2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma, a staple in the North American market since 1995, was beginning to show its age despite a facelift in 2020. Its exterior maintained a contemporary look with an aggressive grille and headlights, but the interior revealed its dated design. The cabin featured a mix of modern elements like keyless entry and push-button start, alongside older switchgear and hard plastics. In Canada, the Tacoma was available in various configurations, including Access and Double Cab styles, with a range of packages from the standard model to the TRD Pro. Standard features included 16-inch steel wheels, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and the Toyota Safety Sense suite. Higher trims added features like alloy wheels, upgraded infotainment, and off-road capabilities.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline had undergone a styling update a couple of years prior, resulting in a more rugged appearance with LED lighting and larger exhaust outlets. The Ridgeline shared its platform with the Honda Passport SUV, offering a refined and sophisticated driving experience. The interior, reminiscent of the Passport, featured a leather-lined cabin with quality materials and ample storage. The Ridgeline's design, dating back to the 2016 Honda Pilot, still appeared modern and upscale compared to its rivals. The Black Edition trim added unique styling elements and premium features, making it a comfortable and practical choice for daily driving.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma in Canada came standard with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. It offered a maximum towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms and a payload capacity of 583 kilograms. While the V6 provided decent acceleration around town, it struggled at highway speeds due to its transmission gearing. The Tacoma excelled off-road, especially in the TRD Pro trim, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control enhancing its trail capabilities.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline, powered by a 3.5-litre VTEC V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. It offered a payload capacity of 694 kilograms and a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The Ridgeline's unibody construction and independent suspension provided exceptional ride and handling qualities, making it feel more like an SUV than a traditional pickup. It delivered a class-leading fuel economy, averaging 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres on a road trip, and demonstrated impressive agility on various terrains.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma was available in Access Cab and Double Cab body styles, with bed lengths of five feet and six feet one inch. The Access Cab featured clamshell rear half-doors and limited rear-seat space, while the Double Cab offered slightly more room but remained tight for adults. The front seats provided ample legroom, but the steering wheel's limited adjustment could be uncomfortable for taller drivers. The Tacoma's bed included useful features like in-bed lighting and a power outlet.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline prioritized practicality with features like shelves in the door panels, a large storage console, and a dual-action tailgate. The crew cab offered comfortable seating with power adjustments and excellent leg support, though rear-seat space was less generous than in the Passport. The rear seat cushion flipped up for additional storage, and the truck bed featured a dual-action tailgate and a lockable, weatherproof trunk. The Ridgeline's bed was equipped with tie-down cleats and offered various accessories for added functionality.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma's infotainment system featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth compatibility, while higher trims added an 8-inch screen and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system's older design made it user-friendly, with large icons and a straightforward layout. However, the wireless device charger required manual activation, and advanced tech features were limited.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline's infotainment system, dating back to the mid-2010s, included Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The 8-inch touchscreen was smaller than expected, with outdated graphics and slow loading times. The user interface was simple, but the lack of a tuning knob and delayed voice recognition were drawbacks. The wireless charger worked inconsistently, and the system overall needed a technology update.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma came standard with driver assistance features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Tacoma received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in side crash tests.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline was equipped with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard in Canada. The Ridgeline received favourable crash-test ratings from the IIHS and top marks from the NHTSA, with a four-star rollover resistance rating.