2020 Honda Ridgeline vs 2020 Toyota Tundra

The 2020 Toyota Tundra was available in several trims, including SR, SR5, Limited, TRD Pro, Platinum, and 1794 Edition, each offering increasing levels of luxury and features. The Tundra came in Double Cab and CrewMax styles, with three bed lengths depending on the configuration. Prices ranged from $33,425 to $52,930, excluding destination charges and options. The TRD Pro CrewMax, the most expensive version, featured a distinctive Army Green color and black 18-inch forged aluminum wheels, giving it a rugged, military-grade look. Inside, the TRD Pro had black leather with red stitching and embroidery, though the interior was criticized for its industrial-grade plastic, which seemed out of place at higher price points.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline, on the other hand, faced some design criticism, 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 and standard Honda Sensing ADAS. The infotainment system was upgraded to an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ridgeline was offered in Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition trims, with a base price of $33,900. The RTL-E trim, tested at $43,140, featured perforated leather upholstery and a quality interior, though the dashboard closely resembled that of the Honda Pilot.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, delivering 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm. It boasted a maximum towing capacity of 10,200 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 1,730 pounds, depending on the configuration. The TRD Pro model came with standard 4WD, BBS forged aluminum wheels, and heavy-duty Fox off-road shocks, making it suitable for off-roading. However, the V8's loud exhaust could be bothersome, and the truck's fuel economy was unimpressive, averaging 14.3 mpg. Despite its size, the Tundra handled well on various terrains, though wind noise was noticeable at higher speeds.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 262 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which had improved over time. The Ridgeline offered front-wheel drive in Sport and RTL trims, with optional all-wheel drive, while RTL-E and Black Edition trims came standard with all-wheel drive. The i-VTM4 system enhanced off-road capability, and the Ridgeline's independent rear suspension and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive made it enjoyable to drive on pavement. The Ridgeline achieved a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg, and its towing capacity increased to 5,000 pounds with all-wheel drive.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra, built in Texas, offered a spacious interior, especially in the CrewMax configuration. The rear seating area was notably large, though the bench was low and flat. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, but storage options were limited, with a small glove compartment and few backseat storage spots. The Tundra's bed was basic, lacking advanced features like locking storage wells or multifunctional tailgates, emphasizing simplicity.

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 heated options in most trims, though front-seat ventilation was absent. The rear seat offered limited legroom but was comfortable, with air conditioning vents for passengers. The Ridgeline excelled in in-cab storage, with ample space and a locking, weather-tight area behind the rear seat. The composite cargo bed included a 7.3 cubic-foot in-bed trunk with a drain plug and a tailgate that could drop or swing to the side. A power outlet and truck-bed audio system added to its functionality.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra's infotainment system, though surrounded by hard plastic, was up-to-date with a 7-inch or 8-inch display, depending on the trim. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and more. The TRD Pro trim featured a 12-speaker JBL premium sound system with dynamic navigation and voice recognition. However, the system's virtual buttons could be frustrating to use, and the Tundra lacked advanced towing technology.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline came with an 8.0-inch touchscreen Display Audio system, lacking physical knobs and buttons. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but voice recognition was slow. Higher trims added SiriusXM, HD Radio, navigation, and an eight-speaker premium sound system. Despite these features, user experience issues persisted.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra included Toyota Safety Sense and optional blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. However, its crash-test performance was lacking, with Marginal and Poor ratings in small-overlap frontal-impact tests from the IIHS. NHTSA ratings were more favorable, with 5 stars for side-impact protection and 4 stars for frontal-impact protection and rollover resistance with 4WD.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline featured standard Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added automatic high-beam headlights and blind-spot warning. The Ridgeline received top crash-test ratings from the IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score in the small overlap frontal impact test for the front passenger. NHTSA awarded it five-star ratings across the board, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.