Ford F-150 vs. Honda Ridgeline: A Comprehensive Comparison

As a truck enthusiast who’s spent years behind the wheel of pickups, I’ve always been fascinated by how different models stack up for real-world needs.

In this article, I’m comparing the 2025 Ford F-150 and Honda Ridgeline, two vehicles that approach the pickup game differently.

My goal is to break down their features, weigh their strengths and weaknesses, and help you decide which one fits your lifestyle—whether you’re hauling heavy loads or seeking a versatile daily driver.

From towing capacity to ride comfort, I’ll share my insights to guide your choice.

Comparison Table

My Experience With the Ford F-150

I’ve driven the Ford F-150 across dusty trails and city streets, and it’s a beast that lives up to its reputation as America’s best-selling truck. The 2025 model feels like a Swiss Army knife—built for work, play, and everything in between.

Its rugged body-on-frame construction gives it a commanding presence, and the variety of trims (26 in total!) means there’s an F-150 for every kind of driver. I tested the XLT trim with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, and the power—450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque—was thrilling. Whether I was towing a trailer or cruising on the highway, the F-150 delivered.

The interior surprised me with its refinement. The 12-inch touchscreen running Sync 4 was intuitive, with crisp graphics and wireless Apple CarPlay. I could connect my phone effortlessly, and the over-the-air updates kept the system fresh. The cabin felt spacious, especially in the SuperCrew configuration, with over 43 inches of legroom for front passengers.

It’s a truck that doesn’t skimp on comfort, even if you’re spending long hours on the road. Features like the Pro Trailer Backup Assist made towing a breeze, though I noticed the ride can feel stiff when the bed’s empty.

Off-road, the F-150’s optional 4WD and robust suspension handled rough terrain well, but its larger turning radius made tight maneuvers trickier. Fuel economy was decent at 20 MPG city and 24 MPG highway, but the larger gas tank meant fewer stops.

The F-150’s versatility is its biggest strength—it’s a workhorse that can haul up to 7,400 pounds or carry a payload of nearly 2,000 pounds. However, its size can be a hassle in tight parking lots, and the higher starting price might give budget-conscious buyers pause.

My Experience With the Honda Ridgeline

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline, on the other hand, feels like a different animal. I drove the TrailSport trim, and its unibody construction—shared with the Honda Pilot—gave it a smoother, car-like ride that stood out immediately.

The 3.5L V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower, felt peppy enough for daily driving, but it lagged behind the F-150 in raw power. What the Ridgeline lacks in brute strength, it makes up for in clever design. The in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate were game-changers for storing gear securely or accessing the bed easily.

Inside, the Ridgeline’s cabin felt like a premium SUV. The materials were high-quality, and the 8-inch infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it felt less modern than the F-150’s setup.

With standard all-wheel drive and an Intelligent Traction Management system, it handled wet roads and light off-road trails with confidence. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, hitting 22.6 MPG on a highway trip, and the compact size made it a dream to park in urban settings.

However, the Ridgeline’s towing capacity tops out at 5,000 pounds, which might not cut it for heavy-duty tasks. Its payload capacity, at 1,583 pounds, also trails the F-150.

While the ride is comfortable, the Ridgeline’s unibody design limits its “truckiness” for traditionalists who need maximum capability. Still, for someone like me who values versatility and a refined driving experience, the Ridgeline is a compelling option.

Pros of the Ford F-150

• Unmatched Power and Performance: The F-150’s 3.5L EcoBoost V6 delivers 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, making it a powerhouse for towing and hauling heavy loads.
• Versatile Configurations: With 26 trims, three cab sizes (Regular, Extended, Crew), and three bed lengths (67.1, 78.9, 97.6 inches), you can tailor the F-150 to your exact needs.
• Impressive Towing and Payload: It tows up to 7,400 pounds and carries a payload of 1,975 pounds, outclassing the Ridgeline for work-related tasks.
• Advanced Technology: The Sync 4 infotainment with a 12-inch touchscreen is user-friendly, and features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist simplify towing.
• Spacious Interior: The SuperCrew offers over 43 inches of legroom, perfect for tall drivers or families needing extra space.
• Off-Road Capability: Optional 4WD and robust suspension make it a solid choice for rugged terrain, especially in higher trims like the Raptor.
• Safety Features: A 5-star NHTSA rating and Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite, including adaptive cruise control, ensure peace of mind.

