2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2026 Honda Ridgeline

$46,820 · Crossover

$40,595 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid (car1) and the 2026 Honda Ridgeline (car2) is their fuel economy, with the Highlander achieving a remarkable 35 combined MPG versus the Ridgeline's 21 combined MPG—a 14 MPG advantage for Toyota. Financially, the Ridgeline undercuts the Highlander by $6,225, starting at $40,595 compared to $46,820. Performance metrics show the Ridgeline generating 280 hp, surpassing the Highlander’s 243 hp by 37 hp, although the Highlander uses a CVT while the Ridgeline employs a 9-speed automatic transmission. Dimensionally, the Ridgeline is substantially longer at 210.2 inches versus 194.9 inches. However, cargo space is vastly different; the Highlander offers 16 cu ft while the truck-like Ridgeline only provides 7.3 cu ft, highlighting a key functional trade-off between the two AWD crossovers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Highlander Hybrid's 35 combined MPG provides substantially lower operational costs for daily commuting compared to the Ridgeline's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Despite being shorter, the Highlander offers nearly double the enclosed cargo capacity at 16 cu ft compared to the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Honda Ridgeline

The Ridgeline appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher 280 hp output and traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Honda Ridgeline

The Ridgeline offers superior power and a lower MSRP, saving $6,225 upfront despite its lower fuel efficiency.

Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...

Fuel economy is paramount, due to its 35 combined MPG rating.
You prioritize enclosed cargo capacity, as it offers 16 cu ft.
You prefer the proven efficiency of a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

You require more raw power, reflected in its 280 hp engine.
A lower initial investment is key, with an MSRP $6,225 below car 1.
You need a longer overall vehicle footprint (210.2 inches in length).

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Toyota	Honda
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	✓	✓
Third Row 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	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	Honda
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	hybrid	gas
Horsepower	243 hp @ 6000 rpm	280 hp @ 6000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Single overhead cam (SOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Torque	—	262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Toyota	Honda
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Honda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	35/35 MPG	18/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	35 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	598.5/598.5 mi.	351.0/468.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	19.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

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

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Honda
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	18 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P235/65R18	245/60R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Toyota	Honda
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	8 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	2 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 25000 mi.	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is the precise difference in MSRP between the 2025 Highlander Hybrid and the 2026 Ridgeline?

The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid (car1) has an MSRP of $46,820. The 2026 Honda Ridgeline (car2) starts lower at $40,595, resulting in a $6,225 price advantage for the Ridgeline.

How does the performance gap between the two AWD crossovers compare?

The Ridgeline offers a measurable advantage in power output, generating 280 hp compared to the Highlander Hybrid's 243 hp. Furthermore, the Ridgeline utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission while the Highlander uses a CVT.

Which vehicle provides a superior choice for long-distance road trips considering fuel savings?

The Highlander Hybrid is significantly better equipped for long-distance efficiency, delivering 35 combined MPG. This efficiency means fewer fuel stops compared to the Ridgeline's 21 combined MPG rating.

Despite both being classified as crossovers, how do their physical dimensions differ?

The Ridgeline is notably larger, measuring 210.2 inches long and 78.6 inches wide. The Highlander is more compact at 194.9 inches long and 76.0 inches wide.

Is the Ridgeline's truck bed superior for utility compared to the Highlander's stated cargo capacity?

Surprisingly, no, based purely on the provided numbers; the Highlander lists 16 cu ft of enclosed capacity, whereas the Ridgeline's listed cargo capacity is only 7.3 cu ft.