To buy a new truck, you should check out the Toyota Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline. Both trucks offer a variety of impressive specs, attractive trims, and comparable performance. But which one should you buy? That's where our 2023 Tacoma vs. 2023 Ridgeline comes into play. We've taken the time to compare differences in passenger room, performance, towing capability, and more to help you choose the truck that best suits your lifestyle.
We're confident that you'll be calling our dealership for our Honda Ridgeline deals when you reach the end of this review.
Performance
2011 Toyota Tacoma by Mathew Cerasoli is licensed with CC BY 2.0
On the performance front, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline models have a 3.5L V-6 powertrain that delivers 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The engine feels smooth, and the throttle is exceptionally responsive when you need hard acceleration.
In comparison, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma has two engine options. Its entry-level 2.7L four-cylinder engine produces 180 lb-ft of torque and 159 hp. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic to deliver all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. The available V-6 engine for the Tacoma has the same output as the V-6 in the Honda Ridgeline, but its base four-cylinder is a bit weaker.
Towing and Payload
The 2023 Tacoma has a towing capacity of about 6,000 lbs, which is 1,000 lbs more than you get with the 2023 Ridgeline. The Tacoma can also haul a heavier load in the pickup bed, with a maximum payload capacity of about 1,680 lbs, compared to 1,583 pounds in the Honda Ridgeline.
While the Tacoma has more excellent towing and payload capacity, the Honda Ridgeline makes up for it with its Integrated Class III Trailer Hitch and a seven-pin connector. This means you won't have to worry about paying for a Ridgeline tow package. Of course, the Ridgeline's tow hitch isn't the only feature that made it so popular among drivers in York. This powerful truck also offers the following standard features:
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Lockable in-bed trunk.
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Dual-action tailgate.
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Heavy-duty truck-bed tie-down cleats.
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Truck-bed audio system.
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Lift-up rear seat with under-seat storage.
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Truck-bed lights.
Gas Mileage
The 2023 Ridgeline and Tacoma both provide low gas mileage. The Ridgeline can get 24 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg in the city, while the Tacoma can reach up to 24 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city.
Passenger Space
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline is slightly bigger than the Toyota Tacoma, resulting in more space for your passengers. It has a total passenger volume of about 109 cubic feet, compared to Tacoma's 100 cubic feet. In addition, the interior of the Ridgeline is more upscale than the Tacoma. It has higher-quality materials, a more modern design, and a greater emphasis on passenger comfort.
Off-Road Capabilities
In terms of off-road use, the Tacoma performs better than the Honda Ridgeline. For example, the four-wheel-drive system for the Tacoma is more effective at driving over rough terrain than the Ridgeline's all-wheel-drive system. In addition, the 2023 Tacoma offers skillful off-road-focused models, including the TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road trims.
Warranty Coverage and Reliability
The 2023 Ridgeline and Tacoma have the same coverage, backing a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Ridgeline comes with free maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first, while the Tacoma offers the same deal for two years or 25,000 miles. As for reliability, the Toyota Tacoma has a slight edge. It has a J.D. Power reliability rating of 81/100 compared to the Honda Ridgeline's 80/100.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Honda Ridgeline comes standard with an eight-inch touch-screen infotainment system. It features a physical volume knob and screen icons that are easier to use than the previous version. The 2023 Ridgeline also comes standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Specific models come with an in-bed audio system, which can liven up any tailgate party. The system uses vibrating actuators to turn the Ridgeline's cargo bed into a tremendous speaker.
In comparison, all the Tacoma models come with touch-screen infotainment. The entry-level model features a seven-inch display, and all other trim levels come with an eight-inch screen. The infotainment system also has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. While wireless charging and several USB ports are available, the Toyota Tacoma still doesn't offer a mobile hotspot, unlike some of its competitors.
Safety Features
The 2023 Ridgeline received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars in the rollover crash test, five stars in the comprehensive side crash test, and five stars in the general front crash test. Some key safety features of the Ridgeline include:
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Honda Sensing.
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Standard adaptive cruise control.
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Standard lane-keep assist and lane departure warning.
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Standard automated emergency braking and forward collision warning.
In comparison, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma only has average crash-test ratings. However, it has the most standard driver-assist technology in its class. Although the Ridgeline keeps its class-leading status here thanks to its outstanding crash-test scores, the Tacoma has more impressive tech than its competitors. Here are some of the vital safety features of the 2023 Tacoma:
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Standard adaptive cruise control.
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Standard lane departure warning.
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Standard automated emergency braking and forward collision warning.
Which Pickup Truck is Better?
This 2023 Ridgeline and Tacoma comparison shows that each truck has its advantages. The advantages of the 2023 Honda Ridgeline include a more upscale interior, a higher base engine output, and more significant passenger space. The benefits of the 2023 Tacoma include off-road, payload, and towing capabilities.
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