2020 Honda Ridgeline vs 2020 Toyota Tacoma

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma had a clean, pure, and simple design, though it wasn’t the most visually striking among pickups. The back doors had a tinny sound reminiscent of older Toyota trucks, and the flared hood scoop was purely decorative. The Tacoma’s body, available in extended Access or four-door Double Cab forms, was rounded yet maintained enough upright lines to distinguish it from more cushy SUVs. The TRD Pro model featured redesigned LED headlights, a new grille, and Army Green paint, giving it a rugged, ready-to-pounce look. The interior was straightforward, with a modestly sized touchscreen and mostly bargain materials, though fit and finish were better than some competitors.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Ridgeline had a design that drew mixed reactions, with a front resembling a minivan and a rear like a pickup truck. This model year saw several updates, including a new nine-speed automatic transmission, standard Honda Sensing ADAS, and an upgraded infotainment system. The Ridgeline’s interior, especially in the RTL-E trim, exuded quality with perforated leather upholstery and soft-touch surfaces. However, the dashboard was nearly identical to the Honda Pilot, emphasizing its suburban utility rather than ruggedness.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma offered a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine with 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, which was underwhelming for a vehicle of its size. The more popular 3.5-liter V6 engine produced 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with 4-wheel drive optional. The TRD Pro model came standard with 4WD and an electronic low-range transfer case. The Tacoma’s off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, though these were only available in 4-Low. On paved roads, the Tacoma felt outdated, with slow steering and a laboring V6 engine. Fuel economy was poor, with the V6 achieving 18 mpg city, 22 highway, and 20 combined. However, the Tacoma could tow up to 6,800 pounds and carry a 1,440-pound payload.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Ridgeline’s all-wheel-drive system, i-VTM4, 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 offered Eco, Normal, and Sport drivetrain modes, along with Snow, Mud, and Sand driving modes. While not as off-road capable as some competitors, the Ridgeline excelled on paved roads, providing a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. The all-wheel-drive model achieved a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg and could tow up to 5,000 pounds with a maximum payload of 1,580 pounds.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma’s smaller size compared to full-size trucks made it easier to maneuver in city environments and on wooded trails. The bed, available in 5- or 6-foot lengths, featured a rail system with movable cleats, an optional power outlet, and LED lighting. The Double Cab’s rear seats were cramped for long trips, and the lack of a rear defroster was a drawback. However, the Tacoma’s heater was quick and powerful, and the truck offered hidden storage bins under the rear seats.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline provided the comfort and utility of a Honda Pilot with a 33.9 cubic-foot cargo bed. The front seats were comfortable, with adjustable armrests and standard heated seats in all trims but the Sport. The rear seat offered limited legroom but was comfortable, with air conditioning vents for rear passengers. The Ridgeline’s in-cab storage was generous, and the composite cargo bed included a 7.3 cubic-foot in-bed trunk with a drain plug. The tailgate could drop traditionally or swing to the side, and the bed featured a 150-watt/400-watt power outlet and a truck-bed audio system.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma featured a simple and intuitive interior with a standard 7-inch touchscreen radio, while an 8-inch version with navigation was available. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa were standard, along with a new USB-C port. Wireless phone charging and onboard Wi-Fi were available options. The Tacoma also offered 360-degree cameras and a standard suite of driver assists, including adaptive cruise control.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline came with Honda’s Display Audio system, featuring an 8.0-inch touchscreen display. The system lacked knobs and buttons, and the voice-recognition technology was slow to respond. The steering wheel had stereo volume and tuning controls, and the system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, navigation, and an eight-speaker premium sound system with a truck-bed audio system.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma came standard with forward-emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors were optional. The Tacoma scored 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA crash tests and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline featured standard Honda Sensing, including 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 Ridgeline earned top marks in most IIHS crash tests and five-star ratings from NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.