Honda Ridgeline vs Chevy Colorado 2024: Ultimate Midsize Truck Faceoff

Discover the 2024 midsize trucks showdown featuring Honda Ridgeline's reliability and Chevy Colorado's powerful turbo engine, off-road prowess, and versatile features.

Alright squad, let's dive into the 2024 midsize truck showdown that's got everyone talking! 🚚💨 As a truck enthusiast who's test-driven both, I gotta say – Honda's Ridgeline feels like that reliable friend who's been around forever (since 2017 actually!), while Chevy's Colorado struts in with its flashy 2023 redesign like it owns the place. We're comparing specs, off-road chops, and daily usability to see which rig deserves your hard-earned cash. Buckle up – this ain't your grandpa's pickup comparison!

🔥 Engines & Performance: V6 vs Turbo Fury

Let's rip open the hoods first! The Ridgeline rocks Honda's trusty 3.5L V6 pumping out 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft torque, paired with a smooth 9-speed auto. No choices here – it's AWD-only gang. Meanwhile, Colorado ditched its V6 for a gnarly 2.7L turbocharged inline-4 borrowed from the Silverado. Base models get 237 hp, but spring for the Turbomax version and bam – 310 hp and earth-shaking 430 lb-ft torque! That BorgWarner turbo hits 27 PSI boost, making coffee runs feel like drag races.

Fuel economy? Ridgeline sips at 18 city/24 highway MPG. Colorado's 2WD base model edges ahead at 20 city/24 highway – but go 4WD and thirst increases. Personally, I miss Colorado's old diesel option, but that turbo whoosh? Chef's kiss. 👌

Ridgeline's V6 – not flashy but bulletproof

💪 Towing & Payload: Workhorse Wars

Need to haul trailers or lumber? Listen up! Ridgeline maxes at 5,000 lbs towing with 1,583 lbs payload – consistent across all trims. But Colorado? Wildly variable. Base WT/LT models manage 3,500 lbs, while the Z71 and Trail Boss flex up to 7,700 lbs! Payload hits 1,720 lbs too. If you're regularly towing boats or equipment, Colorado's muscle dominates. But for weekend warriors? Ridgeline's lockable in-bed trunk (with power outlet!) is stupid handy for tools.

Capability	Ridgeline	Colorado
Max Tow	5,000 lbs	7,700 lbs
Max Payload	1,583 lbs	1,720 lbs
Bed Length	64"	61.7"

Colorado's bed – compact but mighty

🏜️ Off-Road: TrailSport vs ZR2 Madness

Dirt demons, this is where things get spicy! Ridgeline's new TrailSport trim brings 7.6" ground clearance with 20.4° approach/19.6° departure angles – decent for light trails. But Colorado's ZR2? Absolute beast mode! 🤯 10.7" clearance, 38.6° approach angle, and locking diffs. The optional Bison package ($11,700) adds steel skid plates and beadlock wheels for rock-crawling insanity. Verdict? Ridgeline = forest service roads. Colorado = Moab domination.

🛋️ Interior & Tech: Comfort vs Cool Factor

Sliding into the Ridgeline feels... familiar. The cabin's functional but dated, like your favorite hoodie. HUGE plus? Legroom galore and buttery seats. Visibility’s stellar too – that rear window actually shows the bed! Tech-wise, the 9" touchscreen with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto works flawlessly. New digital gauges freshen it up.

Colorado’s cockpit? Futuristic vibes! The 11.3" touchscreen dominates, but burying headlight controls in menus? Big L. 😅 Rear seats cramp tall folks, though front thrones are comfy. Both have wireless charging, but Colorado’s optional Bose audio bangs harder.

Ridgeline interior – straightforward but cozy

Colorado's tech-loaded dash

🛡️ Safety & Reliability: Peace of Mind Check

Ridgeline aced IIHS/NHTSA tests with ZERO recalls or complaints – tank-like reliability. Honda’s warranty includes 3-year roadside assistance. Colorado scored 4 NHTSA stars but has 4 consumer complaints (details scarce). Chevy’s corrosion warranty lasts longer (6 years), though. If low maintenance is priority, Ridgeline’s track record wins.

💰 Pricing & Trims: Wallet Warfare

Let’s talk cash! Ridgeline starts at $39,750 (Sport) and peaks at $46,350 for the swanky Black Edition. New TrailSport sits at $44,980 – great for casual off-roaders.

Colorado undercuts hard: WT trim begins at $31,095! Z71 hits $41,795 with bed outlets and LEDs, while the ZR2 Bison rockets near $60k. That’s sports-car territory! 💸

Trim Level	Ridgeline Price	Colorado Price
Base	$39,750	$31,095
Mid-Range	$44,980	$41,795
Top-Tier	$46,350	~$60,000

⚖️ Final Verdict

So who takes the crown? Ridgeline if you want: bulletproof reliability, comfy daily driving, and clever storage. Colorado if you crave: max towing, apocalyptic off-roading, or budget entry. Me? I’d lean Ridgeline for city life but dream of a ZR2 Bison for desert adventures. What about YOU? Drop your pick in the comments – trucks or torque, let’s debate! 👇🔥 #TruckWars #OverlandLife