The Honda Ridgeline has been part of the automotive landscape for eight years since its debut in 2017. That year, we took one on an adventure through the snow-clad mountains of Greer, Arizona. In 2021, the Ridgeline received a refreshing update, adopting a more robust aesthetic and introducing a new Sport trim enhanced by the Honda Performance Development (HPD) package. Fast forward to 2024, and the launch of the new Trailsport option allowed us to engage in more rugged activities, like visiting the local Home Depot. 

The Jeep Compass also boasts a significant tenure in its current generation, having been introduced in 2016. Our first encounter with the Compass occurred in 2017 as we navigated the scenic backroads of Crown King, Arizona. The vehicle remained unchanged in 2020, but 2023 brought substantial updates, featuring a revamped interior and performance enhancements. 

Now, here we are in 2025, with both vehicles parked in our driveway simultaneously. We have thoroughly tested each model, from road trips to off-road excursions, and integrated them into our daily routines. At this juncture, we start to ponder how much more can truly be said about these vehicles. The Honda Ridgeline remains largely unaltered for 2025, while the Jeep Compass has received minor updates, including new LED headlights, a redesigned halogen taillight, and a modern digital instrument cluster. 

It seems the next logical step is to conduct a side-by-side comparison to determine which of these two vehicles we would prefer to spend behind the wheel. 

Introducing the 2025 Honda Ridgeline

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline presented here is a near top-tier model, arriving as a Trailsport, just below the Black Edition, with an as-tested price of $47,230. The Trailsport variant enhances off-road capabilities with a specially designed kit that includes all-terrain tires, additional skid plates for underbody protection, a terrain management system with Snow, Sand & Mud modes and an upgraded off-road suspension. Inside, you’ll find distinctive orange stitching and embroidered Trailsport logo on the headrests as a subtle reminder of the trim level you’ve chosen… just in case you’ve forgotten. 

Introducing the 2025 Jeep Compass 

In contrast, the Jeep Compass that arrived is equipped with the Trailhawk trim, it too designed for those who seek to adventure off the beaten path. And much like the Ridgeline, it is primed for exploration, boasting robust all-terrain tires, skid plates and an off-road suspension. However, the Compass offers a greater array of off-road preparedness, including a low-range transfer case with a 20:1 crawl ratio, a more advanced terrain management system that included Rock, Snow, Sand & Mud modes, as well as steel red tow hooks at both the front and rear.  And despite the Compass Trailhawk starting at $35,490, it carried nearly $8,000 in options boasting an out-the-door price of $43,335.

Both Got Punch 

The Honda Ridgeline and Jeep Compass represent two distinct ends of the performance spectrum. The Ridgeline is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, while the Compass utilizes a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.  

The Honda Ridgeline boosts an impressive output of 280 horsepower, which allows it to accelerate with remarkable agility through its soothing 9-speed automatic. The Jeep Compass on the other hand surprises with its own spirited performance, despite having only 200 horsepower; however, with 221 lb-ft of torque, it exhibits a lively responsiveness and sprints into action like a drunk sailor navigating through its 10-speed automatic with effortless mobility. 

Premium Aesthetics  

Equipped with their respective high-end trims, both the Compass and Ridgeline provided an array of modern comforts, including premium leather seating and touchscreen infotainment systems. Each vehicle offers seamless wireless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the Compass features dual-zone climate control, the Ridgeline enhances passenger comfort with a three-zone system catering to rear-seat occupants.  

The Compass on the other hand distinguishes itself with more premium amenities such as ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the Ridgeline, with its unibody truck design, offers unique advantages that the Compass simply cannot match, including a versatile truck bed and a convenient storage compartment beneath the bed, complete with a drain hole.

Behind the wheel of the Ridgeline, one begins to notice some elements of outdated technology. For instance, the power-folding mirrors require you to press a button before turning the vehicle off. While not a major issue, it can be somewhat inconvenient. Additionally, when it comes to safety features, the adaptive cruise control system has yet to incorporate the traffic jam assist functionality found in other Honda models.

In contrast, the Jeep Compass is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety assist features, including fully integrated traffic assist adaptive cruise control, enhancing both convenience and peace of mind during your drive. 

Off The Beaten Path

On the road, both the Compass and the Ridgeline demonstrated polar opposite handling characteristics. The Compass felt nimble and responsive, offering an engaging steering experience. In contrast, the Ridgeline adopted a more subdued demeanor, providing less feedback to the driver.  

Both vehicles delivered smooth rides, effectively absorbing bumps along the way. However, the all-terrain tires on the Compass introduced a persistent droning noise that became somewhat bothersome over time. 

When venturing off the beaten path, the performance dynamics shifted notably. While both vehicles are equipped with all-wheel drive systems, the Compass began to falter on mediocrely challenging terrain. Its suspension struggled to cope with rough surfaces, creating a jarring experience giving us the sensation of what its like to be cookie dough in a mixer. On the other hand, the Ridgeline remained composed and steady, effortlessly navigating obstacles that hindered the Compass. In fact, the Ridgeline instilled a sense of confidence and started to be a form of sanctuary from anyone riding in the Jeep. 

Conclusion 

I haven’t been conducting these driveway battles for long, having previously compared vehicles such as the Chevrolet Blazer against the Lexus NX 450h, and more recently, the Fiat 500e with the Mazda CX-50. Typically, the vehicle with more miles driven serves as clear evidence of our preference. In this instance, we logged 126 more miles in the Jeep Compass than in the Ridgeline. However, that’s mostly because the Compass had more gas in its tank since it needed a top-off of fuel before venturing out into the wild. In the end however, our true preference leaned towards the Ridgeline. 

The Honda Ridgeline delivered a smoother powertrain and a more refined ride quality. Although its cabin may lack excitement or modern technology, the quality of materials is commendable, featuring soft-touch applications that enhance the overall comfort. Additionally, when it came to off-road capabilities, the Ridgeline emerged as the favored choice among our group, proving itself to be the more desirable option for adventure. 

The real star of the show however was a 2013 Acura ILX. A front-wheel drive car that did it all without a quiver. So if you want a car that does everything, maybe you’re looking in the wrong direction.