2025 Honda Ridgeline vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$40,150 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline bursts onto the scene with a punchier 280 hp and a standard all-wheel-drive system built on a versatile unibody platform, promising car-like handling despite its truck-adjacent aesthetic. Contrasting this is the 2026 Toyota Highlander, leaning into refined family duty with superior fuel economy, boasting a combined 24 MPG compared to the Ridgeline's 21 MPG, and offering significantly more hauling capability with 16 cu ft of cargo space versus the Honda's meager 7.3 cu ft. While the Ridgeline holds the edge in raw power (262 lb-ft torque vs. 310 lb-ft, noting the Highlander uses torque to achieve better efficiency), the Highlander’s lower stance (68.1 inches high) and substantial $5,120 lower starting MSRP when considering the Highlander's premium pricing make it a compelling, pragmatic alternative. The Ridgeline demands attention with its unique utility angle, while the Highlander focuses on maximizing passenger and storage volume within its compact 194.9-inch frame.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Highlander

The 2026 Toyota Highlander wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 24 MPG combined versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander is the superior family hauler, offering nearly double the enclosed storage space at 16 cu ft compared to the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Honda Ridgeline

Enthusiasts will favor the 2025 Honda Ridgeline for its higher 280 hp output and 9-speed transmission, suggesting a more engaged, punchier driving feel.

💰 Best Value

2026 Toyota Highlander

Despite a higher MSRP, the Highlander's better MPG and vastly superior cargo capacity deliver more practical utility for the dollar.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

You prioritize outright horsepower, as the Ridgeline delivers 280 hp compared to the Highlander's 265 hp.
You prefer the smooth operation of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
You need a slightly longer vehicle footprint at 210.2 inches for overall road presence.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You need maximum enclosed storage, as the Highlander offers 16 cu ft versus 7.3 cu ft.
You want better fuel efficiency, with the Highlander achieving 28 MPG on the highway versus 24 MPG.
You are looking to save money upfront, given the $5,120 price difference compared to the Ridgeline's base MSRP.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Ridgeline	Toyota Highlander
Length	210.2"	194.9"
Width	78.6"	76.0"
Height	70.8"	68.1"
Wheelbase	125.2"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	280 hp @ 6000 rpm	265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Single overhead cam (SOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/24 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/468.0 mi.	375.9/501.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.5 gal.	17.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	215W	—
Speaker System	7	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Toyota
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Front Head Room	40.1 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	59.0 in.
Front Hip Room	59.1 in.	57.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Rear Head Room	38.8 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.7 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.5 in.	58.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.6 in.	57.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	18 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	P235/65R V
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and 2026 Toyota Highlander.

Which crossover is faster off the line, the 2025 Ridgeline or the 2026 Highlander?

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline is rated slightly higher in raw power with 280 horsepower compared to the Highlander’s 265 horsepower. However, the 2026 Toyota Highlander counters with significantly more low-end grunt, producing 310 lb-ft of torque versus the Ridgeline's 262 lb-ft, which might translate to better pulling power.

How much more efficient is the 2026 Toyota Highlander in city driving?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander offers noticeable efficiency gains for city commuters, achieving 21 MPG in the city. This is an improvement over the 2025 Honda Ridgeline’s city rating of 18 MPG.

Is the 2025 Ridgeline still an AWD vehicle?

Yes, both vehicles come standard with an all-wheel-drive system, ensuring similar traction capabilities regardless of the weather. The Ridgeline utilizes a 9-speed automatic, while the Highlander uses an 8-speed unit.

If I frequently haul gear, which vehicle has a better cargo setup?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is the clear winner for enclosed cargo, offering 16 cu ft of space. The 2025 Honda Ridgeline provides a comparatively small 7.3 cu ft, suggesting the Highlander is better suited for protecting luggage or groceries from the elements.

What is the primary reason to choose the more expensive Highlander?

The primary draw of the 2026 Highlander, despite its $45,270 MSRP, is its combination of superior efficiency (24 combined MPG) and nearly double the internal cargo volume (16 cu ft) over the Ridgeline.

Are there significant differences in exterior size between the two crossovers?

Yes, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline is substantially longer at 210.2 inches compared to the Highlander’s 194.9 inches, making the Honda slightly more imposing on the road.