Just a note, all model levels have a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, maybe you missed that.

 

Sorry I missed that. I must not have pulled hard enough on the steering wheel when adjusting the tilt. The salesman didn't give me any instructions. He just handed me the keys and said enjoy yourself.

 

Other things to consider are safety and resale value.

 

All depends on the accident and how long you keep it.

 

Hi Matt, why did you test drive the new RL after you bought your new Ford. Why join and come here to post such a thing if you like the Ford over the RL. Just wondering and do like ones that compare, do you have second thoughts even thou the RL kinda lost in your world, the Ford is a nice truck as are many others now.

 

My Ford is a pain to park, so I am not completely happy with it. That is why I continued lurking here after I bought my truck, and that is why I went on the test drive today.

I signed up for the "Camp Ridgeline" sweepstakes. I didn't win, but my local dealer got my contact information. The Honda salesman contacted me and I told him I already bought a Ford. I said that the only way I'd take the financial hit on a trade now is if I fell in love with the Ridgeline. The salesman promised me I'd fall in love with the Ridgeline, so I gave it a chance. I do like the Ridgeline, but not enough to justify the expense right now.

 

i think i'd rather have the ford right now, but everyone knows I was going to say that

 

Complete preference but the F-150 does far more storage in the cab and has a console(almost too large ) but extremely comfortable and useful compartment.

The back doors open much wider and still offers the flip up seats and flat floor. Big time feature a so loved the flat floor on the gen1 it's just bigger now on F-150 but also doors open wider.

Another thing that I personally have found is the mpg is more or less on par to each other of course in different ways. One is quite a bit larger and heavier and is a true 4x4 model. Highway seems to be better range mpg on average then new RL but the city is not as good as new RL the equal out to be similar. However some will say not true they get 17-19mpg by the end of every tank. Just not the case for me so far. Im more 21-22.5. However on a trip per basis on highway it's truly a great performer. I have travelled over 200k and steady at 26-28mpg. Some stretches at 30+ just don't count on seeing it there as it averages out plus the differential between the what's real and what's been read by the computer. 1-2mpg out at any given time.

I would give a nod to the F-150 due to its size and more capability yet not having to give up much or anything at all in MPG. In some cases potential to be better.

NOTE: I'm pretty sure the tank is larger in the F-150 as well cost more in gas Per tank (not as economical as RL) but better range good for towing or long trips.

 

NOTE: I'm pretty sure the tank is larger in the F-150 as well cost more in gas Per tank (not as economical as RL) but better range good for towing or long trips.

I've never understood people who judge a vehicle's economy by how much it costs to fill up their tank. That has nothing to do with fuel economy. I suppose those same people would consider a motorhome with a 10-gallon fuel tank to "efficient" and a Prius with a 40-gallon tank to be a "gas guzzler"!

 

Let me see if I understand correctly.
The big truck did better at the stuff the big truck was designed to do better?
It did these things better only because it is bigger?
Ok, thanks for the tip.
FYI: A big rig FedEx truck has a larger volume, more weight capacity, and can go farther that the home delivery FedEx truck.

 

Let me see if I understand correctly.
The big truck did better at the stuff the big truck was designed to do better?

If the RL did the things a small truck is supposed to do better, I would agree with you. It should be significantly cheaper. It isn't. It should be a lot easier to park, but it isn't. It should get significantly better mileage. It does get better, but not by a lot. The Honda rides better, but the Ford is more comfortable.

I'm cross-shopping both...

 

Why would you trade a 2016 anything for a 2017 anything. Buying a new vehicle every year doesn't make much financial sense at all.

Seen a lot of that here, people driving something for 6 months then trading it, ouch on that depreciation hit.

 

Why would you trade a 2016 anything for a 2017 anything. Buying a new vehicle every year doesn't make much financial sense at all.

Seen a lot of that here, people driving something for 6 months then trading it, ouch on that depreciation hit.

I kept my '16 CR-V for a whole two months - that's a record even for me.

I look at it this way: Even thought I trade frequently, I lose less on depreciation by shopping smarter than many (most?) buyers lose by overpaying due to add-ons, doc fees, financing, undervalued trades, third-party warranties, dealer markups, etc.

