Honda Ridgeline vs Chevy Colorado
In our article, we take a look at two midsize pickups—often marketed as "lifestyle" trucks that offer all-around work cargo loading, trailer towing, and weekend fun transport for the family.
Often eschewed by US buyers in favor of larger full-size trucks, these pickups do, however, prove that sometimes bigger is not always better.
Continue to read our article, which shares some more about these two modern midsize pickup contenders. It will allow you to make more informed decisions when it's time to look for a smaller pre-owned pickup truck.
Honda Ridgeline Background
The Japanese Honda Ridgeline has been around since 2005, and the latest model was first seen on showroom floors in 2016 as the 2017 model with some refreshes along the way.
The latest Honda is an automotive Frankenstein, borrowing its unibody platform from the Pilot, the company's largest SUV model.
The Ridgeline remains Honda’s sole pickup offering, and buyers get to choose from four trim levels: Sport, RTl, Trailsport, and the Black Edition.
Chevy Colorado Background
With their Chevy Colorado, Chevrolet has taken a different approach to bringing a midsize pickup to buyers. This Chevy has been around since 2004, and the latest second-gen version debuted around the end of 2015.
Pickup trucks are supposed to be rugged and, um, be just like real-life American pickup trucks made for cowboys and country singers. With this in mind, Colorado utilizes a traditional body-on-chassis construction.
Exterior Design
The Honda stands out with its minivan-with-a-cargo bed styling, meaning the Ridgeline has a less aggressive front end than traditional square-faced pickups.
The refreshed Ridgeline offers a stylish large front grille that dominates the front end, flanked by large horizontal LED Low-Beam Headlights with Auto-On / Off and turn signals integrated into the headlight units. The LED Fog Lights are standard on all trims.
The Ridgeline features bold rounded wheel arches with black moldings on varying trim levels, and 18-inch alloy wheels of differing designs are standard across the range.
Just some of the Honda standout exterior features include:
- Power Side Mirrors
- Lockable In-Bed Trunk
- Dual-Action Tailgate
- Dual Chrome Exhaust Finisher
- Heavy-Duty Truck Bed Tie-Down Cleats
- Fin-Type Roof-Mounted Antenna
- LED Brake Lights
The Ridgeline is available in eight exterior colors.
The Chevy sports more traditional burly pickup styling with its more upright front fascia. The Colorado features slim horizontal Halogen or LED IntelliBeam headlamps with automatic on/off function and an aggressive front grill with the bow tie badge taking pride of place on the bold horizontal bar that splits the front grille.
Large bulging fenders, square-shaped wheel arches, and black molding trim add to the Chevy's rugged good looks. Alloy wheels across all trims kick off at 17-inch diameter up to 20 inches.
Excellent ground clearance, cab-mounted cargo area lamps, and an available built-in bed power outlet add to the great utility.
Standout exterior equipment includes:
- Solar glazing glass
- Deep-tinted glass
- EZ-Lift and Lower Tailgate
- Remote locking tailgate
- Body-color door handles
- Black mirror caps
- Black beltline moldings
- CornerStep rear bumper
Powertrains
The Honda is powered by a transversely mounted 280-horsepower 3.5-liter, V6 engine with Honda Intelligent Variable Torque Management™AWD System and standard nine-speed automatic transmission.
The Ridgeline will tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds.
The Chevy is available with two engine options: a 2.7L Turbo engine making 237 horsepower and torque of 260 pound-feet paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission or the more powerful 2.7-liter TurboMax™ engine with 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque also with an eight-speed auto transmission.
Four-wheel drive is standard, and the Colorado can tow up to 7,700 depending on trim.
Interior and Infotainment
The Honda’s versatile interior seats up to five passengers and offers a passenger vehicle-like cabin fit and finish.
The dashboard features a seven-instrument gauge cluster display and horizontal panels that swoop down to the central console, which has stacked infotainment and controls for the Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control System.
Key interior fitments include:
- Push Button Start
- Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column
- Illuminated Steering Wheel-Mounted Controls
- Power Windows with Auto-Up / Down Driver's and Front Passenger's Window
- Power Door and Tailgate Locks
- One-Touch Turn Indicators
- Lift-Up Rear Seat with Underseat Storage
Infotainment comprises a nine-inch Color Touchscreen and a 215-watt Audio System with seven speakers, including a Subwoofer.
Connectivity is taken care of thanks to standard Apple CarPlay plus Android Auto compatibility and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink.
Upper trims get Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition* and Honda HD Digital Traffic plus a 540-Watt Premium Audio System with 8 Speakers, including Subwoofer.
The Chevy's modern cabin also seats five and offers great headroom for taller passengers. The interior features a dashboard with square styling, round air vents, a modern 11-inch diagonal color Driver Information Center, and a large infotainment screen above the stylish climate control switchgear.
Passengers will enjoy the standard comforts that include:
- Remote Keyless Entry
- Manual tilt steering column
- Front bucket seats
- Single-zone climate control
- Rear passenger heating and air conditioning duct
- 6-way manual driver seat
- Carpeted floor covering
- Front USB ports
Infotainment equipment includes a large 11.3-inch diagonal advanced color LCD display with Google built-in, and audio plays through the standard 6-speaker audio system.
Keeping in touch is sorted with wireless Apple CarPlay/Wireless Android Auto capability for compatible phones, and Chevrolet OnStar® & Chevrolet Connected Services capability is standard.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The Honda offers a five-star NHTSA Overall Safety Rating and safety equipment, including the Honda Sensing Suite, to alert drivers of dangers and provide braking and steering assistance if needed.
Key safety equipment is such as:
- Anti-Lock Braking System
- Electronic Brake Distribution
- Advanced Front Airbags
- SmartVent® Front Side Airbags
- Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor
Some driver aids in the Honda include a collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation system, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist system.
The Chevy's comprehensive list of up-to-date safety and driver aids features includes the below plus more:
- Six airbags
- StabiliTrak, an electronic stability control system with traction control
- Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking
- Forward Collision Alert
- LED Reflective Windshield Collision Alert
- HD Rear Vision Camera
Find your next Truck at Tim Trucks
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