2024 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Toyota Tundra

The 2023 Toyota Tundra was a behemoth of a truck, with its massive grille and interlocking design elements that gave it a purposeful and solid appearance. The Tundra's design was not just about brute force; it featured slim, high-mounted headlights and a character line that added visual length. The rear showcased a three-dimensional stamped design, and the new SX Package added dark gray metallic wheels and body-color trim pieces. The Tundra was available in seven trim levels, with the TRD Pro trim offering unique features like clearance lamps and a bold "TOYOTA" stamp on the grille. Inside, the Tundra boasted expansive seats and a massive 14-inch touchscreen, providing ample space and comfort.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Ridgeline, while not a traditional looker, had undergone styling changes that gave it more presence. The blunt nose, tall hood, and new tailgate lettering helped it fit in with the crowd, and the TrailSport’s all-terrain tires added some attitude. The interior featured a new center console design with a wide armrest and a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel. The Ridgeline was available in four versions, all equipped with a 280-horsepower V6 engine and torque-vectoring AWD. The TrailSport trim, with its Radiant Red paint and optional black tailgate lettering, offered a family-friendly pickup with a comfortable ride.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra offered two engine choices, both featuring six cylinders. The standard 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine produced 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid version, known as the i-FORCE MAX, delivered 437 hp and 583 lb-ft. A 10-speed automatic transmission managed the power smoothly, and the multi-link suspension improved ride quality. The Tundra's maximum towing capacity was 12,000 pounds, with a payload of 1,940 pounds. The TRD Pro trim stood out with its off-road capabilities, including a 1.1-inch lift, 2.5-inch fox shocks, and 33-inch tires. However, its size was a challenge on narrow trails.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Honda’s i-VTM4 AWD system. The Ridgeline's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, with a payload of 1,583 pounds. Off-road, the Ridgeline struggled with shallow approach angles and limited ground clearance. However, on-road, it excelled with a smooth powertrain, quick acceleration, and responsive handling. The automatic transmission had some quirks, and the average fuel economy was 19.4 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra offered a practical and thoughtful design, with big physical controls for easy operation. The interior featured a large center console bin with a sliding door, and the rear seat provided ample space for adults. The Tundra was available in various size configurations, with the SR5 trim offering a double-cab with a 6.5-foot or 8.1-foot bed, and the CrewMax body available with a 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot bed.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline prioritized comfort and practicality, with easy entry and supportive seats. The TrailSport trim featured perforated leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed adequate legroom and a triple-zone climate control system. The Ridgeline offered plenty of storage options, including a flip-up rear seat cushion and a 33.9 cubic-foot cargo bed with a weatherproof trunk.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra featured an 8-inch touchscreen on the SR and SR5 trims, with a 14-inch screen available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and a 12-speaker audio system was available on the Limited trim and above. The 12.3-inch digital instrument panel was impressive, offering great resolution and brightness.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline came with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, updated with a faster processor and new graphics. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and smartphone charging. The Black Edition offered HD Radio and an eight-speaker premium sound system. The 7-inch digital display in the instrumentation was well-executed and user-friendly.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra was equipped with the TSS 2.5 suite, including automatic emergency braking, road-sign detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available but not standard across all trims. The IIHS awarded CrewMax models a Top Safety Pick+ in 2022.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline featured the Honda Sensing suite, with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The ADAS performed adequately, though not always smoothly. The Ridgeline received an Acceptable rating in the IIHS small overlap frontal-impact test, while the NHTSA awarded it five-star ratings, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.