Ridgeline vs Tacoma
It’s Honda against Toyota in the midsize pickup class, and the Ridgeline and the Tacoma are the models carrying each flag. On balance, the Ridgeline is the stronger package: it leads in 2 out of 2 areas, most clearly in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Ridgeline wins
- Off-road & Towing Ridgeline wins
- Engine & Performance4.2
- Off-road & Towing5.7
- Engine & Performance0.0
- Off-road & Towing3.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Ridgeline has 52 hp more power
The Tacoma is clearly behind on total system output (228 hp against 280 hp), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. The Ridgeline’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Ridgeline has 1,500 lb more towing capacity
On this line of the spec sheet, the Ridgeline is in a different league: 5,000 lb, next to 3,500 lb for the Tacoma. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
-
The Ridgeline has 19 lb-ft more torque
The Ridgeline wins this narrowly, 262 lb-ft against 243 lb-ft, which makes it more of a bonus than a reason to buy. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Ridgeline | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 210.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 70.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 125.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Ridgeline leads
The engine & performance numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the Ridgeline. The Ridgeline delivers 52 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Anyone shopping mainly on engine & performance should start with the Ridgeline.
Total system output
Ridgeline: 280 hp Tacoma: 228 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Ridgeline: 262 lb-ft Tacoma: 243 lb-ft The Ridgeline’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Off-road & Towing
Ridgeline leads
This section belongs to the Ridgeline. In off-road & towing, it leads the Tacoma by a margin that’s hard to ignore. The Ridgeline scores with 1,500 lb more towing capacity. If you tow regularly, the Ridgeline’s higher rating gives you more margin. Net result: the Ridgeline leads this part of the comparison.
Max towing
Ridgeline: 5,000 lb Tacoma: 3,500 lb Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
Safety & Tech
There isn’t a number to compare on safety & tech, just names. Look at the rows below to see how the Ridgeline and the Tacoma differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Ridgeline | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 2.4L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 280 hp (winner) | 228 hp Least powerful in class |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft (winner) | 243 lb-ft Least torque in class |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD (4WD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Ridgeline | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 21 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 18 mpg Thirstiest in the city | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 24 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel tank | 19.5 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Ridgeline | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Ridgeline | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb (winner) | 3,500 lb Lowest towing capacity |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Ridgeline | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 9 in Smallest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Honda Sensing | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Ridgeline | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 210.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 70.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 125.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Ridgeline | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $40,595 Priciest in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Ridgeline if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (280 hp vs 228 hp)
- you want the higher towing capacity (5,000 lb vs 3,500 lb)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (262 lb-ft vs 243 lb-ft of torque)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Ridgeline or the Tacoma?
On the specs compared here, the Ridgeline makes more sense for most buyers; the Tacoma doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
I read both spec sheets (the Ridgeline’s and the Tacoma’s) so you don’t have to. The Ridgeline has 52 hp more power, and for most people that’s not a small thing. There’s more, too: the Ridgeline offers 1,500 lb more towing capacity.
Match the strength to your habits (engine & performance for the Ridgeline, the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the Tacoma), and you won’t go far wrong.
My pick: the Ridgeline.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.