2024 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma has reached “Legend” status: It’s the default choice for many shoppers, and for good reason. The Tacoma enjoys a hard-earned reputation for bullet-proof reliability. It’s the ideal size for many situations. It looks cool and, in TRD Pro trim, it can back up those looks with genuine off-road brilliance.

But heavy is the head that wears the crown, and the current Tacoma may be starting to buckle under the weight. With more powerful and more efficient options emerging in the compact and midsize truck space, Toyota is no longer the one-stop shop for shoppers. Luckily, a new Tacoma is just over the horizon.

This year, the 2024 Honda Ridgeline gets several updates that make the unibody crew-cab, short-bed truck more appealing. Foremost among them is a new TrailSport trim level with an off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, underbody protection, and an available exclusive Diffused Sky blue paint colour. Tech updates and a new centre console modernize the interior, and the dual-action tailgate now says RIDGELINE in big letters, just like other trucks.

Verdict: With those changes to the 2024 Ridgeline, Honda makes its midsize pickup truck more appealing than ever. If you won’t need more than 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds) of towing capacity and have no plans to tackle technical terrain, a Honda Ridgeline is almost perfect. Why? It is endlessly practical and a terrific daily driver deserving more consideration than it gets.