Honda Ridgeline vs Toyota Tacoma
Looking for a midsize pickup truck? There's a bevy of options to consider as you search for the right model around Bloomington, Columbus, or Ellettsville. To land on the proper choice, you need to see how the 2023 Honda Ridgeline vs. Toyota Tacoma stack up to one another.
Our Andy Mohr Honda team wants to help, so we’ve crafted this vehicle comparison to help you see what these two light-duty midsize trucks are all about.
MAX HORSEPOWER
PAYLOAD CAPACITY (4x4)
DUAL-ACTION TAILGATE
First and foremost, a proper truck is going to display the type of power and capability that can help you accomplish any job. The Tacoma offers a pair of engines, though none supply as much power as the Ridgeline's single, standard motor.
While the Honda Ridgeline comes standard with a V6 engine, the Toyota Tacoma comes equipped with a 4-cylinder engine. The power outputs of these engines total out to the following:
- Honda Ridgeline engine: 280 horsepower/262 lb-ft of torque
- Toyota Tacoma engine: 159 horsepower/180 lb-ft of torque
As you’ll note, the standard engine found in the Honda generates considerably more power than the engine of the Toyota. The Tacoma does offer an available V6 engine that produces up to 278 horsepower, but you’ll have to upgrade to access it—and it still lags behind the Ridgeline.
On the Ridgeline, you’ll see the same EPA-estimated numbers across all four trim levels equipped with AWD (all-wheel drive). Check out the fuel economy of these two trucks below.
- Honda Ridgeline: 18 city/24 highway MPG*
- Toyota Tacoma: 19 city/22 highway MPG
While both trucks have near-matching city estimates, the Ridgeline edges out the Tacoma slightly on the highway.
You’ll need a highly stable and capable machine to tackle a variety of tasks. Whether you’re hauling sheets of plywood home for a fun DIY project or toting around equipment at a worksite, the Ridgeline and the Tacoma are up for the job.
The Honda Ridgeline comes standard with the Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ AWD system, while the Tacoma comes standard with rear-wheel drive. Given that the Honda model comes standard with all-wheel drive, we’ve compared the towing and payload metrics from the Tacoma’s comparable 4x4 configuration.
When properly equipped, the Tacoma can tow 6,800 pounds compared to the 5,000 pounds of the Ridgeline. However, when it comes to everyday hauling, you’re more likely to utilize your truck’s bed. In that case, you’ll want to get behind the wheel of the Ridgeline with its payload capacity of 1,583 pounds. The Tacoma’s 4x4 payload is limited to 1,445 pounds.
Whether using your truck for work or play, it's helpful to have innovative utility features. The beds of both trucks have ample space, but there’s a divide in terms of ease of use.
The Honda Ridgeline has a dual-action tailgate that opens downward like a traditional tailgate, but it can also be opened sideways, like a swinging door. This dual-action setup becomes especially handy if you find yourself in tight quarters.
While the Tacoma offers many of the smart features found in the bed of the Ridgeline, it doesn't have a tailgate that offers the same level of utility.
Whether driving by yourself or shuttling around a couple passengers, a spacious cabin goes a long way toward ensuring overall comfort. While the Honda Ridgeline and the Toyota Tacoma are midsize trucks, that doesn’t mean they skimp on interior roominess.
Seating capacity is another difference between the Ridgeline and Tacoma. While the Honda model has space for five passengers, the Tacoma only comes standard with four seats. If you need to fit an extra passenger, you’ll have to upgrade to a higher trim level of the Tacoma.
So, what about the legroom in the second row? If you have tall passengers in those rear seats, they’ll strongly prefer the Ridgeline. The Ridgeline checks in at 36.7 inches of legroom in the back row compared to just 32.6 inches in the Tacoma’s Double Cab model.
Even with work-ready trucks like the Toyota Tacoma and the Honda Ridgeline, infotainment is a must. The touchscreen displays in each model make it easy to access your favorite music, reach helpful navigation instructions, and much more.
You’ll find a standard 8-inch touchscreen in the Ridgeline compared to the standard 7-inch touchscreen of the Tacoma. These touchscreens connect to many of the same apps, such as:
- Apple CarPlay®
- Android Auto™
- SiriusXM®
However, only the Ridgeline is also compatible with HD Radio™.
As you play music, you’ll hear everything through the standard 7-speaker or available 8-speaker system of the Ridgeline. The Tacoma falls a bit short, however, as it only offers a 4- or 6-speaker system. So, if you’re an audiophile, the Ridgeline provides clearer, more robust audio than what you’ll find in the Tacoma.
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline and the Toyota Tacoma both offer plenty of capability and features for drivers throughout Bloomington, Columbus, and Ellettsville. However, with a more powerful engine, a creative tailgate, and increased payload capacity—plus standard seating for one extra person—the 2023 Honda Ridgeline out-duels the Toyota Tacoma.
Contact the team at Andy Mohr Honda to see the Honda Ridgeline up close and take it for a test drive!
All of the tools you need to move forward with experiencing a new 2023 Ridgeline for yourself are conveniently available right here online.
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Shop Honda Ridgeline Value Your Trade Apply for Financing Schedule a Test Drive*18 city/24 highway/21 combine mpg rating. Based on 2023 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.