2021 Honda Ridgeline vs 2021 Toyota Tundra

The 2021 Toyota Tundra presented a somewhat awkward aesthetic, a remnant of its mid-2000s origins. Its massive grille contrasted with disproportionately small headlights, creating an oversized appearance. Despite its dated design, the Tundra's "Cement" paint colour, blacked-out wheels, and badging lent it a modern touch. Inside, the cabin was dominated by hard plastics and monotone panels, reminiscent of mid-2010s truck styling. However, the layout was intuitive, with all controls easily accessible. The Tundra's interior was not luxurious but included a standard 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keeping it relevant for tech-savvy drivers.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline underwent a redesign, featuring a new front end and rear bumper with dual exhaust outlets. The aggressive grille, bulging fenders, and new wheel designs in black and gunmetal gave it a more traditional truck appearance. The Ridgeline's interior, modeled after the Honda Pilot SUV, emphasized functionality with generous storage and hard plastic surfaces for easy cleaning. The Sport trim featured durable cloth seats, and the cabin offered ample space and comfort, making it a practical choice for midsize truck owners.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra was equipped with a 5.7-litre V8 engine, producing 391 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual tap-shift function. The Tundra's towing capacity reached 4,400 kilograms, while its payload capacity was 599 kilograms. Despite its lower towing capacity compared to competitors like the Ford F-150, the Tundra offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride. Its four-wheel drive system and traditional shifter design provided intuitive handling, although the six-speed transmission limited fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline featured a 280-horsepower V6 engine with 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Ridgeline's all-wheel-drive system with Intelligent Variable Torque Management allowed for torque-vectoring, enhancing its agility. With a towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms and a payload rating of 694 kilograms, the Ridgeline was competitive in its class. Its unibody construction and independent rear suspension contributed to a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, although it was not designed for serious off-roading.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra offered two cab sizes and three bed sizes, with the CrewMax providing a spacious interior and a 1.695-metre bed. The CrewMax's rear seats offered ample legroom, and the front seats featured a massive centre console with multiple storage options. The Tundra's interior was practical, with trays and cup holders, although not as large as those in other full-size pickups.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline excelled in comfort and utility, with a roomy rear seat and standard triple-zone automatic climate control. The interior featured a large centre storage console and various storage compartments throughout. The composite cargo bed was durable, with tie-down hooks and a power outlet in higher trims. The Ridgeline's dual-action tailgate and in-bed trunk added to its practicality, making it a versatile choice for everyday use.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with hard buttons for easy operation. The Tundra offered multiple USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity, with a JBL premium audio system available for enhanced sound quality.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added SiriusXM, HD Radio, and navigation. The Ridgeline's system was straightforward, with wireless smartphone charging and a premium sound system available in upper trims. The truck maintained a refreshingly analog feel, appealing to those who prefer simplicity.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra included the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, offering forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Tundra was equipped with eight airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system, ensuring comprehensive safety.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline featured the Honda Sensing suite, with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. While these features were generally helpful, they were not infallible. The Ridgeline also included a multi-angle reversing camera and automatic high-beam headlights. Built to Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering standards, the Ridgeline earned high safety ratings, although its redesigned front-end affected its IIHS score.