2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Toyota Tundra

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline showcased its renewed styling with a more rugged appearance, thanks to an updated front end and larger dual exhaust outlets. This aesthetic evolution continued with striking wheels and aggressively treaded tires. Although the Honda Performance Development (HPD) packages added a touch more flair with oversized fender flares, they might not appeal to everyone due to their exaggerated appearance.

On the other hand, the 2023 Toyota Tundra commanded attention with its size and bold design elements. A massive grille and a corresponding grille surround, which exuded a distinct character, particularly in chrome, stood out prominently. The Tundra also featured cohesive design cues from its slim, high-placed headlights to its stamped tailgate, offering a sense of durability and purpose.

The Ridgeline was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine pushing out 280 horsepower, paired with a nine-speed automatic and a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, making it adept on paved surfaces. It boasted a payload capacity of 1,583 pounds and a towing limit of 5,000 pounds, falling short in more demanding off-road conditions due to modest ground clearance and lack of a traditional four-wheel-drive system.

The Toyota Tundra, transitioning from its previous model, opted for a more efficient path with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, offering 389 horsepower, or an impressive 437 horsepower in its hybrid iteration. Paired with a 10-speed automatic, the Tundra catered to both performance seekers and eco-conscious drivers. Its upgraded suspension improved ride quality significantly, and it shined with a maximum towing capacity of 12,000 pounds and improved payload capabilities.

The Ridgeline excelled in practical daily use, featuring ample in-cabin storage solutions and a dual-action tailgate, which complemented its 64-inch cargo bed. The Ridgeline's unique selling point was its lockable in-bed trunk with a 7.3 cubic-foot capacity, emphasizing its versatility.

Conversely, the Tundra provided robust functionality with its multiple cabin configurations and bed lengths, adjusting well to varied needs. It offered a vast interior, especially in the rear seats, and included a modernized storage approach with features like a large center console and an innovative sliding door for better accessibility.

The 2023 Ridgeline was equipped with an older infotainment system, offering standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with satellite radio in higher trims. Despite this, the system felt outdated, especially with its slow load times and unrefined voice recognition.

The Tundra boasted a more modern touch with a massive 14-inch touchscreen available in higher trims, featuring crisp graphics and swift responses. All trims enjoyed wireless functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, setting a high standard for connectivity and user-friendliness in its class.

The Ridgeline utilized an older suite of Honda Sensing technologies, providing essential driving aids but lacking the sophistication and integration seen in newer systems. It performed well in standard safety ratings, providing a solid base of security features.

The Tundra, equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, included comprehensive safety features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control as standard across all trims. While it still employed an older version of Toyota’s safety suite, it maintained good safety credentials, further backed by awards.