2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Ford Maverick

Are you still deciding on which mid-size pickup truck to purchase? Check out our comparison of the 2023 Ford Maverick and the 2023 Honda Ridgeline to see how they stack up. The Ridgeline starts at a higher price but might have a better total price for the features you want. This comparison looks at several factors to help you determine which of the two pickup trucks is right for you.

Trims and Exterior

Image via Honda

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline comes in the following four trim levels: Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition. The front end of this iconic truck exudes an all-out attitude thanks to the striking hood, grille, and bumper. Additional LED low-beam headlights with auto-on/off, LED fog lights, and daytime running lights are also available to further improve your visibility.

The Ridgeline’s design combines form and function into a single, incredibly capable package, updating conventional truck styling in a way only Honda can. The sleek 18-inch alloy wheels visually balance the strong appearance of the chunky tires. The Ridgeline is more visible when stopping during the day or at night due to its standard LED taillights.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Maverick is offered in the following three trim levels: XL, XLT, and Lariat. The starting wheel size is 17-inches, and the XLT is often selected because it comes with cruise control, a power tailgate lock, power exterior mirrors, and other useful features. The compact design and Built Ford Tough exterior of the Maverick truck are appealing and distinct from Honda, so which looks better comes down to your personal preference. On the top-level Lariat, a Lariat Luxury package expands on the infotainment system and comfort features.

You may want to add on the Lariat Luxury package, which includes two household outlets, a spray-in bed liner, and an upgraded infotainment system. The Luxury package also comes with a wireless charging pad, premium sound system, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel, among other features that bring it closer to an upper-level Ridgeline.

Interior

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline has one of the most adaptable cabins on the market, with room for up to five people and 60/40-split lift-up rear seats. If you don’t need a basic work truck, the Ridgeline has a luxurious interior that you can enhance with an optional leather-trimmed steering wheel and seats. Find your ideal position with the available 10-way power driver’s seat, including power lumbar support with two-position memory and a four-way front passenger power seat. You can even add a one-touch power moonroof.

Additionally, each 2023 Ridgeline gets a center console with a USB charging port inside a sliding storage compartment. From phones and tablets to a first aid kit, you’ll be able to fit anything you want in the center console space. A touch-screen infotainment system with an 8-inch display is standard, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. One of the most exciting optional features is an in-bed audio system with vibrating actuators to level up your tailgate parties.

The 2023 Ford Maverick has a fairly roomy interior for its class. Thanks to the transformative unibody design, which lessens the center floor hump, all five passengers get plenty of legroom. Like the Ridgeline, a power moonroof is available. SYNC 3, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an 8-inch touch screen, and a standard six-speaker sound system are all included as standard infotainment features.

Although the Maverick is surprisingly roomy, the Ridgeline is a slightly larger truck that understandably offers more passenger volume at 110 cubic feet compared with the Maverick’s 100.3 cubic feet. Many folks around Cleveland Heights don’t know that the Ridgeline also has a longer cargo bed at 63.6 inches versus the Maverick’s 54.4 inches.

Engine and Powertrain

All 2023 Honda Ridgeline models are powered by a 3.5L V-6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Honda also includes an all-wheel-drive system and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The fastest configurations can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The 2023 Ridgeline can tow a maximum of 5,000 lbs compared with the Maverick’s 4,000 lbs.

In contrast, the Ford Maverick is a partial hybrid-power system. The Maverick combines an inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, 1.1 kWh battery, and optional eight-speed automatic transmission for a total of 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque directed at the front wheels. The Maverick’s maximum payload rating of 1,564 lbs is nearly as high as the Ridgeline’s 1,583 lbs.

Efficiency

The Ridgeline’s engine control system can turn off some of the cylinders, which helps it use less fuel. Unfortunately, no equivalent system is available on the Ford Maverick. Moreover, the Ridgeline runs on regular unleaded gasoline with no requirement for anything else. For maximum efficiency, the Maverick needs premium gasoline, which can cost around 67 cents more per gallon. The Ridgeline also has a 19.5-gallon fuel tank, while the Maverick ranges from a standard 13.8-gallon tank to a 16.5-gallon tank on the more expensive 2.0L EcoBoost engine.

Safety

You and your passengers can enjoy your ride in the Ridgeline in total confidence due to its excellent safety features. Every 2023 Ridgeline model benefits from sophisticated front SmartVent side airbags, rollover sensor-equipped side curtain airbags, electronic brake distribution, brake assist, vehicle stability assist with traction control, and anti-lock braking. All seats in the second row have a system of lower anchors and tethers for children. It comes with front seatbelt reminders, child-proof rear door locks, tire-pressure monitoring, and a multi-angle rearview camera.

The Maverick, in contrast, doesn’t offer quite as many safety features as the Ridgeline. Several of Ford’s Co-Pilot360 driver-assist active safety features are available on XLT or Lariat models, such as lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Lariat Luxury package also adds evasive steering assist and adaptive cruise control. All variations come standard with automatic high beams and automatic emergency braking.

Ridgeline vs. Maverick: Winner

Both pickup trucks are suited for cities, highways, and off-road environments. However, the Ridgeline is more efficient and has more horsepower and standard safety features. If the Ridgeline isn’t too far out of your price range, it’s a worthy choice over the more rudimentary Ford Maverick. Check out Honda of Cleveland Heights for new Honda cars, trucks, and SUVs and better discounts on pre-owned vehicles.