2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2024 Toyota Tacoma

2023 Honda Ridgeline
2023 Honda Ridgeline
$38,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Toyota Tacoma
2024 Toyota Tacoma
$31,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Honda Ridgeline
$38,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Toyota Tacoma
$31,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$38,800

MSRP

$31,500

Average price

$34,228

Average price

$41,725

Listings

643

Listings

8843

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10
Pros
  • Terrific daily-driver
  • Exceptional practicality
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Outdated technology
  • Falls short on towing capacity
  • Not as capable as some rivals off-road
Pros
  • Excellent reputation for reliability
  • Great off-road capability
  • Standard advanced driver-assistance tech
Cons
  • Noisy cabin
  • Manual-adjust seats can be troublesome
  • Interior skews functional even in the top trim

2023 Honda Ridgeline Reviews Summary

Trucks are the most popular vehicles in America. We buy them for work, for play, and, let’s be honest, for posing. We slam them down, we jack them up, and we make them loud and imposing. We brag about them, too: how much power they make, how much weight they tow, how far they go off-road, and how reliable they are. Trucks are our pride, our joy, and for some people, our substitution for therapy.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline is one of several midsize trucks you can buy, but it bucks convention, making it an outlier. For people who need a truck to tackle modest tasks and don’t want to live with the compromises inherent in a traditional pickup, the 2023 Ridgeline is perfect. Just don’t expect to fit in with the crowd described above.

2024 Toyota Tacoma Reviews Summary

The fourth-gen Tacoma is also the first Tacoma to share a platform with the larger Toyota Tundra. (The TNGA-F platform also underpins the Sequoia and the just-revived Land Cruiser.) It launches in six trim levels, each powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and the Tacoma's first-ever hybrid powertrain is due in the spring of 2024, along with two additional trims. We traveled to Malibu, CA to drive the all-new Tacoma in all of its gas-only guises.
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 280 hp V6

Engine

2.4L 228 hp I4

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

2

Horsepower

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

228 hp @ 6000 rpm

MPG City

18

MPG City

20

MPG Highway

24

MPG Highway

26
2023 Honda Ridgeline
2023 Honda Ridgeline
$38,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Toyota Tacoma
2024 Toyota Tacoma
$31,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Honda Ridgeline
$38,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Toyota Tacoma
$31,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$38,800
$31,500
Average price
$34,228
$41,725
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.4
4.5
Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Read full review

7.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Terrific daily-driver
  • Exceptional practicality
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Outdated technology
  • Falls short on towing capacity
  • Not as capable as some rivals off-road
Pros
  • Excellent reputation for reliability
  • Great off-road capability
  • Standard advanced driver-assistance tech
Cons
  • Noisy cabin
  • Manual-adjust seats can be troublesome
  • Interior skews functional even in the top trim
Summary

Trucks are the most popular vehicles in America. We buy them for work, for play, and, let’s be honest, for posing. We slam them down, we jack them up, and we make them loud and imposing. We brag about them, too: how much power they make, how much weight they tow, how far they go off-road, and how reliable they are. Trucks are our pride, our joy, and for some people, our substitution for therapy.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline is one of several midsize trucks you can buy, but it bucks convention, making it an outlier. For people who need a truck to tackle modest tasks and don’t want to live with the compromises inherent in a traditional pickup, the 2023 Ridgeline is perfect. Just don’t expect to fit in with the crowd described above.

The fourth-gen Tacoma is also the first Tacoma to share a platform with the larger Toyota Tundra. (The TNGA-F platform also underpins the Sequoia and the just-revived Land Cruiser.) It launches in six trim levels, each powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and the Tacoma's first-ever hybrid powertrain is due in the spring of 2024, along with two additional trims. We traveled to Malibu, CA to drive the all-new Tacoma in all of its gas-only guises.
Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
3.5L 280 hp V6
2.4L 228 hp I4
Drive Train
AWD
4X2
Seating Capacity
5
2
Horsepower
280 hp @ 6000 rpm
228 hp @ 6000 rpm
MPG City
18
20
MPG Highway
24
26
Look and feel
2023 Honda Ridgeline
7/10
2024 Toyota Tacoma
8/10

In the past, Honda gave the 2023 Ridgeline a noticeable facelift. A bolder front end, dual exhaust outlets, and beefier wheels with new aggressive tread design tires contributed to a more rugged appearance. However, the optional Honda Performance Development (HPD) packages featured oversized fender flares that somewhat detracted from this rugged aesthetic.

