2018 GMC Sierra 1500 vs. 2018 Honda Ridgeline
Sometimes comparing two vehicles in the same class can feel like a whirlwind of facts and figures that never seem to add up to one conclusive result. Luckily, when it comes to comparing the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 vs. 2018 Honda Ridgeline that answer couldn’t be more clear.
The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 is bigger, stronger, faster, more luxurious, and best of all more affordable. The only thing the 2018 Ridgeline has over the Sierra 1500 is a slightly better fuel economy and a design that may appeal to those who enjoy sleekness in their pickup trucks more so than a bolder design.
The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 starts at an even $29,000, and for the power and luxury you are receiving this is a bargain. The popularity of the Sierra series since it was first manufactured should be the influential factor as to the reliability of this model. The 2018 Honda Ridgeline starting at $29,730 and nearly half the tow capacity just can’t seem to outclass the Sierra 1500 even on its best day.
Trim
2018 GMC Sierra 1500
The starting price for any of the trims for the 2018 GMC Sierra can range anywhere from $29,000 to $55,000. The names of the four trims GMC offers for the Sierra 1500 are the Sierra, the SLE, the SLT, and the top of the line Denali.
As a personal recommendation, the best trim option is the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE with a 5.3L V8 engine, all-wheel drive, crew cab, and a short box. This trim level offers 10-way-adjustable power driver’s seat, trailer hitch with wiring harness, integrated garage-door opener, remote vehicle starter, and LED fog lamps for only $1,300 more. Additionally, the luxury of the 2018 Sierra 1500 will only be enhanced by the spacious crew cab.
2018 Honda Ridgeline
The 2018 Honda Ridgeline offers six trim levels that range from $29,730 to $43,420. The names for these trims from more to least affordable are the RT, the Sport, the RTL, the RTL-T, the RTL-E, and the Black Edition.
For the 2018 Ridgeline, there are many excellent customization options, but the most popular and highly recommended is the mid-level RTL with all-wheel drive, a V6 engine, six-speed automatic transmission, and four-door crew cab. This trim offers some of the more luxurious comforts such as leather heated seating with a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The total cost for this would be a fair $36,770.
Performance
2018 GMC Sierra 1500
Congratulations, quest is complete; you can put away the map and gear and finally rest with a nice old beer at the local tavern because you have finally discovered a vehicle that has more than enough power to satisfy all your needs. The 2018 GMC Sierra is a light-duty pickup with a heavy-duty heart.
You can not go wrong with either of the three engine options considering both are top class. The standard engine is a 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 engine that delivers 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. For a standard engine, this is truly impressive and is an excellent start to an excellent lineup. The next level up is a 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. This is the perfect middle ground that is sure to impress. Lastly, there is the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine with a massive 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. With this top-tier engine, you will never want for anything ever again.
You can’t talk about a pickup truck without talking about the towing capacity though. The 2018 GMC Sierra is currently one of the top vehicles in towing capacity with the ability to take 9,300 pounds of the weight off your shoulders.
2018 Honda Ridgeline
The 2018 Honda Ridgeline offers a single engine that equates to the lowest level engine on the 2018 Sierra 1500. The standard and only engine of the Ridgeline is a 280 hp and 262 lb-ft Torque 3.6L V6 engine that is paired with a 6-speed automatic engine. It can hold its own when the time comes, but generally, it just is way outclassed by the Sierra 1500.
As for towing, with such an engine the 2018 Honda Ridgeline can only tow 5,000 pounds on its best day, which is 4,000 pounds less than the Sierra 1500. This is also the only pickup in the Honda lineup and has no heavy-duty brothers like the Sierra series. Sadly, this model only comes in one body type, but luckily it is a spacious crew cab.
Design
2018 GMC Sierra 1500
When it comes to having a vehicle that will intimidate all others with its sheer confidence, you will not find anything as bold as the 2018 GMC Sierra. With 205-239? L x 80? W x 74? H as its dimensions and a curb weight of 4,515 to 5,461 pounds, you will discover the presence of a beast that is hungry for its next challenge.
But saying the 2018 Sierra 1500 is just a beast would be false; in fact, the interior makes this model a true beauty. Clean, quiet, and luxurious, the interior of the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 is the type of pickup that wants to be seen as an evaluated truck that not only has muscular power but comforting refinement. Offered in regular, double, or crew cab, you can customize the amount of interior space you desire.
Luckily with the 2018 GMC Sierra, you will never again have to decide between the beauty or the beast, because you will have both.
2018 Honda Ridgeline
The design of the 2018 Honda Ridgeline is most definitely an interesting choice for a light-duty pickup truck. The first thing that stands out is the effect of smoothness from the tilt of the hood and the cohesive grille and headlight display on the front that is less bold than almost any other modern pickup. The 2018 Ridgeline is a standout, to say the least, but uniqueness like that does not always appeal to the masses.
Generally, those that drive powerful vehicles enjoy an appearance that displays that power, and the 2018 Honda Ridgeline seems a bit more dainty than others in its class, especially when put side by side with the intensity of the 2018 GMC Sierra. Will some enjoy the individuality of the 2018 Ridgeline? Without a doubt, but it will not be for everyone, and may never gain the same type of mass appeal.
As for the inside, it is extremely modern, and you can tell how comfortable it is before you even touch the seat. The controls are clean and simple to navigate, making it easy to use all of its technology features as a friend instead of fighting with them like a foe.
Overall, the 2018 Honda Ridgeline is designed with modern refinement in mind, and it may just be something for which a fair amount of the unique pickup truck drivers have been waiting.