On the sales charts, the Toyota Tacoma dominates the Ridgeline. It is our best selling mid-size pickup truck. With its off-road prowess and durability, the Tacoma has a significant following. However, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline beats the 2023 Toyota Tacoma in a massive way. It has better dynamics.
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline has better driving dynamics than the 2023 Toyota Tacoma
In terms of driving dynamics, the 2023 Ridgeline outperforms the 2023 Toyota Tacoma. Some people criticize the Ridgeline for not being a “true pickup truck,” because unlike conventional trucks, it has a unibody construction.
, so you can enjoy a quieter ride. In comparison, the Tacoma is noisier, and its ride quality is harsher.
Another reason for the Ridgeline’s better driving dynamics is its wider track width. Compared to the Tacoma, it has an additional 3.6 inches for the front wheels and 3.3 inches for the rear wheels. Also, while the Tacoma’s rear suspension has a solid rear axle with leaf springs, it has a more sophisticated, fully independent ride with coil springs. Furthermore, the Ridgeline has larger standard wheels than the Tacoma (18 inches vs. 16 inches).
In decades past, pickup trucks were much more useful—and left a lot to be desired for ride quality and comfort. However, in recent years, it has improved dramatically in driving dynamics – and this is evident in the Ridgeline. It has the capabilities of a pickup truck—but it rides like a smooth SUV. Still, the Tacoma is listening for the rough-riding trucks of yesteryear.
The 2023 Ridgeline also has better performance and acceleration than the 2023 Tacoma
Another element that enables the 2023 Honda Ridgeline to have better driving dynamics than the 2023 Tacoma is its more powerful standard engine. All Ridgeline models feature the 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which delivers 280 horsepower.
Conversely, the standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine in the Tacoma is surprisingly weak. It only makes a meager 159 horsepower. That’s output you’d expect to see for a compact car, not a midsize pickup truck. While the Tacoma offers an optional 278-hp 3.5-liter V-6, you have to pay extra.
On top of that, the Ridgeline boasts faster. It completes the 0-60 mph sprint in under 6.3 seconds, compared to 7.7 seconds for the Tacoma.
Other strengths of the Honda Ridgeline over the Toyota Tacoma
In addition to better driving dynamics and performance, the 2023 Ridgeline pickup truck has a few other strengths over the 2023 Tacoma. This includes a more spacious cabin. The Ridgeline’s total passenger volume is 110 cubic feet. By comparison, the Tacoma only offers up to 100 cubic feet of passenger space.
The biggest beneficiary of the Ridgeline’s extra space is the rear-seat passengers—with up to 36.7 inches of rear legroom. However, the rear seats are more cramped—with only 32.6 inches for Double Cab models and 24.6 inches for Access Cab models.
Furthermore, the Ridgeline’s cabin is more upscale than the Tacoma’s. It has high-quality materials and a more modern design. Plus, the Ridgeline offers interior features you just can’t get in the Tacoma. These include a driver’s seat memory function, a rear seat center armrest, an easy entry system, and noise-canceling technology.
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline outperforms the 2023 Toyota Tacoma in a massive way thanks to better driving dynamics. When choosing between the two midsize trucks, superior driving dynamics is a pivotal factor to consider.
