2025 Honda Ridgeline vs Toyota Tacoma — Which Truck Wins?

Two of the most popular midsize trucks Honda Ridgeline and Toyota Tacoma go head-to-head for 2025. Both deliver reliability, capability, and modern tech, but one offers the smarter balance of comfort, value, and everyday usability. Here’s a full breakdown to help you decide which midsize pickup is the better buy in 2025.

Honda Ridgeline

Okay, so the Ridgeline… it’s like the soccer dad of trucks, but in a good way? Starting around $38,000, and it’s basically a Pilot with a bed stuck on the back. Which sounds like I’m being mean, but honestly, that’s kinda brilliant. You get car-like ride quality, decent fuel economy for a truck, and that unibody construction means it’s not gonna rattle your teeth out on the highway. The trunk in the bed is genius too  where else can you lock stuff up in a pickup? Interior’s nice, fits five people comfortably, and it tows like 5,000 pounds which is… fine for most people. It’s not gonna win any “most truck-like truck” awards, but if you need a truck maybe 20% of the time and a family hauler 80%, this makes total sense.

Honda Pilot

Wait, I know the Pilot’s not a truck, but hear me out… it’s like $37,000 and it’s basically what the Ridgeline is underneath, just with more roof. Three rows of seats, decent towing for an SUV, and Honda reliability. Sometimes I wonder if people just get the Ridgeline because they want to feel truck-ish but actually need an SUV? I mean, the Pilot’s probably more practical for most families, but there’s something about having a bed that just… appeals to people, you know? Plus you can’t haul mulch in a Pilot without making a huge mess.

Honda CR-V

Okay, totally different category at around $30,000, but the CR-V’s like Honda’s bread and butter. Compact SUV that just works  good on gas, reliable as sunrise, practical interior. It’s not exciting, but it’s the automotive equivalent of a really good pair of jeans. Fits most people’s lives perfectly without any drama. Sometimes I think people overthink the whole truck thing when a CR-V would handle 90% of what they actually do. But then again, you can’t really haul a couch in one of these… or can you? Actually, nevermind.

Honda Passport

The Passport’s weird like, it sits between the CR-V and Pilot at around $35,000, and I’m never sure who it’s for exactly. Two rows, more rugged-looking than the CR-V, but not as big as the Pilot. Honda says it’s more adventure-focused, but honestly, it just feels like a Pilot that skipped leg day? Don’t get me wrong, it’s probably a good SUV, but when you can get a Pilot for barely more money or save a bunch with a CR-V, the Passport’s positioning is just… confusing to me.

Honda Accord

Total tangent here, but the Accord at $28,000 is still one of the best sedans you can buy. I know, I know, nobody wants sedans anymore, but honestly? If you don’t need the height or cargo space, an Accord’s probably more comfortable than most SUVs for daily driving. Great on gas, smooth ride, and Honda’s hybrid system is really good. But we’re talking trucks here, so… yeah, never mind. Though if you’re considering a Ridgeline just for the Honda reliability, maybe think about whether you actually need a truck?

Toyota Tacoma

The Tacoma’s like… it’s the default answer when someone says “I need a mid-size truck.” Starts around $32,000 for the base model, but honestly, who buys the base model? You’re probably looking at $40,000-plus for something decent. The new one’s got a turbo four-cylinder and… I’m still getting used to that. Part of me misses the V6, but the new engine’s actually pretty good once you drive it for a while. It’s definitely more truck-like than the Ridgeline – body-on-frame, solid rear axle, the whole traditional pickup thing. Off-road capability’s legit too, especially in TRD trims. But man, the ride quality on pavement is… it’s a truck, let’s put it that way.

Toyota RAV4

So the RAV4’s around $30,000 and it’s everywhere like, seriously, I see them constantly. Compact SUV that’s reliable, decent on gas, and the all-wheel drive actually works pretty well. The TRD Off-Road version’s surprisingly capable for what it is. Not gonna lie, sometimes I think a RAV4 makes more sense than a truck for a lot of people. You get the height, the practicality, better fuel economy… but then you can’t haul a washer and dryer, so there’s that. Plus it looks like every other RAV4 on the road, which might bug some people.

Toyota Highlander

The Highlander’s like Toyota’s answer to the Honda Pilot three-row SUV around $38,000 that’s really practical for families. It’s not exciting, but it’s competent and reliable, which is very Toyota. The hybrid version gets pretty good fuel economy for something this size. I keep thinking about how it compares to the Tacoma… like, similar price, way more interior space, better ride quality, but obviously no truck bed. Depends what you prioritize, I guess.

Toyota Prius

Okay, this is totally random, but the Prius starts at like $25,000 and gets insane gas mileage. I know it’s not a truck or SUV, but with gas prices being what they are… sometimes I wonder if people buying trucks actually need trucks or just want to feel like they do. The Prius is practical in a different way you can fit a surprising amount of stuff in there, and you’ll save thousands on gas. Not saying everyone should get one, but it makes you think about priorities.

Toyota Camry

Another random one the Camry’s around $27,000 and it’s just a really solid sedan. Reliable, comfortable, available as a hybrid, and honestly prettier than it has any right to be. If you’re considering trucks but mostly drive solo or with one passenger, a Camry might make more sense financially. Though you definitely can’t haul plywood in one, so… context matters. But for commuting and family duties, it’s hard to beat.

Toyota Tundra

Okay, full-size territory here at around $37,000, but the Tundra’s worth mentioning because Toyota’s truck reputation is so strong. The twin-turbo V6 hybrid system is actually pretty impressive good power, better fuel economy than you’d expect from a full-size. If you can deal with the size and parking situation, you get way more capability than any mid-size. Though the interior feels kinda cheap for what you pay, which is… very Toyota, actually. But if you need serious towing and hauling, this makes more sense than a mid-size.