2020 Honda Ridgeline vs 2019 Toyota Tundra

The 2019 Toyota Tundra, despite subtle updates over the years, still felt aged and behind the times compared to its competitors. The technology seemed like an afterthought, and the interior design remained stagnant. The two V8 engines paired with 6-speed automatic transmissions were considered archaic and fuel-thirsty. However, the Tundra's rugged dependability appealed to a significant number of pickup-truck shoppers. Toyota offered the Tundra in six trims, all powered by one of two V8 engines. The base SR trim included features like heated mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer, and an impressive safety suite. Higher trims added more luxury and convenience features, with the TRD Pro standing out for its off-road capabilities.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Ridgeline faced criticism for its design, which some felt resembled a minivan in the front and a pickup truck in the back. Despite this, Honda made several updates for the 2020 model year, including a new nine-speed automatic transmission and standard Honda Sensing advanced driving assistance systems. The infotainment system was upgraded to include an 8.0-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Ridgeline was offered in four trims: Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition. The interior was praised for its quality, with features like perforated leather upholstery and plenty of soft-touch surfaces, though it closely resembled the Honda Pilot's dashboard.

The 2019 Toyota Tundra offered no turbocharged 4- or 6-cylinder options, sticking to its two V8 engines. The 4.6-liter V8 produced 310 horsepower and 327 lb-ft of torque, with a payload capacity of 1,600 pounds and a towing capacity of 6,800 pounds. The larger 5.7-liter V8 offered 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque, increasing the payload to 2,630 pounds and towing capacity to 10,200 pounds. Fuel economy was a downside, with the 4.6-liter engine achieving 15 mpg city and 19 highway, while the 5.7-liter managed 13 mpg city and 18 highway. The TRD Pro trim was noted for its off-road capabilities, rivaling the Ford F-150 Raptor but at a lower price point.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission. The Ridgeline offered front-wheel drive for the Sport and RTL trims, with all-wheel drive available as an option and standard on RTL-E and Black Edition trims. The all-wheel-drive system, known as i-VTM4, provided 7.9 inches of ground clearance and could transfer up to 70% of the engine's power to the rear axle. The Ridgeline's fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined for the all-wheel-drive model. The towing capacity was 5,000 pounds with all-wheel drive, and the payload capacity was 1,580 pounds.

The 2019 Toyota Tundra's simplicity was a benefit, especially with the 5.7-liter engine offering maximum towing capacity without needing specific configurations. However, the Tundra's large size made it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and its design exacerbated this issue. Without optional steps or running boards, getting in and out was challenging for shorter individuals. The Tundra's size also made driving on crowded city streets and tight off-road trails difficult, and its height often caused issues in parking garages and drive-thrus.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline offered the comfort and utility of a Honda Pilot with an open 33.9 cubic-foot cargo bed. The front seats were comfortable, with adjustable armrests and heated front chairs in all trims except the Sport. The rear seat was short on legroom but comfortable, with air conditioning vents for rear passengers. The Ridgeline excelled in in-cab storage, with generous storage options and a locking 7.3 cubic-foot in-bed trunk. The composite cargo bed included a power outlet and a truck-bed audio system, making it versatile for various activities.

The 2019 Toyota Tundra lagged in technology, lacking Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The TRD Pro trim had only one USB port, which was difficult to locate at night. While the standard safety systems were appreciated, the advanced safety features were outdated. The Entune system was easy to use but aging quickly, making the Tundra less appealing for tech-focused buyers.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline featured Honda’s Display Audio system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen display. The system lacked physical knobs and buttons, and the voice-recognition technology was slow and required specific prompts. Steering wheel controls for volume and tuning were helpful, but the overall user experience was frustrating. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, navigation, and an eight-speaker premium sound system, but the usability issues persisted.

The 2019 Toyota Tundra came with standard adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, auto high-beams, and a drowsiness monitor. However, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert was not standard on all trims. The safety systems were outdated, leading to false notifications. The Tundra received mixed safety ratings, with 4-star frontal crash tests and a 3-star rollover rating from NHTSA, and Marginal and Poor ratings in some IIHS tests.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline included standard Honda Sensing, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added automatic high-beam headlights, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The safety systems had some issues, such as an overeager forward-collision warning system and less helpful lane-departure warning. The Ridgeline received top marks in most IIHS tests and five-star ratings from NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover rating.