When Honda elected to redesign its midsize Ridgeline pickup a few years ago, it did so out of necessity. It needed a new look and more capabilities to effectively compete in a segment that was getting more crowded and difficult. The resulting vehicle has sold well.
When Toyota redesigned the Tacoma for 2024, it was the first major overhaul in decades for the sales leader in this class. Toyota probably could have churned out the preceding model for several more years, delighting fans of the “Taco.” However, the resulting vehicle is selling well.
These two trucks are new — or new-ish — but aren’t necessarily alike. Let’s match them up and see how they fare.
2024 Honda Ridgeline
Some truck purists pan the 2024 Honda Ridgeline because of its unibody rather than ladder construction. Ladder frames are typically stiffer, which accounts for the bouncy ride you get while driving a pickup of any size. Fortunately, the Ridgeline looks and “acts” like a pretty good truck by our standards.
It’s the pickup for someone whose day job isn’t in construction. It’s perfect for projects that involve trips to the local home improvement superstore, where you’ll need to load up a lot of stuff, such as mulch, lumber, or bigger tools. It’s also beefy enough to tow 5,000 pounds. Plus, it’s got a multifunction tailgate that makes it easier to load whatever you plan to carry.
But with room for five people, it’s a fine everyday vehicle. It’s loaded with all the safety and convenience technology you could want in any vehicle. Pricing starts at $41,145, including destination fee.
Honda Ridgeline Highlights
Great ride: Because of that unibody construction, the Ridgeline doesn’t give occupants that bouncy, rough ride folks so often endure in a pickup. Since it’s rare that midsize pickups don’t perform multiple functions, including operating as a daily commuter, that softer, more controlled ride is good news for your back.
Good spot: Honda put a lot of thought into the Ridgeline cabin, making it more functional on a daily basis. For example, the new center console is large enough to hold a full-size tablet in the armrest storage unit. The backseat, while a bit short on legroom, features several easy-to-access cubbies for passengers, and with the seats flipped up, you get plenty of room for weather-sensitive cargo, such as groceries or that new big-screen television.
Off-roader: Like many other offerings from Honda, Ridgeline makes a TrailSport version available to make it a viable vehicle for those heading off into the great outdoors.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Ridgeline models near you.
2024 Toyota Tacoma
This truck tends to go a while between generations, so it’s a big deal that the 2024 Toyota Tacoma is all-new. In addition to a more aggressive look, the Tacoma has an upgraded, high-tech interior, a strong turbo engine, and the off-road chops enthusiasts love about Toyota trucks. While the Honda Ridgeline is on the softer side of this segment, the Tacoma is more hardcore.
In past editions, the interior of the Tacoma stressed simplicity, seemingly above all else. The new cabin gets a welcome freshening, but it’s still a clean look with all the convenience tech you expect. Pricing starts at $32,995, including destination fee.
Toyota Tacoma Highlights
Trailhunter: This new trim level features a slew of specialized off-road equipment, including a high-mounted air intake plus underbody protection made of real steel plates.
Safety first: The new model comes standard with forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure alert with steering assistance, lane-tracing assistance, and adaptive cruise control.
JBL audio: Optional in a few lower trims, standard at higher levels, this system includes a removable Bluetooth speaker.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Tacoma models near you.
Similarities
The Honda Ridgeline and the Toyota Tacoma recently received makeovers, resulting in up-to-date exterior styling with room and drivetrain performance that matches those looks.
Conclusion
Honda makes a nice pickup powered by a strong engine that enjoys plenty of technology and offers a spacious, comfortable cabin. The Tacoma does all of those things and more at a lower starting price — and has been doing it for more than two decades. Unless you want the car-like ride of the Honda Ridgeline, the Toyota Tacoma is generally a better truck.
| 2024 Honda Ridgeline | 2024 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Starting Price | $41,145 | $32,995 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.5-liter 6-cylinder | 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 228 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm | 243 lb-ft @ 1,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic/AWD | 8-speed automatic/2WD |
| Fuel Economy | 18 city/24 highway/21 combined mpg | 20 city/26 highway/23 combined mpg |
| Also Available | NA | 4WD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | N/A |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 125.2 inches | 131.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 210.2 inches | 213.0 inches |
| Width | 78.6 inches | 76.9 inches |
| Height | 70.8 inches | 73.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 43.4 feet | 45.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.1 inches | 39.7 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.8 inches | 38.4 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 40.9 inches | 41.8 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 36.7 inches | 33.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 62.0 inches | 58.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 61.5 inches | 57.8 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 33.9 cubic feet | 42.6 cubic feet |
