In the market for a new pickup? Well, if you find yourself stuck choosing between the 2021 Ford Ranger and the 2021 Honda Ridgeline, there are plenty of reasons to choose the Honda Ridgeline over its Ford competition. Except for one reason, that is.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline did better in Consumer Reports’ road tests

Pickups aren’t exactly known for good handling or a pleasant ride. Fortunately for the 2021 Honda Ridgeline, that’s not the case at all. In fact, according to Consumer Reports, this year’s Ridgeline fared pretty well in its road tests. Its V6 is reportedly pretty potent, and its cornering capability is better than any other pickup truck in its segment. Consumer Reports added that the Ridgeline is the most fuel-efficient non-diesel powered truck that it’s tested thus far.

As for the 2021 Ford Ranger? Consumer Reports didn’t have many nice things to say about it. After taking it out for a spin, Consumer Reports found that the new Ford Ranger handles much like a typical pickup truck, so nothing worth writing home about. Its steering is mushy, and the truck feels clumsy in corners. All in all, Consumer Reports says, the Ford Ranger’s greatest shortcoming is its stiff and jumpy ride. 

The Honda Ridgeline has the edge when it comes to reliability too

The Honda Ridgeline didn’t just ace its road test either. According to Consumer Reports, it also earned a higher predicted reliability rating than the 2021 Ford Ranger. While the Ranger earned itself a two out of five predicted reliability rating, Consumer Reports gave the Honda Ridgeline a four out of five predicted reliability rating.

That’s not all that surprising, though. For the most part, the Honda Ridgeline has always made for a reliable pickup, with most model years earning a four out of five reliability rating. The Ford Ranger, on the other hand, has struggled in terms of reliability ratings. Though the 2020 model delivered a respectable reliability rating, the 2019 model earned a paltry one out of five reliability rating.

This year’s new Ford Ranger boasts best-in-class payload ratings

But it’s not all bad when it comes to the 2021 Ford Ranger. Unlike the Honda Ridgeline, this year’s new Ford Ranger boasts best-in-class payload ratings of 1,860-pounds. Unfortunately for the Ridgeline, its max payload capacity numbers don’t quite match up. According to Honda, this year’s new Ridgeline offers up a max payload capacity of 1,580-pounds.

This year’s Ranger is also able to tow more than the 2021 Honda Ridgeline. Unlike the Ridgeline, the new Ford Ranger can tow an impressive 7,500-pounds when properly equipped. The 2021 Ridgeline, on the other hand, can certainly tow, but only up to 5,000-pounds. 

Which pickup should you choose?

In the end, there’s only one reason to choose the 2021 Ford Ranger over the Honda Ridgeline. If you’re in the market for a truck that can easily tow a heavy load, then the Ford Ranger is the truck for you. But if you value reliability and performance? Choose the 2021 Honda Ridgeline.