2018 Chevrolet Silverado vs 2018 Honda Ridgeline

New

There are a few things that make the Silverado extra special for the 2018 model year. The front of the Silverado is updated with attractive front air curtains that also improve the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle. Rounded fenders set the look of the Silverado apart from other pickups on the market, and a wider bed improves cargo space and function capacity. New for the Ridgeline in 2018 are a few nice refreshments to the pickup – there is one less trim available, different all-wheel-drive availability, and two new exterior paint colors. The RTS trim that was between the RT and the Sport model is not available in this new model year. The sport trim is now available in diamond pearl and lunar silver metallic in addition to the original black.

Technology

On board, the 2018 Chevy Silverado drivers will enjoy technology and conveniences including wireless device charging, satellite radio, HD radio, seven-speaker Bose audio system, rear-seat entertainment system to keep backseat passengers entertained. Also available is an upgraded MyLink infotainment system with an 8” touch-screen, voice-activated technology, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and OnStar with 4G LTE and a built-in WiFi hotspot. This upgraded MyLink infotainment system makes it easy to listen to music and pair your phone with your truck for added functions and capability.

The 2018 Honda Ridgeline features and 8” touchscreen HondaLink infotainment system starting with the RTL trim. While the display size is nice, the usability has run into some major glitches with the displays being very cartoonish and because it relies solely on touch input, pushing the wrong area of the screen happens more than one would like. There is a 540-watt audio system with eight speakers available on the RTL and Black edition, and they also feature a truck bed audio system that uses actuators that vibrate the cargo box, turning the whole bed into a huge speaker.

Safety

Available driver-assist features on the 2018 Silverado include front and rear parking sensors, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic forward braking, and a safety alert seat that makes it easy for drivers to be alerted in addition to sight and sound alerts. The Teen Driver feature also allows you to set speed and volume limits to help young drivers avoid high speeds and be less distracted. Other safety features on the 2018 Silverado are driver, passenger, front head, and side, as well as rear head airbags, 4-wheel ABS, 4-wheel disc brakes, electronic stability control, daytime running lights, integrated turn signal mirrors, front tow hooks, and traction control.

The Ridgeline was named one of Car and Driver’s ten best trucks and SUVs in 2017 for its impressive capabilities, exclusive features like auto emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. For those with young children, the Ridgeline is a nice choice as it is one of the easiest in its class to install a car seat. The LATCH anchor points at the bottom of the rear seat are very accessible. Active safety features include adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking. A multi-angle backup camera is standard on all models of the Ridgeline with three selectable viewing modes: wide angle, narrow-angle, and maneuvering view.

Performance

The 2018 Ridgeline remains as agile and quick of a performer as it has been in the past. The Ridgeline came third quickest from 0-60 in an acceleration test and also pulled nicely ahead on tests for merging into traffic. Coil-sprung independent rear suspension adds to the carlike feel of the ride aboard the Ridgeline, and the electrically assisted steering feels appropriate.

The 2018 Chevy Silverado offers a choice of three engines. The baseline V6 has plenty of power for driving and offers the most impressive fuel efficiency. The larger V8 feels stronger and is better for towing and hauling. Both options ride smooth, even over rough terrain and it handles nicely. The base engine V6 has 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. The top engine is a 6.2 liter V8 that puts out 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The Silverado comes standard with rear-wheel drive and is available with four-wheel drive. Handling is good – steering is accurate, and its brakes feel sturdy and capable. The Silverado 2018 model can tow 12,500 lbs when properly equipped and has a max payload of 2,250 lbs. The V8 engines are really what drivers will be interested in if they need a lot of towing capability. The six-speed automatic transmission is standard with the V6 engine and the smaller V8, and an eight-speed automatic is optional with smaller V8 and standard with the larger one.

Design

With its well-arranged and great looking cabin, the high-quality materials that are used make details on the higher-level trims make drivers feel like they are in a luxury vehicle rather than a pickup truck in the 2018 Silverado. Both rows of seats offer the best in comfort and drivers have a choice between three cab sizes and three-bed lengths. There is a step built into the rear bumper on the Silverado to make bed access easier. The Silverado seats three in a regular cab model and seats six in double and crew cab models. Split-bench seating for three is standard, along with vinyl upholstery. Leather or cloth upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel are also available. Other available features include dual-zone climate control, a sunroof, and a noise-canceling cabin.

The Honda Ridgeline has gone through some dramatic style transformations in its two generations of production. With a major cab overhaul, the styling of the Ridgeline is comparable with other pickups on the market. It boasts a spacious interior, impressive ride, and handling, and is full of featured options. While the Ridgeline suffers from subpar functionality in the areas of braking and towing capacity, as well as a sometimes frustrating to use infotainment system, it is still one of the best mid-size pickup trucks on the market in its price range.