Honda Ridgeline Vs. Toyota Tacoma Comparison & Differences
If you're looking for a new midsize truck for sale, you're probably trying to decide between the Honda Ridgeline vs. Toyota Tacoma.
Both of these agile trucks seem suitable for daily driving and rugged tasks, but the Toyota Tacoma, with its proper body-on-frame truck build, does everything better. That includes towing, payload, power, and off-roading. Even where the car-like unibody-construction Ridgeline should win, it doesn't.
In the review below, we've compared the Honda Ridgeline vs. Toyota Tacoma differences in key areas so you can get the full picture of how the fully redesigned 2025 Tacoma wipes the floor with the Ridgeline. Read our guide first, and then visit Desert Toyota of Tucson to test-drive the 2025 Toyota Tacoma and experience its brawn firsthand.
| Engine | 2.4L Turbo I-4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 228 |
| Torque | 243 lb-ft |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 6,400 lbs.1 |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 1,500 lbs.3 |
| Bed Length |
|
| Engine | 3.5L V-6 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs.2 |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 1,583 lbs.3 |
| Bed Length | 5.3 ft |
Toyota Tacoma vs. Honda Ridgeline Trims
When we assess the 2025 Honda Ridgeline vs. Toyota Tacoma trims, it's barely a comparison. That's because the Tacoma has six gas-powered variants and five hybrid options, whereas the Ridgeline has four total trim levels. The new 2025 Toyota Tacoma comes in the following available trims:
- SR
- SR5
- TRD PreRunner
- TRD Sport
- TRD Off-Road
- TRD Sport i-FORCE MAX
- TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX
- Limited
- Limited i-FORCE MAX
- Trailhunter
- TRD Pro
You can choose between two hard-working trims, six levels of performance-tuned excellence, two luxury-lined versions, and a dedicated off-roader. Meanwhile, the Ridgeline has the Sport, RTL, TrailSport, and Black Edition trims, none of which can even try to equal the capabilities of the Tacoma.
For example, the Ridgeline TrailSport has a higher starting price than the Tacoma TRD Off-Road yet lacks key features of the Tacoma trim, like Crawl Control and a locking rear differential.
Most importantly, though, the base-trim Tacoma SR has a more affordable starting price than the entry-level Ridgeline Sport. If you need an impressive dedicated work truck, you'll get more value choosing the Tacoma SR over something like the Ridgeline Sport.
Aside from offering more choices, the Tacoma can also be configured like an actual truck because it is one. It can be yours with a two-seat XtraCab or a five-seat Double Cab and a 5- or 6-foot bed. The car-based Ridgeline provides no options in this regard; it comes standard with a five-seat cab and a 5.3-foot bed. Customizability is important for drivers looking for a pickup truck, and you certainly have that with the Tacoma.
Compare Honda Ridgeline to Toyota Tacoma Performance
Performance differences between the 2025 Toyota Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline mark several more nails in the Honda truck's coffin.
The Toyota Tacoma has two different i-FORCE turbo engines, one of which is a hybrid (the i-FORCE MAX). Power comes in at 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque in the standard i-FORCE gasoline engine and 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque in the hybrid version. The new Toyota Tacoma can also tow up to 6,500 pounds1 and has a maximum payload rating of 1,705 pounds.3
The new Honda Ridgeline only has a V-6 engine to offer. It makes 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The Honda Ridgeline comes up short with a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity2 and a 1,583-pound maximum payload rating.3
The most significant difference between the Honda Ridgeline vs. Toyota Tacoma is why the Ridgeline is so deficient. The Tacoma is a proper body-on-frame truck that takes advantage of this design's inherent strength, while the Ridgeline is an integrated frame-and-body (unibody) vehicle; a design based on a crossover.
However, unibody vehicles tend to have the advantage of fuel efficiency. So, since it sacrificed its status as a true truck, the Ridgeline should be more efficient, right? Wrong.
The gas-powered 2025 Tacoma can deliver up to an EPA-estimated 20/26 MPG (City/Highway),4 but the Ridgeline maxes out at an EPA-estimated 18/24 MPG (City/Highway).5
Furthering the Tacoma truck's lead as a real truck, the Honda Ridgeline only offers an automatic transmission and AWD; the Toyota Tacoma lets you choose between a manual or an automatic transmission, offers two 4WD systems and a RWD option, and provides access to true off-roading upgrades like locking differentials and Multi-Terrain Select with Crawl Control and Downhill Assist Control. The Ridgeline "truck's" lack of actual 4WD and similar off-road equipment further proves how it lost this race.
