2022 Toyota Tundra vs 2022 Honda Ridgeline

The 2022 Toyota Tundra marked the beginning of its third generation, showcasing a complete redesign from its predecessors. Every component, down to the turn signal stalks, was re-engineered, giving the Tundra a more dynamic and expressive exterior. The large hexagonal grille varied in finish depending on the trim, with the TRD Pro trim featuring retro "TOYOTA" badging. The Tundra's muscular side styling and neatly tucked rear with LED taillamps added to its robust appearance. Inside, the Tundra embraced premium materials and amenities, with a 14-inch touchscreen display standard on higher trims, emphasizing its role as a family adventure vehicle. The interior design echoed the exterior's shapes, creating a cohesive and well-thought-out design.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline, built on a unibody platform, offered a more car-like construction, providing increased rigidity. Its styling was conservative, with a snub nose and classic pickup rear view. The Ridgeline's front-end styling was updated in 2021, making it look more like traditional trucks. The Black Edition test vehicle featured a dark theme with matching alloy wheels and exterior trim. Inside, the Ridgeline's no-nonsense design was complemented by high-quality fit and finish. The Black Line test vehicle included 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.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra introduced two new engines, moving away from the previous 5.7-litre V8. The base i-Force engine, a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6, delivered 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, with slightly lower figures for the SR trim. The i-Force Max hybrid powertrain combined the V6 with an electric motor, producing 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Tundra's fuel consumption varied slightly between the RWD and 4WD models, with the hybrid matching the 4WD V6's efficiency. The new chassis and suspension improved handling, with a switch to a multi-link rear suspension enhancing ride quality. The Tundra excelled in off-road conditions, especially with the TRD Off-Road package, while the TRD Sport package catered to on-road performance enthusiasts.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline stuck with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Ridgeline's towing capacity was 2,267 kilograms, with payload capacities varying slightly between trims. While not leading in towing or payload, the Ridgeline's naturally aspirated V6 provided sufficient power, though the transmission's slow response and sluggish start-stop system were drawbacks. The Ridgeline's unibody platform offered superior handling and ride quality, akin to a luxury car, with fully independent suspension and torque vectoring AWD. However, its off-road capability was limited compared to traditional 4WD systems, with lower ground clearance and no dedicated off-road version.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra offered Double Cab and CrewMax configurations, both accommodating five passengers. The CrewMax provided generous rear legroom of 1,057 mm, while the Double Cab offered 846 mm. Bed options included 6.5-foot and 8.1-foot for Double Cab, and 5.5-foot and 6.5-foot for CrewMax. The aluminum-reinforced composite bed was a new addition, offering durability and weight savings. The Tundra's towing capacity reached 5,443 kilograms, with standard trailer sway control and TOW/HAUL mode. Inside, smart storage solutions like the sliding tray in the front centre armrest and a conveniently placed 12-volt power tap showcased Toyota's buyer-focused design.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline came exclusively 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 with a drain plug, a slot for the spare tire, and an in-bed audio system. The Dual-Action Tailgate and wide bed allowed for versatile cargo handling. Inside, the Ridgeline offered under-seat storage, rear USB ports on higher trims, and a practical layout with a pushbutton shifter, large centre console, and wireless phone charger. While not leading in headroom or legroom, the Ridgeline felt spacious due to its wider stance and lower cowl height.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra featured a new infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard on lower trims and a 14-inch screen on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Toyota Connected services and a 12-speaker JBL audio system on upper grades. The Tundra offered a combination analog/digital instrument panel on lower trims and a 12.3-inch digital panel on upper trims. Off-roaders benefited from the multi-terrain select system, crawl control, and a multi-terrain monitor system, enhancing the Tundra's off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Bluetooth. SiriusXM was available on all but the base trim, with navigation on higher trims. While not cutting-edge, the interface was user-friendly, with analog controls for essential functions. The Ridgeline's infotainment system was basic but functional, comparable to its rivals.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra had not yet received crash-test ratings from IIHS or NHTSA. However, it came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, including features like pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. The Star Safety System and eight airbags were standard, with blind-spot monitoring available on most trims.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, with a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Honda Sensing, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, was standard. The Ridgeline lacked a 360-degree camera system, but its blind spot monitoring system was well-placed.