2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2024 Toyota Tacoma

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline had undergone a styling update a few years prior, which included a new front end with bolder details, LED lighting all around, larger dual exhaust outlets, and more appealing wheels with aggressive tread design. These changes gave the Ridgeline a more rugged appearance, although the optional Honda Performance Development (HPD) packages with oversized fender flares were best avoided. The Ridgeline was available in four trims: Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Black Edition, all equipped with a V6 engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and an i-VTM4 torque-vectoring AWD system. Prices ranged from $47,435 to $56,435, excluding destination charges and fees. The Ridgeline shared many components with the Honda Passport SUV, resulting in a refined and sophisticated driving experience, unlike the raw and unrefined Toyota Tacoma. The interior of the Ridgeline Black Edition was leather-lined, exuding quality and comfort, with a sensible layout and excellent visibility.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma, though all-new, retained a familiar look with a hexagonal grille and a blockier, more angular design. The interior saw significant updates, influenced by the Ford F-Series, with squared-off dash areas and a bulky gear shift knob. MOLLE panels emphasized a function-over-form approach, even in the Premium packages with SofTex-trimmed seats. The Tacoma's interior was designed for practicality, with large plastic grids and accessory attachment points. The hybrid versions were expected to maintain this focus on functionality. The Tacoma's updates included standard 17-inch alloy wheels, with off-road alloys on the TRD Off Road packages, and a choice of 5-foot or 6-foot bed. The bed depth increased, raising total volume by seven percent, and a 440-watt outlet was available on gas models, with a 2400-watt version expected for hybrids.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline shared its platform with the third-generation Acura MDX and Honda Pilot SUVs, as well as the Honda Odyssey minivan and Honda Passport SUV. It featured a 3.5-litre VTEC V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring AWD system. The Ridgeline offered a competitive 694-kilogram payload capacity but was limited to a 2,268-kilogram towing capacity due to its unibody construction. It had a ground clearance of 19.4 centimetres and lacked a traditional four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing. Despite these limitations, the Ridgeline excelled in driving dynamics on pavement, offering a comfortable and refined ride. It averaged 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres on a road trip, with official ratings of 11.5 L/100 km in combined driving and 9.9 on the highway. The Ridgeline's unibody construction and four-wheel independent suspension provided exceptional ride and handling qualities, with a supple ride in the city and SUV-like driving on the highway.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma featured a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, branded "i-FORCE," producing 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. In Canada, four-wheel drive was standard. An eight-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous six-speed auto, offering smooth and well-timed shifts. The Tacoma's guiding principle was differentiation among packages, with multiple suspensions engineered for various options. The TRD Sport had sport-tuned shocks, while the TRD Off-Road featured monotube Bilstein shocks. The Tacoma's on-road manners were unobjectionable in each configuration. The i-Force Max hybrid powertrain promised maximum capability, though details were limited. Updates included standard disc brakes and electric power steering, enhancing driver-assistance features and addressing the vagueness of the previous model's steering.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline prioritized function with features like shelves in the front door panels, a giant storage console, a dual-action tailgate, and an in-bed trunk. The interior shared similarities with the Honda Passport SUV, offering easy entry and exit, comfortable seats with power adjustment, and a quality look and feel. The rear seat was less generous in headroom and legroom compared to the Passport, but it provided an elevated seating position and rear air conditioning vents. The rear seat cushion flipped up to create a sizable load floor, and a rear underseat storage system was available. The Ridgeline's 1,625 mm truck bed featured a dual-action tailgate and a flat, scratch-resistant composite cargo bed with tie-down cleats. The Ridgeline also had a lockable, weatherproof 206-litre trunk with a drain plug, ideal for carrying groceries, luggage, or wet gear.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma eliminated the Access Cab, offering the four-door Double Cab configuration as standard in Canada. The updated seat shape provided additional comfort, with nearly identical head- and legroom figures for 2024. The Double Cab had 1,061 millimetres of legroom up front and 856 mm in the back. Gas-powered four-door Tacoma models offered three times more storage capacity beneath the flat-folding rear seats. The Tacoma offered a choice of 5-foot or 6-foot bed, with a 440-watt outlet available on gas models and a 2400-watt version expected for hybrids. The bed depth increased, raising total volume by seven percent, and accessories like camp fridges, rooftop tents, and wireless trailer cameras were available from Toyota dealers.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline's infotainment system was dated, with Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad as standard. SiriusXM was available from the EX-L grade, and the Touring and Black Edition included a navigation system, premium audio, and cargo bed speakers. The 8-inch touchscreen was smaller than expected, with slow content loading and delayed voice recognition. The user interface was simple, with touch-sensing shortcut buttons and a stereo volume knob. However, manual tuning between radio stations was cumbersome, and the navigation display was cluttered. The wireless smartphone charger worked inconsistently, and the Ridgeline was in need of a technology overhaul.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma saw significant improvements in technology, with an 8-inch touchscreen as standard and a 14-inch centre display in the Premium packages. Both screens ran the latest version of Toyota's Audio Multimedia system, which was responsive and legible. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and a Qi wireless charging pad could be added. The optional 10-speaker JBL sound system included a removable portable speaker, and pre-wired auxiliary switches allowed for accessory operation. The Tacoma offered a trailer brake controller and a Panoramic View Monitor, enhancing towing capabilities.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline relied on aging driver-assistance systems, with Honda Sensing equipping every version with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard in Canada. The Ridgeline earned favourable crash-test and safety ratings from the IIHS, with top marks in all crash tests from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma introduced new safety technology with standard electric power steering. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 included Lane Tracing Assist, lane-departure alert with steering assist, oncoming vehicle collision avoidance assist, and more. Road-sign assist and an emergency stop system were new for 2024. The adaptive cruise control system offered four choices of following distance. Official safety ratings were not yet available, but Toyota aimed for a Top Safety Pick award with the new standard active driver-assistance features.