What's up, truck enthusiasts? Today, we're diving deep into a comparison that many of you have been asking about: the 2020 Honda Ridgeline vs. the 2022 Honda Ridgeline. If you're in the market for a midsize pickup that offers a bit more refinement and car-like handling than your typical truck, the Ridgeline is definitely on your radar. But what's changed between these two model years? Is the newer one that much better, or is the 2020 still a solid contender? Let's break it down, guys, and help you figure out which one makes the most sense for your garage.

Exterior and Design Evolution

When you put the 2020 Honda Ridgeline vs. the 2022 Honda Ridgeline side-by-side, the most immediate differences you'll notice are in the styling, especially on the exterior. Honda gave the Ridgeline a pretty significant refresh for the 2021 model year, and the 2022 carries that updated look forward. The front end received the most attention, with a more aggressive, truck-like grille and a redesigned bumper. We're talking sharper lines, a more pronounced grille insert, and generally a more rugged appearance that helps the Ridgeline shed some of its more suburban image and lean into its pickup truck identity. The headlights were also tweaked, often featuring a more modern LED signature. The overall profile remains familiar – it's still a unibody construction, which gives it that distinct SUV-like stance – but those updated front-end elements really make a difference in perceived toughness. Around the back, changes are more subtle. You might find slight revisions to the taillights and bumper design, but it's not as dramatic as the front-end overhaul. It’s important to note that these exterior tweaks were part of a broader update for the 2021 model year, so the 2020 Ridgeline will sport the pre-refresh styling. This means a smoother, perhaps less aggressive front fascia, a slightly different grille pattern, and a generally softer look compared to the 2022. If you prefer a truck that looks like a traditional pickup from the front, the 2022 definitely makes a stronger statement. However, the 2020 still holds its own with a clean and functional design that many appreciate for its understated elegance. It really comes down to personal preference here – do you want that bolder, more assertive look, or is the classic Ridgeline aesthetic more your jam? Either way, both trucks offer that signature Ridgeline practicality with features like the lockable In-Bed Trunk and the dual-action tailgate, which remain consistent across these model years.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Now, let's talk about the place you'll be spending most of your time: the interior. In the 2020 Honda Ridgeline vs. the 2022 Honda Ridgeline, the core cabin layout remains largely the same, which is a good thing because the Ridgeline's interior is one of its strong suits. It offers a spacious and comfortable environment that feels more like a well-appointed SUV than a traditional body-on-frame truck. You get comfortable seating, excellent visibility, and plenty of room for passengers in both rows. However, the 2022 model benefits from some subtle but appreciated updates. While the fundamental design and materials are similar, Honda often makes small tweaks to infotainment systems and feature availability. For the 2022 model year, you'll find that the infotainment system has been refined. While both models offer touchscreen interfaces with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the 2022 might feature slightly updated software for snappier performance or perhaps a slightly different menu layout. Honda also tends to roll out updated driver-assistance features or make them standard on more trims in newer model years. So, the 2022 might come with a more comprehensive suite of safety tech as standard or available, potentially including things like improved adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist systems that feel more polished. The 2020 model is certainly not lacking in tech for its time, offering a competent infotainment system and a good range of safety features, especially on higher trims. But if you're looking for the absolute latest in interface refinement and potentially more advanced or standard driver aids, the 2022 has the edge. We're talking about small improvements here, guys, not a complete redesign of the cabin. Think of it as refinements to an already excellent formula. The quality of materials, the ergonomic design, and the overall sense of space are strengths shared by both, but the 2022 offers that little extra polish and potentially more up-to-date tech that can make a difference in daily driving.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

