Which is better, the 2024 Ford Ranger or the 2024 Honda Ridgeline? Your midsize truck should speak to your budget, off-roading style, and performance needs. Our comparison guide is designed to help you choose the pickup that matches your priorities!
Key Takeaways
- In spite of its torque-heavy ride and excellent tech lineup, the 2024 Ford Ranger comes at the lowest price!
- Ford’s midsize truck can tow and haul more than its Honda counterpart. It’s also the much more powerful option, generating up to 405 horses!
- Inside the Ridgeline, you’ll enjoy the smoothest ride and most impressive list of creature comforts.
- Thanks to this year’s upgrades, including SYNC 4 infotainment and a digital gauge cluster, the redesigned Ranger delivers the best tech lineup.
Is the 2024 Ford Ranger a Good Price?
Compared to the Ridgeline, the redesigned Ranger comes at a best price, starting at $32,670. If you’re shopping for a basic truck, you’ll love the Ranger XL. In addition to its excellent MSRP, this pickup comes standard with Ford’s latest infotainment system, SYNC 4, along with a 10-inch central touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and LED headlamps.
With an MSRP of $39,750, the base Ridgeline is much more expensive. In fact, its more extensive standard lineup is comparable to the mid-level Ranger XLT (from $35,610) or high-end Ranger Lariat (from $43,630). The entry-level Ridgeline comes with a similar infotainment setup, but it also adds features like tri-zone automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, and adaptive cruise control.
Has the 2024 Ford Ranger Been Redesigned?
For 2024, the redesigned Ranger adds two new engines to its lineup, depending on which trim model you select. Its torque-heavy EcoBoost engine carries over from last year. It’s the thriftiest option, helping you earn up to 22 mpg combined (21 city/25 highway). The Ranger XLT and Lariat trim models are more powerful than before, thanks to their new 2.7-liter V6! And the all-new Ranger Raptor trim model is ready to scale boulders with its exclusive 405-horsepower V6! In addition to delivering more power, the Ranger is also the best option for drivers with work to do. Properly equipped, the Ranger can tow up to 7,500 pounds or haul up to 1,805 pounds.
You can equip your 2024 Ford Ranger with a variety of rugged powertrains, depending on trim model:
- XL: 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (270 horsepower, 310 lb-ft of torque)
- XLT, Lariat: 2.7L turbo V6 (315 hp, 400 lb-ft)
- Raptor-only 3.0L turbo V6 (405 hp, 430 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
By comparison, the Ridgeline doesn’t deliver nearly as much power as the Ranger. Even the Ranger’s base engine out-classes it, thanks to a wealth of low-end torque for swift acceleration and sturdy off-roading capabilities. The Ridgeline isn’t as efficient, either, earning EPA ratings of up to 21 mpg combined (18 city/24 highway). But while the Ridgeline isn’t as rugged as the Ranger, its standard all-wheel drive helps you maintain traction on a sandy path. The Ridgeline’s tow ratings reach 5,000 pounds, and payloads max out at 1,583 pounds.
Every Ridgeline trim model features the same powertrain:
- 3.5L V6 (280 hp, 262 lb-ft)
- Nine-speed automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive
Is the 2024 Honda Ridgeline Good at Offroading?
While the Ranger — with its torque-heavy engines and body-on-frame chassis — was designed to travel off-road and move a lot of weight, the Ridgeline is more of an urbanite. Honda’s midsize truck has a unibody design, like a crossover. And much like a crossover, the Ridgeline delivers a smooth, comfortable ride.
The Ranger was meant for adventure, and it’s tuned more for performance than comfort. However, compared to other body-on-frame-style midsize trucks, the Ranger is surprisingly comfortable. And like the Ridgeline, the Ranger comes standard with a roomy crew cabin! Both trucks offer road-trip-friendly upgrades, including leather upholstery and heated front seats.
What Technology is Seen in the 2024 Ford Ranger?
When it comes to tech features, the redesigned Ranger has become the segment leader! Not only does this midsize truck come standard with smartphone-friendly infotainment and helpful driver safety aids, but it now includes a 10.1-inch digital gauge cluster. You can upgrade the standard setup with an optional 12.4-inch cluster and a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen. Better still, this new truck introduces tow-friendly tech, such as the class-exclusive Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Trailer Reverse Guidance systems.
We like the Ridgeline’s infotainment setup — including a standard 9-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — well enough. This Honda is also available with the usual tech upgrades, such as built-in navigation and a premium sound system. Outside of its rear view camera, though, this truck isn’t as big on tow-friendly tech options.
Should You Choose the 2024 Ford Ranger?
If all you need is a comfortable cruise, the 2024 Honda Ridgeline is a fine option. But if you’re after the best price, cutting-edge technology, or rugged capabilities, the 2024 Ford Ranger is by far the better choice! When you come to Keystone Ford we will help you find the perfect truck.