2016 Toyota Tacoma vs 2017 Honda Ridgeline
Blending functional power and exceptional fuel-economy ratings, the midsize pickup truck class is becoming more and more popular. High-quality options seem to be popping up on the automotive radar left and right and the 2017 Honda Ridgeline is the most recent. While the Honda pickup has some nifty gadgets, we aren’t sure it has the truck DNA or off-road chops to satisfy drivers. Take a look at how the new pickup compares to a class leader in our 2016 Toyota Tacoma vs 2017 Honda Ridgeline comparison. We are confident that the redesigned 2016 Toyota Tacoma will easily surpass the Honda competition in this pickup truck battle royal.
What’s Under the Hood?
When it comes to any truck, power and performance are key elements. As America’s best-selling midsize pickup for the past decade, the Toyota Tacoma brings proven truck DNA to the table. On the other hand, if you are looking for a crossover that is impersonating a truck, the Honda Ridgeline fits that niche. With a focus on more power and better efficiency, the revamped Toyota Tacoma fits the bill for truck lovers.
READ MORE: What Are the Color Options for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma?
Under the hood, the Toyota Tacoma employs a refined 159-horsepower 2.7-liter four-cylinder that is capable of 19 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Wait it gets better — the preferred engine option for the Toyota Tacoma is a 278-horsepower 3.5-liter Atkinson cycle V-6 that pairs with your choice between a six-speed automatic or manual gearbox. Together the new V-6 power platform with the automatic transmission will make 24 mpg on the highway and tow up to 6,800 pounds.
Official power and fuel economy numbers have not yet been released for the 2017 Honda Ridgeline, but it is expected to employ a similar powertrain to the Honda Pilot SUV. With a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 powertrain at its disposal, the Honda Ridgeline is expected to manufacture 280 horsepower. Geared towards an improved on-road driving demeanor, you can expect the Honda Ridgeline to achieve competitive fuel economy ratings. Current all-wheel drive Honda Pilot models are capable of towing 5,000 pounds, falling well short of the Toyota Tacoma’s towing capacity.
Design and Features
At first glance, it is hard to ignore the muscular, lifted design of the 2016 Toyota Tacoma. Built to dominate the road or the trail, the Toyota Tacoma interior offers a reprieve from the dirt and dust of the trail with an arsenal of innovative features. Standard Toyota Tacoma features include — a standard GoPro mount, a Toyota Entune infotainment system, a 6.1-inch touchscreen display and an integrated backup camera. Upper trims offer Qi wireless charging, Toyota SofTex interior, a power moonroof and Toyota Smart Key with push button start.
Drivers looking for adventure on the trail have come to the right place. Stock Toyota Tacoma models with four-wheel drive employ an innovative on-demand four-wheel drive system that features an electronic transfer case and Automatic Limited Slip Differential. When you opt for the performance-tuned Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road trim level you will benefit from elite off-road thrills. Added off-road features include a Multi-Terrain Select system and Crawl Control feature.
READ MORE: Explore the 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road Trim Level Features
If the off-road abilities of the Toyota Tacoma sound like an adventure, the 2017 Honda Ridgeline may come as a disappointment. With a focus on on-road driving dynamics and a versatile truck bed, the Ridgeline falls short on all-terrain performance. A Honda-exclusive In-Bed Trunk is a neat feature, but we aren’t sure it makes up for a lack of four-wheel drive. Equipped with a torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system and an Intelligent Terrain Management system, the Honda Ridgeline will handle bad weather well enough, but may fall short in extreme terrain.
If you are looking for a truck that is a truck and provides the towing capacity and off-road performance you need, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma is a premier option. With our 2016 Toyota Tacoma vs 2017 Honda Ridgeline comparison at your disposal, you can make a more informed car-buying decision. An added advantage that the 2016 Toyota Tacoma possesses over the Honda pickup truck is availability. Available right now in the Gale Toyota new car inventory, you can get behind the wheel of a Toyota Tacoma today, rather than wait for the Honda Ridgeline.