 

First off - you can't compare different trim lines, it should have been an RTL-E or Black edition - anything else pretty much negates a lot of these observations
#2 Comfort: The RTL-E would have all but the adjustable pedals which if you are as tall as you say, it wouldn't matter.(telescoping steering wheel, adjustable pedals, and more adjustments on the power seats)
#3 Parking : again the E and BE have all the back up assistance and would have been a slam dunk
#4 Sounds like you might as well have bought a van - They have even more space for carpeted storage
#5 How can you compare future Ford features that your Ford does not have (and never will) To AGAIN a lesser trim model.
#6 Well Yea it's a full size truck
#7 Again Yes it is a full sized truck
#8 Is just pulling BS out of one's arse

So what have we really learned here:
You Can't compare trucks with vastly different trim packages
Stating the obvious differences between any full size truck and mid sized truck is a waste of everyone's time
Oh and of course the obvious attempt at this guy to come on this site and stir the pot with a half baked review proved he wasn't clever enough to get away with it

 

Hey Matt,

I drove the F150 Lariat with the 3.5 eco, and nearly bought it. At 58k though, the payment was $200 more a a month, and when it comes to parking, I'll have to disagree with you. The RL is a breeze to park. Did you use the backup camera in lieu of the rear sensors? Other than that though your report is spot on. The crew cab F150 is massive when it comes to rear leg room, and it drives like a caddy. I think the RL drives well too, but I digress. End of day, for me it was about daily driving and what I need to tow, which in this case is 3500lbs at most. That and the F150 won't fit in my garage. As a former G1 owner I would also say that you won't find a vehicle that handles better in the snow, that includes Subaru. I drove the Colorado, and the Tacoma, and neither holds a candle to the new RL unless your needs are very specific. I would encourage you to check out the upcoming pickkuptrucks.com report of midsize trucks. I can't see the RL losing to any of them with the exception of a diesel powered Canyon, and in that case, you are giving up the trunk and some rear leg room.

I'm from Colorado and just finished the Switzerland Trail which is a "moderate" 4X4 trail in Colorado. No issues at all. I do worry about ground clearance though so I'll be getting a leveling kit at some point.

 

Why on earth would a F-150 OWNER be on a Ridgeline OWNER(S) website??? And why are you coming on this site to enlighten us with your subjective opinions??? I agree with DriveALLNight. Sounds like a troll to me too.

 

I am not a troll, or at least I was not trying to be. I was lurking around here while truck shopping to learn what I could about the Ridgeline (started before the 2017 Ridgeline was being sold). I created an account here after coming across some posts with people cross-shopping the F150. You can see my previous posts. I was just offering my information and opinion on the F150 since I just bought one. After I test drove the Ridgeline today, I thought I'd share my opinion of it (which is generally positive). I'm not trying to troll anyone, so I am sorry if I offended anyone.

 

I think Matt's review comments are a very fair assessment, it gives people who might be on the fence some useful comparison data. I have been able to drive my Dad's new F-150 crew cab quite a bit, he got the V8 where I would have certainly chosen the 3.5 Ecoboost, but in all other respects the truck is optioned like I would want one. It's quite impressive and drives / rides very nicely. I think my Gen 1 has overall better handling, which means of course the Gen 2 is better still, but the F-150 has come a long, long way from the spartan buckboard it used to be. The new F-150s are honestly very good all around trucks, but for 90% of what I do with a truck every day the Ridgeline is a better option for me. For the other 10%, the F-150 is far better.

My Dad is still skeptical of the Ridgeline, but he has ridden in it enough to develop a grudging admiration for it - particularly the ability to open the tailgate to the side and have sacks of horse feed at waist height so easy to slide out and tote - it's something people just can't appreciate until they have a bad back and can compare the impact on the back versus dragging those same sacks across the tailgate of a full-size truck. Leaning forward and pulling back like that really does a number on the old lumbar vertebrae. But you can do the same chore with your Ridgeline, and not have even the slightest twinge from the back - a huge blessing. And as you get older, having a truck where the seat is right at butt height so you can slide right in without having to climb up or drop down, that's a great advantage too. There are a lot of elderly farmers and ranchers who lose their independence and ability to work their land, after a fall from their vehicle or tractor. A truck like the Ridgeline greatly reduces the risk of such a fall because it is so easy to get in and out.

