Pickup trucks are more popular than ever, and one of the leading choices for the midsize truck segment is the Toyota Tacoma. A midsize truck competitor of the Tacoma is the Honda Ridgeline. While the Ridgeline has various strengths, there’s a key factor in the Tacoma’s favor. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma has one huge advantage over the 2023 Honda Ridgeline: off-road capabilities.

2023 Toyota Tacoma has much better off-road capabilities than the 2023 Honda Ridgeline

Pickup trucks that can head off-road are all the rage these days, and on this front, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma is one of the best. It’s much more capable for off-road driving compared to the 2023 Honda Ridgeline. If you want to head far off the beaten path for some wilderness adventures, then the Tacoma is likely the preferable choice for you. 

For one, the traction-enhancing four-wheel drive system offered for the Tacoma is better at driving on rough terrain compared to the all-wheel system for the Ridgeline. Also, the maximum ground clearance (9.4 inches) in the Tacama is higher than for the Ridgeline (7.6 inches). High ground clearance is crucial for off-road use. It enables a truck to more effectively and safely drive over uneven surfaces, such as rocks. 

Furthermore, the Tacoma has a much-deserved reputation for durability. It’s tough as nails and can take a beating from the rigors of off-road use. Plus, while the Ridgeline is fine for city driving, it doesn’t have critical off-features that are offered for the Tacoma and other midsize trucks, such as a locking differential.

Unlike the 2023 Ridgeline, the 2023 Tacoma has off-road models

For even greater off-road capabilities, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma has off-road models with the TRD Pro, TRD Off-Road, TRD Sport, and Trail Special Edition. Conversely, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline does have an off-road model. The Honda Pilot and Passport SUVs offer rugged TrailSport trims. However, Honda hasn’t yet released a TrailSport model for the Ridgeline.

For the Tacoma, the most off-road capable model is the TRD Pro trim. The Tacoma TRD Pro is ready for wilderness adventures with features such as all-terrain tires, FOX internal bypass shocks, front skid plates, a multi-terrain monitor, a cat-back exhaust, and an electronically controlled locking rear differential.

Even if you never plan on driving off-road, all of these off-road attributes have other benefits. For one, the Tacoma is better for driving in adverse weather conditions, such as snowy and icy roads. Also, the midsize truck is more effective for driving on poor-quality roads, such as ones with cracks, potholes, and broken concrete.

Other advantages of the Toyota Tacoma over the Honda Ridgeline

In addition to its off-road capabilities, the 2023 Tacoma has some other advantages over the 2023 Ridgeline. This includes affordability. The Tacoma has a starting price of $27,750 MSRP, compared to $38,800 MSRP for the Ridgeline. Also, while the Tacoma has a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds, the Ridgeline can only tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Plus, the Tacoma can haul a heavier load in the pickup bed. It has a maximum payload capacity of 1,685 pounds, compared to 1,583 pounds in the Ridgeline. Furthermore, the Tacoma offers more configuration options.

With its off-road prowess, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma has a huge advantage over the 2023 Honda Ridgeline. For midsize pickup truck shoppers that desire off-road adventures, the Tacoma is the better choice.