The 2023 Ridgeline was available in four trims: Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition, all powered by a robust V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. The base Sport model was fairly basic, while the upscale Black Edition could be had in white or gray—a nod to those not fond of all-black finishes. Notably, the tested Black Edition came with extra-cost Platinum White Pearl paint and 18-inch black alloy wheels, hiking its price to $49,866, including destination charges.

By contrast, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, despite being a brand-new model, did not stray far from the look of its predecessors. With a meaner and more angular hexagonal grille, it maintained the familiar Toyota truck design. The base SR trim featured 17-inch steel wheels, with higher trims riding on 17-inch alloys or 18-inch alloys on TRD Sport and Limited trims.

Where the Tacoma truly shined was inside. A significant shift in aesthetic made the new Tacoma’s interior appear influenced by the Ford F-Series, with squared-off dash areas and a bulkier gear shift knob. MOLLE panels throughout the cabin further emphasized functionality over form. Even the priciest Limited trim sported practical, if large, plastic grids inside the doors and along the console.

Performance
2023 Honda Ridgeline
8/10
2024 Toyota Tacoma
8/10

Despite its SUV roots, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline offered sophisticated driving dynamics. Sharing its platform and major components with the Honda Passport and the Acura MDX SUV, Honda fortified this construction for pickup duties. The 3.5-liter V6 engine generated 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring AWD system capable of delivering 70 percent of power to a single rear wheel.

While the Ridgeline excelled on paved roads, offering a smooth, nimble, and quiet ride in city traffic and on highways, its unibody construction limited it to a 5,000-pound towing capacity. Its 1,583-pound payload capacity was competitive, though. However, the Ridgeline's 7.6 inches of ground clearance and lack of a traditional four-wheel-drive system rendered it less capable in serious off-road conditions.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma adopted turbocharging across its lineup. The standard 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. The base SR trim offered this engine tuned for 228 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic replaced the older six-speed, while a classic six-speed manual remained available but proved somewhat unwieldy in tight situations.

With the introduction of various suspension systems and new rear configurations, the Tacoma aimed to provide a tailored driving experience across its trims. The TRD Sport featured sport-tuned shocks, the TRD Off-Road came with Bilstein shocks, and the Limited trim offered an adaptive variable suspension for enhanced ride comfort. However, full specs for the maximum capability of the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain remained under wraps.

Newly standard disc brakes and electric power steering greatly improved overall handling, addressing the vague steering feel of previous models. Overall, the Tacoma presented a more diverse and capable driving profile, though some turbo lag was evident under heavy acceleration.

Form and function
2023 Honda Ridgeline
10/10
2024 Toyota Tacoma
8/10

Functionality defined the 2023 Honda Ridgeline’s interior. Its SUV-like front seats and a middle console packed with storage options were user-friendly updates. Heated front seats and a steering wheel added comfort, although rear seating was less roomy compared to the front.

The Ridgeline’s stand-out feature was its dual-action tailgate and in-bed trunk, offering a unique combination of practicality and cargo space. With a cargo bed flat and over 50 inches wide at the wheel wells, the Ridgeline presented 33.9 cubic feet of cargo volume. The Ridgeline enhanced usability with its lockable, weatherproof in-bed trunk holding 7.3 cubic feet, invaluable for securely transporting gear or serving as an ice chest during tailgating events.

In the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, Toyota eliminated the small rear seats from previous versions, instead offering a two-door “XtraCab” configuration for cargo space. This approach featured lockable storage and a convenient flat-folding front passenger seat for solo contractors.

The four-door Double Cab models, such as the gas-powered Tacoma Limited, displayed an upgraded seating comfort, with ample head and legroom figures. With 41.8 inches of legroom upfront and 33.7 inches in the rear, the Tacoma provided better interior spatial arrangements. Additionally, the bed volume increased by seven percent, aided by deeper bed depths. Gas models offered a 440-watt outlet, and hybrids provided a more robust 2400-watt option.

Technology
2023 Honda Ridgeline
4/10
2024 Toyota Tacoma
7/10

Honda Ridgeline's tech offerings lagged behind due to its mid-2010s engineering. While standard features included wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, most trims had satellite radio, and higher trims offered navigation and premium sound systems. The Ridgeline’s 8-inch touchscreen, basic by today's standards, exhibited slow loading times and outdated graphics.

