New 2022 Nissan Frontier vs. Honda Ridgeline: I Expected ONE Of These Trucks To Disappoint, But...

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#Ridgeline #Frontier #Compared

[dannyg]

I'm Frontier guy that being said they both have some advantages in their own ways. Buy what you want or buy based on your needs. People really need to stop worrying about someone's vehicle choice.

[samg]

Once you get used to that storage area in the “trunk, ” you’ll never go back. I have a 2019 Ridgeline Black Edition, and I am itching for a 2022. And to anyone who says it’s not a real truck, I have owned many trucks over the years, and this is the best I’ve ever owned, by far.

[mikebell]

I am a Tacoma guy personally, but I like what Nissan has done with the Frontier. As for the Ridgeline, it may not be a truck in regards to being body on frame and as off road capable, but it will beat all the competition when it comes to ride comfort and handling.

[shj]

I bought the Ridgeline. Rather have full time AWD than seldom used part time 4x4. Rather have the roomier cabin of the Ridgeline. Rather have the wider truck bed. Rather have the in bed locking trunk. Rather have the better mpg. Would rather use the Ridgeline as a daily driver. Seriously doubt that the Frontier owner will go anywhere off road that the Ridgeline will not.

[roccosmith]

2019 RTL-E AWD. 60K miles. Have hauled stone, mulch lumber etc. near 1500 lbs. many times. Towed a 4, 000 lb. boat and 4, 300 lb. RV more than 20K miles combined. Drive in Northern Michigan winter roads in deep snow and ice and never been stuck or stranded. One set of new tires and 50% left on brakes and no other service other than routine maintenance. Vehicle still looks brand new. Is it a truck?, yes it is. If I wanted to play off road in the mud I would have bought a Jeep.

[pmx]

The Ridgeline comes standard with Tri-Zone Climate Control to accommodate rear-seated passengers. I believe the Gladiator is the only other midsized-pickup to offer that feature. Something to consider for parents who pickup kids from daycare or vacation regularly with their pickup.

The Ridgeline also uses stadium seating for the rear-seat to remove motion sickness. The rear seating is positioned higher than front seats, which also helps taller riders sit more comfortably.

The RTL-E trim and above has the gloss infotainment screen.

The Ridgeline is the only midsized-pickup that’s built standard with a full towing package ready for 5k lbs. All other midsized-pickups come standard with a 2k lbs tow from bumper, and then up-charge available tow packages.

[thmountainvet]

My AWD Ridgeline gets an average 24 MPG. Mostly mixed traffic “city” driving. I’ve been very impressed with the AWD and utility space.

[fokuz]

I am the proud owner of a 21 Ridgeline Sport and I am happy with my decision. I looked at all the other midsize options and the Honda fit my lifestyle the best.

[corykluthe]

I work at Honda. My dad is on his 3rd ridgeline now. For what he uses it for is perfect. Drives like an suv but has a bed to haul what he needs to.

[steveo]

2017 Ridgeline drives i regularly tow 3500lbs (no issue) ... have carried significant amts of pressure treated in the back.... 10 sheets of 4x8 drywall (as much as I was willing to load on my own)... reasonable on gas ... always have the trunk loaded - so convenient.
As for volume knob issue - it isn't...
Steering wheel wheel volume control is much better.
As for computer screen tech .... It's A Vehicle not a game console.

[Offshore]

I love that the Ridgeline wheel wells in the bed don’t protrude as much as most pickups.

[Idahoguy]

Honda doesn’t claim the Ridgeline to be a body on frame traditional pickup truck. It’s an attractive option for anyone or any family not needing a full on traditional work truck.

[rick]

Huge Nissan and Honda fan. Loved the Ridgeline when the second gen came out but I just can’t make myself buy it. No truck should only have 7.6 inches of ground clearance. The passport has 8.1 and the new frontier has 9.4. Honda has an awesome AWD system. Honda just needs TO RAISE UP THE FREAKING TRUCK!!!! Give it the ground clearance and bigger tires we want from the factory. Not those stupid “fender flares”. And another thing Honda, why can you get ventilated seats in the passport and pilot but not the Ridgeline when they are all basically the same? The crazy thing is that Canada does get ventilated seats in the Ridgeline. Canada!? Is it hotter there then Texas?? WTF Honda

[DazdnCofuzd]

Both are nice and both have their purpose. To me the Ridgeline is more for a person who wants comfort of a crossover, but with some utility of a truck. Nissan is more off road oriented vehicle, so for those who want to weekend camping in the mountains etc If I had to choose between the two, I'd go Ridgeline as I don't need a full on truck for my lifestyle. Now, want to see Santa Cruz vs. Ridgeline vs. Maverick....

[wydopnthrtl]

I had a 19 RL sport for three yrs (company car) and just ordered a new 23 RTL-E for the family. I've had 10+ trucks over the years too.
To be very open... before having a RL I was not all that impressed. Never even test drove one as I didn't consider it a "truck". (It was a company car and my cost was low and is why I got it)
But having put 50K miles on one and in all kinds of weather, I'm must say we are very impressed. So impressed that we just ordered a loaded one for use as our main family vehicle.
The things that surprised me the most:
1. MPG On 1000+ mile freeway trips (Oh, Tx, Fla) it averages right at 31mpg w/three adults and the bed full of luggage. The 50k mile average was about 23.5mpg (maybe 75% local and 25% freeway)
2. The trunk in the bed is more useful than you might think. And its BIG too. We use it every single day. Groceries, tools, general stuff. The only and rare times that its a pain is on a long road trip where the bed is full of stuff. (can't open the lid unless you take 1/2 the stuff out of the bed). But that's maybe 1 or 2 times a yr so it's no biggie.
3. The Audio system is pretty good. SUB does very well.
4. Its VERY comfortable. Seats are semi-firm and in 50k miles they were excellent. It has ANC and the cabin is quiet. Even on non-stop 1000+ mile trips (18hrs of non-stop driving) you never get saddle sore.
5. It brakes, handles, and when you rev it out it performs very well. (I had the 6 speed auto but this new one has the 9sp)
6. Visibility is very good. Much better than a sedan and I think even better than a comparable SUV.
7. Tailgate. We almost always opened it sideways. It does have a long swing radius. So when backing in.. you have to give a little thought to the car or wall behind you.

CONS: Not many.
A. We had the cloth seats which were a pain to get cat hair out of. They also got a bit dirty and I had to do a super clean on them before I turned then in.
B. We drove in in the salt / snow. I was very surprised the lugnuts got rusty during the first few times we drove in the salt. Nothing else on the RL got corrosion though. Weird
C. I had the Honda hard bed cover. It was ok but I wound up removing it about 3-4 times per yr to haul something sizable. On road trips it was awesome as its lockable. I'm on the fence if I should get it on the new 23 model or not. I need to look at the aftermarket ones.
D. The door panels are TALL and flat. We got a few door dings in parking lots. IMO Honda could toughen up the door panels or maybe use plastic ones.

[dbradusc]

"Truck" does not exclusively mean off-roading and towing. The ridgeline has higher payload than a fullly loaded tundra and is the only midsize that can fit 4x8 sheet goods.

[ironyusa]

I gave up worrying about "macho" and went for "logical." Love my ridgeline.

[mikecampbell]

The Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee are unibody vehicles and they don't get criticised. Most people I know use their trucks for commuting and occasional hauling. The Honda should be just fine.

[PaulNaylor]

Refreshing to see a fair take on the Ridgeline.

[DM-fvhw]

The Ridgeline just needs a dash/infotainment update.