Why Did the Honda Ridgeline Win the 2019 Mid-Size Truck Challenge?

In a rigorous, weeklong comparison test against the Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, and Jeep Gladiator, the 2019 Honda Ridgeline emerged as the surprising champion, winning based on its superior cargo versatility, on-road comfort, and overall value. This victory, determined by a team of automotive experts, highlights that the Ridgeline's unique approach to the truck segment effectively addresses the daily needs of most buyers, even if its styling is less conventional.

What Were the Key Factors in the Ridgeline's Victory?

The Ridgeline's win was not by chance but was built on several key advantages that proved decisive in real-world testing. The most significant factor was its class-leading cargo utility. Unlike traditional body-on-frame rivals, the Ridgeline’s unibody construction (a design where the body and frame are a single, integrated unit, commonly used in SUVs and minivans for a smoother ride) allows for a perfectly flat bed floor, unobstructed by wheel wells. This design maximizes usable space. Furthermore, it features a unique, lockable, and drainable in-bed trunk, providing secure, out-of-sight storage that no other truck in the test could match.

Beyond cargo, the Ridgeline was praised for its superior ride and handling comfort. Because it shares its platform with Honda's SUVs, it delivers a car-like driving experience that is noticeably more refined and less jarring than its competitors, especially on daily commutes and long highway trips. Editors found it to be the most comfortable truck to drive over the course of the week.

How Did the Ridgeline's Value Compare to the Competition?

When it came to pricing, the Honda Ridgeline offered a compelling argument. The nearly fully-loaded Ridgeline RTL-E trim had the lowest price tag among the four trucks tested. This presented a strong value proposition, giving buyers premium features—such as a heated leather-trimmed steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, and a premium audio system—for less money than a comparably equipped Ford Ranger or Jeep Gladiator. This combination of features, comfort, and utility at a competitive price was a major point in its favor.

Where Did the Ridgeline Lose Points?

No vehicle is perfect, and the Ridgeline’s primary weakness was its aging and clunky multimedia system. While functional, the interface was deemed less intuitive and slower to respond than systems found in competitors. This drawback cost it points in the evaluation but was not enough to outweigh its significant advantages in other, more heavily weighted categories like utility and comfort. The Ford Ranger, while a strong contender, was ultimately unable to close the gap created by the Ridgeline's strengths.

What Other Pickup Truck News Was Announced?

Alongside the comparison test results, other significant pickup truck news included a teaser for the redesigned 2020 Nissan Titan, a practical look at installing car seats in a GMC Canyon, and important safety recalls affecting certain Ram and Nissan models. These stories provide a broader context for truck shoppers considering their options in the market.

Based on our assessment experience, the 2019 Honda Ridgeline’s victory demonstrates that for buyers whose priorities are everyday livability, clever storage solutions, and strong value over extreme off-road capability or traditional truck styling, it remains a top-tier choice in the mid-size segment.