in any off-road condition. The Ridgeline, with 7.64 inches of ground clearance, is substantially less than the Gladiator with 11.1 inches. 7.64 inches of ground clearance is basically the same as a regular car, which is not very impressive for a pickup. Ground clearance is key for off-road ability.

Off-Road: Both the Gladiator and Ridgeline have great on-road handling. While the Honda has a unibody frame, it is still good in most off-road conditions. Coming with AWD and Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4), the Ridgeline is good on wet and slippery conditions around town.

When owning and trying to select between a pickup, on-road and off-road ability is essential. The Honda, in comfort, will ride better than the Jeep while off-road. A Jeep with a different suspension can cost as much, if not more, than what the Honda can do for comfort.