Compare the2023 Honda RidgelineVS 2023 Toyota Tacoma

Safety
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Payload and Towing
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the Ridgeline deploy with different levels of force or don’t deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The Ridgeline’s side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The Tacoma’s side airbags don’t have smart features and will always deploy full force.

Full-time four-wheel drive is standard on the Ridgeline. Full-time four-wheel drive gives added traction for safety in all conditions, not just off-road, like the only system available on the Tacoma. Four-wheel drive of any type costs extra on the Tacoma.

For better protection of the passenger compartment, the Ridgeline uses safety cell construction with a three-dimensional high-strength frame that surrounds the passenger compartment. It provides extra impact protection and a sturdy mounting location for door hardware and side impact beams. The Tacoma uses a body-on-frame design, which has no frame members above the floor of the vehicle.

Both the Ridgeline and the Tacoma have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Honda Ridgeline is safer than the Toyota Tacoma:

	Ridgeline	Tacoma
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	104	232
Neck Injury Risk	27%	39.1%
Neck Stress	166 lbs.	462 lbs.
Neck Compression	20 lbs.	69 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	41/39 lbs.	230/374 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	168	221
Neck Injury Risk	32%	55.2%
Neck Stress	121 lbs.	244 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	154/511 lbs.	590/544 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Honda Ridgeline is safer than the Toyota Tacoma:

	Ridgeline	Tacoma
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.6 inches	1.2 inches
Abdominal Force	129 lbs.	163 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	70	115
Hip Force	423 lbs.	480 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
Max Damage Depth	14 inches	15 inches
Spine Acceleration	33 G’s	60 G’s
Hip Force	615 lbs.	1038 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Reliability

The engine in the Ridgeline has a single overhead cam for simplicity. The engines in the Tacoma have dual overhead cams, which add to the number of moving parts and the complexity of the cylinder heads.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Ridgeline has a standard 650-amp battery. The Tacoma’s 582-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

Engine

The Ridgeline’s 3.5 SOHC V6 produces 121 more horsepower (280 vs. 159) and 82 lbs.-ft. more torque (262 vs. 180) than the Tacoma’s standard 2.7 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Ridgeline’s 3.5 SOHC V6 produces 2 more horsepower (280 vs. 278) than the Tacoma’s optional 3.5 DOHC V6.

As tested in Motor Trend the Honda Ridgeline is faster than the Toyota Tacoma V6 (automatics tested):

	Ridgeline	Tacoma
Zero to 60 MPH	6.3 sec	7.7 sec
Quarter Mile	14.8 sec	16 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	93.2 MPH	86.9 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Ridgeline gets better mileage than the Tacoma:

			MPG
Ridgeline
AWD	Auto	3.5 SOHC V6	18 city/24 hwy
Tacoma
AWD	Manual	3.5 DOHC V6	17 city/21 hwy
		TRD-PRO 3.5 DOHC V6	17 city/20 hwy
AWD	Auto	2.7 DOHC 4-cyl.	19 city/22 hwy
		3.5 DOHC V6	18 city/22 hwy

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Ridgeline’s fuel efficiency. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Ridgeline’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Tacoma doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Ridgeline has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Transmission

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Honda Ridgeline, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the Tacoma.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Ridgeline’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Tacoma:

	Ridgeline	Tacoma	Tacoma 4x4
Front Rotors	12.6 inches	10.75 inches	12.48 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	10” drums	10” drums

The Honda Ridgeline has standard four-wheel disc brakes for better stopping power and improved directional control in poor weather. Only rear drums come on the Tacoma. Drums can heat up and make stops longer, especially with antilock brakes that work much harder than conventional brakes.

The Ridgeline stops much shorter than the Tacoma:

	Ridgeline	Tacoma
70 to 0 MPH	181 feet	195 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	134 feet	146 feet	Consumer Reports
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	142 feet	158 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

The Ridgeline’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Tacoma’s standard 75 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Ridgeline has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Tacoma.

