2020 Honda Ridgeline vs 2021 Toyota Tundra

When the 2020 Honda Ridgeline arrived for evaluation, it was clear that its design was a point of contention. My 12-year-old daughter remarked that it looked like a minivan in the front and a pickup truck in the back, highlighting a potential design and image problem for Honda. Trucks are traditionally expected to look rugged and tough, but the Ridgeline's second-generation design seemed to swing too far towards a more suburban aesthetic. Despite this, Honda made several updates for the 2020 model year, including a new nine-speed automatic transmission, standard Honda Sensing advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), and an upgraded infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The interior, equipped with perforated leather upholstery and soft-touch surfaces, exuded quality, though it closely resembled the Honda Pilot's dashboard.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Tundra had a somewhat awkward appearance compared to other new trucks. Developed in the mid-2000s and released for the 2007 model year, the Tundra featured a massive grille and disproportionately small headlights, giving it an oversized look in some areas. The test vehicle, painted in "Cement" with blacked-out wheels and badging, looked more modern than its underpinnings suggested. Inside, the cabin was dated but functional, with hard plastics and big monotone panels dominating the dash. Despite its older design, the Tundra's controls were easy to use, and the infotainment system, updated in 2020, included a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Tundra's interior was not luxurious but remained fresh where it counted, with features like a power rear window and ample storage space.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 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 continuous improvement to enhance shift quality. The Ridgeline offered front-wheel drive for Sport and RTL trims, while the RTL-E and Black Edition trims came standard with Honda's Intelligent Variable Torque Management all-wheel drive (i-VTM4). This system could transfer up to 70 percent of the engine's power to the rear axle and 100 percent to a single rear wheel for added traction. The Ridgeline also featured Eco, Normal, and Sport drivetrain modes, as well as Snow, Mud, and Sand driving modes. With a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,580 pounds, the Ridgeline was capable of handling most tasks. The EPA rated the all-wheel-drive Ridgeline at 21 mpg combined, and it averaged 20.9 mpg during testing.

For 2021, the Toyota Tundra came standard with the I-Force 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 391 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual tap-shift function. The Tundra offered rear-wheel drive as standard, with four-wheel drive available. The Tundra's towing capacity was 10,200 pounds, and its payload capacity was 1,730 pounds, though it fell short of competitors like the Ford F-150. The V8 engine provided strong acceleration and confident performance in various driving scenarios. The Tundra's ride quality was comfortable, and it handled well on the highway, though the steering was vague at low speeds.

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 10-way power adjustment for the driver's seat. The rear seat was short on legroom but comfortable, with air conditioning vents for rear passengers. The Ridgeline's in-cab storage was generous, and the composite cargo bed featured a locking 7.3 cubic-foot in-bed trunk with a drain plug. The tailgate could drop like a traditional truck's or swing to the side, and a 150-watt/400-watt power outlet and truck-bed audio system were also included.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra offered two cab sizes and three bed sizes. The Double Cab had conventionally-opening rear doors and was available with a 6.5-foot or 8.1-foot bed. The CrewMax, a full four-door crew cab, came with a 5.5-foot bed and provided ample legroom for rear passengers. The rear seats folded up to create a large, lockable cargo area. The front seats had plenty of room, and the center console was massive, with multiple cup holders and storage compartments. The optional power rear window opened the entire rear window, providing clear lines of sight and fresh air.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline featured Honda's Display Audio system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen display. The system lacked knobs and buttons, and its voice-recognition technology was slow to respond. Steering wheel controls for stereo volume and tuning were included, and the system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RTL-E and Black Edition trims added SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, navigation, and an eight-speaker premium sound system with a truck-bed audio system.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra's infotainment system was updated in 2020 and carried into 2021. It included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, operated via a 7-inch touchscreen or an available 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and Amazon Alexa. The system had a sensible layout and redundant hard buttons. The Tundra also came standard with multiple USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and a three-month trial of WiFi hotspot capability. The standard stereo had six speakers, with upgrades available for the SR5 and a JBL premium audio system with 12 speakers.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist. The RTL-E and Black Edition trims added automatic high-beam headlights, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The Ridgeline earned top marks in most crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and received five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra included the Safety Sense P suite as standard, featuring forward-collision warning and avoidance, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Tundra came standard with eight airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, trailer sway control, and an integrated trailer brake controller.