Poll: Honda Ridgeline or Toyota Tacoma?
TRUCKS!!! Who doesn’t love a good pickup comparison? In this poll, we pit the innovative Honda Ridgeline against Toyota’s hot-selling Tacoma.
Unlike other rigs, the Ridgeline features a unibody architecture. These car-based bones provide a rigid foundation that helps enhance its on-road dynamics.
Under-hood, Honda’s midsize offering features a 3.5-liter V6 engine. It delivers a potent 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, all of which is routed through a six-speed automatic transmission. As expected, no manual gearbox is available. Front- or all-wheel-drive is on the menu.
Setting the Ridgeline apart from more traditional pickups is an innovative bed. For starters, its tailgate is double jointed, folding and swinging in two different ways. There’s also a hidden, weather-tight trunk in the floor, which is convenient for storing items out of sight.
In comparison, the Tacoma is a much more traditional pickup, featuring a ladder frame and a live rear axle. It also offers two engine choices.
For frugal customers, there’s a base 2.7-liter four-cylinder unit that’s rated at just 159 horses. The more appropriate offering is a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 278 ponies and 265 lb-ft of twist, figures that are all over what the Ridgeline offers.
Catering to enthusiasts, two six-ratio gearboxes are available with the up-level engine. You can opt for either a manual or automatic, which is pretty awesome. Further setting the Tacoma apart from its Japanese rival, several off-road packages are available including a mega-fun TRD Pro trim.
The Toyota also has an edge when it comes to towing. Properly equipped, it’s rated to drag up to 6,700 pounds (though to be fair this would be an absolute struggle); the best Honda’s Ridgeline can pull is 5,000.
So, which do you prefer, car-like refinement and a healthy dose of innovation or something more traditional that knows how to get dirty? For more information please compare these trucks here and don’t forget to vote in the poll below.
Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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Ridgeline best
The Tacoma is a narrow win for me, a manual transmission and exorbitant resale, but I'd rather drive the Ridgeline for everything on road.