Toyota Tacoma vs. Honda Ridgeline

The Toyota Tacoma and the Honda Ridgeline are two popular, mid-size trucks that we often carry here at Tim’s Truck Capital. They are two reliable models from two well-known makers, offered at affordable prices. Not only do they provide powerful and reliable performance, but they are also stylish and a lot of fun to drive.

The Tacoma and the Ridgeline both have a reputation for exceptional performance over the long-term, so you can confidently shop for previously owned models of both trucks, knowing that you will still get years of great performance from them. Shopping previously owned trucks also gives you the advantage of being able to choose between all the best features of each truck while also saving a lot of money. The bigger problem will be choosing between these two great trucks.

Here's a closer look at how the Toyota Tacoma and the Honda Ridgeline compare to make it a little easier to find the truck that best suits your needs:

Exterior Styling

If you’re looking for an imposing truck, the Toyota Tacoma should be your pick. It has a beefy exterior that looks thick and strong. It has higher ground clearance, and it has a bulky front end that really announces its presence. Throughout the body, there are more details, including pronounced molding around the wheels, deeper grooves along the profile, and more defined angles.

The Honda Ridgeline has attractive styling, but its overall look is more subtle. It has smoother edges and a slightly more aerodynamic look that looks a little more luxurious compared with the Tacoma. The Ridgeline would be the better choice for buyers who want a more elegant look, while the Tacoma would be the better choice for those who prefer a more rugged look.

Interior Styling

In keeping with what you see on the outside, the interior of the Honda Ridgeline is a bit more refined than that of the Toyota Tacoma. The Ridgeline tends to have more ergonomic seating and higher-quality surfaces, including the upholstery and the cabin surfaces. The Ridgeline also tends to have more cabin space than the Tacoma, which results in a roomier and more comfortable ride for some passengers. Expect to find cloth upholstery in both, unless you find a model that was upgraded to leather.

Both trucks have attractive interiors, so the differences may be negligible, depending on your preferences. The best way to evaluate the interiors is to visit our dealership and take a test drive of each truck. You’ll be able to experience the comfort that each offers yourself, and you’ll get a feel for the styling and whether it suits you.

Power and Performance

Many people shopping for trucks want something that is strong and capable – able to carry heavy loads while also managing uncertain terrain. Typically, the Honda Ridgeline is going to be the more powerful of the two trucks. In recent years, the Ridgeline has come standard with a V6 engine that puts out close to 300 horsepower and lb-ft in torque. The exact numbers vary depending on the model year and the exact engine specs. However, the 2020 Honda Ridgeline puts out 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.

In contrast, the Toyota Tacoma has come with a four-cylinder engine as its standard option in recent years. The output is over 100 fewer horsepower and lb-ft in torque in many cases, compared with the Honda Ridgeline. The V6 was offered on the Tacoma as an option. When you are shopping for previously owned Toyota Tacomas, you may find trucks that were configured with the V6, which will put the truck on par with the performance of the standard-equipped Honda Ridgeline.

Perhaps surprisingly, given the engine specs on average, the Toyota Tacoma actually comes out ahead of the Honda Ridgeline in terms of towing and payload. Typically, the Tacoma can carry close to 2,000 pounds more than the Ridgeline, and its payload is a couple hundred pounds higher. Again, specifics may vary according to the model year, but you can expect the Tacoma to do better on towing and payload than the Ridgeline unless you find a model that was configured specially.

Driver Assistance and Technology Features

Trucks aren’t really known for their comfort and convenience features, but big manufacturers like Toyota and Honda have both improved their offerings to make their trucks more than practical work horses. In the past few years, the Toyota Tacoma and the Honda Ridgeline have both improved their overall offerings. At the top of the trim levels, you’ll find these trucks nearly indistinguishable in their offerings. However, at the lower trim levels, the Honda Ridgeline typically offers just a bit more than the Toyota Tacoma does.

Both trucks come with an infotainment system and a large display screen. They have common features like smart phone integration, Bluetooth streaming, satellite radio, and more. You’ll also find extras on the Tacoma like dual-zone climate control, remote keyless entry, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. The Ridgeline features extras like three-zone automatic climate control, push button start, and power windows and locks.

Both trucks also offer plenty of drive assistance technology, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Both add convenience and assistance features as you go up the trim levels. You access a lot more options for your budget when you shop previously owned models as you can find these configurations at a lower price.

Visit Tim’s Truck Capital to Find the Perfect Truck for You

Tim’s Truck Capital offers a large variety of high-quality, previously owned trucks from all the top manufacturers, including the Toyota Tacoma and the Honda Ridgeline. Our friendly and knowledgeable associates are ready to help you explore the models currently in our inventory to find the perfect model to suit your needs and your tastes. We carry some of the best trucks from the past few years, so you can find a truck that will serve you reliably for many years to come. Visit us today to find your next truck!