2023 Toyota Tacoma vs 2024 Honda Ridgeline

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma, as part of the midsize truck segment, presented an assertive stance that boldly commanded attention. It was notably shorter than the full-size pickups like the Toyota Tundra but still maintained a substantial presence with its upright grille and tall bed. Toyota offered the Tacoma in various trim levels, including SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and the Trail Special Edition. New for the year was the SR5 SX package, adding black overfenders and wheels for a stealthy look, while the chromed-out Chrome Package was aimed at those who preferred a flashier appearance. Our test model was the TRD Pro, draped in striking Solar Octane paint, which stood out vividly against the Utah snow. The TRD Pro wasn't just about looks; it was designed for off-road enthusiasts with underbody skid pads, a TRD-tuned suspension, and a sport exhaust. Inside, the Tacoma varied from a basic fabric-and-plastic setup in the SR trim to a more refined version with leather upholstery and soft-touch materials in the Limited trim. Our TRD Pro featured Softex leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, and all-weather floor mats, balancing functionality with comfort. By comparison, the 2024 Honda Ridgeline was also notable for its design evolution. The first-generation model had a polarizing look, but the second generation took a more subdued approach, resembling a Pilot SUV with a pickup bed. In 2024, Honda continued this trend, but with styling updates that gave the Ridgeline a stronger presence. The beefier blunt nose, larger hood, and fresh tailgate lettering contributed to a more truck-like appearance. The TrailSport trim added all-terrain tires to enhance its tough appearance. The Ridgeline’s interior received significant updates, with a redesigned center console featuring a wide armrest over a large storage bin, giving the truck a more conventional pickup feel. It also came with a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and an upgraded 9-inch infotainment system. The new brown leather option in RTL added an upscale touch. Overall, the Ridgeline appealed to those who preferred a blend of SUV comfort and pickup utility.

For the 2023 Toyota Tacoma, performance varied widely based on the chosen configuration. The base models featured a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine producing 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. However, the more popular choice was the 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivered 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. This engine also offered a six-speed manual transmission option in addition to the standard automatic. When equipped with the V6, the Tacoma wasn't the quickest truck, requiring significant throttle input for highway acceleration. Our TRD Pro model, optimized for off-road use with all-terrain tires and a TRD-tuned suspension, did show some drawbacks on paved roads with vague steering and a tendency to wander. Fuel economy figures were less than stellar, with our test returning 16.3 mpg, though we navigated challenging winter conditions at elevation. Standard fuel economy for the V6 with 4WD was 18/22/20 mpg, while the manual transmission rated even lower. The 2024 Honda Ridgeline featured a consistent 3.5-liter V6 engine across all trims, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission and Honda’s i-VTM4 AWD system. This intelligent AWD could send up to 70% of the engine's power to a single rear wheel, which was beneficial for handling and traction. The Ridgeline's towing capacity sat at 5,000 pounds, lower than traditional body-on-frame rivals but with a competitive payload capacity of 1,583 pounds in the Sport trim. The Ridgeline wasn’t a top choice for off-roading, given its 7.6-inch ground clearance and less aggressive approach and departure angles. Despite this, its road manners shone brightly, with a smooth powertrain, quick acceleration, responsive handling, and a quiet cabin. Fuel economy during our testing averaged 19.4 mpg, just shy of the EPA's 20 mpg combined rating.

Toyota provided various configurations for the 2023 Tacoma, starting with the access-cab body style, which had clamshell-style doors and a six-foot-one-inch bed. The double cab offered both a long bed and a five-foot bed option. While the access cab technically seated four, the rear seats were cramped with minimal legroom, making the double cab a better choice for those needing more functional back seats. The Tacoma’s front seats offered ample cubby space but fell short on comfort, particularly for tall drivers who struggled with the limited steering wheel extension and awkward pedal placement. Rear-legroom in the double cab remained tight, though it did surpass the access cab's limitations. Both the five and six-foot beds provided adequate cargo capacity, with the shorter bed comfortably stowing skiing gear and equipment for a four-day trip. In comparison, the 2024 Honda Ridgeline excelled in interior comfort and practicality. Easy ingress and egress were complemented by supportive seats that provided ample leg support, accommodating five passengers comfortably. The TrailSport trim added perforated leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The driver’s seat offered 10-way power adjustment, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed sufficient legroom, padded front seatbacks, and a triple-zone climate control system. The Ridgeline also boasted superior storage solutions, with rear seats that flip up to reveal additional enclosed cargo space. The cargo bed added a unique layer of practicality with a 33.9 cubic-foot capacity, along with a weatherproof, lockable in-bed trunk providing 7.3 cubic feet. This integrated cooler could be ideal for tailgating or storing wet gear.

While the 2023 Toyota Tacoma did not lead the segment in tech, it provided a user-friendly interface through a 7-inch or optional 8-inch touchscreen in higher trims. Standard features included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Despite its simplicity, the system was somewhat dated compared to newer offerings. Our test TRD Pro came with a premium JBL audio system and dual USB-A ports, meeting basic needs but lacking some modern conveniences. The 2024 Honda Ridgeline, however, stepped up with a new 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trims, equipped with physical volume knobs and buttons, as well as secondary steering wheel controls. The upgraded system offered a faster processor and enhanced graphics for the navigation system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and HondaLink connected services. Higher trims like the Black Edition enjoyed SiriusXM, HD Radio, additional USB ports, and an eight-speaker premium sound system. While the screen size and functionality felt more modern in the Ridgeline, the practical and user-friendly interface significantly improved the overall user experience.

For 2024, the Honda Ridgeline Sport introduced standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, adding to the Honda Sensing suite of ADAS. This included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams. During testing, the systems performed adequately but felt less refined, particularly in traffic. The Ridgeline's performance in IIHS tests was less than stellar, earning an Acceptable rating for small overlap frontal impact tests and Marginal for headlight performance. However, the NHTSA awarded the Ridgeline five stars overall, with a four-star rating for rollover resistance.