If you’re looking for a new midsize truck that can handle the demands of North Texas, there’s a good chance you’re torn between the 2025 Toyota Tacoma and the Honda Ridgeline. While both trucks are capable of tackling the gravel trails outside of Prosper and busy commutes down Highway 380, there are some key differences worth considering. The Longo Toyota of Prosper team compared these trucks side-by-side to make your decision easier.
Performance and Capability
There’s a lot to consider as we compare engines. Toyota completely overhauled the Tacoma this year, turning it into an off-road-ready machine. The nonhybrid model comes equipped with a 278-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the hybrid variant boasts 326 horsepower. When pitted up against the Ridgeline’s 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6, the Tacoma’s gas-powered engine falls shy by the slightest margin. However, the Tacoma’s hybrid model is the clear winner in terms of performance and fuel efficiency.
The Tacoma also beats the Ridgeline in terms of towing capacity. The gas model hauls up to 6,500 pounds with ease, achieving a max payload of 1,709 pounds. Meanwhile, the Ridgeline manages just 5,000 pounds with a max payload of 1,600 pounds. If the Dallas North Tollway is part of your daily commute, you’ll appreciate the Tacoma’s smooth handling, especially when you tack on the available rear coil-spring suspension.
Even the gas-powered Tacoma achieves better gas mileage than the Ridgeline, with estimates of 21 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Comparatively, the Ridgeline gets 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. It might seem like a small difference, but it’s one that adds up quickly if you’re driving back and forth between Dallas, Plano, and Frisco.
Truck Bed Configurations and Utility
The 2025 Tacoma offers a long six-foot bed across the lineup, with a shorter five-foot version available if you opt for the Double Cab variant. The Ridgeline, however, only comes in one configuration: a four-door crew cab with a five-foot bed. For contractors who need to transport large building supplies, the longer six-foot bed on the Tacoma is the obvious choice.
It’s also worth pointing out that the Ridgeline’s five-foot bed provides 34 cubic feet of space, offering one of the lowest volumes in the entire mid-size truck segment. To offset this, Honda installed an in-bed trunk under the bed’s floor that adds an extra 7.3 cubic feet of capacity, but it’s less convenient than the Tacoma’s setup.
Interior Comfort and Technology
The biggest difference between the interiors of the 2025 Tacoma and Ridgeline comes down to seating and cab choices. The Tacoma offers a flexible range of options to suit the needs of different drivers. For individuals who usually commute to work solo, the XtraCab provides enough room for two passengers. If you need more room to pick the kids up from school, opt for the Double Cab to get seating for up to five people. Meanwhile, the Ridgeline comes in just the one four-door crew cab option we mentioned above, with seating for five.
The revamped Tacoma gets several nice upgrades, including a raised seating position, extra headroom, and an adjustable steering column. It also has many standard features, including an 8.0-inch infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available features include a larger 14.0-inch display, a wireless charging pad, and a JBL audio system. The Limited trim also comes with a head-up display and heated and ventilated front seats to stay comfortable all year long.
This year, the Ridgeline focuses more on practical comfort than innovative tech features. Throughout the cabin, you’ll find a lot of hard plastic, but it does have a few usability elements that help make up for its limited truck bed volume. The 60/40 split rear seat opens up enough room to fit an adult-sized bicycle. It also comes with a slightly bigger 9.0-inch infotainment screen. Standard tech features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging. Upgrade to the TrailSport or Black Edition to get a built-in navigation system.
Pricing, Warranty Coverage, and Reliability
When we take a look at the 2025 Ridgeline vs. Tacoma reliability ratings from J.D. Power, it’s a toss-up. Both models earned an impressive 81 points out of 100 in their overall scores. However, the Tacoma holds a stronger resale value, earning 96 points compared to the Ridgeline’s 86 points.
At $40,150, the Ridgeline’s starting price is also much higher compared to the Tacoma’s starting price of just $31,590. Warranty coverage is comparable, with both automakers offering a limited warranty for the first three years or 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty for the first five years or 60,000 miles. However, Toyota includes complimentary maintenance for the first two years or 25,000 miles, while Honda caps this at two years or 24,000 miles. Toyota also offers comprehensive protection plans and rotating specials on new vehicles, making the Tacoma a more affordable and reliable option all around.
2026 Toyota Tacoma vs. Honda Ridgeline: Key Specs at a Glance
Before we wrap things up, let’s recap with a quick comparison chart to show how the Tacoma and Honda stack up side-by-side:
| Category | 2025 Toyota Tacoma | 2025 Honda Ridgeline |
| Base Engine | 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder | 3.5-liter V-6 |
| Horsepower | 278 hp (gas) / 326 hp (hybrid) | 280 hp |
| Towing capacity | Up to 6,500 lbs | Up to 5,000 lbs |
| Payload Capacity | 1,709 lbs | 1,600 lbs |
| Fuel Economy (MPG) | 21 city / 23 highway | 18 city / 24 highway |
| Cab Configurations | XtraCab (2-passenger) or Double Cab (5-passenger) | Crew Cab (5-passenger) |
| Truck Bed Options | 5-foot or 6-foot bed | 5-foot bed |
| Starting Price | $31,590 | $40,150 |
The Final Verdict: Which Truck Wins?
Still debating whether the Toyota Tacoma or the Honda Ridgeline deserves a spot in your driveway? The best way to decide is with a test drive. Schedule your visit with us online or stop by Longo Toyota of Prosper next time you’re in the area. Our team will be happy to show you the latest features in the Toyota lineup so you can choose the right truck to hit the trails in Texas.
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