Muller Honda Highland Park
 Sales 877-450-4186
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550 Skokie Valley Rd Highland Park, IL 60035-4412
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Honda Ridgeline Vs. Toyota Tacoma Full Model Comparison

Honda Ridgeline vs. 2025 Toyota Tacoma

When it comes to shopping for midsize trucks, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline vs. Toyota Tacoma is a natural comparison to make as a buyer. Both models provide rugged capability and versatility while also offering several interior amenities that provide comfort and convenience. Which one is better, Tacoma or Ridgeline? Let's find out.

2025 Honda Ridgeline vs. 2025 Toyota Tacoma at a Glance


  • Performance: The Ridgeline features a smooth 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 280 horsepower, while the standard engine on the Tacoma delivers up to 270 horsepower.
  • Towing: The Ridgeline offers a consistent 5,000-pound towing capacity1 across all trims, whereas the entry-level Tacoma maxes out at 3,500 pounds2 and requires an upgraded engine to tow more.
  • Interior & Comfort: The Ridgeline stands out for its spacious and modern cabin with more rear legroom and some standard features that are only available as upgrades on the Tacoma.
  • Reliability: The Ridgeline boasts a higher Quality & Reliability score from J.D. Power,3 reflecting its reputation for long-term durability and fewer reported issues.
 

Toyota Tacoma vs. Honda Ridgeline Specs

Looking at the entry-level trims on both the Ridgeline and the Tacoma, both offer distinct driving experiences tailored to different preferences. The 2025 Ridgeline is powered by a refined 3.5-liter V-6 engine producing 280 horsepower and comes with standard AWD.

In comparison, the base Tacoma is equipped with a standard i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that produces 228 horsepower. While this output increases to 270 horsepower when paired with the six-speed manual transmission, it still falls short of the Ridgeline's performance and is limited to select configurations.

While the Tacoma comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Ridgeline is equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The additional gear in the Ridgeline makes for a smoother ride and improves handling, delivering a more refined driving experience.

2025 Honda Ridgeline vs. 2025 Toyota Tacoma
  2025 Ridgeline Sport 2025 Tacoma SR
Base Engine 3.5L V-6 2.0L 4-cyl
Standard Horsepower 280 228
Standard Torque 262 lb-ft 243 lb-ft
Transmission 9-Speed Automatic 8-Speed Automatic or Six-Speed Manual
Standard Towing Capacity 5,000 lbs>1 3,500 lbs>2
Seating Capacity 5 2-5
Length 210.2 in 213 in

The Honda Ridgeline offers the same great performance across all trims, providing consistent power regardless of the model you choose. It's true that drivers can achieve more power on the Tacoma, but upgrading to one of the higher, more expensive trims is required.

The highest Tacoma trim is over a third more in cost compared to the highest Ridgeline, which is the Black Edition. The Honda Ridgeline not only provides consistent performance, but it also offers exceptional value even when purchasing one of the higher trim levels.

When comparing the Honda Ridgeline towing capacity to the Tacoma, the Ridgeline offers a 5,000-pound towing maximum1 no matter the model. This is higher than the standard towing capacity on the Tacoma SR at 3,500 pounds.2 This number can be increased on the SR, but again, it requires a more expensive configuration and an upgraded 2.4-liter engine to hit it.

The Ridgeline Sport also boasts a higher max payload capacity at 1,583 pounds, which is higher than max payload of 1,500 pounds on the Tacoma SR.

Compare Honda Ridgeline to Toyota Tacoma Features

Compare Honda Ridgeline to Toyota Tacoma Features

When it comes to features, both the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and Toyota Tacoma are packed with innovative technology and comfort-driven upgrades. However, the Ridgeline offers some better standard features, including a leather steering wheel, which is only an available option on Tacoma.

The Ridgeline comes standard with a tri-zone automatic climate control system that features humidity control and air filtration. In contrast, the Tacoma offers automatic climate control or dual-zone automatic climate control only as optional additions.

The Honda Ridgeline boasts a standard seven-speaker audio system that includes a subwoofer, compared to the standard four-speaker audio system on the Tacoma. Both midsize trucks come with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility.

Honda Ridgeline vs. Toyota Tacoma Reliability & Safety

Honda Ridgeline vs. Toyota Tacoma Reliability & Safety

Reliability is a critical factor when choosing a midsize truck, and both the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and Toyota Tacoma have established strong reputations for dependability. However, the Ridgeline is celebrated for its car-like ride quality and low maintenance costs. In addition, the Honda Ridge has a higher Quality & Reliability rating from J.D. Power, scoring an impressive 84/100>3 compared to the 79/100>4 on the Tacoma.

In terms of safety, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and Toyota Tacoma both prioritize advanced driver-assistance features to keep you secure on the road. The Ridgeline comes standard with Honda Sensing, offering features like Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Meanwhile, the Tacoma includes Toyota Safety Sense™ with Pre-Collision Warning, Lane Departure Alert, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

 

Experience the Consistency of the 2025 Honda Ridgeline!

Overall, in Honda Ridgeline versus Toyota Tacoma comparison, the Ridgeline offers better performance on the entry-level trim, along with many of the same standard features that continue throughout the lineup. Schedule your test drive or explore more comparisons, like the Honda Ridgeline vs. Chevrolet Silverado review from our team.

What's New for the 2025 Honda Ridgeline?

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline continues to redefine the midsize truck segment, offering a unique blend of comfort and performance. But does it compare to the 2024 Ridgeline?

The new Ridgeline retains many of the same features as the previous model, including its reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine and 5,000-pound towing capacity.>1 With the 2024 Honda Ridgeline release date come and gone, drivers are excited to get behind the wheel of the latest Ridgeline.

If you're interested in the 2024 model, be sure to check out our 2023 vs. 2024 Honda Ridgeline comparison to see the differences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Tacoma or Ridgeline?

Comparing Honda Ridgeline vs. Toyota Tacoma trucks will reveal many competitive advantages to a 2025 Honda Ridgeline. You'll find that the Ridgeline maintains the same performance across the lineup, such as towing, horsepower, and torque, whereas you have to upgrade to the higher trims on the Tacoma to get better specs. Plus, with higher reliability scores>3 and more affordable options, the path forward to owning a Ridgeline is easier.

Is the Honda Ridgeline the same size as the Toyota Tacoma?

The dimensions of the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and 2025 Toyota Tacoma are quite similar when comparing their base models, though the Ridgeline is almost two inches wider than the Tacoma. While the Tacoma is slightly longer, its boxier shape contrasts with the Ridgeline truck's more modern and sleek design, giving the Ridgeline a more refined and aerodynamic appearance for drivers.

Which has more interior space, Honda Ridgeline or Toyota Tacoma?

Both trucks offer seating for up to five passengers, but the Ridgeline provides more rear legroom, with 36.7 inches compared to the 33.7 inches in the Tacoma. The Ridgeline also offers more hip and shoulder room in both the front and rear rows, giving an overall more spacious interior. In contrast, the cabin in the Tacoma has a more rigid, boxy shape, which makes it feel less roomy.

Is the Honda Ridgeline a true truck?

Yes, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline is classified as a midsize truck. While it has a truck bed and can handle towing and hauling tasks, the Ridgeline uses a unibody construction similar to that of a car, which gives it a smoother ride and more refined handling compared to traditional trucks. This design choice makes the Ridgeline more comfortable for daily driving while still offering great performance expected from a pickup.


1Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

2Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. "Added vehicle equipment" includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle's exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner's Manual for limitations.

3Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/honda/ridgeline

4Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/toyota/tacoma-2wd