If Honda had a program to let farmers and ranchers borrow a Ridgeline for a week to see just how convenient and versatile it really is, they'd sell a million of 'em.

 

All the contractors I know that have Ford 150s like them very much. I have gone from a 2005 chevy 2500hd diesel 4x4 to a RTL-e and the chevy was a great truck for what is was built to do. I researched/tried to buy a Tacoma 4x4 for six months. I was set on a Tacoma but could not find what I wanted for anything under msrp (also no long bed for 6speed manual). Started to check out the Ridgline and for me its just about the perfect truck (would have preferred a manual 6speed and maybe a little more ground clearance). I think Honda has a real winner with the Ridgline. The midsize truck market is about to get more crowded with Nissan,Hundai, Jeep and Ford all coming out with midsized trucks in the next few years-- I can't wait to see what they bring to the game. There is a rumor that the Ford might be unibody. Even Tesla is getting into the game.

 

Sounds like troll to me.

 

Because of the similar price-points, cross shopping & comparisons are inevitable.

If a person has, for example, ~$40K to spend, and wants "some kind of .5T P/U", I think you'd be foolish to not thoroughly review what's available.

Again, I think the only initial limiting factor to NOT do this would be the sheer size difference, I get that. But if size is not an issue, why would one not fully investigate all candidates?

Then, in the end, you can feel very good about your choice, knowing you picked the best truck for your situation.

Seems perfectly reasonable to me.:smile:

 

Matt,

Don't let some of the folks on here offend you. They have a hard time that someone would be cross-shopping and actually post a well thought out comparison. Sometimes they feel a little inferior about their decision and can't imagine someone would make a different choice.

I appreciated your post as I'm on the fence between a RL and the F-150. I loved my last two RL's, but would really like something a bit more off-road capable. However, the F-150 might be much more "truck" than I need. It's hard to beat the RL for an all around great truck.

Haters will always be haters...

 

Matt, thanks for taking the time to give an honest review and your insights. Don't listen to the dumbass "troll" comments. After owning 3 F150's, I'd say your thoughts are right on.

 

I test drove a f150 during an intermission in my RL Negotiations.

The ford rode real nice on smooth road but skipped and bounced over the rougher stuff.

The ford was about 5k more with the same features of the BE RL.

I commented to my wife that the ford felt like a nice work truck... Lipstick on a pig analogy. The Honda felt like a premium sedan that could occasionally carry stuff.

Then my wife connected my stomach to my brain and the decision was easy. She asked me when I had a craving for Doritos would I be satisfied with a really big bag of generic potato chips?

The Honda satisfied my desires and needs. The ford was bigger and pretty nice but I'd never be satisfied with it.

 

I would argue most people here welcome a true comparison, and are open to the Ridgeline being criticized , hell it happens here all the time by the owners.

But the comparison and critism have to be fair and meaniful. You can't compare unlike trim packages with electronics and then even further skew the results by saying FUTURE models will have this feature. Hell future models will be flying cars, but that isn't what you own today.

Nobody is arguing that the F150 isn't a great truck, and on top of that, there is nothing wrong with considering it when purchasing . I know I did. Hell , I came really close to buying one years ago. This isn't about that.
But reading that review, it's very obviously set up and people want real information not this nonsense

 

3. Parking: This was my main reason for looking at the Ridgeline. It is easier to park, but surprisingly not much easier than my F150. The RTL doesn't have back up sensors, and my Ford does. I nearly backed into a post with the Ridgeline because I was using my side mirrors to squeeze into a spot. I was focused on the sides and not what was directly behind me. The Ridgeline seems as wide as my Ford. The Ridgeline is definitely shorter, through. A higher trim Ridgeline with back up sensors would be better. Winner: Ridgeline (not by much though)

Anyone find they do more reverse than usual ?
I do !...and if I forward into a parking...I tend to overshot & then reverse. :grin:

I like using the camera to spot on parking ( avoid dings )
Using the dynamic camera to "perfect/even" park is a sight to compliment the RL ( OCD talking )

Already got the replacement T20 for the reverse on the way ( brighter LED that helps at night )

 

What is the T20 for reverse? I would certainly appreciate a clearer camera for my RL!

