Please Convince Me To Buy a 2016 Tacoma over the 2017 Honda Ridgeline

The biggest guestion that everyone is avoiding is, do you want a volume knob or not?

 

Also I should note that if you are in need of an excessive amount of cupholders, check out a 2nd gen Tacoma for sure. You wont be disappointed.

 

Get the 4 gen tacoma

 

Get the ridgeline

 

Sounds like you'll be better off with a ridgeline. With what you described, you'd just be disappointed in a Tacoma.

 

On YouTube The Fast Lane Trucks does a pretty good review of both trucks you should look it up.

 

I'm going to throw in a curveball and tell you that neither of your choices are fantastic. You're going to hurt for cargo space with either of your options. Get a 4runner and a utility trailer and all of your needs will be met, unless you absolutely don't have the space for them. If that's the case, get a dclb tacoma and equip it with a canopy and a bed slide.

 

...^^^... From what you have typed, I would get the Ridgeline. I have had a bunch of Toyota trucks and a 2013 Honda Ridgeline.

The Ridgeline was a fantastic "kinda of a hybrid/soft truck" with 3 great features ... i.e. (1) large trunk in bed (never leaked a drop) ... (2) dual action strong tailgate ... (2) 4WD that is IMO really an AWD with a rear locker.

The Honda build quality was excellent and I never had a single problem with the Ridgeline. With a family, no off roading and everything you mentioned ... I would get the Ridgeline. New model Ridgeline is more truck like that past models too.

One added plus with a Ridgeline is ... with it's smart 4WD (not in rear locker mode), it cuts through snow, rainy side roads and interstates at higher speeds in 4WD/AWD than a Tacoma.

Ridgeline was too big for me ... but if I had a family (and no off roading) ... it would be my vehicle of choice.

The Tacoma is a midsize truck (with good off road capabilities) and the Ridgeline is a larger "hybrid or soft truck" for more civilized use.

With all of that said ... I am more of a truck person and the Tacoma is the perfect fit for me.

PS ... I think it is a good idea to ask as many people as you can on their opinions, experiences and thoughts ... but in the end, it must be your choice for you and your family's needs.

Test drive & study both of them and you will have a better idea of what you really want with no buyer's remorse too.
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Can you even drive the Ridgeline yet? How can anyone decide before they even drive the vehicle? This forum is riddled with knuckleheads that bought the Tacoma and now complain about the way it drives. Don't be that guy.

 

I didn't think that it was even out yet

 

Flip flop in your head, then come to your wife with a solid decision. Do this from now on. Trust.

 

I think the OP said he is buying at the end of the year.

 

I know but its hard to make a decision on something that is not available to even drive imo

 

I can speak with some knowledge.
I owned a 2011. Ridgeline.
I now own a 2014 Tacoma. DCLD.
I bought them both new.
The Ridgeline is like a large suv with the back roof cut off. Yes the in bed trunk is great. But...you can't get to it if the bed is full of other stuff. The dual action tailgate is also great. The storage under the back seats only work well if you use some sort of storage box system. Full time all wheel drive. Not real 4x4.
The taco is a smaller version of a "real truck". It looks and drives like a truck. DCLB is almost as long as a domestic full size pu. Not as suitable for families with young kids. The under back seat and floorboard storage is actually better that the Ridge. You feel more comfortable being rough and going off road with it. Real 4 wheel drive. Rear drive full time.

 

It depends if you care about your Man Card or not.

 

Based on the criteria, and a lot of it was the same as my own, I would get the Taco. The negatives aren't enough of a push to get the ultra-tepid Ridgeline.

Plus, the Ridgeline is a Mom truck.

 

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If you have to ask, get the Ridgeline, because it is clear you don't need a truck.

 

It won't be on sale to mid June

 

Didn't read the other responses.

But, I think you need to sell yourself on which vehicle is most appropriate for you.

I think, even tho Honda is slipping recently, you'll be fine with either in terms of reliability.

Other than looks, which are subjective, and unlike you BOF is a factor for me. Tho I don't hardcore off road, I do pull a trailer & my previous Tacos & my current T4R get used on other than road surface with shit in the back. I prefer (needed or not) the ruggedness offered with a BOF.

You'll be using it as a family hauler, have you considered safety? Does the Ridgeline offer Honda Sense?