The best of both worlds

When it comes to the mid-size truck category, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline is undoubtedly one of the best choices for drivers who want a truck but don’t really need one. We say that because the Ridgeline looks like a truck and does everything a truck needs to do, but it drives more like a minivan. Its comfortable ride and refined driving dynamics make it a go-to choice for those who only use its truck features around five percent of the time. 

Let’s face it, the other 95 percent of the time, those drivers are using their trucks for mundane tasks like driving to the grocery store, dropping the kids off at school, or other activities. In that case, the Ridgeline is perfect with its accommodating rear seat area, in-bed trunk, and clever storage options. The Honda Ridgeline is also very powerful with its 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. With that kind of power, the Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds and nearly 1,600 pounds of payload, which is on track with its rivals.

However, for the truck lovers who want a little more off-road capability, at the expense of a smoother ride, there are better options in the class. Here are four other options that are worth checking out if the Honda Ridgeline is too soft.

Toyota Tacoma

The 2025 Toyota Tacoma is easily one of the most popular trucks in the segment as well as the entire automotive market. Opting for the Tacoma will give buyers the same equipment found on the Honda Ridgeline, but in a rougher, tougher package. The Tacoma utilizes a body-on-frame architecture for added rigidity, which helps it navigate over rocky terrain while maintaining composure under normal driving conditions. Furthermore, the Tacoma underwent a makeover for the 2024 model year, which included a new look, more features, and updated powertrains. 

Instead of a V6, the Toyota Tacoma is now propelled by a standard turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower and sends it to either the rear wheels or all four, depending on the configuration buyers choose. There is also an upgraded 278-horsepower i-Force hybrid variation for those seeking more power and fuel efficiency, as the upgraded engine is more fuel efficient than the V6 found in the Ridgeline (19 city/24 highway). With that kind of power, the Tacoma is able to tow up to 6,000 pounds and up to 1,680 pounds of payload.

Inside, the Tacoma boasts seating for five and plenty of in-cabin tech, including an available 14-inch infotainment system that’s connected to a JBL premium audio system, heated and ventilated seats, and plenty of safety features. The Tacoma also has many different trim levels to suit a variety of budgets, including a Trailhunter trim that comes well-equipped with plenty of off-road-ready features. Ultimately, it’s a formidable competitor in the mid-size truck category and should not be overlooked.

Nissan Frontier

The 2025 Nissan Frontier is another rugged choice that can run circles around the Honda Ridgeline in an off-road setting. The Frontier strikes a good balance between off-road capability, comfort, and affordability. It’s powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, which makes it more powerful than the Honda Ridgeline. The Frontier has also been updated for the 2025 model year with new exterior enhancements, like a new front bumper and grille, as well as new wheel choices on the PRO-X trim level and a new orange color.

More importantly, the Frontier now comes with an optional 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and a new 360-degree camera system, which the Ridgeline doesn’t have. It can also tow up to 7,150 pounds and has an available six-foot bed length, which is longer than the one in the Ridgeline as well. Lastly, the Nissan Frontier undercuts the Ridgeline in price by nearly $10,000 at every trim level, which makes it a stellar choice for truck lovers on a budget.

Ford Ranger 

The Ford Ranger poses a threat to the Honda Ridgeline with its compelling blend of performance, technology, and versatility. The Ranger offers a range of potent engine choices, which include a base 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 that makes 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter V6 that makes 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. With all that power, the Ranger can tow up to 7,500 pounds and carry up to 1,805 pounds of payload.

Inside, the Ranger features a user-friendly cabin that boasts a range of advanced technologies, including a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, and wireless phone integration. It also has plenty of safety and driver-assist features to keep everyone safe and on the road. If all of those features aren’t convincing enough, it’s worth noting that the Ranger starts at around $33,000, which is much cheaper than the Honda Ridgeline, making it a great value at every trim level. 

Chevrolet Colorado

The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado is a robust entry in the pickup truck segment because it excels in performance and technology. The Colorado is powered by a standard 2.7-liter TurboMax engine that delivers 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination allows the Colorado to tow up to a whopping 7,700 pounds. 

Power aside, the Chevrolet Colorado also has a tech-rich cabin that comes equipped with an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless phone integration, and an 11-inch digital gauge cluster to give the driver all the pertinent information. It also has plenty of safety features and comes in a number of trim levels, including the Trail Boss and ZR2 trim levels, which come with rugged off-road features like lifted suspensions, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. Pricing for the Colorado also starts at around $33,000, which is far less than the Ridgeline’s $40,000 starting price. 

Final thoughts

Although the 2025 Honda Ridgeline is undoubtedly a safe choice for truck buyers who need a truck but don’t intend to do much truck-worthy things like rock crawling or advanced off-roading, there are more capable options in the market. Trucks like the Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, and Ford Ranger are all better equipped for towing, hauling, and off-roading, and they even cost less than Honda’s pickup, Of course, this doesn’t mean that buyers should completely cross the Ridgeline shopping list as it’s still a good option and deserves a look for anyone that’s in the market for a mid-size pickup truck.

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