Honda Ridgeline vs. Toyota Tacoma
Are you looking for a pickup truck that's going to be able to handle a little adventuring? There are a lot of great options for midsize pickup trucks on the market. But, with so many different options available, choosing between different models can be hard.
If you've done some browsing on truck models, then you've probably come across two of the top models available today–the Honda Ridgeline and the Toyota Tacoma. Both models are reliable and safe. They come packed with safety features that both brands are known for. So, how do you choose between these similar models?
Though the Ridgeline and the Tacoma have similar features and capabilities, there are slight differences between the two models. We'll go over the details of each model, plus some of the pros and cons of each, so you can buy the one that's right for you.
Honda Ridgeline (2023)
The current model year Honda Ridgeline is available in four trim levels–the Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition. At the most basic trim level, you should expect to pay about $38,800. While the highest level trim, Black Edition, costs $46,230.
There are a lot of standard safety and technology features that are available in all of the trims, such as a rearview camera, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning. There are also more advanced features available on some of the higher-end trims, like parking sensors, a blind spot information system, and a wireless phone charger.
Along with all of the safety and technology features, the Ridgeline focuses its design on comfort and function. With a roomy cabin, dual-action tailgate, and a lay-flat truck bed, the Ridgeline is perfect for work or for fun.
Toyota Tacoma (2023)
The current model year Toyota Tacoma is available in seven different trims–the SR, SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro. The most affordable trim is the SR. This basic trim costs $27,750, while the highest trim available is the TRD Pro, which costs $47,185.
All trims come standard with the Toyota Safety Sense Suite. Along with its safety features, the Tacoma also comes with a touchscreen infotainment screen.
The Toyota Tacoma is designed to handle tough offroading with ease. Despite a durable exterior design, the interior is made for comfort. You'll enjoy soft materials and convenient features, like a power-adjustable seat with good lumbar support, dual climate control, and USB ports.
How Do They Compare?
While you're shopping for your next pickup truck, you'll want to know how these two models stack up to each other in important categories, like price, comfort, and performance. We'll go over some of the pros and cons of each model, so you can make the best decision possible.
The Toyota Tacoma Has More Affordable Prices
The Toyota Tacoma has more affordable trim levels than the Honda Ridgeline. The most basic and affordable trim levels for each model are thousands of dollars apart. If you're fine without all the bells and whistles of the higher-end trims and just want a basic model, then you'll probably want to go with the Tacoma.
The Honda Ridgeline Has More Passenger Space Than the Toyota Tacoma
One of the great features of the Ridgeline is the available space in the cabin. The Ridgeline is a bit roomier than the Tacoma. People with children will enjoy the extra space in the backseat. So, if you are planning on driving passengers often or would just like more space in the cabin, then you'll appreciate the Honda Ridgeline vs. Toyota Tacoma.
The Honda Ridgeline Has a More Upscale and Comfortable Cabin Than the Toyota Tacoma
Though the Tacoma's cabin emphasizes comfort, the Ridgeline has a more sophisticated interior design. The Ridgeline also emphasizes comfort but with a modern design and high-quality materials. If you are looking for the best aesthetic in the cabin, you'll probably pick the Honda Ridgeline vs. Toyota Tacoma.
The Toyota Tacoma Has More Offroad Capabilities Than the Honda Ridgeline
A lot of people who are shopping for a new truck may be interested in how well it handles off-roading. If you are specifically looking for a truck that will perform great when off-roading, then you'll want to consider the Toyota Tacoma. It has a higher ground clearance than the Honda Ridgeline by at least a couple of inches. It also has an effective four-wheel drive system that tackles tough terrain better than the Ridgeline's all-wheel drive system.
If you know that you'll be handling rough terrain a lot, then you'll want to consider one of the Tacoma trims specifically focused on that, like the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro. Overall, the Honda Ridgeline vs. Toyota Tacoma doesn't perform as well off-road.
The Honda Ridgeline Has More Horsepower Than the Toyota Tacoma
The base models of the Toyota Tacoma come with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower. Additionally, there is another option that is more powerful, with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that generates 278 horsepower.
In contrast, all models of the Honda Ridgeline are equipped with a powerful engine. It has a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that produces 280 horsepower. If you are looking for a model with a lot of horsepower, then you'll want to skip the base models of the Toyota Tacoma. If you want a powerful engine, then you might prefer the Honda Ridgeline vs. Toyota Tacoma.
Car shopping can be difficult, especially when you're choosing between two reliable brands. Each model has its own advantages, and choosing can become tricky. However, if you are trying to decide between the Honda Ridgeline and Toyota Tacoma, you'll have to decide what matters most to you. If you are after a truck that has a roomy, modern interior and a powerful engine, then you'll want to go with the Ridgeline. But if you want an affordable option or the truck that handles offroading best, then you'll want to consider the Toyota Tacoma.