Bob

 

I gotta tell you I was impressed with my rental '16 F150. I will be shopping for a new truck in a year or two, so it will be tough making that decision between RL and F150.
The best feature of F150 is room in the backseat, especially with two carseats. But I would miss versatility and utility of RL.. also, V8 sounds pretty sweet and having all that power is nice.

 

Ya, the back seat in the ford is like a limousine and the 3.5L ecoboost is amazing. But 90% of the time there is nothing in the bed nor the back seat so that is a moot point. The engine though... wish Honda had a turbo 3.5L.

 

Matt_, I, too, appreciate your post. I'm sure there are a lot of potential Ridgeline buyers who want to know how it compares to Ford's-150.

 

But it is an F 150. Everybody and their damn brother owns one! Reason enough for me to avoid one (but not the only reason).

 

Well there are going to be a lot of gen 2 RL owners so you might want to sell it and look for something more niche. :grin:

 

Interesting post. As someone who recently shopped pretty much all mid and full size trucks, I will share my 2 cents as well for anyone interested. Just this week, after months of research and test driving, I purchased a 2016 Ram 1500. My search led me to the Ridgeline and the Ram, and ultimately the Ram was too good to pass up.

I was considering an RTS or RTL Ridgeline with AWD. Those trucks are getting off the lot for right around MSRP of $34-36k. The truck I purchased is a Ram 1500 Express Quad Cab Black Edition with the popular tech package and several other additional features. MSRP of $45k and I got out the door for just $31k. Manufacturer rebates and discounts for full size trucks are absolutely amazing and make these vehicles tremendous value buys.

Here are my thoughts on the 2017 Ridgeline vs the 2016 Ram 1500 using the same format as OP, plus an extra category for fuel economy. And just for background info, I do not plan on towing much right now (at least nothing the RL couldn't handle) but I do frequently need to haul quite a bit in the bed. I also commute 30 miles each way to work and back 5 days a week, mostly highway with some traffic.

1. Handling: I will start with the Ridgeline... it feels like driving a crossover, plain and simple. Feels nimble and doesn't roll much. The acceleration is just fine except when using econ mode, then it is almost painful. The steering wheel feel is average. The Ram 1500 is easily the best handling full size truck available, and I would say it is on par or better than all midsize as well. It has the usual body-on-frame truck skipping/bumping on occasion, but that is to be expected. The steering wheel feels better and not as loose. Winner: Tie

2. Comfort: The Ridgeline has more adjusting options for front seating whereas my Ram is simply front/back and recline. I found my feet a bit more comfortable on the Ridgeline after adjusting everything to my liking, but not by much. Where the Ram 1500 really shines is size. there is so much more space and the center console/armrest is much more comfortable. I also prefer the cushion and support of the Ram's seats over the RL. The backseats are almost identical. I bought a quad cab Ram and according to ratings it has just 1" less leg space in the back compared to the RL, but the rear doors also open much wider making it easier to load in/out and the seats fold up just like the RL. Add in that you can see much more of the road and your surroundings and the Ram starts to win here by a wide margin. Winner: Ram 1500

3. Parking: Surprisingly the Ridgeline really doesn't shine here and I think the seating position and how you are sort of seated down inside the truck is the main reason. The Ram 1500 is a wider, longer and much taller truck, but it doesn't feel like it when parking. In the Ram I can see my surroundings better and the backup camera functions just as well as the Ridgeline's. Ultimately this comes down to vision, and the Ram has the advantage despite being a larger truck. Winner: Ram 1500

4. Truck bed: This is the easiest call... the Ram 1500 wins. It has a much larger bed and a locking tailgate. The in-bed trunk on the Ridgeline is neat, but I don't ever feel a true need for it. Same with the swinging tailgate. Winner: Ram 1500

5. Electronics: The Ram 1500 offers all of the same electronic features as the Ridgeline. There really isn't much difference at all other than how things look and the systems installed. Winner: Tie

