Hot Take: Don’t Skip the Toyota Tacoma for the Honda Ridgeline
Today we’re going against the grain with a different opinion about the Toyota Tacoma and the Honda Ridgeline. There are many reasons to consider the 2023 Honda Ridgeline over the 2023 Toyota Tacoma, which often ranks as the best midsize truck. However, the Tacoma has a few overlooked advantages to consider.
2023 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2023 Honda Ridgeline: Which truck is better?
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline and the 2023 Toyota Tacoma both have unique advantages to offer various buyers. For example, the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro will leave the Ridgeline behind in the wild, and the Ridgeline has a much larger backseat for passenger comfort.
But most critics consider the Honda Ridgeline the best midsize truck to buy without skipping a beat. We understand what the Ridgeline has to offer with its excellent ride quality and advanced tech. However, some Tacoma benefits may get lost in the shuffle.
The Tacoma has a starting MSRP of $28,250, making it an accessible option as a work truck. The Ridgeline starts at $38,800, which is nearly $10,000 more than the entry-level Tacoma.
Sure, the standard Tacoma SR model is a little underpowered and barebones, but it checks a lot of boxes as an excellent option for construction sites, fleets, and younger drivers.
With the standard engine, the Tacoma can tow up to 3,500 lbs. Upgrade to the V6 engine to yow up to 6,800 lbs. The Ridgeline maxes out at 5,000 lbs. The Tacoma can carry a payload of up to 1,685 lbs, and the Ridgeline can carry 1,583 lbs, so there isn’t a big difference there.
Is the Honda Ridgeline or Toyota Tacoma more reliable?
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma earned a score of 83 out of 100 from J.D.Power, putting it in the above-average category. Anything between 70 and 80 is average, and scores between 91 and 100 are best.
Also, J.D.Power gave the 2023 Honda Ridgeline a score of 80 out of 100, so it falls in the average category. The Tacoma only beats it by three points, but it’s on a whole different level.
The scores are also based on owner feedback covering every aspect, from the engine and transmission to the electronics and body integrity.
You can expect the average Tacoma to last between 300,000 to 400,000 miles, with the ability to provide over 20 years of service on the road. The average Ridgeline is expected to make it past 200,000 miles and can reach 300,000 miles.
The average annual maintenance cost for the Tacoma is $441, and maintaining the Ridgeline each year costs roughly $428. The Ridgeline has a depreciation rate of 32.4% over five years, and the Tacoma has a rate of 29.8%, meaning it can retain a bit more value.
Does the Tacoma or Ridgeline have more value?
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline has the most comfortable ride in the class and more interior space for passengers and cargo. It has a unibody frame and handles like an SUV, with a smooth ride and quiet interior.
But the 2023 Toyota Tacoma has a unibody build, allowing for more suspension travel and durability for off-roading. Also, moving up to the Tacoma Limited trim puts pricing on par with the standard Ridgeline.
The Tacoma Limited has an 8.0-inch touchscreen, built-in navigation, leather upholstery, parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, an advanced off-road traction control system, and a lockable rear differential.
However, the Ridgeline Sport also has an 8.0-inch touchscreen and is attractive with tri-zone climate control and a Class III trailer hitch with a seven-pin connector.
Overall, the Ridgeline is the most comfortable truck with innovative space and storage solutions. But the rough and tumble Tacoma is fun, more reliable, more affordable, better for work, and a little more capable. And who knows? Maybe the 2024 Tacoma is larger and more comfortable.
