[ChrisM]

I guess it all boils down to how much off roading you are really planning to do with a $30k + vehicle.

I drove a Tacoma and thought that it was ok. If you are planning on using it as a daily driver and 90% of your driving is going to be on anything above a fire road, the Ridgline is the clear winner.

The turning radius takes a bit to get used to but it really doesn't come into play unless you are planing on doing a whole lot of tight turns. I have learned to adjust to the turning radius. It was a big deal for about 2 days. After that I was over it.

As for the build out price, you might consider a couple of things that the tundra doesn't offer.

1. Trunk
2. Real time 4wd
3. Not having to sand bag the truck bed in the winter time.
4. 6 airbags
5. 3 baby seat support anchors. (I just learned the importance of this function last week.)
6. Real fold up seats with real useable space.
7. An indestructable bed. (Although it scratches easily but hey, it's truck after all.)
8. VSA
9. Rear disk brakes
10. Independent rear suspension.

I don't agree that the RL's interior is truckish. Yes it is a truck but the seats IMHO are very comfortable, the leather is nice and the layout and storage are top notch. (except for the VTM and VSA switch positions.)

Its your money. One of the biggest reasons I bought the RL is that not everyone has one. I like to be individual. It seems to me that there is a Tacoma or Avalanche at every corner. RL's are a more rare sight.

The ride and handling are better in the RL as well.

I went to Toyota's website and built Tundra that is similar to a RTL w/o Navi and came up with a price of $29,800 which BTW cannot be had with a leather interior so I don't see there being a price disparity. I didn't throw in any option but floor mats (??) and the bed boxes since the Tundra doesnt have a trunk.

I like the RL. Take one out on a 20 test drive and take the crap that you haul around with you every day. Don't just take it around the block and don't forget your car seats if you have small kids. You'll see why we are Ridgeline owners.

Did the Toyota dealer let you know that the V6 Tundra requires super unleaded gas? The Ridgeline will run on regular.