2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2021 Toyota Tundra

The 2021 Toyota Tundra presented a somewhat awkward aesthetic, a relic of its mid-2000s origins. Its massive grille contrasted with disproportionately small headlights, creating an oversized appearance that seemed out of sync with modern truck design. Despite this, the Tundra's "Cement" paint colour, blacked-out wheels, and badging lent it a more contemporary look. Inside, the cabin was a mix of dated and modern elements, with hard plastics and monotone panels dominating the dash. However, the layout was intuitive, with all controls within easy reach, making it user-friendly compared to more complex competitors like the Ram 1500. The Tundra's interior was not luxurious, but updates like the standard 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto kept it relevant.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline's unibody construction set it apart from traditional body-on-frame trucks, offering increased rigidity. Its styling was conservative, with a snub nose hinting at its crossover roots. The Ridgeline's front-end design was updated in 2021 to appear more truck-like, which was well-received. The Black Edition test vehicle featured a sleek, dark exterior with matching alloy wheels and trim. Inside, the Ridgeline's no-nonsense design was complemented by high-quality fit and finish. The Black Edition boasted leather upholstery, heated seats, and a moonroof, though the piano black trim was prone to smudging. Overall, the Ridgeline's interior was practical and well-equipped, aligning with Honda's reputation for quality.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra was powered by a 5.7-litre V8 engine, producing 391 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offering a towing capacity of 4,400 kilograms and a payload capacity of 599 kilograms. While the Tundra's towing capacity lagged behind competitors like the Ford F-150, its V8 provided strong acceleration and a comfortable ride. The truck's width contributed to stability in corners, and it excelled on highways, though steering was vague at low speeds.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Its towing capacity was 2,267 kilograms, with payload capacities varying slightly by trim. While not leading in towing or payload, the Ridgeline's naturally aspirated V6 offered sufficient power, though the transmission was slow to respond. The Ridgeline's unibody construction provided a smooth, car-like ride, with independent suspension and torque vectoring AWD enhancing handling. However, its off-road capabilities were limited compared to traditional 4WD trucks.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra offered two cab sizes and three bed sizes, with the CrewMax providing ample space for passengers and cargo. The CrewMax's rear seats offered exceptional legroom, and the seats could be folded up for additional cargo space. The front seats were spacious, with a large centre console and multiple storage options, though door storage was smaller than in some competitors.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was available only as a four-door crew cab with a 162.5-centimetre bed. The bed featured a 207-litre lockable in-bed trunk, a spare tire slot, and an in-bed audio system. The Dual-Action Tailgate and wide bed allowed for versatile cargo options. Inside, the Ridgeline offered under-seat storage, rear USB ports, and a practical layout with a pushbutton shifter, ample storage, and easy-to-use controls. The cabin felt spacious, with a wider stance and lower cowl height enhancing the sense of roominess.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra's infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with hard buttons for essential functions. The Tundra offered multiple USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity, with a standard seven-speaker stereo and an optional 12-speaker JBL audio system.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline also came with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Bluetooth. While the interface was not cutting-edge, it was easy to navigate, with analog controls for vital functions. SiriusXM was available on higher trims, and navigation was offered on the Touring and Black Edition models. The Ridgeline's infotainment system was basic but functional, similar to its competitors.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra included the Toyota Safety Sense P suite as standard, featuring 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 also had eight airbags and a tow package with a heavy-duty hitch receiver.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with some exceptions. It came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features included automatic high beams and blind spot monitoring, though a 360-degree camera system was absent.