2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was built on a unibody platform, setting it apart from the traditional body-on-frame construction of most pickup trucks. This design choice provided increased rigidity, contributing to a more car-like feel. Despite its innovative engineering, the Ridgeline's styling remained conservative, with a snub nose hinting at its crossover roots. The rear maintained a classic pickup look, featuring vertical taillights and dual exhausts. The Black Edition test vehicle showcased a sleek, dark exterior with Berlina Black paint and matching alloy wheels. Inside, the Ridgeline offered a straightforward design with high-quality fit and finish, featuring leather upholstery, heated seats, and a moonroof. However, the piano black trim was prone to smudges and scratches, detracting from the otherwise well-equipped interior.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma presented a more assertive stance, with an upright grille and tall bed that gave it a substantial appearance without being overly large. Available in various trims, the Tacoma offered a wide range of configurations, including different powertrains, bed lengths, and cab styles. The TRD Pro trim, tested in bright Solar Octane paint, stood out with its off-road-oriented features like underbody skid pads, TRD-tuned suspension, and a unique grille. Inside, the Tacoma ranged from basic to well-appointed, with our TRD Pro featuring Softex leather-trimmed upholstery and heated front seats. The physical knobs and buttons for climate control and infotainment were user-friendly, even with gloves on.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. It had a maximum towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms and a payload capacity of up to 690 kilograms, which was modest compared to other midsize pickups. The Ridgeline excelled in handling and ride quality, thanks to its unibody platform and fully independent suspension, offering a comfortable and quiet ride. However, its off-road capabilities were limited, with a maximum ground clearance of 19.4 centimetres and no dedicated off-road version.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma, equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivered 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, with a choice between a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. In Canada, it came standard with four-wheel drive. While the V6 provided decent power, the Tacoma was not particularly quick, and engine noise was noticeable at highway speeds. The TRD Pro's off-road suspension handled rough city streets well, but its steering felt vague on paved roads. Fuel economy was average for the segment, with our TRD Pro achieving 14.4 L/100 km in winter conditions. The Tacoma's off-road features, like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl control, made it capable off the beaten path.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline offered a single configuration with a four-door crew cab and a 162.5-centimetre bed, balancing passenger and cargo space. 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 handling. Inside, the Ridgeline provided ample storage, with a large centre console and under-seat storage in the rear. The cabin felt spacious, with a wider stance and lower cowl height enhancing the sense of roominess.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma offered more configuration choices, with access-cab and double-cab options and varying bed lengths. The access cab had tight rear seats, while the double cab provided easier access and slightly better legroom. The front seats offered good cubby space and legroom, but the steering wheel's limited extension posed challenges for taller drivers. The Tacoma's bed, even in the shorter version, accommodated gear for a ski trip, demonstrating its practicality for outdoor adventures.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. While the interface was not cutting-edge, it was easy to navigate, with analog controls for essential functions. The system lacked unique features but was functional and straightforward.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma's technology was anchored by a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. It offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The interface was simple but outdated, with wireless charging available on higher trims. Our test truck included a premium JBL audio system, but the Tacoma's tech offerings lagged behind some competitors.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top scores in most IIHS crash tests, with a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. It earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included the Honda Sensing suite, with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma came with Toyota Safety Sense, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. Our TRD Pro also had blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera. However, it lacked some advanced features found in other Toyotas, and it did not receive a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating.