Clash of the wilderness: honda ridgeline vs outback wilderness in epic showdown

When it comes to off-road adventures, the Honda Ridgeline and Subaru Outback Wilderness stand as formidable contenders. Both vehicles boast rugged capabilities, but they differ in their approach to tackling the wilderness. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key features, performance, and overall value of the Honda Ridgeline vs Outback Wilderness to determine which off-road beast reigns supreme.

Off-Road Prowess

Ground Clearance and Approach Angles

The Honda Ridgeline offers 8.6 inches of ground clearance, while the Outback Wilderness boasts an impressive 9.5 inches. When it comes to approach angles, the Ridgeline has a 30-degree approach angle, while the Outback Wilderness has a slightly better 20.4-degree approach angle. This advantage gives the Outback Wilderness an edge in tackling steep inclines.

All-Wheel Drive Systems

Both vehicles feature advanced all-wheel drive systems. The Ridgeline’s i-VTM4 system provides variable torque distribution between the front and rear wheels, while the Outback Wilderness’s X-Mode system offers a dedicated off-road setting that optimizes traction and stability in challenging conditions.

Suspension and Off-Road Tuning

The Ridgeline’s independent front suspension and solid rear axle provide a comfortable ride on-road, but may compromise its off-road handling. The Outback Wilderness, on the other hand, features a more rugged suspension system with MacPherson struts in the front and a double-wishbone setup in the rear, designed specifically for off-road adventures.

Performance and Powertrain

Engine Options

The Honda Ridgeline is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Outback Wilderness offers a choice between a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.

Transmission and Towing Capacity

Both vehicles offer a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for smooth power delivery. The Ridgeline has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the Outback Wilderness can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Interior and Features

Cabin Space and Comfort

The Ridgeline offers a more spacious cabin with ample legroom and headroom for all occupants. The Outback Wilderness has a smaller cabin but provides comfortable seating and a dedicated off-road mode that adjusts the climate control and displays off-road information.

Technology and Connectivity

The Ridgeline comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Outback Wilderness features an 11.6-inch touchscreen with a dedicated X-Mode display and a variety of off-road apps.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety Features

Both vehicles offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. The Outback Wilderness adds blind-spot monitoring with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert.

Driver Assistance Systems

The Ridgeline features Honda Sensing, a suite of driver assistance systems that includes lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. The Outback Wilderness offers EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which provides similar features and adds a driver monitoring system.

Overall Value and Price

MSRP and Trim Levels

The Ridgeline has an MSRP starting at $38,920 for the base trim, while the Outback Wilderness starts at $38,120. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels with varying levels of features and capabilities.

Value Proposition

The Ridgeline offers a more spacious cabin, a more powerful engine, and a higher towing capacity. The Outback Wilderness boasts a superior off-road suspension, a dedicated off-road mode, and advanced safety and driver assistance features.

In a nutshell: The Verdict

The Honda Ridgeline and Subaru Outback Wilderness are both exceptional off-road vehicles with unique strengths and weaknesses. The Ridgeline excels in terms of interior space, power, and towing capacity, while the Outback Wilderness reigns supreme in off-road performance, technology, and safety. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize cabin space and power, the Ridgeline is the ideal choice. But if you seek unmatched off-road capabilities, advanced technology, and comprehensive safety features, the Outback Wilderness is the clear winner.

Questions You May Have

1. Which vehicle has better off-road ground clearance?
The Subaru Outback Wilderness has a superior ground clearance of 9.5 inches compared to the Honda Ridgeline’s 8.6 inches.

2. Which vehicle offers a more powerful engine?
The Honda Ridgeline has a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower, while the Outback Wilderness offers a choice of a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine with 260 horsepower or a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine with 182 horsepower.

3. Which vehicle has a higher towing capacity?
The Honda Ridgeline has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the Outback Wilderness can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

4. Which vehicle offers a more spacious cabin?
The Honda Ridgeline has a more spacious cabin with ample legroom and headroom for all occupants, while the Outback Wilderness has a smaller but comfortable cabin.

5. Which vehicle has more advanced safety features?
The Subaru Outback Wilderness offers a more comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring with lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver monitoring system.