The 2023 Toyota Tacoma and 2023 Honda Ridgeline are two compelling options in the midsize truck segment, each with its unique set of strengths and characteristics. In this comprehensive comparison, we'll delve into various aspects of these vehicles, from their look and feel to performance, form, and function, to help you decide which one suits your needs best.
2023 Toyota Tacoma vs 2023 Honda Ridgeline: Pickup Truck Comparison
Look and Feel
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Toyota Tacoma at an impressive 9 out of 10 for its aesthetics. The Tacoma's charm lies in its assertive stance and rugged design. Toyota offers a wide array of trim levels and configurations, making it versatile and appealing to a broad range of buyers. From the base SR trim to the off-road prowess of the TRD Pro, there's a Tacoma for everyone. The new SR5 SX and Chrome Packages provide even more customization options, allowing you to tailor your Tacoma to your taste.
Inside, the Tacoma varies from basic in SR trim to luxurious in Limited trim, with comfortable seats and user-friendly controls. The TRD Pro stands out with its off-road-focused features, making it a cool and capable pickup.
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline offers a distinct approach to the midsize truck segment. CarGurus experts rate its look and feel at 7 out of 10, acknowledging its unique styling. Honda has shared components between the Ridgeline and the Passport SUV, resulting in a comfortable and practical truck. The Ridgeline's interior stands out for its quality, ample storage, comfortable seats, and modern design.
Where the Ridgeline truly shines is in its functionality. It boasts impressive practicality with features like the in-bed trunk, dual-action tailgate, and versatile cargo bed, making it an excellent choice for everyday tasks.
Performance
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Toyota Tacoma's performance at 8 out of 10. The Tacoma offers two engine options: a standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder and a more potent 3.5-liter V6. The V6, with 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, is the preferred choice for most buyers due to its better performance. The Tacoma is available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations, making it suitable for various driving conditions.
While the V6 provides decent acceleration, the Tacoma can be a bit noisy, and its fuel economy isn't class-leading, especially with 4WD. Its off-road capabilities, however, are commendable, especially in TRD Pro trim.
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Honda Ridgeline's performance at 8 out of 10. Under the hood, the Ridgeline is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, matched with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful engine in its class, it offers smooth and refined performance for daily driving.
The Ridgeline's unibody construction results in a comfortable on-road experience, more akin to an SUV than a traditional truck. It also delivers competitive fuel economy for its class. However, its towing capacity is limited to 5,000 pounds, which might not suit those with heavy towing needs.
Form and Function
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Toyota Tacoma at 7 out of 10 for form and function. The Tacoma offers a variety of configurations, from the access cab with clamshell-style doors to the double cab with four doors. While the rear seats in the access cab are cramped, the double cab provides a more comfortable rear passenger experience. The front seats are generally comfortable, although taller drivers may find the steering wheel positioning less ideal.
Cargo space is adequate, and the Tacoma can handle everyday tasks with ease, but it doesn't excel in terms of interior storage or bed capacity.
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Honda Ridgeline at a remarkable 10 out of 10 for form and function. The Ridgeline focuses on practicality with its thoughtful design. It offers a spacious and comfortable interior with clever storage solutions, including an in-bed trunk and a versatile cargo bed.
The dual-action tailgate, flat cargo bed floor, and underfloor trunk all enhance its utility. While it may not be the ideal choice for heavy towing or extreme off-roading, the Ridgeline excels as an everyday workhorse.
In conclusion, the choice between the 2023 Toyota Tacoma and the 2023 Honda Ridgeline ultimately depends on your priorities. If you seek a rugged, off-road-capable truck with a wide range of configurations, the Tacoma is a solid choice. However, if you prioritize daily practicality, comfort, and unique features like the in-bed trunk, the Ridgeline stands out. CarGurus experts have rated both vehicles highly, but for an all-around practical and user-friendly midsize truck, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline gets the nod.
Technology
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Toyota Tacoma at 6 out of 10 in terms of technology. While the Tacoma may not lead the pack in this department, it offers a user-friendly interface. The base SR trims come with a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims feature an 8-inch touchscreen. All Tacomas include Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio (with a subscription). However, the interface feels a bit outdated compared to the Honda Ridgeline.
Our test truck was equipped with a premium JBL audio system and two USB-A ports. While the Tacoma covers the basics, it may fall short of meeting tech-savvy users' expectations.
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Honda Ridgeline at 4 out of 10 in the technology department. The Ridgeline's technology is also a bit dated due to its mid-2010s engineering. It offers wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and basic HondaLink services as standard. Most Ridgeline trims feature satellite radio, but only the RTL-E and Black Edition include a navigation system, premium sound system, cargo bed speakers, and wireless smartphone charging.
The infotainment system's responsiveness can be sluggish, and the graphics may not meet modern standards. Voice recognition can be distracting, as it doesn't offer natural language processing. Overall, the Ridgeline is in need of a technology update, which might come with a future refresh or redesign.
Safety
Both the 2023 Toyota Tacoma and the 2023 Honda Ridgeline receive a rating of 7 out of 10 for safety from CarGurus experts. The Tacoma comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), including features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. However, it lacks lane-keeping assist and rear automatic emergency braking, which some competitors offer. As a result, it didn't earn a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS but scored reasonably in NHTSA crash tests.
The Ridgeline's safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. While these features are effective, the placement of warning indicators can be improved. The Ridgeline performs well in crash tests, earning favorable ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.
Cost Effectiveness
When new, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma starts at $27,750 before a $1,335 destination fee, putting it in line with rivals like the Ford Ranger. However, the top-level TRD Pro trim is priced higher than some competitors, reaching over $51,000. While it offers a variety of trims to suit different needs, it faces stiff competition from other trucks in terms of pricing.
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline starts at just over $40,000, making it more expensive than some competitors. However, it comes with a strong V6 engine, standard all-wheel drive, rewarding driving dynamics, a comfortable interior, practical storage solutions, and favorable safety ratings. It may not match traditional trucks in towing capacity and off-roading, but it offers a compelling overall package.
Despite its higher starting price, CarGurus Experts rate the Honda Ridgeline a 9 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness, which beats out the Tacoma's 7-out-of-10 score.
Verdict
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2023 Toyota Tacoma is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2023 Honda Ridgeline scores 7.5 out of 10.
Choose the 2023 Toyota Tacoma if:
- You prioritize a reputation for reliability and a wide range of trim options.
- Off-roading capability is essential for your needs.
- You prefer a straightforward, though somewhat outdated, infotainment system.
Search for a 2023 Toyota Tacoma on CarGurus
Choose the 2023 Honda Ridgeline if:
- You want a comfortable and versatile daily driver with good safety ratings.
- You appreciate a smooth ride and handling dynamics.
- You can overlook some outdated technology in favor of a well-rounded package.
Search for a 2023 Honda Ridgeline on CarGurus
In this comparison, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline edges ahead with its overall package, including safety, ride quality, and value for money. However, your choice should ultimately align with your specific preferences and priorities.
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