2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2024 Toyota Tundra

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline had undergone a styling update a couple of years prior, featuring a new front end with bolder details, larger dual exhaust outlets, and more appealing wheels with aggressive tread tires. These changes gave the Ridgeline a more rugged appearance, although the optional Honda Performance Development (HPD) packages with oversized fender flares were best avoided. The Ridgeline was available in four trims: Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition, all equipped with a V6 engine, nine-speed automatic transmission, and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Prices ranged from $38,800 to $46,230, excluding a $1,345 destination charge. The Black Edition test vehicle, with extra-cost Platinum White Pearl paint and accessory 18-inch black alloy wheels, had an MSRP of $49,866, including destination charges.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra featured a massive grille designed to improve powertrain cooling and ensure long-term reliability, resulting in a gape-mouthed appearance that wasn't universally liked. Despite this, the Tundra's industrial design theme with camo-pattern detailing conveyed durability and strength, though the plastic-laden cabin detracted from its overall build quality. The Tundra was available in Double Cab and CrewMax styles with various bed lengths and trims, including SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, TRD Pro, and Capstone. Each trim came with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) options. The i-Force Max powertrain added a hybrid version of the V6 and standard 4WD. Base prices ranged from $39,665 to $78,845, excluding a $1,850 destination charge. The TRD Pro test truck, with additional features, had an MSRP of $74,295, including destination.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline shared its platform and components with the third-generation Acura MDX, Honda Pilot SUVs, Honda Odyssey minivan, and Honda Passport SUV. The Ridgeline's 3.5-liter V6 engine produced 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring AWD system. This setup allowed the Ridgeline to deliver sophisticated driving dynamics on pavement, with a competitive 1,583-pound payload capacity and a 5,000-pound towing capacity. However, its unibody construction limited its off-roading capabilities, with only 7.6 inches of ground clearance and a lack of traditional four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing. During a road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco, the Ridgeline averaged 22.6 mpg, between its EPA ratings of 21 mpg combined and 24 mpg highway. On a Southern California test-driving route, it averaged 21.4 mpg, beating the EPA rating for combined driving. The Ridgeline's ride and handling qualities were exceptional for a pickup truck, though the steering felt heavy at lower speeds.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro was built for off-road excellence but also performed well on-road. It featured lighter BBS forged alloy wheels, Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires, a TRD front stabilizer bar, and 2.5-inch FOX internal-bypass shock absorbers. The standard twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine produced 358 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid i-Force Max powertrain in the TRD Pro delivered 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. The TRD Pro had a towing capacity of 11,175 pounds and a 1,600-pound payload capacity. A 10-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4WD system with an automatic limited-slip differential were standard. Off-roading features included a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) modes, Crawl Control, and Downhill Assist Control (DAC). The TRD Pro had a 1.1-inch front suspension lift, skid plates, 9.0 inches of ground clearance, a 26.2-degree approach angle, and a 24.2-degree departure angle. During testing, the Tundra TRD Pro averaged 17.1 mpg, below its EPA rating of 19 mpg combined, and required premium gas.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline prioritized function with features like shelves in the front door panels, a giant storage console, a dual-action tailgate, and an in-bed trunk. The interior, similar to the Honda Passport SUV, offered easy entry and exit, comfortable seats, and a quality feel. The rear seat was less roomy than the Passport but provided an elevated seating position, padded front seatbacks, rear air conditioning vents, and large cupholders. The rear seat cushion flipped up to create a sizable load floor, and an accessory rear underseat storage system was available. The Ridgeline's 64-inch cargo bed had a dual-action tailgate, a flat floor, and 33.9 cubic feet of volume. It also featured a lockable, weatherproof, 7.3 cubic-foot trunk with a drain plug, ideal for carrying various items and hosting tailgate parties.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra's interior was spacious, but the i-Force Max's battery eliminated rear underseat storage and a flat rear cab floor. This limitation affected storage space, making it less practical for spontaneous outings. The Tundra lacked some helpful features found in rival trucks, such as adjustable cargo tie-down cleats and innovative tailgate opening methods. Loading the cargo bed was manageable, but the absence of bumper corner steps or a trick step made accessing the bed more challenging. Despite these drawbacks, the Tundra offered decent storage space and wide seats with plenty of interior room. However, the driver's seat caused some discomfort during long drives, and getting in and out of the TRD Pro was somewhat difficult, especially for shorter individuals.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline's infotainment system was dated, with an 8-inch touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and basic HondaLink services. Higher trims included satellite radio, navigation, premium sound system, cargo bed speakers, and wireless smartphone charging. The infotainment system was slow to load, and the voice recognition system had delayed responses. The user interface was simple, with touch-sensing shortcut buttons and a stereo volume knob. However, manual tuning between radio stations was cumbersome, and the navigation display was cluttered. The wireless smartphone charger worked inconsistently, making it unreliable. Overall, the Ridgeline's technology needed an overhaul.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The infotainment system required activation of complimentary trial subscriptions to connected services for maximum benefit. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system. Other tech features included wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera, and trailering assistance via Trailer Backup Guide with Straight Path Assist. The Tundra's infotainment system was modern and robust, offering a better user experience than the Ridgeline's dated system.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline's safety features included the Honda Sensing suite, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Ridgeline received favorable crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with top marks in all crash tests and a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, road-sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Tundra received high crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though it earned a Poor rating in the new moderate overlap frontal-impact test for rear-seat passengers.