The F-150’s strength lies in its sheer capability. I was blown away by how effortlessly it towed a loaded trailer during a weekend move. The variety of configurations means you can go from a bare-bones work truck to a luxurious Platinum trim with massaging seats. The tech, especially the trailer assist, felt like having a co-pilot, and the spacious cabin made long drives comfortable. For anyone needing a truck that can do it all, the F-150 is hard to beat. Its off-road prowess also impressed me on a muddy trail, though I had to be mindful of its size in tighter spots.

Read more: My Thoughts on GMC Terrain Vs. Ford Escape.

Cons of the Ford F-150

• Higher Starting Price: At $39,645, it’s pricier than the Ridgeline, and fully loaded trims can climb to over $100,000.
• Stiff Ride When Unloaded: The body-on-frame design and solid rear axle make the ride bumpy on pavement without cargo.
• Larger Turning Radius: Maneuvering in tight spaces, like urban parking lots, can be challenging due to its size.
• Fuel Economy Trade-Off: While decent at 20 MPG city/24 MPG highway, it’s less efficient than the Ridgeline in city driving.
• Parking Challenges: Its wider footprint and longer bed options make it trickier to park in crowded areas.
• Complex Trim Options: With 26 trims, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming for first-time buyers.
• Maintenance Costs: Repairs for advanced tech and powerful engines can be expensive compared to simpler trucks.

The F-150’s size and stiffness were noticeable drawbacks. I struggled to park it in a busy downtown lot, and the ride felt jarring on city streets without a load. The price tag also stung, especially when I considered higher trims with all the bells and whistles. While the tech is impressive, I worried about repair costs down the line, as complex systems like Sync 4 or the hybrid powertrain aren’t cheap to fix. For buyers who don’t need maximum towing or payload, the F-150 might feel like overkill.

Maintenance Tips for the Ford F-150

• Regular Oil Changes: Change the oil every 7,500–10,000 miles to keep the EcoBoost V6 running smoothly, especially under heavy towing conditions.
• Tire Rotations: Rotate tires every 6,000 miles to ensure even wear, particularly if you’re using the truck for off-road or heavy-duty tasks.
• Check Brake Systems: Inspect brakes every 20,000 miles, as towing and hauling can accelerate wear on pads and rotors.
• Monitor Transmission Fluid: Check and replace transmission fluid every 60,000 miles to maintain the 10-speed automatic’s performance.
• Clean Air Filters: Replace cabin and engine air filters every 15,000–20,000 miles to optimize fuel efficiency and engine health.
• Inspect Suspension Components: Check shocks and struts annually, especially if you’re driving on rough terrain, to avoid costly repairs.
• Software Updates: Keep the Sync 4 system updated via over-the-air patches to ensure optimal performance and security.

Maintaining the F-150 is straightforward but requires diligence due to its complex systems. I learned the hard way that skipping oil changes on a turbocharged engine like the EcoBoost can lead to sluggish performance. Rotating tires regularly saved me from uneven wear during long hauls, and keeping the air filters clean noticeably improved fuel economy. The suspension took a beating on off-road trips, so I made a habit of checking it yearly. Staying on top of software updates for the infotainment system also prevented glitches, keeping my drives hassle-free.

Pros of the Honda Ridgeline

• Smooth, Car-Like Ride: The unibody construction and independent rear suspension deliver a comfortable, SUV-like driving experience.
• Innovative Storage Solutions: The in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate make storing and accessing cargo incredibly convenient.
• Fuel Efficiency: Achieves 18 MPG city and 24 MPG highway, with real-world tests hitting 22.6 MPG on highways, saving on fuel costs.
• Standard AWD: All trims come with all-wheel drive and Intelligent Traction Management, ideal for wet or snowy conditions.
• Refined Interior: The cabin feels upscale, with quality materials and ample storage, rivaling premium SUVs.
• Maneuverability: Its compact size and tighter turning radius make it a breeze to navigate in urban settings.
• Safety Features: Standard Honda Sensing suite, including Road Departure Mitigation and Blind Spot Monitoring, earns a 5-star NHTSA rating.

The Ridgeline’s ride quality blew me away—it felt more like driving an SUV than a truck. The in-bed trunk was a lifesaver for keeping tools secure during a camping trip, and the dual-action tailgate made loading gear a snap. I appreciated the fuel savings, especially on long highway drives, and the standard AWD handled a snowy road with ease. The interior felt like a step above most trucks, with soft-touch materials and clever storage. For daily driving and light truck duties, the Ridgeline’s practicality and comfort are tough to beat.

Also read: My Thoughts on Ford Edge Vs. Hyundai Tucson.

