2021 Toyota Tacoma vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma presented itself as the quintessential pickup truck, embodying the classic truck aesthetic with its boxy fender flares, tall hood, and shield-like grille. Its design was a stark contrast to the more streamlined Ford Ranger and General Motors midsize twins, offering a rugged appearance without the exaggerated features of larger trucks like the Toyota Tundra. Certain models, such as the Nightshade Edition and TRD Pro, boasted unique styling elements, including blacked-out trim and model-specific grilles. The Tacoma's body-on-frame construction, typical of most pickups, enhanced its towing and off-road capabilities, although it compromised ride and handling. The interior mirrored the exterior's ruggedness, with a dashboard of chunky plastic elements. While material quality was suitable for a base model, it seemed less justified at the TRD Pro's higher price point, despite its off-road focus.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline underwent a redesign that enhanced its truck-like appearance, featuring a new front end, rear bumper with dual exhaust outlets, and aggressive tire treads. The Ridgeline was available in Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Black Edition trims, with pricing ranging from $44,355 to $53,355, excluding destination charges. It came equipped with a 280-horsepower V6 engine, standard torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The interior, modeled after the Honda Pilot SUV, emphasized functionality with generous storage and hard plastic surfaces for easy cleaning. The Ridgeline's design and features made it a comfortable and functional choice for midsize pickup owners, offering a more car-like driving experience compared to traditional trucks.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. It featured both 6-speed automatic and manual transmissions, with a part-time 4WD drivetrain that included a low range and an electronic rear limited-slip differential. The TRD models, particularly the TRD Pro, were equipped for off-road adventures with features like upgraded suspension, Bilstein shock absorbers, and Crawl Control. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with slow acceleration and poor ride quality. The Tacoma's maximum towing capacity was 2,948 kilograms, and its payload capacity was 571 kilograms, respectable but not class-leading.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline, with its 280-horsepower V6 engine and 262 pound-feet of torque, offered a smooth and refined driving experience. Its nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive system with Intelligent Variable Torque Management provided quick acceleration and impressive handling. The Ridgeline's unibody construction and independent rear suspension contributed to its car-like driving dynamics. While its towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms was lower than some competitors, its payload capacity of 694 kilograms was competitive. The Ridgeline excelled in flat terrain and handled various off-road conditions with ease, though it was not designed for rock-crawling.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma's interior space was limited, with the Double Cab offering the least rear headroom and legroom in its segment. The front seats also lacked space, creating a bunker-like feel. Storage options were limited, though the rear seats folded up to reveal storage cubbies. The Tacoma's bed featured a standard rail system with tie-down cleats and an available 120-volt outlet, but it lacked clever storage solutions like those found in the Ridgeline.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline excelled in comfort and functionality, offering a spacious interior with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat. The rear seat was the roomiest in its class, and features like triple-zone automatic climate control and a power moonroof added to the comfort. The Ridgeline's cargo bed was dent- and scratch-resistant, with tie-down hooks and a power outlet. Its standout features included a dual-action tailgate and a 207-litre in-bed trunk with a drain plug, enhancing its utility.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma came with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim, with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered a seven-speaker JBL audio system. The infotainment system was functional but lacked standout features, though the Multi-Terrain Monitor was useful for off-road and parking maneuvers.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It included a seven-speaker sound system and wireless smartphone charging. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM, HD Radio, and navigation. The Ridgeline's infotainment system was straightforward, and while it lacked advanced technologies, it provided essential connectivity and entertainment options.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma received top "Good" scores from the IIHS in most crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the passenger-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating. The Tacoma came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline included the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. While these features were generally helpful, they were not infallible. The Ridgeline also featured a multi-angle reversing camera and automatic high-beam headlights. It was built to Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering standards, ensuring high crashworthiness ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.