Buying a full-size pickup isn’t quite an emotionless choice that you can easily make. If you are going to the segment, you want something that is not only practical, but also something you can be proud of. The problem is that there are many full-size pickups out there that are practical and attractive! The 2013 Toyota Tacoma is up there among the most practical in the segment. Many test drivers and car critics would agree with me that the 2013 Honda Ridgeline is not a bad choice either. Both are simply good. However, in a 2013 Honda Ridgeline vs 2013 Toyota Tacoma contest, the laurels can’t be shared. So, which of them do you think is a better choice?
Styling and Features comparison
The five-passenger 2013 Ridgeline is offered in one body style, as a single four-door crew cab body style with four trim levels. It has a wide, spacious and fully equipped cabin. The entry-level RT features a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, cruise control, air-conditioning, a six-speaker sound system with CD player, a trip computer, a rearview camera and 17-inch steel wheels.
In comparison, the 2013 Tacoma is offered with three body styles: Regular Cab, Access Cab and four-door Double Cab. You have to hand it to Toyota’s styling team for designing arguably the best-looking full-size pickups on the market. According to reviewers, the vehicle has an attractive but functionally-design cabin built with price-appropriate materials. Standard features on the base model include a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning, a composite bedliner, a cloth bench seat, USB/iPod port and an auxiliary audio jack, a four-speaker sound system with touchscreen display and CD player, and 15-inch steel wheels.
Cargo space skews this category in favour of the Honda but with an aging design and only one body style, we will call this even.
Performance comparison Honda Ridgeline vs Tacoma
Honda Ridgeline 2013 comes with a standard V6 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive. The Ridgeline offers one of the smoothest rides in the segment, but its modest performance on the road and the low fuel economy (5/21/17 mpg) are not impressive.
On the other hand, Toyota Tacoma 2013 delivers adequate performance with its standard four-cylinder engine or an optional V6. The base model is paired with a standard five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine gets a six-speed manual or an optional five-speed automatic. The EPA figures of 21/25 mpg city/highway are one of the best in the class.
The Tacoma is clearly ahead in this category, but its road manners are disappointing; it has a hard and choppy ride.
Safety
If you ram either one of these pickups into an unyielding object, you’ll be happy to note that they are both IIHS top safety picks. The Ridgeline received IIHS’S highest “Good” rating in frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength testing. Tacoma also got “Good” rating in frontal-offset and side-impact tests, but earned a “Marginal” rating in the roof strength test.
With both vehicles coming standard with antilock brakes with brake assist, stability and traction control, front-seat side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and front active head restraints, it’s hardly fair to call either a winner here.
Price
2013 Honda Ridgeline and 2013 Toyota base prices are $29,450 and $17,625 respectively.
Verdict
2013 Honda Ridgeline is good for light-duty use, but it lacks the sturdiness required by most truck buyers. If you are in need of a pickup for serious towing, then you should go for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma.
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