2019 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2019 Honda Ridgeline

Size Comparison

If more is, in fact, more not less, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma trumps the 2019 Honda Ridgeline. Boasting a boost in most dimensions over the Ridgeline, the Tacoma provides that extra bit of space and ground clearance that most pickup drivers prefer. Of course, passenger-wise, the two trucks are equal -- both accommodate five occupants, comfortably. However, when you start evaluating exterior dimensions, you?ll see that the Tacoma takes every inch it can.

Starting with the wheelbase, the Tacoma measures between 127.4 - 140.6 inches, compared to the Ridgeline's 125.2 inches. The entire length of the Tacoma extends between 212.3 - 225.5 inches; whereas, the Ridgeline stops at 210.0 inches. When it comes to width and height, the Ridgeline is more competitive, measuring 78.6 inches wide to the Tacoma?s 74.4 - 75.2 inches, while the Ridgeline stands between 70.2 - 70.8 inches, more less neck-and-neck with the Tacoma at 70.6 inches. .

Interior Differences

Durability drove the interior design of the Toyota Tacoma, as one would expect from a pickup truck. While cloth is standard on the interior, leather and heated seats up front are optional. Standard interior features are abundant and include Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, a SUB port, Entune with a 6.1-inch touchscreen display, and a rearview camera. The windshield is equipped with the hardware required to support a GoPro camera -- an ideal accessory for anyone seeking some off-road adventure from their Tacoma. A first this year, all 2019 Toyota Tacoma models come equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of standard active safety features that outpaces the rest of the competition.

Depending on cab configuration, the Tacoma comes with a 6-ft. (Access) cargo bed or a 5- or 6- foot cargo bed (Double Cab). Given that the Tacoma?s cargo bed is made from composite, there is no need for a truck bed liner. A 120-volt power outlet, tucked within the truck bed, features in higher trim levels.

Competitive for the class and touted by the industry as among the best of interiors, the Honda Ridgeline offers loads of storage space, complete with clever cargo bed details like a dual-action tailgate, along with an in-bed truck that comes with a drain -- which transforms the trunk into a mobile cooler, ideal for tailgating, concerts, or a weekend of sweat-inducing yard and home improvement. Ample room beneath the back seats can be extended even further, thanks to the flip-up function, which makes it easy to accommodate larger items.

Standard features include a push-button start and 7-speaker audio system, featuring a USB port, Bluetooth, and data broadcast on a 5-inch center stack display.

When it comes to choosing between the Toyota Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline, each interior offers its own compelling details and capability, with respect to comfort and convenience. However, with respect to standard safety and true truck ruggedness, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma pulls out ahead of the Ridgeline.

Performance

Performance looks similar on the 2019 Toyota Tacoma and 2019 Honda Ridgeline, with the exception of a few details, which, depending on the exact purpose of your pickup truck, may or may not matter to you. For example, between the two, only the Tacoma offers an off-road TRD variant. Separate of that, the conventional performance specs between these two competitors match up fairly well.

Starting with the shared 3.5-liter V6 engine, the Ridgeline ekes out a couple extra horses, compared to the Tacoma. Generating 280 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm, compared to the Tacoma?s 278 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm, the Tacoma takes the edge on torque, returning 265 lb-ft @ 4,600 rpm to the Ridgeline's 262 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm. So equipped, and operated by a six-speed automatic transmission, both trucks feature fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city, with the Tacoma at 24 mpg highway, and the Ridgeline at 26.

With respect to maximum payload, the 2019 Tacoma (crew cab) manages 1,440 pounds compared to the Ridgeline?s (crew cab) 1,580 pounds. However, where maximum towing is concerned, the 2019 Tacoma rates at 6,800 pounds, with the Ridgeline only able to pull 5,000.

While it seems the Ridgeline takes the performance cake, the fact remains that the Tacoma offers more in the way of maximum towing and considerable performance variations, sure to suit any driving need or preference. Granted, the Ridgeline holds it own, provided your pickup parameters and priorities are fairly routine.

Pricing

As with any major purchase, the most decisive factor often comes down to pricing. Using this metric, the 2019 Tacoma takes the edge on the 2019 Ridgeline. Priced to start at $25,200, the Tacoma offers more savings right out of the gate, with the Ridgeline's base beginning at $29,730. For the biggest bang for your buck, you need to shop the available 2019 Tacoma line for the ultimate in value.

Which is Right for You?

Just as no two pickups are exactly alike, pickup truck drivers present with different priorities when it comes to shopping the truck that is right for them. So, if you need to drive what is considered a premium pickup truck, complete with maximum towing, designed to tackle any and all truck tasks, the Tacoma is your best bet.

But, if your needs are more of the light-duty variety and you have zero inclination to take your truck off-road, the Honda Ridgeline?s ride quality and handling, which mimics the smoothness expected from a car, will better suit your style.