The Ridgeline has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Tacoma doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Honda Ridgeline has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Toyota Tacoma has a solid rear axle, with a non-independent rear suspension.

The front and rear suspension of the Ridgeline uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the Tacoma, which uses leaf springs in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Ridgeline is 3.6 inches wider in the front and 3.3 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Tacoma.

The Ridgeline Black Edition handles at .80 G’s, while the Tacoma Short Bed TRD Off-Road Double Cab 4x4 pulls only .64 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Ridgeline Black Edition executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.6 seconds quicker than the Tacoma Short Bed TRD Pro 4x4 (27.7 seconds @ .62 average G’s vs. 29.3 seconds @ .56 average G’s).

Chassis

The Ridgeline is 1 foot, 3.3 inches shorter than the Tacoma Long Bed Double Cab, making the Ridgeline easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Unibody construction makes the Ridgeline’s chassis much stiffer, which contributes to better handling, and enables softer springs to be used for a better ride. Unibody construction’s stiffness also contributes to better durability and less body squeaks and rattles. The Tacoma doesn’t use unibody construction, but a body-on-frame design.

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the Ridgeline has an electronically controlled liquid-filled main engine mount. A computer-controlled electric current in the liquid changes its viscosity, allowing the mount to dampen the engine completely at all RPMs. The Tacoma uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

The Ridgeline uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Tacoma doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The Ridgeline has 9.6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Tacoma Double Cab (109.7 vs. 100.1).

Cargo Capacity

The Ridgeline’s cargo box is larger than the Tacoma’s in almost every dimension:

	Ridgeline	Tacoma Access Cab	Tacoma Double Cab
Length (short/long)	63”	73.7”	60.5”/73.7”
Max Width	59.6”	56.7”	56.7”
Min Width	50”	41.5”	41.5”
Height	16.9”	19.1”	19.1”

Payload and Towing

The Ridgeline’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Tacoma’s (5000 vs. 3500 pounds).

A Trailer Stability Assist is standard on all models of the Ridgeline, using the Vehicle Stability Assist sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. Only the Tacoma V6 offers a trailer sway program.

The Ridgeline has a much higher standard payload capacity than the Tacoma Short Bed Double Cab 4x4 (1583 vs. 1135 lbs.).

The Ridgeline has a much higher optional payload capacity than the Tacoma Short Bed Double Cab 4x4 (1583 vs. 1155 lbs.).

Ergonomics

The Ridgeline has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

When two different drivers share the Ridgeline RTL/RTL-E/Black Edition, the memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Ridgeline RTL/RTL-E/Black Edition’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Tacoma doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Ridgeline’s front power windows open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Tacoma’s standard power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully. Only its driver’s window opens automatically. The Tacoma TRD/Limited’s rear windows don’t close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the Ridgeline the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Tacoma can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Ridgeline’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Tacoma’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Ridgeline has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

The Ridgeline’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Tacoma’s standard projector halogen headlights and light instantly. LED lights also last over twenty times longer than halogen.

The Ridgeline has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. The Tacoma only offers an automatic headlight on/off feature as an extra cost option.

When the Ridgeline RTL-E/Black Edition is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Tacoma’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Ridgeline RTL/RTL-E/Black Edition’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Tacoma offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

On extremely cold winter days, the Ridgeline RTL-E/Black Edition’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Ridgeline has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

The Ridgeline has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning costs extra on the Tacoma.

Both the Ridgeline and the Tacoma offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Ridgeline has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Tacoma Double Cab doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Honda Ridgeline, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Toyota Tacoma isn't recommended.

Motor Trend performed a comparison test in its May 2018 issue and they ranked the Honda Ridgeline Black Edition two places higher than the Toyota Tacoma Short Bed TRD Off-Road Double Cab 4x4.

The Ridgeline was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Five/10Best Trucks” for 3 of the last 6 years. The Tacoma has never been a Car and Driver “Top Five/10Best Truck” pick.

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the Ridgeline as the 2017 North American Truck of the Year. The Tacoma has never been chosen.

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