Tacoma or Ridgeline?

I was thinking that an AWD Ridgeline is about as good on dirt roads as an AWD Subaru.

 

I just can't get with the Ridgeline. I don't understand how people like these things. Different strokes for different folks....

 

probably is about equal to a subaru. have you test drove either one? That would make up my mind in a hurry. I think as a lot of others that the Ridge Line is a bit to car-like but so what, if it works for you. Bottom line, needs to do what you need it to do.

 

Yes, I've driven both. The 2016 Tacoma was fine but I drove it immediately after driving a 2015 V6 Tacoma and could tell the difference in power between the two. It does appear that Toyota fumbled on the new 6 speed AT but has recovered their fumble with the TSB. The V6, on the other hand, seems like half-a-step back in power as a trade-off for better gas mileage. Other than that, the Tacoma was great.

 

Honda ended production of the last Ridgeline in 2014 and just started back now with the new one.

This chart is useless.

 

I had a first gen Ridgeline for almost 5 years before I got my Tacoma. That sumbitch nickled and dimed me to death.

 

Yeah, it's their only way of saying they're numero uno!
You gotta luv the humor in it though lmaoo!

Cheers!

 

You come on a Tacoma forum looking for a comparison of a non Toyota product, what sort of answers do you expect?
Now, I have driven the Tacoma a few times and different trims(Sport, OR, and SR5). I have also drove the Ridgeline Sport.
With that in mind, I will tell you what I think. First off, if you are a tall guy, the Ridgeline will feel roomier. The RL has rear air vents, and a little bit more room in the back seat. However, the rear doors on the RL do not open as far as they should, so an adult getting into the rear seats may be awkward, depending on the size of the person. For feature comparison, all RL trims come with push button start, where as the Tacoma you have to get the TRD or Limited. Now with that, for the price you pay on a TRD Sport you get more than you would with the RL. In the 32-33k price range, the TRD will get you Entune Premium with Nav and App suite and 7 inch screen. That same price range on the RL puts you in the RTS or Sport which has the 5 inch screen and no nav or apps.
The Taco has more ground clearance and feels more like a Truck, the RL drives and sits like a car.
The RL has a height adjustable driver seat.
The Taco has a more manly look.
Toyota is offering 2 years ToyotaCare, Honda has 3 year roadside assistance, but no free oil changes.
Sorry for the long post, but in your case and seeing what you will be doing with it, I would highly suggest you get the......



4Runner or Sienna.

 

I guess since I'm a man I don't mind the bumpy ride, it's a truck . If I wanted a Betty ride ,the Ridgeline would be ok. You can't compare the 2 . The Ridgeline rides on unibody, the Tacoma has a frame and it's a TRUCK!

 

The Subaru has an honest always on AWD, the Ridgeline is a reactive system that's FWD until it detects tire speed differences between the front and rear, then it engages the rear wheels.

 

Not 100% true. I haven't looked at the new ones vtm4 (the AWD system). In the first gen, all 4 wheels had power until 18 mph, then it dropped to fwd. It was almost impossible to spin a tire on that thing from a standing start. Uphill stop sign in the rain, no spinning.

 

Thank you for the detailed reply.

I was hoping knowledgeable Tacoma fans would articulate all the positives of the Tacoma compared to the Ridgeline and in relation to my expected use of the truck.

 

Pretty much this...

BTW 4Runner Pro or Trail Edition FTW

 

Get the freaking truck so your dirt bike buddies won't laugh at you.

 

You noted something about hauling clients around. I don't know what you do or the average age of these people, but tacoma's whether 2x4 or 4x4 have a higher stance than some of the others makes in this segment. Some older folks might have some difficulty jumping up into a taco as compared to the car-truck (Ridgeline). I guess you have to weigh out your priorities before you decide. You're right though about the Tacoma's appealing appearance vs the Honda.

 

My 87 year old mother climbs into my 2016 Tacoma 3 to 4 times a week with no problem.

 

There are plenty of guys here who never take their trucks off road. It's not mandatory to go off-roading if you have a Tacoma. Test drive both and buy what looks and feels best to you given your situation. It's pretty simple.

 

I'm not reading through the rest of the thread to see others responses. IMHO the Ridgeline will fill everything you say you need it to do. The truck platform on a tacoma makes it better for offroad use and for flexing the frame without popping the doors off. They both would do what you want but if it's ride quality you are more concerned about and never go off the pavement , I think the Ridgeline is your best bett. Good luck to you. I love my truck but if it wasn't for loving the offroad ability of it. I would drive a tundra.

 

If you want to buy a TRD sport because "it handles better on the pavement"...