Cons of the Honda Ridgeline

• Limited Towing Capacity: Caps at 5,000 pounds, significantly less than the F-150’s 7,400 pounds, limiting heavy-duty tasks.
• Lower Payload: With a 1,583-pound capacity, it can’t haul as much as the F-150, which may disappoint contractors.
• Less Engine Power: The 3.5L V6’s 280 horsepower feels underpowered compared to the F-150’s robust options.
• Dated Infotainment: The 8-inch touchscreen lacks the responsiveness and modern design of the F-150’s Sync 4 system.
• Single Bed Length: Only offers a 64-inch bed, limiting versatility compared to the F-150’s multiple options.
• Higher Base Price: Starts at $41,600, slightly more than the F-150, with fewer high-end luxury options.
• Not a “True” Truck: Its unibody design and crossover roots draw criticism from traditionalists who prefer body-on-frame trucks.

The Ridgeline’s biggest letdown was its towing capacity. I felt the strain when trying to pull a heavy trailer, and the payload limit meant I had to make multiple trips for a landscaping project. The infotainment system, while functional, felt clunky compared to the F-150’s slick setup. The single bed length was also a bummer when I needed to haul longer items. For buyers needing a hardcore work truck, the Ridgeline’s crossover-like design might not cut it, despite its many strengths.

Maintenance Tips for the Honda Ridgeline

• Oil Changes: Replace oil every 7,500 miles to keep the 3.5L V6 efficient, especially with frequent city driving.
• Tire Maintenance: Rotate tires every 5,000–7,500 miles to maximize the life of the standard all-season or optional all-terrain tires.
• Brake Inspections: Check brake pads every 25,000 miles, as the unibody design puts more stress on brakes during heavy loads.
• Transmission Care: Service the nine-speed automatic transmission every 60,000 miles to ensure smooth shifting.
• Air Filter Replacement: Swap out engine and cabin air filters every 15,000 miles for optimal performance and air quality.
• Suspension Checks: Inspect the independent rear suspension annually, particularly if you tackle off-road trails.
• Clean In-Bed Trunk: Regularly clean the in-bed trunk to prevent water buildup and maintain its weatherproof seal.

The Ridgeline’s maintenance is user-friendly, thanks to its SUV-like build. I found that sticking to regular oil changes kept the V6 humming, and tire rotations were crucial for even wear, especially with AWD. The brakes wore faster when I carried heavier loads, so I checked them often. Keeping the in-bed trunk clean prevented rust, and servicing the transmission ensured smooth shifts. The independent suspension held up well, but I made a point to inspect it after rough drives to catch any wear early.

Comparison With Other Brands

• Ford F-150 vs. Chevrolet Silverado 1500: The F-150 edges out the Silverado with better towing (7,400 vs. 7,200 lbs) and a more advanced Sync 4 system compared to Chevy’s Infotainment 3.
• Ford F-150 vs. RAM 1500: The RAM 1500 offers a smoother ride and more luxurious interior, but the F-150’s higher payload (1,975 vs. 1,800 lbs) and trim variety give it an edge for work tasks.
• Ford F-150 vs. Toyota Tundra: The Tundra’s reliability is a draw, but the F-150’s superior horsepower (450 vs. 389) and bed length options make it more versatile.
• Honda Ridgeline vs. Toyota Tacoma: The Tacoma’s body-on-frame design offers better off-road capability, but the Ridgeline’s smoother ride and in-bed trunk make it better for daily driving.
• Honda Ridgeline vs. Chevrolet Colorado: The Colorado tows up to 7,700 pounds, outpacing the Ridgeline, but the Ridgeline’s unibody design provides a more refined ride.
• Honda Ridgeline vs. Ford Maverick: The Maverick is more affordable and fuel-efficient (up to 37 MPG highway), but the Ridgeline offers more interior space and standard AWD.

The F-150 stands tall against competitors like the Silverado and RAM 1500, especially for those needing raw power and customization. I found its tech and towing capacity unmatched, though the RAM’s plush interior was tempting. The Tundra felt reliable but less powerful. For the Ridgeline, its SUV-like qualities outshine the Tacoma and Colorado for comfort, but it lags in towing and off-road prowess. The Maverick’s affordability is a draw, but the Ridgeline’s spacious cabin and clever storage won me over for family-oriented tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: For the Ford F-150 and Honda Ridgeline

Choosing between the Ford F-150 and Honda Ridgeline comes down to what you value in a truck. If you need a powerhouse for towing, hauling, or off-road adventures, the F-150’s raw strength and endless configurations make it your go-to. It’s a true workhorse that can handle almost any task you throw at it.

But if you’re after a truck that doubles as a comfortable daily driver with clever features like an in-bed trunk, the Ridgeline’s SUV-like refinement is tough to beat. Think about your priorities—power or practicality—and you’ll find the right fit.