
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.
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Quick Specs | |||
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. |
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. |
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. |
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MSRP From | |||
$29,350 | $19,260 | $17,125 | N/A |
Gas Mileage | |||
15 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy | 14 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | |
Engine | |||
Gas V6 | Gas 4-cyl | Gas I4 | N/A |
EPA Class | |||
4WD Standard Pickup Truck | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Style Name | |||
4WD Crew Cab RT | 2WD King Cab I4 Manual S | 2WD Reg Cab I4 MT (GS) | N/A |
Drivetrain | |||
Four Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | N/A |
Passenger Capacity | |||
5 | 4 | 3 | N/A |
Passenger Doors | |||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||
4 Door Crew Cab | King Cab | Regular Cab | N/A |
Transmission | |||
Automatic | Manual | Manual | N/A |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
2012 Honda Ridgeline vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier | 2012 Honda Ridgeline vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma | 2012 Honda Ridgeline vs. 2011 Dodge Dakota |