2012 Honda Ridgeline vs. Its Competition

The 2012 Honda Ridgeline Sport. Image: American Honda Motor Co.
Martin Padgett Martin Padgett Editorial Director

The Honda Ridgeline may be more refined than anything else this size with a pickup bed, but it's likely you'll find a better deal with a mid-size pickup.

The Nissan Frontier is a good alternative, as is its clone, the Suzuki Equator.

Both look rugged in look and can be configured with regular or extended cabs, and can be outfitted for full-time off-road duty.

The Toyota Tacoma is probably a better choice for frugal shoppers; resale values are good, and performance and fuel economy are decent with the standard four-cylinder engine.

This year the Tacoma gets a light reskin and a new infotainment system, too.

The 2012 Honda Ridgeline Sport. Image: American Honda Motor Co. 2012 Honda Ridgeline
Browse Used Listings		2012 Nissan Frontier 4WD Crew Cab SWB Auto PRO-4X Angular Front Exterior View2012 Nissan Frontier
Browse Used Listings		2012 Toyota Tacoma 2WD Double I4 AT (Natl) Angular Front Exterior View2012 Toyota Tacoma
Browse Used Listings		2011 Dodge Dakota2011 Dodge Dakota
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
7.4
The 2012 Honda Ridgeline won't satisfy those who need a real full-size truck, but for those who need hauling on occasion, it offers an interesting alternative.
7.6
You may not need to go full-size--the 2012 Nissan Frontier pickup truck can cover a lot of the same ground a bigger pickup can.
6.4
The 2012 Toyota Tacoma's affordable price, fuel-efficiency, and simplicity make it a good, capable alternative for those who don't need a full-size truck.
6.8
MSRP From   
$29,350$19,260$17,125N/A
Gas Mileage   
15 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy14 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy15 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy
Engine   
Gas V6Gas 4-cylGas I4N/A
EPA Class   
4WD Standard Pickup TruckN/AN/AN/A
Style Name   
4WD Crew Cab RT2WD King Cab I4 Manual S2WD Reg Cab I4 MT (GS)N/A
Drivetrain   
Four Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveN/A
Passenger Capacity   
543N/A
Passenger Doors   
N/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style   
4 Door Crew CabKing CabRegular CabN/A
Transmission   
AutomaticManualManualN/A
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2012 Honda Ridgeline vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier2012 Honda Ridgeline vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma2012 Honda Ridgeline vs. 2011 Dodge Dakota