For a long time, the Honda Ridgeline occupied a kind of “no man’s land” in the pickup market. Although it had outstanding reliability, handling and comfort, it did not match other full-size pickup trucks in power and was much more expensive than smaller competitors such as the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier and Chevy Colorado. But with the introduction of the Jeep Gladiator, it has something much more its size and price. In the mid-size truck battle, it’s the Honda Ridgeline vs. Jeep Gladiator!
Pricing for the two medium trucks
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline is available in four models, including Sport, RTL, RTL-E and Black Edition, with the base Sport option available starting at $38,800. The exclusive Black Edition can be had for a starting price of $46,230.
The 2023 Jeep Gladiator base Sport trim is similarly priced at $38,775. However, there are eight other trims, namely Willys Sport, Sport S, Willys, Freedom, Overland, Mojave, Rubicon, and sitting at the top, the High Altitude model. Of course, the High Altitude trim is the most expensive, with an MSRP of $54,475.
Honda Ridgeline vs. Jeep Gladiator: Performance and Capability
The Honda Ridgeline’s powertrain features a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 280 horsepower in addition to 262 lb-ft of torque. The 2023 Jeep Gladiator’s performance numbers are almost identical, given that its 3.6-liter V6 can produce 260 lb-ft of torque and 285 horsepower.
However, the two midsize trucks are quite different in terms of towing capacity. Five trims of the 2023 Jeep Gladiator, including Sport, Sport S, Willys, Willys Sport and Freedom, can tow up to 4,000 lbs with a 1,700 lb towing capacity.
Mojave and Rubicon trims are next up in the chain with a 4,500-lb towing capacity. But cargo capacity for these trims also drops to 1,200 lbs. Finally, the Overland and High Altitude trims have the highest towing capacity of 6,000 lbs. But they also have the lowest payload in the lineup at 1,120 lbs.
By comparison, the Ridgeline’s towing capacity remains consistent across the board at 5,000 lbs. Cargo capacity ranges between 1,509 and 1,583 lbs, with the lowest trim having the highest maximum payload.
Jeep Gladiator vs. Honda Ridgeline: Ground clearance and powertrain options
Jeep’s claim of having the best ground clearance in the class holds water, as most trims have 10 inches of ground clearance and can go up to 11.6 inches depending on trim. Comparatively, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline’s ground clearance is 7.6 inches which can be an asset when getting in. However, the Jeep’s ground clearance is much more suited to rock crawling and rough terrain adventures.
The drivetrains are also different, with the Ridgeline having an AWD system. Its counterpart, the Gladiator, has 4WD. With that, the Ridgeline has a system that determines which wheels need the most power and acts on it. With the Jeep Gladiator, a full-time 4WD unit is available on several models, e.g. Sport, Overland and Mojave. But with the other trimmers you have to engage it manually. Depending on the terrain, you also have to choose between high and low 4WD mode.
Still, the Jeep’s 4WD system plus extra ground clearance is better suited to deserts, rock crawling and driving through water.
Jeep Gladiator and Honda Ridgeline: Fuel Economy
The Honda Ridgeline offers the better fuel economy of the two midsize pickup trucks, with 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined. Fuel economy for the Jeep Gladiator is one of two options depending on trim. In the city, you get either 16 or 17 mpg; on the highway it’s 22 or 23 mpg. Still, the combined figure for all trims is 19 mpg.
Honda Ridgeline vs. Jeep Gladiator: Seating
Both the Jeep Gladiator and the Honda Ridgeline are five-seat pickup trucks. The former has the edge in space for the driver and front passenger with superior legroom, shoulder, hip and headroom. However, the Ridgeline offers slightly more shoulder and hip room in the rear seats.
Honda Ridgeline and Jeep Gladiator: Warranty
Warranty terms for the two midsize trucks are fairly comparable, with both offering three years of basic coverage. They also have a five-year powertrain and rust protection. That said, the Jeep Gladiator has superior roadside assistance coverage that lasts up to five years, while Honda Ridgelines only last three years.
The strength of every mid-size truck
Overall, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline has better fuel economy and slightly more torque than its counterpart. It may also best the Jeep Gladiator in towing capacity of comparably priced models and a stronger reliability history. As for the Gladiator, it has more horsepower and can carry more weight. The higher ground clearance can also be handy when driving through obstacles and uneven terrain.
RELATED: 2023 Ford Maverick vs. 2023 Nissan Frontier: Pickup Truck Showdown!