Honda Ridgeline Vs. Toyota Tacoma: Who’s the Mightiest Midsize?

History

To kick off this comparison accurately, we'll need to start at the beginning. Read on to learn the histories of both models. 

Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline debuted at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, garnering the attention of Honda and midsize truck fans alike. It was the second Honda truck produced since the introduction of Honda's first-ever production vehicle, the 1963 T360 kei truck. 

Since its release in 2005 for the 2006 model year, the Ridgeline has undergone several revisions. The YK1 (first generation) Ridgeline saw two facelifts throughout its production, receiving minor redesigns in 2009 and 2012. Honda released the second-generation (YK2/YK3) Ridgeline in 2017 and, once again, gave it a mild facelift in 2021.

Toyota Tacoma

Before the release of the Tacoma, the United States had been no stranger to Toyota's pickups. However, in 1995, the brand opted to disband from its prototypical truck approach, which consisted of compact, minimalist trucks, to better appeal to the domestic market. US consumers wanted larger, more powerful, and more well-equipped trucks. To satisfy this need, Toyota engineered what would become one of its most popular vehicles—the Tacoma. 

Since its release, Toyota has refreshed the Tacoma numerous times, including four generational revisions with at least one mid-generation facelift per. These include: 

• 4th Generation: 2024 - Now 

• 3rd Generation Facelift: 2020 - 2023 

• 3rd Generation: 2016 - 2019 

• 2nd Generation Facelift 2: 2012 - 2015 

• 2nd Generation Facelift: 2009 - 2011 

• 2nd Generation: 2005 - 2008 

• 1st Generation Facelift 2: 2001 - 2004 

• 1st Generation Facelift: 1998 - 2000 

• 1st Generation: 1995 - 1997

Model Overview

In this section, we discuss the key characteristics of each platform, including some similarities and significant differences.

Honda Ridgline

While offering more angular, muscular bodylines, the first-generation Ridgeline was based on the same unibody platform as the Honda Pilot SUV and Odyssey minivan—a concept that carries through to the model's current generation. The YK2/YK3 generation, which encompasses 2021 to 2025, still shares its chassis, suspension, and drivetrain with the current Honda Pilot and Odyssey. 

This design choice grants the Ridgeline car-like driving characteristics and a comfortable, plush ride. Though appealing to many, several die-hard truck enthusiasts tend to ridicule the Ridgeline for its unibody design and limited towing and hauling capabilities. Still, the model has been generally well-received since its inception.

Toyota Tacoma

By comparison, the Toyota Tacoma is a proper truck, through and through. The current generation features a peppy turbocharged powerplant, rugged body-on-frame construction, and aggressive styling. If you're a die-hard analog fan, it's also the only truck still offered with a manual transmission.

The Tacoma is a unique pickup engineered exclusively for the North American market. Its build quality and design appeal to American consumers who demand high power figures, durability, and ample cargo/interior space.

Specifications

So, how do the two models compare on paper? The tables below provide power figures, dimensions, and overall specifications.

Honda Ridgeline

Toyota Tacoma

Which Should You Buy?

So, which model is right for you?

Reliability

If reliability is a concern, the 2025 Ridgeline has a more proven track record due to the generation’s numerous years in production. That's nearly a decade of fine-tuning, bug-fixing, and updating to ensure peak reliability—not to mention the drivetrain's usage across several Honda models. 

By comparison, the fourth-generation Tacoma is only in its second year of production. Time will tell if the turbocharged four-cylinder is as reliable as the previous generation's flagship V6. Still, if Toyota's reputation is any indicator, the new truck should remain on the road for decades.

Design

Aside from reliability, both trucks are entirely different design-wise. The Ridgeline is essentially an SUV with a bed, featuring a unibody chassis, four-wheel independent suspension, and considerably less peak torque. It's a truck for those who don't need to tow, haul, or travel off the beaten path. If you prioritize car-like handling and only need the bed for small projects, the Ridgeline is worth considering. 

Alternatively, the Tacoma is a truck for truck drivers. It's a proper pickup that embodies the heart and soul of a truck, including rugged body-on-frame construction, a torquey powerplant, and capable suspension that's begging to be modified with a lift kit and oversized tires. If you plan to use your midsize pickup for hauling, towing, and hitting the trail, the Tacoma is the better candidate.

Configurability

Personalization is another factor, and the Tacoma dominates in this field. Offered with a conventional or hybrid engine, a manual or automatic transmission, multiple drive configurations, and several trims, the Tacoma is infinitely configurable for consumers. Alternatively, the Ridgeline only has a single powertrain, drivetrain, and body configuration. 

All things considered, both midsize trucks deliver solid reliability, performance, and styling. They're two trucks that embody the midsize truck market, but in different ways. The Ridgeline appeals to those who prioritize comfort and economy—it's a small truck engineered for sedan and SUV drivers. Alternatively, the Tacoma is a true pickup that appeals to truck enthusiasts.  

The only remaining question is, what type of truck driver are you? For more information on both trucks, check out all of our Honda Ridgeline and Toyota Tacoma features on RealSource.