The compact truck market is quickly heating up with models like the 2022 Ford Maverick and 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, but Consumer Reports has picked an unlikely favorite for their favorite small truck. The Honda Ridgeline is a unibody truck that has seen production since 2006. And while it has always struggled with sales, it continues to win the support of critics and automotive journalists. Even so, Consumer Reports has rated the 2022 Honda Ridgeline over the 2022 Ford Maverick. Which is a little shocking considering the sales of the new Maverick.
Is the Ford Maverick like the Honda Ridgeline?
2022 Honda Ridgeline | Honda
The Ford Maverick and Honda Ridgeline are both compact trucks. They ride on a unibody platform, which means they are not as capable as other full-size options. Better yet, these trucks are both suitable for urban environments because of their small sizes.
In terms of towing capability, the Honda Ridgeline has the Ford Maverick beat out. And, the Ridgeline also offers some attractive features. These include an audio system in the truck bed, which can help with things like tailgates or camping. Additionally, the new Ridgeline comes standard with a V6 engine, something that the Ford Maverick does not offer.
Why does Consumer Reports like the Ridgeline?
According to Consumer Reports, there are multiple reasons that the new Ridgeline is at the top of their compact truck list. The vehicle uses independent front and rear suspension, and that makes for a comfortable drive. Additionally, this small truck boasts a 3.5-liter V6 engine, something that the 2022 Ford Maverick does not have. Plus, the interior feels like a Honda Pilot. And that makes the Ridgeline a more comfortable place to be.
The new Honda Ridgeline pickup truck also has legitimate usability. Getting in and out of this truck is easy fare and the gauge cluster is large and simple to read. Really, this truck does what it is designed to do. It isn’t necessarily built to go off-road or haul massive payload, but that is not what shoppers in this segment are looking for.
There are a few places where the Honda Ridgeline does come up short. Where the Ford Maverick offers a standard hybrid engine for better efficiency, the Ridgeline is still rocking an old-school V6. Some buyers may value that, but with today’s gas prices, every little bit counts.
Is the Honda Ridgeline a good truck?
2021 Ridgeline Sport (HPD) | Honda
There’s no getting around the fact that the Honda Ridgeline does not sell well, but that doesn’t mean it is not a good truck. With its standard V6 engine, attractive design, and usability, competing with the Ridgeline is no easy task. But, it continues to be one of the last options on shopper’s lists. Especially with models like the 2022 Ford Maverick hitting the market.
While the 2022 Ford Maverick has been selling extremely well, when compared to the Ridgeline, there are some places where it falls short. Because of this, Consumer Reports has given the Ridgeline a score of 82 and the Maverick a score of 74. This makes the Ford Maverick the second-best compact truck in comparison to the Honda Ridgeline.
Keyword: Consumer Reports Picks This Unlikely Compact Truck Over the 2022 Ford Maverick