2020 Honda Ridgeline vs 2021 Toyota Tacoma

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline presented a unique design that seemed to blend the front of a minivan with the rear of a pickup truck, a combination that even caught the attention of a 12-year-old. This design choice suggested a potential image issue for Honda, as trucks are traditionally expected to appear rugged and tough. The Ridgeline's second-generation model had shifted too far from its original, albeit unusual, design. Despite this, the 2020 model introduced several updates, including a new nine-speed automatic transmission, standard Honda Sensing ADAS, and an upgraded infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The lineup was simplified to four trims, with the RTL-E trim tested priced at $43,140. The interior, featuring high-quality materials, was reminiscent of the Honda Pilot, offering a comfortable and refined experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma embodied the quintessential truck design with its boxy fender flares, tall hood, and shield-like grille, providing a stark contrast to more streamlined competitors. The Tacoma offered unique styling features across its models, such as the Trail Edition and Nightshade Edition, while the TRD Pro boasted exclusive elements like a model-specific grille and Lunar Rock color. The Tacoma maintained a body-on-frame construction, enhancing its towing and off-road capabilities. Interior space was limited, particularly in the Double Cab, which had the least headroom and legroom in its segment. Despite this, the Tacoma offered practical features like a rail system with tie-down cleats and a 120-volt outlet in the bed.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 262 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which had undergone improvements for better shift quality. The Ridgeline featured electronic transmission controls and paddle shifters, though the latter were rarely used outside of towing scenarios. Front-wheel drive was standard on Sport and RTL trims, with optional all-wheel drive, while RTL-E and Black Edition trims came with standard all-wheel drive. The i-VTM4 system allowed for impressive power distribution, enhancing both off-road capability and on-road driving enjoyment. The Ridgeline offered Eco, Normal, and Sport modes, along with Snow, Mud, and Sand driving modes, making it versatile for various terrains. It achieved a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg, with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,580 pounds.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma offered two engine options: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder with 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.5-liter V6 producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. The V6 could be paired with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. The Tacoma's part-time 4WD system included a low range and an electronic rear limited-slip differential. The TRD models enhanced off-road capabilities with features like Bilstein shocks, Multi-Terrain Select drive modes, and Crawl Control. The TRD Pro added Fox shocks, a front lift, and reinforced tires. On-road performance was traditional, with less emphasis on car-like handling. The Tacoma's towing capacity reached 6,800 pounds, while its maximum payload was 1,685 pounds, though these figures varied based on configuration.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline offered the comfort and utility of a Honda Pilot, with a 33.9 cubic-foot cargo bed replacing the third-row seat. The front seats were comfortable, with heated options in all but the Sport trim, and the driver's seat featured 10-way power adjustment. Rear legroom was limited, but the seats were comfortable, and the climate system effectively managed temperature changes. The Ridgeline excelled in in-cab storage, with ample space and a locking in-bed trunk with a drain plug. The tailgate could drop traditionally or swing to the side, and a power outlet and truck-bed audio system enhanced its functionality.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma's Double Cab struggled with interior space, offering the least headroom and legroom in its class. The cabin felt confined, with limited visibility due to the tall hood and short glass. Rear seats folded for storage, but overall in-cab storage was limited. The Tacoma lacked innovative in-bed storage solutions but included a rail system with tie-down cleats and an available 120-volt outlet. The bed was made from a lightweight composite material, providing durability without rust concerns.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen Display Audio system, lacking physical knobs and buttons. Voice recognition was limited, requiring specific prompts. Steering wheel controls were essential for volume and tuning, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered smartphone integration. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM, HD Radio, navigation, and a premium sound system, though user experience issues persisted.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma's base SR trim had a 7-inch touchscreen, while other models featured an 8-inch display. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. The infotainment system was functional, with responsive touchscreens and steering wheel buttons, but lacked advanced features. The TRD Pro model included a Multi-Terrain Monitor, useful for off-road and parking scenarios.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline came standard with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added automatic high beams, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The Ridgeline received top crash-test ratings from the IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score in the small overlap frontal test for the front passenger. The NHTSA awarded it five stars overall, with a four-star rollover rating.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma received top "Good" scores from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test. Headlight ratings varied, but front-crash prevention was rated "Superior." The NHTSA gave the Tacoma a four-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover tests, and five stars in side tests. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.