2024 Honda Ridgeline vs 2024 Toyota Tundra

The 2024 Toyota Tundra was designed with a massive grille, intended to enhance powertrain cooling and ensure long-term reliability. However, this engineering choice resulted in a polarizing appearance that not everyone appreciated. Despite this, the Tundra's overall design was considered appealing, with its industrial theme and camo-pattern detailing conveying a sense of durability and strength. Unfortunately, the interior's plastic components detracted from the truck's perceived build quality, as they often produced creaking and clattering noises. The Tundra was available in various configurations, including Double Cab and CrewMax styles, with multiple trim levels and a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine. Prices ranged from $39,665 to $78,845, excluding destination charges.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Ridgeline, while never known for its looks, had undergone styling changes that improved its presence. The second-generation model, still in production, featured a blunt nose, tall hood, and new tailgate lettering, helping it blend in better with its peers. The TrailSport trim added all-terrain tires for a more rugged appearance. Inside, the Ridgeline boasted a new center console design, enhancing its pickup truck feel. The interior was comfortable, with supportive seats and ample legroom for passengers. The Ridgeline was available in four trims, each equipped with a 280-horsepower V6 engine and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. Prices ranged from $39,750 to $46,350, including destination charges.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro was built for off-road adventures but performed admirably on-road as well. It featured lighter BBS forged alloy wheels, Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires, a TRD front stabilizer bar, and FOX internal-bypass shock absorbers, providing a smooth ride and handling. The standard twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine delivered 358 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The TRD Pro variant boasted a hybrid version of this engine, producing 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. It had a towing capacity of 11,175 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,600 pounds. The Tundra's off-road capabilities were enhanced by a part-time 4WD system, locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select modes, and Crawl Control. However, its forward visibility was limited, and the Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system was not always helpful. The Tundra averaged 17.1 mpg, slightly below the EPA's combined rating of 19 mpg.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Honda's i-VTM4 AWD system. It had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,583 pounds. The Ridgeline's off-road capabilities were limited by its shallow approach, breakover, and departure angles, as well as its 7.6-inch ground clearance. On-road, the Ridgeline excelled with its smooth powertrain, quick acceleration, and comfortable ride. The TrailSport's off-road suspension was slightly firmer on pavement, and the all-terrain tires emitted a faint whir. The automatic transmission occasionally rolled when parked, requiring caution. The Ridgeline averaged 19.4 mpg, just shy of the EPA's 20 mpg combined rating.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra offered a spacious interior, but the i-Force Max's battery eliminated rear underseat storage and a flat rear cab floor. This limited its in-cab storage options, making it less practical for certain outings. The Tundra's cargo bed lacked some of the helpful features found in competitors, such as adjustable cargo tie-downs and innovative tailgate designs. Despite these shortcomings, the Tundra provided decent storage space and comfortable seating, although the driver's seat caused some discomfort during long drives.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline excelled in comfort and practicality. It was easy to enter and exit, and the seats were supportive and comfortable. 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 ample storage options, including a flip-up rear seat cushion for additional cargo space. The cargo bed featured a weatherproof and locking trunk with 7.3 cubic feet of space, perfect for various uses. The dual-action tailgate provided practical curb-side loading.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system. Toyota provided complimentary trial subscriptions to connected services, including Safety Connect, Drive Connect, and Remote Connect. The Tundra also included wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera, and trailering assistance features.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline came with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system was updated with a faster processor and improved graphics. A seven-speaker stereo was standard, with an eight-speaker premium sound system available on higher trims. The Ridgeline's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a responsive interface and voice recognition. The instrumentation included a 7-inch digital display alongside an analog speedometer.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Tundra received high safety ratings from the NHTSA, with five-star ratings for Crew Cab 4WD models. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick rating, although it received a Poor rating in the moderate overlap frontal-impact test for rear-seat passengers.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline featured the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on the Ridgeline Sport. The Ridgeline's ADAS performed adequately, although some features were less smooth than expected. The IIHS rated the Ridgeline as Acceptable in the small overlap frontal-impact test, while the NHTSA awarded it five-star ratings, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.