Which is right for you, the rugged 2024 Ford Ranger or the more easygoing 2024 Honda Ridgeline? Our comparison guide provides an in-depth look at both midsize trucks. By the end, you’ll know for sure which model will help you achieve your trucking goals, whether those involve getting the best deal or towing the heaviest trailer!
Key Takeaways
- For the best deal on a new truck, check out the 2024 Ranger (starting at $32,670).
- The entry-level 2024 Ridgeline (starting at $39,750) comes standard with a longer list of creature comforts.
- Thanks to a redesign for 2024, the Ranger delivers best-in-class tech features, including the latest infotainment gear.
- With its powerful new engine options, the redesigned Ranger can enhance your performance, on-road and off!
What is the Starting Price of the 2024 Ford Ranger?
The newly redesigned 2024 Ranger starts at just $32,670, an incredible price for such a handsomely equipped truck. The base Ranger comes standard with an impressive list of features, including a digital gauge cluster, 10-inch central touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity!
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline, with its $39,750 MSRP, starts at a much higher rate. This higher price tag covers more creature comforts than you’ll find on the base Ranger, such as tri-zone automatic climate control and a wireless smartphone charger. However, the price of the base Ridgeline is closer to that of the mid-grade Ranger XLT (from $35,610) or the upscale Ranger Lariat (from $43,630), which offer similar upgrades.
Does the 2024 Honda Ridgeline Offer Plenty of Features?
As we mentioned, the Ridgeline delivers the best list of standard features. These include comfort features, like the tri-zone automatic climate control system, and modern technology, including a seven-speaker sound system. This midsize truck also comes standard with an excellent host of driver safety aids, such as blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control.
The base Ranger is pretty handsomely equipped considering its much lower starting price. Ford’s midsize truck is big on utility, with LED headlamps and a configurable digital gauge cluster. It also includes a few safety aids: forward collision mitigation and lane departure warning. The entry-level infotainment setup is especially impressive, including SYNC 4 infotainment system, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system.
What Technology is Seen on the 2024 Ford Ranger?
The redesigned Ranger is available with tech features you can’t find on other midsize trucks! In addition to its standard 8-inch digital gauge cluster, a 12.4-inch digital cluster screen is also available. And if the Ranger’s best-in-class standard 10.1-inch infotainment screen isn’t big enough for you, you can upgrade to a 12-inch version! The Ranger’s available (and very exclusive) Pro Trailer Backup Assist system helps you direct a trailer in the desired direction and avoid any embarrassing jackknife situations. And thanks to newly available over-the-air software patches, you can save time and energy you would’ve spent at the dealership updating your technology.
In the Ridgeline, you’ll enjoy the usual infotainment setup. Every model comes with a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless phone charger. However, it doesn’t offer nearly as many upgrades as the Ranger. For instance, while the Ranger is available with a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, the Ridgeline doesn’t offer an upgraded sound system. And while the Ridgeline comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, its system doesn’t offer trailer coverage like the Ranger’s system.
Is the 2024 Ford Ranger Good For Towing?
Not only does the Ranger’s engine lineup offer more power than the Ridgeline can produce, but it’s also the best truck for towing and hauling! Of the Ranger’s three engine options, the all-new Raptor trim model delivers the most power, providing an incredible 405 horses for some serious off-road adventure. Properly equipped, the Ranger can tow a trailer weighing up to 7,500 pounds or haul payloads weighing up to 1,805 pounds!
Availability for any of the 2024 Ranger’s three engines depends 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
Unlike the Ranger, which features a traditional truck-style, body-on-frame chassis, the Ridgeline has a unibody design. You’ll find this same chassis on modern crossover SUVs, which blend a car-style chassis with an SUV-like cabin, providing car-like agility and SUV-like interior space. Similarly, the Ridgeline delivers a much smoother, maneuverable ride compared to its body-on-frame counterparts.
But the Ridgeline’s on-road comfort comes with some trade-off in terms of rugged capabilities! Instead of tow ratings on par with the midsize truck segment, the Ridgeline tow crossover-like figures of up to 5,000 pounds. Max payloads reach 1,583 pounds.
Every 2024 Ridgeline features the same powertrain:
- 3.5L V6 (280 hp, 262 lb-ft)
- Nine-speed automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive
Should You Choose the 2024 Ford Ranger or Honda Ridgeline?
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline has some light trail capabilities and crossover-like towing capabilities, and drivers love its smooth, comfortable ride. However, the redesigned 2024 Ford Ranger delivers more of what most people want in midsize trucks, with enhanced off-roading potential, greater available power, and more substantial towing and hauling capabilities!