Ridgeline or Tundra I'm probably going to buy this week, but like an idiot I am gravitating back and forth between two totally different vehicles. I keep my vehicles a very long time, so it's a huge decision. Since I am 67 years old, this will probably be my last tow vehicle. Priorities: reliability, comfort, towing ability. I'm towing a 3,000 lb. travel trailer, but could conceivably move up later.1. 2014 Ridgeline SE ($36k sales price) (5,000 lb. max. towing)2. 2014 Toyota Tundra Model 1794 ($43k sales price)(10,000 lb. max. towing)I am a hard-headed Honda and Toyota devotee, so other brands are out.Ridgeline:advantages: handling, maneuverability, ride, cost, fits my wife and my drivewaydisadvantages: old school, last year of production, manually adj. passenger seat, less roomy, limited towing abilityTundra:advantages: first year of restyle, full-size spareroomy, plush interior, power passenger seat, almost unlimited towing ability, RWDdisadvantages:cost, maneuverability, slightly less mpg., takes up a lot of space

You have all the pro's and con's worked out. If your just looking for opinions I would go with the Tundra if it were my money especially if your towing needs increase.Merry Christmas!!!

If your gonna up size the trailer you will need the tundra.

There is an adage that says you can never have too much truck, and as much as I love Honda's (we've got 4 of them), the Toyota is a better tow vehicle.That Ridgeline is basically on the Odyssey chassis (I believe?), since our Odyssey has the same towing capacity.I guess a lot depends on how much towing you plan to do. While both will handle your trailer, you would probably be shortening the life of the Honda (and you said you keep them a long time) because it's really not designed for the kind of work. Of course, if you only tow occasionally, it may work for you and the wife.I think I'd suggest looking at a "Certified" Toyota that is a year or two old, which would be in the price range, and since you're talking the previous "style", it's a proven system.Hopefully, 67 doesn't mean that you're limited to another 10-15 years on the road.I love Honda, but in this case, I gotta say the Tundra is better for towing.

Simple choice, in my mind. One is a truck, the other is a car, no other way to look at it. I buy trucks to tow with and the wife buys cars to run around in.Merry Christmas and enjoy your new TUNDRA.....

Last year my son (married, one baby and a Lab, they live off the grid in CA.) was looking to buy a Tacoma and I tried steering him towards a Tundra, but the tipping point for him was the gas savings. Now he wishes he'd got the Tundra for #1. the cargo capacity (size and weight both), #2. the interior room, #3. the towing capacity.Regarding fuel mileage, based on 15,000 miles per year and figures from fuelly.com, it'll cost you roughly $600-$800+ more for the Tundra 5.7L V8 vs the V6 Ridgeline. (about 15.5 vs 18 mpg).I'd go for the Tundra based on the points and concerns in YOUR post. Good luck and enjoy!

Tundra or Ridgeline | Good Sam Community

Targa
Explorer
Dec 25, 2013
You have all the pro's and con's worked out. If your just looking for opinions I would go with the Tundra if it were my money especially if your towing needs increase.

Merry Christmas!!!
Mvander
Explorer
Dec 25, 2013
If your gonna up size the trailer you will need the tundra.
PapPappy
Explorer
Dec 25, 2013
There is an adage that says you can never have too much truck, and as much as I love Honda's (we've got 4 of them), the Toyota is a better tow vehicle.
That Ridgeline is basically on the Odyssey chassis (I believe?), since our Odyssey has the same towing capacity.

I guess a lot depends on how much towing you plan to do. While both will handle your trailer, you would probably be shortening the life of the Honda (and you said you keep them a long time) because it's really not designed for the kind of work. Of course, if you only tow occasionally, it may work for you and the wife.

I think I'd suggest looking at a "Certified" Toyota that is a year or two old, which would be in the price range, and since you're talking the previous "style", it's a proven system.

Hopefully, 67 doesn't mean that you're limited to another 10-15 years on the road.

I love Honda, but in this case, I gotta say the Tundra is better for towing.
The_Texan
Explorer
Dec 25, 2013
Simple choice, in my mind. One is a truck, the other is a car, no other way to look at it. I buy trucks to tow with and the wife buys cars to run around in.

Merry Christmas and enjoy your new TUNDRA.....
W_E_BGood
Explorer
Dec 25, 2013
Last year my son (married, one baby and a Lab, they live off the grid in CA.) was looking to buy a Tacoma and I tried steering him towards a Tundra, but the tipping point for him was the gas savings. Now he wishes he'd got the Tundra for #1. the cargo capacity (size and weight both), #2. the interior room, #3. the towing capacity.

Regarding fuel mileage, based on 15,000 miles per year and figures from fuelly.com, it'll cost you roughly $600-$800+ more for the Tundra 5.7L V8 vs the V6 Ridgeline. (about 15.5 vs 18 mpg).

I'd go for the Tundra based on the points and concerns in YOUR post. Good luck and enjoy!
Steeljag
Explorer
Dec 25, 2013
Wow ...that Toyota seems high in price, assuming its loaded? As far as trailer towing the Toyota would be the way to go by far. Even if you ended up with a larger TT, I would keep it under 7000lbs to be comfortable.

Enjoy whatever you purchase.
fla-gypsy
Explorer
Dec 25, 2013
The choice is not even close on your very narrow short list. The Honda is nothing but a wannabe.
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Dec 25, 2013
I'm biased because I own a Tundra so that would be my choice. The Ridgeline might be more comfortable for everyday driving around town and is of course smaller and more maneuverable. Since you said you "might go bigger" on the trailer, I would get the Tundra since it will give you more options if you do want a bigger trailer down the line.
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Dec 25, 2013
Steeljag wrote:
Wow ...that Toyota seems high in price, assuming its loaded? As far as trailer towing the Toyota would be the way to go by far. Even if you ended up with a larger TT, I would keep it under 7000lbs to be comfortable.

Enjoy whatever you purchase.

Agreed, that price does seem high, but it might be for the "Limited" trim line which has nav, leather, and all the bells and whistles. Most common model is the SR-5 which I have. Personally, I would look at an 2013 Tundra which has a lot of factory incentives right now to make room for the new 2014. Mechanically, I don't think the they've changed, meaning drivetrain, etc, but the 2014 looks like it has some new sheet metal and a new interior.
esjay
Explorer
Dec 25, 2013
We have to have heated power seats and in-dash nav., thus the top-end model of each. You have pretty much convinced me what I really already knew. I have looked at certified used Tundras, but think they are overpriced. Toyotas hold their value quite well.
The V6 Ridgeline will tow my trailer well, but it sucks almost as much gas as the Tundra V8. I look for Honda to update that with the next model.