6. Towing and payload: The Ram 1500 offers close to double the towing and more hauling capability. This is of course no surprise as the Ridgeline brings up the rear in the midsize segment. The RL offers enough for me right now, but probably not for the years to come when I plan on purchasing some larger toys and a new boat. Winner: Ram 1500

7. Off road: My thinking here is similar to the original comparison with the F150... the Ridgeline would be better for light snow around the city, but the Ram will dominate all other conditions and heavier snow with a true 4x4 system with 4WD lock and low settings. Significantly better ground clearance (which was one of my biggest complaints with the RL) make this an easy choice. Winner: Ram 1500

8. Cost to buy and maintain: A lot is still unknown with the Ridgeline's maintenance, but it can be reasonably assumed that it will be cheaper to maintain than a full size 4x4 truck. As for purchase price and value, the Ram 1500 wins. Honda clearly has a different strategy with the Ridgeline, and that is fine, but you really cannot beat the value of a full size truck when you add in all of the manufacturer discounts and rebates. I got a bigger, more powerful, more comfortable truck with equal features for less money out the door. That should not be the case when comparing to a midsize. Winner: Tie

9. Fuel Economy: The Ridgeline is rated better, but all reviews and reports suggest that you pretty much need to be in econ mode at all times to achieve the high ratings, which is a bummer because the econ mode is just not fun. Regardless, I cannot argue that the RL wins here. Both trucks run on regular gas, and in mixed driving the Ram averages around 18 mpg while the Ridgeline gets about 21. Winner: Ridgeline

In the end the Ram 1500 just made more sense. It is a more comfortable, larger, equally or better equipped truck that drives just as well as the SUV based Ridgeline. I got a better price for a superior vehicle in my opinion, and I get the benefits of a true 4x4 system with more ground clearance, higher towing and payload ratings. All of this while only sacrificing a couple mpg's, which was the Ridgeline's only advantage after weighing everything out... I spent a long time making this decision, doing research, test driving every truck out there. I really liked the Ridgeline for what it is and wouldn't rule out owning one some day. But going with the Ram 1500 was an easy decision in the end.

As for other trucks on the market, the Ridgeline is by far my favorite in the midsize class. I love the look of the Tacoma but just didn't feel entirely comfortable driving it. Plus it is just so expensive. The GMC twins and the Nissan Frontier were both eliminated quickly for me for various reasons. The Ram 1500, in my opinion, is the best truck money can buy right now, full size or midsize.

 

Interesting post. As someone who recently shopped pretty much all mid and full size trucks, I will share my 2 cents as well for anyone interested. Just this week, after months of research and test driving, I purchased a 2016 Ram 1500. My search led me to the Ridgeline and the Ram, and ultimately the Ram was too good to pass up.

I was considering an RTS or RTL Ridgeline with AWD. Those trucks are getting off the lot for right around MSRP of $34-36k. The truck I purchased is a Ram 1500 Express Quad Cab Black Edition with the popular tech package and several other additional features. MSRP of $45k and I got out the door for just $31k. Manufacturer rebates and discounts for full size trucks are absolutely amazing and make these vehicles tremendous value buys.

Here are my thoughts on the 2017 Ridgeline vs the 2016 Ram 1500 using the same format as OP, plus an extra category for fuel economy. And just for background info, I do not plan on towing much right now (at least nothing the RL couldn't handle) but I do frequently need to haul quite a bit in the bed. I also commute 30 miles each way to work and back 5 days a week, mostly highway with some traffic.

1. Handling: I will start with the Ridgeline... it feels like driving a crossover, plain and simple. Feels nimble and doesn't roll much. The acceleration is just fine except when using econ mode, then it is almost painful. The steering wheel feel is average. The Ram 1500 is easily the best handling full size truck available, and I would say it is on par or better than all midsize as well. It has the usual body-on-frame truck skipping/bumping on occasion, but that is to be expected. The steering wheel feels better and not as loose. Winner: Tie

