2021 Ford Ranger vs. 2021 Honda Ridgeline
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Ford Ranger and 2021 Honda Ridgeline contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Ford Ranger and the 2021 Honda Ridgeline.
When we compare the 2021 Ford Ranger's and the 2021 Honda Ridgeline's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Ford Ranger has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency and resale value. The 2021 Honda Ridgeline has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Ford Ranger's and the 2021 Honda Ridgeline's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline is a better car than the 2021 Ford Ranger.
Pricing: A used 2021 Ford Ranger ranges from $25,897 to $39,188 while a used 2021 Honda Ridgeline is priced between $27,799 to $37,599.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Ford Ranger loses 30.1 percent of its value and the 2021 Honda Ridgeline loses 37.8 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Ford Ranger retains 7.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Honda Ridgeline.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Ranger is 8.5 out of 10 while the Honda Ridgeline's quality rating is 9.2 out of 10. This results in the Ford Ranger being ranked 3 out of 7 Best Midsize Trucks and the Honda Ridgeline being ranked 1 out of 7.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Ranger is 8.8 out of 10. For the Honda Ridgeline the reliability rating is 9.3 out of 10. This gives the Honda Ridgeline a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Ranger.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Ford Ranger’s base engine makes 270 horsepower, and the 2021 Honda Ridgeline base engine makes 280 horsepower. The Ranger is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, while the Ridgeline is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon. Both have a highway range of 468 miles. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are midsize trucks, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The 2021 Ford Ranger has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
Available Cab Types and Bed Lengths: The 2021 Ford Ranger is available in a Crew Cab or an Extended Cab configuration, and the 2021 Honda Ridgeline is available in a Crew Cab configuration. The 2021 Ford Ranger offers bed lengths of 61 and 72.8 inches, and the 2021 Honda Ridgeline offers a bed length of 64 inches.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline has higher safety ratings than the 2021 Ford Ranger, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$25,070
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$28,828
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$25,070 - $36,490
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$36,490
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$28,828
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$25,070 - $36,490
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$32,665
Price Range:
$25,897 - $39,188
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$32,890
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$26,921 - $38,499
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
2,056
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
39,597
# Good or Great Deals:
746
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$32,550
Price Range:
$27,799 - $37,599
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$32,890
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$26,921 - $38,499
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
254
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
39,094
# Good or Great Deals:
78
Ford Ranger Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.8 / 10
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Honda Ridgeline Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
9.2 / 10
Reliability:
9.3 / 10
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Ford Ranger
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
11.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
10.6
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
9.2 - 11.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
46.8%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Honda Ridgeline
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
10.6
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
10.6
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
9.2 - 11.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
78.4%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
1.7 - 20.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
20.3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
1.7 - 20.3
Ford Ranger Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
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2 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 6Honda Ridgeline Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Summary Review
Ford discontinued its iconic Ranger small pickup truck in 2011 despite a large, loyal fanbase. It recovered from that mistake by introducing an all-new Ford Ranger in 2019. The old and new Ranger small truck have nothing at all in common, and most older Ranger used trucks are now "fully depreciated,” to say it kindly. We’ll focus our comments on the new Ranger.
Summary Review
The Honda Ridgeline differs from all of its peers in this segment by being a unit-body vehicle, meaning it is not built upon a traditional truck ladder frame. That is either the best feature or worst feature of this truck, depending upon which view you hold and what you intend to do with it. The Ridgeline is only offered in a crew cab configuration.
Pros and Cons
- Excellent fuel-efficient 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine standard
- Tremor off-road trim option
- Modern infotainment
- Class-leading payload capacity
- Mixed reliability scores
- Retained value hard to predict (too new)
Pros and Cons
- Best-in-class on-road ride quality and performance due to advanced chassis design
- Best-in-class safety
- 2nd Highest reliability score in the class
- Great in-vehicle storage features
- Not an “off-road” truck in comparison to its peers’ off-road trims
- Least workmanlike design
- No extended cab configuration
Available Body Styles
Pickup Truck
Available Body Styles
Pickup Truck
Available Cab Types
Crew Cab, Extended Cab
Available Cab Types
Crew Cab
Available Bed Length(s)
61 inches, 72.8 inches
Available Bed Length(s)
64 inches
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 Ford Ranger Trim Levels
Lariat, XL, XLT
2021 Honda Ridgeline Trim Levels
Black Edition, RTL, RTL-E, Sport
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
270 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.065 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
3500 lbs
Max Payload:
1860 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
280 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
262 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
Max Payload:
1583 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 26 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
378 / 468 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
18 / 24 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
351 / 468 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Bench Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
35.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
30.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.2 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
89.2 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.5 inches
Cargo Space:
7.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
109.7 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4145 lbs
Width:
85.8 inches
Height:
70.7 inches
Length:
210.8 inches
Wheelbase:
126.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.4 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4436 lbs
Width:
78.6 inches
Height:
70.8 inches
Length:
210.2 inches
Wheelbase:
125.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted steel
Tire Size:
P255/70R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Shadow Black
Blue
Velocity Blue
Gray
Cactus Gray / Carbonized Gray
Red
Race Red / Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Pearl
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Radiant Red Metallic
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Ebony
Interior Colors
Black
Black