Toyota leapfrogged ahead with significant upgrades in the 2024 Tacoma. The standard 8-inch screen surpassed previous offerings, and higher trims boasted a 14-inch display. The new interface was responsive, allowing wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Device charging was streamlined, featuring a Qi wireless charging pad and USB-C ports.

Toyota's highlight was the optional 10-speaker JBL sound system integrated with a removable Bluetooth speaker, rivaling the Jeep Gladiator’s tailgate capabilities. Pre-wired auxiliary switches, inspired by the Ford F-150 Raptor, and a trailer brake controller paired with the Panoramic View Monitor, enhanced the Tacoma’s tech-savvy nature.

Safety
2023 Honda Ridgeline
7/10
2024 Toyota Tacoma
8/10

The Honda Ridgeline's safety systems felt dated, lacking the leap in refinement seen in more recent Honda models. While offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance, it omitted blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert in lower trims. Even the advanced features had quirks, such as the adaptive cruise control’s jerky responses.

The Tacoma's safety features advanced considerably with the 2024 model. Standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 now included advanced features like Lane Tracing Assist, Proactive Driving Assist, and an emergency stop system. These additions marked a significant leap in modernized driver-assistance features, propelling the Tacoma into a new era of safety technology. A blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert became available on all but the base trim.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2023 Honda Ridgeline is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2024 Toyota Tacoma scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the clear recommendation falls in favor of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. Although the Ridgeline excels in daily-driving comfort and practical cargo solutions, the Tacoma's advancements in technology, safety, and overall capability make it the better choice for those seeking a well-rounded and more modern midsize truck.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2023 Honda Ridgeline is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2024 Toyota Tacoma scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the clear recommendation falls in favor of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. Although the Ridgeline excels in daily-driving comfort and practical cargo solutions, the Tacoma's advancements in technology, safety, and overall capability make it the better choice for those seeking a well-rounded and more modern midsize truck.

CarGurus logo

By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

Popular vehicle comparisons

2024 RAM 1500 vs 2024 Honda Ridgeline2023 Toyota Tacoma vs 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 15002023 Toyota Tacoma vs 2024 Ford F-1502023 Toyota Tacoma vs 2024 Honda Ridgeline2023 Toyota Tacoma vs 2024 Toyota Tundra2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs 2024 Honda Ridgeline2023 Toyota Tacoma vs 2024 GMC Canyon2023 Toyota Tacoma vs 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD2023 Toyota Tacoma vs 2024 Ford F-250 Super Duty2023 Toyota Tacoma vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2024 Honda Ridgeline2023 Toyota Tacoma vs 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD vs 2024 Honda Ridgeline2023 Toyota Tacoma vs 2024 RAM 25002023 Toyota Tacoma vs 2024 Ford Maverick2023 Toyota Tacoma vs 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning2023 Toyota Tacoma vs 2024 Nissan Frontier2023 RAM 1500 vs 2024 Honda Ridgeline2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2024 Honda Ridgeline2022 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma2022 RAM 3500 vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Ford F-1502022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma2022 Toyota Tacoma vs 2022 Ford F-1502022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Nissan Frontier2022 Toyota Tacoma vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma2022 RAM 2500 vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma2022 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty2022 Ford Maverick vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 GMC Canyon2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Ford Maverick2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 RAM 25002022 Nissan Frontier vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma2022 Toyota Tundra vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma2022 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma2021 RAM 1500 vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2022 Honda Ridgeline2021 Nissan Frontier vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline2021 Nissan Frontier vs 2022 Honda Ridgeline2021 Honda Ridgeline vs 2022 Honda Ridgeline2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD vs 2022 Honda Ridgeline2021 Nissan Titan vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline2021 Ford F-150 vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma2021 GMC Canyon vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma2021 Nissan Titan vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2022 Honda Ridgeline2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline2021 GMC Canyon vs 2022 Honda Ridgeline2021 Toyota Tacoma vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma2020 Toyota Tundra vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline2020 RAM 1500 vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline2020 Nissan Frontier vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline2020 GMC Canyon vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline2020 RAM 3500 vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline2020 Honda Ridgeline vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline2020 Nissan Titan vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline2020 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline2020 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline2020 Ford F-150 vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline2020 RAM 2500 vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline2020 Toyota Tacoma vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline