Coming from a 2017 Ridgeline

The Background:
I'm considering a 2021 Taco after driving a 2017 Ridgeline for 45,000 miles and subsequently, a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek for another 36K. Poor throttle response - especially at highway speeds when the engine cuts back to 3-cylinder operation - was the reason I traded in the Honda. What good is 0 to 60 in 7 seconds when the truck can't get out of its own way at 55 mph? In comparison, the Subaru with its 159 HP 4-cyl and CVT, easily makes the hills that, without flogging, the Ridgeline always seemed to struggle on.

The Question:
Will a 6-cyl MT Sport Taco provide good throttle response and a fairly comfortable/quiet ride, when compared to the Ridgeline? The opinions of other previous 2nd-gen RL owners are especially appreciated!

 

I would suggest you take the Tacoma for a long test drive several times. My personal opinion is Tacoma’s drive like a truck. Drives totally different than a Honda. But make your own decision on it.

 

I like mine, but I think my 09 4 cylinder had more get up and go. With the 3rd gen, you need to get into the 3k rpm range, then it will move.

 

The off-road with the manual will provide the best ride with plenty of power.

 

Why will off road provide best ride?

 

sorry no vtec tacoma

 

Honest answer is you will probably be disappointed with the taco in it's stock form.

 

The sport has stiffer suspension with a firmer ride is all. I like the smoother ride of the off-road.

 

I think the sport would handle better on smooth road (which is most of the time) would be better.

That being said, I think the off road is better bang for you buck.

 

I’m 2,000 miles of WV “mountain” driving into ownership of a 21 MT OR. It’s a fantastic truck but it’s not going to win any races. If you get it above 3k rpm range it’ll move pretty good at the expense of your mpg dropping like a rock. Also if you do a lot of driving over 65mph the mileage drops fast, it’s happiest at 55-60. Test drive one and see what you think, I wouldn’t trade it for the world but it also meets my needs and expectations. If you really want something that’ll move maybe look into the Ford Ranger with the ecoboost, a simple tune on those and they’re quick. On to your Subaru woes, the new crosstrek has more power or there’s the option of an outback XT with the turbo engine. I had a Forester XT and it was a blast.

 

Agreed! I like mine, but for anyone who constantly questions programming, the Tacoma 3rd gen will not be a good fit. Best look to older vehicle with more low end torque and 4 spd trans. Some just can't get used to the way things are- high reving, low torque fuel sippers, with 6-99 spd trans.

 

The only advantage the Tacoma will have over the ridgeline, aside from looks, is off road ability. The on road performance with AT will be similar due to gearing. Sounds to me like you are wanting more on road performance, which if so, makes the Taco no different, in any generation, than the ridgeline. If you want a Taco, then get the TRD sport with a manual. Since the road is where you spend most time on and the manual has proper gear ratios and will accelerate much better.

 

@pushgears this is the only answer for you, as only you can decide.

 

And i would suggest driving it one day when it's cool weather and take it through it's paces.

Then do the same on a hot day doing the same

 

VCMTUNER would have solved the problem you had with your Ridgeline. As others have mentioned, test drive a Tacoma for a while if you can. You may hate the way the automatic transmission behaves, and/or the throttle response. If that's the case, your only recourse is buying a tune to "fix" it, or buying a Tacoma with a manual transmission.

 

I only read the words “comfortable/quiet ride”...

if you’re coming from a Ridgeline to a Tacoma, you’re gonna hate it. As much as I love my Taco, it is nowhere close to the Ridgeline for that category. Not even remotely.

 

V8- Tundra, F150, GM, or Ram.

Fullsize trucks have plenty of comfort and power.

 

Taco is never going to ride as well as a Ridgeline for most people, body on frame with leaf springs in the rear vs unibody with all independent suspension.

Having said that, I like the way my Sport rides, it is a bit stiff, but I like the way it handles.

Off road was too soft for my tastes, but it did ride nice over bumps.

Sport with 6MT feels almost sporty, at least for a 4x4 light truck. Suits my needs and I like it.

 

This. My OR does ride nicer than the Sport's I've ridden in however the only truck which compares in comfort and ride quality to my friends '18 RL is my Silverado.

 

I personally don't think you are gonna enjoy the throttle response from a 3rd gen tacoma. Even with an OV tune my 2000 tundra had much more getup. If I were you I would be looking at a silverado 1500 or F150 for strait up on road comfort and performance.