2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2021 Toyota Tundra

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, it embodied the “biggie-biggie” design language that dominated the segment. The Tundra featured a massive grille paired with disproportionately small headlights, resulting in an oversized look. The “Cement” paint color, blacked-out wheels, and badging gave it a modern touch despite its dated underpinnings. Inside, the cabin was dominated by hard plastics and large monotone panels, reflecting mid-2010s truck cabin styling. However, the layout was user-friendly, with all buttons and dials within easy reach. The standard 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa kept the Tundra fresh where it counted.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline was built on a unibody platform similar to crossovers like the Honda Pilot and Passport, providing increased rigidity. Its styling was conservative, with a snub nose hinting at its FWD origins. The rear three-quarter view was classic pickup, featuring vertical taillights, a centered badge, and dual exhausts. The 2021 front-end redesign made the grille blockier and more upright, enhancing its truck-like appearance. The interior of the Black Edition test vehicle was well-equipped with leather upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, a power-sliding rear window, and a moonroof. However, the piano black trim was prone to smudges and scratches.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came standard with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 391 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered rear-wheel drive as standard, with four-wheel drive available. The Tundra had a towing capacity of 10,200 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,730 pounds. While its towing capacity was lower than competitors like the Ford F-150, the V8 provided strong acceleration and confident performance. The Tundra was comfortable over various surfaces, with a width that prevented it from feeling top-heavy in corners. The steering was vague at low speeds but settled on the highway, where the truck felt most at home.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Ridgeline had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a payload capacity ranging from 1,509 to 1,583 pounds, depending on the trim. While these figures were lower than other midsize pickups, the V6 engine provided sufficient power for most tasks. The nine-speed automatic transmission was slow to respond, and the engine start-stop system was sluggish. However, the Ridgeline excelled in handling and ride quality, feeling more like a luxury car than a traditional pickup. Its unibody platform, fully independent suspension, and torque vectoring AWD contributed to its superior ride and handling.

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 featured multiple cup holders and storage spaces. The optional power rear window opened the entire rear window, providing clear sightlines and fresh air.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was available only with a four-door crew cab and a 64-inch bed. The bed included a 7.3-cubic-foot lockable in-bed trunk with a drain plug, a slot for the spare tire, an in-bed audio system, and a 115-volt AC outlet. The Dual-Action Tailgate could open down or to the side, and the bed was wide enough to carry 4-foot-wide sheets of plywood. Inside, the Ridgeline offered storage space under the rear seats and rear USB ports on higher trims. The front featured a pushbutton shifter, cupholders, a large center console storage bin, and a wireless phone charger. The controls were sensibly laid out, with toggle switches for cabin temperature.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an available 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The touchscreen was easy to operate, with redundant hard buttons on either side. The Tundra also came with multiple USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and a three-month trial of WiFi hotspot capability. The standard six-speaker stereo was upgraded to seven speakers on the Double Cab and nine speakers on the CrewMax, with an available JBL premium audio system providing 12 speakers.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. SiriusXM satellite radio was available on all but the base Sport trim, while navigation was available on the RTL-E and Black Edition models. The interface was straightforward, with analog controls for vital functions. While the Ridgeline’s infotainment system wasn’t cutting edge, it was easy to navigate and use.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came standard with the Safety Sense P suite, including 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 also had eight airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, trailer sway control, and an integrated trailer brake controller.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top “Good” scores in most IIHS crash tests but had an “Average” score in the passenger-side small overlap frontal test. It received a “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention tech but had a “Marginal” headlight rating and an “Average” rating for LATCH child seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA gave the Ridgeline a five-star overall safety rating. The Ridgeline came standard with the Honda Sensing array of driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, Road Departure Mitigation, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Automatic high beams were standard on the RTL-E and Black Edition trims, while blind spot monitoring was standard on all but the base Sport trim.