2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma, a staple in the North American market since 1995, was part of Toyota's long history of truck manufacturing, dating back to the Toyota Pickup in 1972 and the international Hilux in 1968. The third-generation Tacoma, introduced in 2016 and refreshed in 2020, began to show its age despite its aggressive exterior design. Inside, the cabin's mix of contemporary design and outdated elements, such as hard plastics and older switchgear, highlighted its aging nature. The Tacoma offered various configurations and packages, including the TRD Pro, which featured unique styling, a TRD-tuned suspension, and advanced off-road capabilities.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline, built on a unibody platform similar to crossovers, offered increased rigidity and a more car-like feel. Its conservative styling was marked by a snub nose and classic pickup rear view. The Ridgeline's 2021 facelift gave it a blockier front end, aligning it more with traditional trucks. The Black Edition test vehicle featured a dark, cohesive exterior with Berlina Black paint and matching alloy wheels. Inside, the Ridgeline boasted a no-nonsense design with high-quality fit and finish, leather upholstery, and heated seats. However, the piano black trim was prone to smudging and scratching, detracting from the otherwise well-equipped interior.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma in Canada came standard with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, paired with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. It offered a maximum towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms and a payload capacity of 583 kilograms. Despite its capabilities, the V6 struggled with highway acceleration due to its gearing and transmission. The Tacoma excelled off-road, particularly in the TRD Pro variant, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control enhancing its trail performance.

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. It had a towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms and a payload capacity ranging from 674 to 690 kilograms, depending on the trim. While its towing capacity lagged behind competitors, the Ridgeline's naturally aspirated V6 provided ample power. The unibody platform delivered a comfortable ride and precise handling, though its off-road capabilities were limited compared to traditional pickups.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma offered Access Cab and Double Cab configurations with five-foot and six-foot-one-inch bed options. The Access Cab's rear jump seats were tight on legroom, while the Double Cab provided slightly better but still limited rear-seat space. The front seats offered ample legroom, though the steering wheel's limited adjustment posed challenges for taller drivers. The Tacoma's bed featured in-bed lighting and a power outlet, enhancing its utility.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline came exclusively with a four-door crew cab and a 162.5-centimetre bed, offering a balance of passenger and cargo space. Its bed included a 207-litre lockable in-bed trunk with a drain plug, a spare tire slot, and an in-bed audio system. The Dual-Action Tailgate and wide bed accommodated 4-foot-wide sheets of plywood. Inside, the Ridgeline provided additional storage under the rear seats, a large centre console, and a wireless phone charger. Its wider stance and lower cowl height contributed to a spacious feel.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth compatibility, while higher trims added an 8-inch screen and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system's basic layout and large icons made it user-friendly, though the wireless charger required manual activation. The Tacoma's tech offerings were limited, but its simplicity suited active lifestyles.

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

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma included standard driver assistance features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The NHTSA awarded the Tacoma a four-star overall safety rating, with high scores in side crash tests.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top scores in most IIHS crash tests, with a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included the Honda Sensing suite, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring. The Ridgeline lacked a 360-degree camera system, which would have been beneficial.