The Tacoma is considered a much more suitable choice for off-road enthusiasts and job-site professionals. Even just looking at Toyota Tacoma vs. Honda Ridgeline towing capacities will reveal it; the Toyota Tacoma rules over the Ridgeline in terms of the expected truck capabilities.
Ridgeline vs. Tacoma Dimensions
Now that we've established how the Toyota Tacoma is the better truck, comparing Honda Ridgeline vs. Toyota Tacoma dimensions and capacities will be the knockout blow.
Both of these vehicles can seat up to five occupants. The Toyota Tacoma truck is longer, narrower, and taller than the Honda Ridgeline, however, which makes it better suited to trails and city job sites. For a fair comparison, we're referencing the base-trim Toyota Tacoma with the Double Cab and 5-foot bed since the Ridgeline comes standard with a five-passenger cabin and a 5.3-foot bed. The Tacoma measures 213 inches long, 76.9 inches wide, and 73.8 inches tall in this configuration; dimensions will vary based on other configurations.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline is 210.2 inches long, 78.6 inches wide, and 70.8 inches tall in all trims. The Honda Ridgeline also offers almost an inch less front legroom than the Tacoma and ends its options with a smaller bed in most regards.
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma also pushes the Ridgeline to the side for relevant off-road dimensions. Specifically, the 2025 Toyota Tacoma has up to 11.5 inches of ground clearance,6 while the 2025 Ridgeline limps over rocks with its 7.64-inch maximum ground clearance. Every off-road angle is also better in the Tacoma; see the maximum measurements below.
| Seating Capacity | Up to 5 |
|---|---|
| Length | 213 inches |
| Width | 76.9 inches |
| Height | 73.8 inches |
| Bed Length | Up to 73.5 in |
| Bed Width | 44.7 in |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
|---|---|
| Length | 210.2 inches |
| Width | 78.6 inches |
| Height | 70.8 inches |
| Bed Length | 64 in |
| Bed Width | 50 in |
Discover More at Desert Toyota of Tucson
Now that you've seen how the Toyota Tacoma dominates the Honda Ridgeline vs. Toyota Tacoma comparison, you're likely ready to apply for one of our Toyota Tacoma lease deals or low APR financing specials. Start browsing our offers today, and feel free to contact us with any questions.
The previous-year used Toyota Tacoma also defeated the Ridgeline where it counts. Visit us and discover the impressive Toyota Tacoma truck family today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more passenger volume: the Toyota Tacoma or the Honda Ridgeline?
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma passenger volume specs have not yet been officially published, but it has been confirmed that this truck has more front legroom than the new Honda Ridgeline. The word "truck" is in contention here, as the Honda Ridgeline is a "truck" that uses a unibody passenger-car platform, whereas the Toyota Tacoma is a true body-on-frame truck.
How much does a Toyota Tacoma weigh?
The new 2025 Toyota Tacoma weight depends on the configuration. For example, the SR trim with the Double Cab, 5-foot bed, and part-time 4WD has a curb weight of 4,505 pounds. The body style, bed length, engine, drivetrain, and other factors influence the curb weight of the Tacoma. Contact us for further details on how much the Toyota Tacoma weighs based on configuration.
Is a Toyota Tacoma bigger than a Honda Ridgeline?
In the base SR configuration with the comparable Double Cab and 5-foot bed, the Toyota Tacoma is longer and taller than the Honda Ridgeline. It measures 213 inches long, 76.9 inches wide, and 73.8 inches tall. The Ridgeline, with its standard five-passenger cabin and 5.3-foot bed, is 210.2 inches long, 78.6 inches wide, and 70.8 inches tall.
More Toyota Tacoma Resources
1Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. "Added vehicle equipment" includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle's exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner's Manual for limitations.
2Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
3Max payload varies based on accessories and vehicle configuration.
4Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
5Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors.
6This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/tacoma/2025/st-402062650/features-specs/