Quick Ridgeline vs Tacoma comparison

[jMoMo]

Below is a quick Quick Ridgeline vs Tacoma comparison that I made up while trying to make up my mind on which to buy. Feel free to point out where your opinion differs or I've made a mistake.

This isn't intended to be a general guide. I made it just for myself. You may not find it useful in your comparisons since you're needs are likely to be different, but I'll share anyway.



Quick Ridgeline vs Tacoma comparison
--

Engine
Honda Ridgeline = 247HP, 3.5L, V6
Toyota Tacoma = 236HP, 4.0L, V6
Winner = Ridgeline

Transmission
Honda Ridgeline = 5 speed automatic, no low-xfer
Toyota Tacoma = 6 speed manual or 5 speed automatic
Winner = Tacoma

Clearance
Honda Ridgeline = 8.2"
Toyota Tacoma = 9.4"
Winner = Tacoma

HxWxL
Honda Ridgeline = 71.2"x77.8"x206.8"
Toyota Tacoma = 70.1"x74.6"x208.1"
Winner = Draw

Bed width x Length
Honda Ridgeline = 49.5" x 60"
Toyota Tacoma = 41.5(wheel wells)/56.7 x 60.3"
Winner = Ridgeline

Turning diameter
Honda Ridgeline = 42.6"
Toyota Tacoma = 40.7"
Winner = Tacoma

Offroad-worthiness
Honda Ridgeline = Can do, but big and lack of clearance
Toyota Tacoma = It's the standard
Winner = Tacoma

Interior
Honda Ridgeline = Nice, Roomy, Truckish
Toyota Tacoma = No moonroof, truckish, not as roomy nor attention to details. Probably more rugged
Winner = Ridgeline

Fuel Mileage
Honda Ridgeline = 15/20
Toyota Tacoma = 15/18
Winner = Ridgeline

New-tire cost
Honda Ridgeline = $130 each
Toyota Tacoma = $120 each
Winner = Draw

2008 built-out price
Honda Ridgeline = $37K
Toyota Tacoma = $32K
Winner = Tacoma

--

The interior means a lot to me, and the Ridgeline beats the Tacoma in that area. If I wanted more rugged, then I would go with the Tacoma.

The Ridgeline looses to the Tacoma in many areas, but I have a subjective preference for it.

The Ridgeline engine is a little more powerful, but the Tacoma offers a more efficient 4-cylinder.

The measurements for the Tacoma's bed was for the short version. The Tacoma also has a regular and extended bed, but my comparison was just for the short bed.

The Ridgeline's turning diameter is a big negative. Consumer Reports agrees with me on this one.

On price, the Tacoma smacks the Ridgeline, for the buildout that I was looking at. Fortunately, I don't have a cash problem right now.

The Tacoma offers many many more options and after-market parts. The Ridgeline is weak on both.

The Toyota Tundra isn't a good comparison, and the Avalanche offers far more features and power than the Ridgeline, but at a substantially higher cost.

[bobtwhite]

jMoMo,

What are you including in your "Built Out" price? I bought my 2007 RTL w/navi in Oct 06 for $32K. That included the towing hitch and bike rack. Are the 2008s running that much more than the 2007s sold for when they were new?

[jMoMo]

Originally Posted by bobtwhite

jMoMo,

What are you including in your "Built Out" price? I bought my 2007 RTL w/navi in Oct 06 for $32K. That included the towing hitch and bike rack. Are the 2008s running that much more than the 2007s sold for when they were new?

Lots of features went into those numbers on both the Ridgeline and Tacoma.

On the Ridgeline;

Roof Rack $305
Running Boards $419
Trailer Hitch $325
Trailer Hitch Harness $169
Body Side Protectors $399
Chrome Bumper Trim $499
Fog Lights $339
Fog Light Switch $29
Fender Flares $599

I don't have the info on the Tacoma side any longer. Those Ridgeline plastic body parts are stupid-expensive.

[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.

[bobtwhite]

Originally Posted by jMoMo

Lots of features went into those numbers on both the Ridgeline and Tacoma.

