2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline underwent a cosmetic refresh a couple of years prior, making its appearance more rugged with a new front end that included a bolder grille and larger exhaust outlets. The more appealing wheels and aggressive tire design complemented this sturdier look, although the optional HPD packages could be over-the-top with oversized fender flares. The Ridgeline was available in four trims: the base Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and the Black Edition, with pricing starting at $38,800 and going up to $49,866 for a well-equipped Black Edition in Platinum White Pearl.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma continued to capitalize on its traditional truck aesthetic, boasting a bold, upright grille and an assertive stance, which despite its shorter length compared to full-size trucks, did not appear undersized. The Tacoma was offered in a variety of trim levels and configurations, including the TRD Pro, which boasted an eye-catching Solar Octane paint. This model, set up for off-road prowess, impressed with its rugged appeal and configuration options, showing a stark design philosophy difference compared to the more domesticated Ridgeline.

Performance-wise, the Ridgeline shared much with its Honda family, utilizing a 3.5-liter V6 engine common to several other Honda vehicles. This engine delivered 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, adequate for most on-road situations and light off-roading. Handling and ride quality were standout features, particularly due to its unibody construction and all-wheel-drive system which offered exceptional on-road dynamics. However, the Ridgeline's towing capacity was limited to 5,000 pounds, and it offered less robust off-road capabilities compared to traditional trucks.

Conversely, the Tacoma's TRD Pro variant came equipped with a more powerful V6 offering 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque and was mated primarily to a six-speed transmission with an option for manual control in some trims. The Tacoma's performance was tailored for off-road, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl control enhancing its capabilities in rugged environments. However, it struggled with fuel efficiency and highway composure, where engine and road noise were more pronounced, making the Tacoma less ideal for calm, everyday commuting.

Interior space and functionality also differentiated these two models significantly. The Ridgeline boasted a more SUV-like interior, thanks to its shared design with the Honda Passport, offering comfortable seating and a robust list of practical amenities, including an innovative in-bed trunk with a capacity of 7.3 cubic feet—an exclusive feature in its class. Additionally, its payload capacity hovered around 1,583 pounds with smart storage solutions throughout the cabin and bed.

The Tacoma, on the other hand, offered a more traditional truck interior with a range of bed lengths and cab configurations. The access cab was tight and less comfortable, particularly in the rear seats, but provided essential storage space for tools or gear. Double cab versions offered better seating but still suffered from cramped conditions compared to the Ridgeline. Cargo management was straightforward but lacked the innovative features found in the Honda.

Technology in both trucks showed room for improvement. The Ridgeline's infotainment system, although it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, was critiqued for slow load times and an outdated user interface. Despite these drawbacks, it remained functional if not cutting-edge.

Toyota's Tacoma also struggled to deliver a modern tech experience, with an interface that felt behind the times despite offering similar connectivity features. Efforts to maintain simplicity in operation were clear, but like the Ridgeline, the technology did not push any boundaries.

Safety technologies were robust in both models, with each offering a suite of driver assist features. Honda's Ridgeline came with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking, achieving high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. However, the absence of a more innovative blind-spot monitoring system was noted.

The Tacoma featured Toyota's Safety Sense which included automatic emergency braking and lane departure alerts, but it did not offer the same comprehensive coverage or advanced features as some competitors, reflected in its mixed safety ratings from safety institutions.