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Updated on May 20, 2025
While unibody trucks are popular worldwide, they've had difficulty gaining traction stateside. Once pickup trucks grew larger and more powerful, the market shifted to offering strictly body-on-frame (BOF) platforms, even within smaller classes.
However, in a sea of BOF trucks, two worthy unibody competitors have emerged—the venerable Honda Ridgeline and the new kid on the block, Ford Maverick. Both trucks are built on existing SUV platforms and offer car-like driving characteristics and performance, which is ideal for those who prioritize comfort and fuel efficiency over payload and towing capacities.
Now, with a few years under the Maverick's belt and the development of its reputation for reliability, it's time to pit the two unibody trucks against one another. In this feature, RealTruck ranks the Honda Ridgeline versus the Ford Maverick in a battle of the unibody pickups. Stay tuned to find out who comes out on top.
Two primary chassis types comprise most of the vehicle market—body-on-frame and unibody. Body-on-frame vehicles employ a two-piece design, comprising a separate frame and a sheet metal body attached on top. The frame is essentially the vehicle's skeleton, supporting the powertrain, driveline, suspension, and other vital components. Body-on-frame designs are generally considered more durable and heavy-duty than their alternative, and they are used in most pickup trucks and full-size SUV applications.
Alternatively, unibody vehicles join a sheet metal frame and body into one single structure. Frame rails and supports are integrated into the vehicle's body, onto which the powertrain, driveline, and suspension are attached. Unibody construction is primarily found in lighter-duty applications, such as smaller SUVs and cars.
To kick off our comparison, let's start back at the beginning. In this section, we cover the roots of both trucks, including their initial release and overall reception.
When Honda rolled out the Ridgeline at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, it turned more than a few heads. It was a bold move for the brand and marked Honda's second foray into the truck market, following the launch of the compact T360 kei truck in 1963.
The Ridgeline officially debuted in 2005 as a 2006 model and has undergone a steady evolution ever since. The first-generation model (designated YK1) remained in production for nearly a decade, undergoing a couple of subtle refreshes in 2009 and again in 2012. In 2017, Honda introduced the second generation (YK2/YK3), further refining the formula. A few years later, in 2021, the Ridgeline received another light facelift, introducing updated looks and features without compromising the unique design that sets it apart in the midsize truck segment.
The Ford Maverick made a surprising return to the automotive market in 2021. However, it wasn't the compact car from the 70s, but a brand-new unibody pickup truck ready to shake up the market. Ford engineered the unique pickup as a more accessible option for those wanting truck capability without a thirsty V8 engine or full-size footprint.
Officially launched for the 2022 model year, the Maverick quickly gained traction among both first-time truck buyers and longtime enthusiasts seeking something fresh. Though it's a relatively new face in Ford's truck lineup, the Maverick has already carved out a niche of its own. Its compact size, budget-friendly pricing, and impressive fuel efficiency redefine what a modern pickup can be.
Next, let's examine the key characteristics of each platform, including their similarities and notable differences.
The Honda Ridgeline is, and always has been, a truck for those who aren't truck enthusiasts. Rather than featuring a rugged body-on-frame chassis or a torquey powerplant, Honda engineered the Ridgeline on the same chassis as the Honda Pilot SUV and Odyssey minivan. That means car-like driving characteristics, power figures, and capacities.
While that isn't necessarily a bad thing, the Ridgeline fails to impress die-hard truck enthusiasts. Instead, it appeals to urban dwellers and commuters requiring more utility than a minivan or compact SUV. For those seeking car-like efficiency and comfort, but who also desire a bed to haul light cargo and supplies for weekend projects around the house, the Ridgeline is a solid option backed by Honda's unmatched reputation for reliability.
Like the Ridgeline, the Ford Maverick is built on the same platform as the manufacturer's SUVs. In the case of the Maverick, the truck rides on the same C2 chassis as the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport. The Maverick combines car-like drivability with genuine utility, offering a standard hybrid powertrain and an optional turbocharged EcoBoost engine—both delivering solid economy and power.
Though more green and untested than the Ridgeline, the Maverick has been widely well-received, even going so far as to earn such accolades as the 2022 North American Truck of the Year, 2022 Motor Trend Truck of the Year, and 2022 KBB Best Buy Award.
All that being said, how do the trucks stack up to one another on paper? Check out the sheets below for a thorough overview of specifications, like displacement, power figures, and more.
And now for the tricky part—which truck is superior and best suits your needs? To better address this question, we have broken our answer into several key areas, including resale value, reliability, longevity, and aftermarket support.
Regarding resale value, both brands see decent depreciation levels in the early months. However, the Maverick typically sees less depreciation than the Ridgeline, with an average of 26 percent over three years compared to the Ridgeline's 33 percent. The Maverick may be the right choice if resale value is your only qualifier.
Regarding reliability, both trucks have demonstrated solid scores. However, the Ridgeline typically scores marginally higher than its Ford counterpart. The Honda brand is also notorious for its reliability and longevity. However, both trucks in their current generation have enough years under their belts to have had most of their quirks worked out. You'll likely be happy with either truck if reliability is a concern.
The Ford Maverick is undoubtedly a better choice if modifications are your forte. While neither truck has the support of models like the Ranger or Tacoma, the Ford Maverick is a much more popular platform for modifications than the Ridgeline, especially since it shares a chassis with the Bronco Sport.
In conclusion, both trucks are solid choices in the sparse unibody truck market. Both demonstrate solid reliability and resale value—however, for heavy modders or truck enthusiasts, the Ford Maverick inches in front of the Ridgeline.
For additional information on both platforms, check out our Honda Ridgeline and Ford Maverick features on RealSource.
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