2. Comfort: The Ridgeline has more adjusting options for front seating whereas my Ram is simply front/back and recline. I found my feet a bit more comfortable on the Ridgeline after adjusting everything to my liking, but not by much. Where the Ram 1500 really shines is size. there is so much more space and the center console/armrest is much more comfortable. I also prefer the cushion and support of the Ram's seats over the RL. The backseats are almost identical. I bought a quad cab Ram and according to ratings it has just 1" less leg space in the back compared to the RL, but the rear doors also open much wider making it easier to load in/out and the seats fold up just like the RL. Add in that you can see much more of the road and your surroundings and the Ram starts to win here by a wide margin. Winner: Ram 1500


3. Parking: Surprisingly the Ridgeline really doesn't shine here and I think the seating position and how you are sort of seated down inside the truck is the main reason. The Ram 1500 is a wider, longer and much taller truck, but it doesn't feel like it when parking. In the Ram I can see my surroundings better and the backup camera functions just as well as the Ridgeline's. Ultimately this comes down to vision, and the Ram has the advantage despite being a larger truck. Winner: Ram 1500

4. Truck bed: This is the easiest call... the Ram 1500 wins. It has a much larger bed and a locking tailgate. The in-bed trunk on the Ridgeline is neat, but I don't ever feel a true need for it. Same with the swinging tailgate. Winner: Ram 1500

5. Electronics: The Ram 1500 offers all of the same electronic features as the Ridgeline. There really isn't much difference at all other than how things look and the systems installed. Winner: Tie

6. Towing and payload: The Ram 1500 offers close to double the towing and more hauling capability. This is of course no surprise as the Ridgeline brings up the rear in the midsize segment. The RL offers enough for me right now, but probably not for the years to come when I plan on purchasing some larger toys and a new boat. Winner: Ram 1500

7. Off road: My thinking here is similar to the original comparison with the F150... the Ridgeline would be better for light snow around the city, but the Ram will dominate all other conditions and heavier snow with a true 4x4 system with 4WD lock and low settings. Significantly better ground clearance (which was one of my biggest complaints with the RL) make this an easy choice. Winner: Ram 1500

8. Cost to buy and maintain: A lot is still unknown with the Ridgeline's maintenance, but it can be reasonably assumed that it will be cheaper to maintain than a full size 4x4 truck. As for purchase price and value, the Ram 1500 wins. Honda clearly has a different strategy with the Ridgeline, and that is fine, but you really cannot beat the value of a full size truck when you add in all of the manufacturer discounts and rebates. I got a bigger, more powerful, more comfortable truck with equal features for less money out the door. That should not be the case when comparing to a midsize. Winner: Tie

9. Fuel Economy: The Ridgeline is rated better, but all reviews and reports suggest that you pretty much need to be in econ mode at all times to achieve the high ratings, which is a bummer because the econ mode is just not fun. Regardless, I cannot argue that the RL wins here. Both trucks run on regular gas, and in mixed driving the Ram averages around 18 mpg while the Ridgeline gets about 21. Winner: Ridgeline

In the end the Ram 1500 just made more sense. It is a more comfortable, larger, equally or better equipped truck that drives just as well as the SUV based Ridgeline. I got a better price for a superior vehicle in my opinion, and I get the benefits of a true 4x4 system with more ground clearance, higher towing and payload ratings. All of this while only sacrificing a couple mpg's, which was the Ridgeline's only advantage after weighing everything out... I spent a long time making this decision, doing research, test driving every truck out there. I really liked the Ridgeline for what it is and wouldn't rule out owning one some day. But going with the Ram 1500 was an easy decision in the end.

As for other trucks on the market, the Ridgeline is by far my favorite in the midsize class. I love the look of the Tacoma but just didn't feel entirely comfortable driving it. Plus it is just so expensive. The GMC twins and the Nissan Frontier were both eliminated quickly for me for various reasons. The Ram 1500, in my opinion, is the best truck money can buy right now, full size or midsize.

Can you give me the full model details of your Ram, packages, etc. That price it too hard to ignore. That is if I could find one around here for a similar price. With your comments, I will go out and drive it this weekend but I want to match your truck and packages. AWD or 4X4 is a requirement for me.

 

Hey Matt, thx for posting your thoughts on the comparison you did. It seemed to me that you were honest & straight forward where there could be no direct comparison, and that you were quite reasonable comparing the rest :smile: