VS
At a Glance
Power
280hp @ 6000
270hp @ 5400
Torque
262lb-ft @ 4700
310lb-ft @ 2800
Fuel
21 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
6400lbs
Engine
3.5 L/212ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Honda Ridgeline and the Toyota Tacoma is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Honda Ridgeline delivers 280hp @ 6000 while the Toyota Tacoma produces 270hp @ 5400. On fuel, the Ridgeline returns 21 mpg est. while the Tacoma uses 20 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $43,595 for the Ridgeline and $42,715 for the Tacoma. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Honda RidgelineRTL AWD 2026 - From $43,595
Toyota TacomaTRD Sport Double Cab 5' Bed MT (Natl) 2026 - From $42,715
Performance
Power Output (hp)
280hp @ 6000
270hp @ 5400
Torque (lb-ft)
262lb-ft @ 4700
310lb-ft @ 2800
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.5 L/212ci
2.4 L/146ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Manual
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
21 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
18mpg
18 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
24mpg
23 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
19.5gal
18.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
210.2in
213in
Width (in)
78.6in
77.9in
Height (in)
70.8in
74.4in
Wheelbase (in)
125.2in
131.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4480lbs
4605lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
33.9cu ft
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
6400lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Ridgeline
Fuel Economy
Ridgeline
Value
Tacoma
Practicality
Tacoma
Pros & Cons
Honda Ridgeline
Better fuel economy (21 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Toyota Tacoma
Lower starting price ($42,715)
Higher towing capacity (6400lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (20 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Ridgeline or Tacoma?
The Ridgeline gets 21 mpg est. and the Tacoma gets 20 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Ridgeline is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Ridgeline or Tacoma?
The Ridgeline produces 280hp @ 6000 and 262lb-ft @ 4700 of torque while the Tacoma delivers 270hp @ 5400 and 310lb-ft @ 2800 of torque. The Ridgeline is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Ridgeline and Tacoma?
The Ridgeline starts from $43,595 and the Tacoma from $42,715. The Tacoma is cheaper by $880 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Ridgeline or Tacoma?
The Ridgeline has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Tacoma can tow 6400lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Ridgeline or the Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.