GM's midsize contender pairs a punchy turbo four-cylinder with an 8-speed that can't decide what gear it wants and software that freezes mid-commute. The 2024 redesign earned a sales stop within months, infotainment screens go dark, remote start is a gamble, and one ZR2 owner burned through three torque converters before 15,000 miles. The previous generation splits owners into camps: some sailed past 180k with zero drama, others became dealer regulars. The ZR2 off-road package impresses when the truck cooperates, but you're betting GM patches the bugs before your warranty expires. If you need a midsize that starts reliably and doesn't strand you hunting for cell service on a trail, the Frontier costs less and the Tacoma holds value better. Buy this if you like the look enough to gamble on future software updates, and spring for the extended warranty.
The Ridgeline is what happens when Honda builds a truck for people who hate driving trucks, unibody construction means it rides like a Pilot, the cabin stays quiet, and owners routinely sail past 100k miles without drama. Fuel economy lands at 16-21 MPG, though, which stings for a Honda, and the Ford Maverick undercuts it by thousands while doing most of the same light-duty work; first-gen models also risk expensive timing belt failures on an interference engine, so stick with 2017 or newer. Buy if you want a pickup that won't punish your commute or your back, hauls weekend projects without fuss, and values refinement over towing capacity; walk if you need serious off-road chops, tow above 5,000 pounds regularly, or want maximum value for occasional truck tasks.