When it comes to what's under the hood and how these trucks drive, the 2020 Honda Ridgeline vs. the 2022 Honda Ridgeline are remarkably similar, and that's largely because Honda kept the powertrain consistent. Both model years are powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces a healthy 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This V6 is mated to a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission. What sets the Ridgeline apart from many of its competitors is its standard Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) all-wheel-drive system on most trims (or available on lower trims, depending on the specific configuration). This advanced AWD system distributes torque not only between the front and rear axles but also between the left and right rear wheels, significantly improving traction and handling, especially in slippery conditions or when cornering. This contributes to the Ridgeline's renowned comfortable ride and confident handling, which feels more like a car or SUV than a traditional truck. The unibody construction plays a massive role here, giving it a lower center of gravity and better structural rigidity. So, in terms of raw power, acceleration, and fuel efficiency, you're essentially getting the same excellent performance from both the 2020 and 2022 models. The driving experience is refined, quiet, and capable. There are no major mechanical updates or engine changes that differentiate the 2022 from the 2020. Any perceived differences in driving feel would likely be minor, perhaps due to subtle software tuning of the transmission or AWD system that Honda might have implemented. But fundamentally, if you test drive a 2020 and a 2022 back-to-back, you'd be hard-pressed to feel a significant difference in how they perform. Honda prioritized refinement and consistency with the Ridgeline's powertrain, and that's a win for buyers looking for a dependable and smooth V6 experience.

Capability and Practicality

Let's talk about what makes a truck a truck: capability. In the 2020 Honda Ridgeline vs. the 2022 Honda Ridgeline, the core utility features remain virtually identical, which is a testament to Honda's well-thought-out design. Both trucks offer a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, which is respectable for a midsize truck and sufficient for many common tasks like hauling ATVs, small boats, or utility trailers. Payload capacity is also very similar, typically ranging from around 1,400 to 1,600 pounds depending on the trim level and configuration. Where the Ridgeline truly shines in practicality, regardless of the model year, is in its bed features. The unique In-Bed Trunk is a game-changer – a lockable, weatherproof storage compartment built into the bed floor. It's perfect for stashing tools, groceries, or sports gear securely, and it even doubles as a cooler or a place to stash wet items. Then there's the dual-action tailgate. It can swing open like a traditional tailgate or open out to the side, providing easier access to the In-Bed Trunk and making loading heavier items simpler. Both the 2020 and 2022 models retain these signature practical features. You'll also find a standard seven-pin electrical connector for towing, LED truck bed lighting, and a power outlet in the bed on many trims. So, when it comes to hauling capability and those clever storage solutions that make the Ridgeline so versatile, there's no significant upgrade from 2020 to 2022. Honda nailed the practical aspects of the Ridgeline early on, and these elements are still key selling points today. If you need to tow more than 5,000 pounds or haul significantly heavier loads regularly, you might need to look at traditional body-on-frame trucks, but for the vast majority of daily driving and recreational needs, the Ridgeline's capability is more than adequate, and that's consistent across these two model years.

Which Ridgeline Should You Choose?

So, after comparing the 2020 Honda Ridgeline vs. the 2022 Honda Ridgeline, the big question is: which one should you bring home? The reality is, both are fantastic midsize trucks that offer a unique blend of comfort, capability, and practicality. The 2022 model benefits from a more aggressive, updated exterior styling and potentially minor refinements in its infotainment system and driver-assistance technology. If you want the latest look and the most up-to-date tech features, the 2022 is the way to go. It feels a bit more modern and might offer a slight edge in terms of safety tech integration. On the other hand, the 2020 Ridgeline is still an incredibly competent and appealing truck. It offers the same excellent V6 powertrain, the same class-leading interior comfort and space, and the same ingenious bed features like the In-Bed Trunk and dual-action tailgate. The styling might be a bit more understated, but the core functionality and driving experience are essentially identical. The biggest deciding factor for most folks will likely come down to price and availability. You can often find a well-maintained 2020 Ridgeline at a more attractive price point than a comparable 2022 model, especially in the used market. If you're on a tighter budget or simply don't feel the need for the latest styling tweaks and marginal tech upgrades, the 2020 presents a tremendous value. For those who prioritize the newest aesthetics and the absolute latest infotainment refinements, stretching for the 2022 might be worth it. Ultimately, guys, check out both if you can. See which one speaks to you visually and which one has the specific tech features you desire. You really can't go wrong with either; it's just a matter of prioritizing what's most important to you in your next truck.