2025 Honda Ridgeline vs 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

$40,150 · Crossover

$47,020 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant measurable divergence between the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid centers on fuel economy, with the Highlander Hybrid achieving a combined 35 MPG compared to the Ridgeline's 21 MPG, a difference of 14 MPG. This efficiency gap translates to lower running costs for the Highlander, despite its higher starting MSRP of $47,020 versus the Ridgeline's $40,150. Power output favors the Ridgeline, delivering 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the Highlander Hybrid's 243 hp output. However, the Highlander offers substantially more utility in terms of pure storage, boasting 16 cu ft of cargo capacity, more than double the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft. The Ridgeline, while shorter at 210.2 inches, possesses a larger footprint in width (78.6 inches vs. 76.0 inches for the Toyota). These measurable differences establish distinct profiles for each crossover.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 35 MPG combined fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Families benefit from the Highlander Hybrid's 16 cu ft cargo capacity, which is more than double the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Honda Ridgeline

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline is the enthusiast choice, offering higher peak power at 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Honda Ridgeline

The Ridgeline offers better initial acquisition value with an MSRP of $40,150, representing a $6,870 saving over the Highlander Hybrid.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

You prioritize outright performance, benefiting from the 280 horsepower rating.
Budget constraints favor a lower initial purchase price of $40,150.
You require the 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...

Maximizing fuel efficiency is critical, given the 35 MPG combined rating.
You need superior pure storage volume, as indicated by the 16 cu ft cargo area.
You prefer a more compact physical footprint, measuring 194.9 inches long versus the Ridgeline's 210.2 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Ridgeline	Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	280 hp @ 6000 rpm	243 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 4700 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	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/24 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/468.0 mi.	598.5/598.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.5 gal.	17.1 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	P235/65R18
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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How does the fuel economy gap impact annual operating costs between these two vehicles?

The 14 MPG difference in combined efficiency (35 MPG for the Highlander Hybrid vs. 21 MPG for the Ridgeline) suggests substantial long-term savings for the Toyota. This is especially true if the commuter drives over 15,000 miles annually, lowering the total cost of ownership despite the higher initial price.

Which vehicle offers more physical space for cargo and passengers?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers significantly more usable cargo volume at 16 cu ft compared to the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft. While both are crossovers, dimensional data suggests the Highlander Hybrid is 5.3 inches shorter in length, though overall passenger comfort cannot be definitively determined without interior dimensions.

Is the horsepower deficit in the Highlander Hybrid significant for driving dynamics?

The Ridgeline produces 37 more horsepower (280 hp vs. 243 hp) and provides an advantage in torque (262 lb-ft). While the Highlander Hybrid uses an efficient CVT optimized for MPG, the Ridgeline's higher power figure and 9-speed automatic transmission suggest superior acceleration capabilities.

Comparing the initial investment, what is the price difference?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has an MSRP of $47,020, placing it $6,870 more expensive than the 2025 Honda Ridgeline, which starts at $40,150.

Do both vehicles utilize the same fuel type?

Yes, both the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid are specified to use regular unleaded fuel, simplifying refueling logistics for owners of either vehicle.

What is the key difference in drivetrain and transmission technology?

The Ridgeline utilizes an all-wheel-drive system paired with a conventional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Conversely, the Highlander Hybrid employs all-wheel drive with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), optimized primarily for efficiency.