On the Ridgeline;

Roof Rack $305
Running Boards $419
Trailer Hitch $325
Trailer Hitch Harness $169
Body Side Protectors $399
Chrome Bumper Trim $499
Fog Lights $339
Fog Light Switch $29
Fender Flares $599

I don't have the info on the Tacoma side any longer. Those Ridgeline plastic body parts are stupid-expensive.

jMoMo,

You list a little over $3k in add ons. $37K still sounds high. Hopefully you can bargain the dealer to a lower price. Have you considered getting a 2007 RTL? Might save you a few grand.

[NW Geocacher]

Tools of the trade.
What is the right or best vehicle? What is your indented use of the truck. We choose the RL because of the rainy NW weather and snow packed mountain passes. I wanted a super safe vehicle with awesome 4WD technology. The only time we go off road is, well never. The interior is roomy and comfortable for 4 adults with very easy entry and exit.

I think Toyota makes great vehicles; is Toyota better/same/worse than Honda? Both companies have proven themselves.

Tacoma vs Ridgeline. Both are great trucks, purchase the one that meets your needs.

[do_i_drive_you_crazy]

When I was shopping and test driving trucks I really liked the look of the Tacoma. Then I got in one, or rather tried to get in one. I had no leg room what so ever. And I could get my long legs underneath the steering wheel. If anyone with long legs is going to be driving your Tacoma. Forget it.

However I did look at the Toyota Tundra. Took that out for a test drive and had plenty of leg room. However the truck is huge. Far bigger then what I want to be doing with it. I did like playing around with the Shift Tronic Transmission (or whatever it is they call it) Was also disappointed with back seat leg room. I think the Ridgeline is the only car I've ever been able to say that I can fit comfortably in the back seat.

[jMoMo]

I guess I forgot to include it in my original post, but I DO intend to buy a Ridgeline. It better fits my particular needs. However, some of these numbers might help someone else in the future who is looking to compare.

[jMoMo]

Originally Posted by 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.

I agree with you here. In my case, I drive literally two blocks (walking distance) to work and back each day, so the regular commute gas mileage isn't an issue. I mostly need it for going out on the weekends. I'm an avid hiker, so I need to get the base of the mountain, but not up it. I also take a couple of guests with me and some gear in the back. If it wasn't for the need for some roomy back seats, I probably would have gone with a Tacoma instead.

I actually considered a Highlander Hybrid for awhile, but I wanted the bed, and the Highlander Hybrid is specifically "Not for off-road use". If Honda were to make a Hybrid Highlander (which there are some rumors that they might do), it would have been a no-brainer for me.

Originally Posted by ChrisM

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

...

I wasn't comparing the Ridgeline to the Tundra.

I don't think the Tundra and the Ridgeline really compare. They are not in the same buyer segment.

Originally Posted by ChrisM

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.)

I meant "truckish" in a positive way. It's a good mix of truck and passenger vehicle. I agree with you about the placement of the VSA switch down on the lower-left side of the dash -- not where I would have liked it.

Originally Posted by ChrisM

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

I agree with you here, though I was very pleasantly surprised with the Tacoma's ride. I have no idea about the Tundra.

[jMoMo]

Originally Posted by do_i_drive_you_crazy

When I was shopping and test driving trucks I really liked the look of the Tacoma. Then I got in one, or rather tried to get in one. I had no leg room what so ever. And I could get my long legs underneath the steering wheel. If anyone with long legs is going to be driving your Tacoma. Forget it.

However I did look at the Toyota Tundra. Took that out for a test drive and had plenty of leg room. However the truck is huge. Far bigger then what I want to be doing with it. I did like playing around with the Shift Tronic Transmission (or whatever it is they call it) Was also disappointed with back seat leg room. I think the Ridgeline is the only car I've ever been able to say that I can fit comfortably in the back seat.

I didn't have this problem with the Tacoma, but if you are taller than I am, this could be an issue. I'm about 6'2", around 150 pounds, kinda skinny.

The Ridgeline definitely had more legroom, or so it seemed to me.

As for the back seats; that was a major selling point to me. If I'm going to be taking some guests out hiking with me, I don't want them being uncomfortable. Plus, they fold up for some major inside-storage room.