Are you deliberating between choosing between the Honda Ridgeline and the Ford Maverick? The compact Maverick is a considerably more popular pickup truck than the midsize Ridgeline. However, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline has one giant strength over the 2023 Ford Maverick: better driving dynamics. 

2023 Honda Ridgeline has better driving dynamics than the 2023 Ford Maverick

Traditionally, pickup trucks have been great for utility. In terms of ride quality, though, they have left much to be desired. However, in recent years, that’s changed, and this is epitomized by the 2023 Honda Ridgeline. It has excellent driving dynamics, which are better than the 2023 Ford Maverick. The Ridgeline provides pickup truck capabilities — but drives like a smooth-riding SUV.

Both models have a unibody construction, which is unusual for trucks. And the Ridgeline does a better job of using its unibody construction to its advantage for driving dynamics. It provides more stiffness, which enables the Ridgeline to utilize softer springs. This results in superior ride quality. Also, there’s less noise and vibration, resulting in a quieter ride. 

Another contributing factor to the better driving dynamics is the wider track width of the Ridgeline. Compared to Maverick, it has an extra 3.5 inches for the front wheels and 4.0 inches for the rear. Plus, it has a more sophisticated suspension. Additionally, the standard wheel size is larger (18.0 vs. 17.0 inches).

2023 Ridgeline has a more powerful engine than the 2023 Maverick

Furthermore, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline has a more powerful engine than anything the 2023 Ford Maverick offers. All models of the midsize truck come standard with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which delivers 280 horsepower.

For the Maverick, there are two engine options. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid produces only 191 horsepower, while the available turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder generates 250 horsepower. 

Additional ways the 2023 Ridgeline tops the 2023 Maverick 

There are additional ways the 2023 Ridgeline tops the 2023 Maverick. This includes towing capabilities. The Ridgeline has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, compared to 2,000 pounds for the Maverick Hybrid and 4,000 pounds for the fully gas-powered model. Also, all Ridgeline models come standard with a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system. However, for the Maverick, it’s an optional feature, so customers have to pay extra. Plus, AWD isn’t available for the hybrid model.

Furthermore, the Ridgeline provides more passenger space than the Maverick, especially for the rear seats. It has a total passenger volume of 110 cu-ft and 36.7 inches of rear legroom, compared to 100.3 cu-ft/35.9 inches for the Maverick. Plus, the cabin of the Ridgeline is more upscale than in the Maverick.

Also, unlike the Maverick, the Ridgeline has a free maintenance plan. The two-year/24,000-mile maintenance plan provides free coverage for oil changes, multi-point inspections, tire rotations, and topping off the fluids. 

With its better driving dynamics, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline has a giant strength over the 2023 Ford Maverick. For customers choosing between the two pickup trucks, the superior driving dynamics are a key element to consider.