2024 Honda Ridgeline vs 2024 Toyota Tundra

The 2024 Toyota Tundra featured a bold design with a massive grille aimed at enhancing powertrain cooling and reliability. While some found its appearance unappealing, the truck's industrial design theme with camo-pattern detailing conveyed durability and strength. However, the interior's plastic components detracted from the overall build quality, producing creaking sounds that affected confidence in its longevity. Available in various cab styles and trims, the Tundra offered a range of configurations, all powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, with hybrid options available.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Ridgeline, though not a standout in design, received updates that improved its presence. The blunt nose and tall hood, along with new tailgate lettering, helped it blend in better with traditional trucks. Inside, the Ridgeline's new centre console design and digital instrumentation panel enhanced its pickup feel. Available in three trims, each Ridgeline came with a 280-horsepower V6 engine and torque-vectoring AWD, offering a balance of practicality and comfort.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro was designed for off-road excellence but also delivered a satisfying on-road experience. It featured a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine producing 358 horsepower, with the TRD Pro's hybrid version boosting output to 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. Equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and part-time 4WD, it offered a towing capacity of 5,068 kilograms and a payload of 725 kilograms. Despite its off-road prowess, the Tundra's fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 16.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline, powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 280 horsepower, excelled on-road with its smooth powertrain and responsive handling. Its towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, and it offered a payload of 687 kilograms. While not built for extreme off-roading, the Ridgeline provided a comfortable daily driving experience. Its nine-speed automatic transmission occasionally caused issues, and fuel economy averaged 14.5 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly higher than expected.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra offered a spacious interior typical of full-size trucks, but the i-Force Max's battery limited rear underseat storage. While it provided decent storage space, the Tundra lacked some helpful cargo bed features found in competitors. Comfort was generally good, though the driver's seat caused discomfort on long drives. The TRD Pro's heated and ventilated seats were appreciated, but entry and exit could be challenging for shorter individuals.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline excelled in comfort and practicality. Easy to enter and exit, it offered supportive seating for five passengers. The TrailSport trim featured heated leather seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed adequate legroom and climate control. The Ridgeline's cargo bed included a weatherproof trunk, perfect for various uses, and the dual-action tailgate added practicality.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a JBL premium audio system. Toyota offered generous trial subscriptions to connected services, enhancing the infotainment experience. Additional tech features included wireless charging and a surround-view camera.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's faster processor and improved graphics made it user-friendly. Standard features included a seven-speaker stereo and HondaLink connected services. The Ridgeline's instrumentation added a 7-inch digital display, enhancing usability.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and more. However, the lane-centring assist was less reliable. The Tundra received high safety ratings from NHTSA but had a Poor rating for rear-seat passenger safety from IIHS.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline included Honda Sensing, with features like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. While generally effective, some systems were less smooth. The Ridgeline received an Acceptable rating from IIHS for small overlap frontal-impact tests but scored well with NHTSA.