2026 Honda Ridgeline vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$40,595 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2026 Honda Ridgeline and the 2026 Toyota Highlander often comes down to prioritizing utility versus traditional SUV space, especially when you look at the initial investment. The Ridgeline starts significantly lower at $40,595 compared to the Highlander's $45,270, saving you $4,675 right off the bat. However, the Highlander nets better fuel economy, achieving a 24 MPG combined versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG combined; its highway rating is a notable 28 MPG against the Ridgeline's 24 MPG. While both offer AWD, the Highlander manages a higher torque output of 310 lb-ft compared to the Ridgeline's 262 lb-ft. Paradoxically, despite being billed as a truck alternative, the Ridgeline offers very little open cargo space at only 7.3 cu ft, whereas the Highlander provides nearly double the enclosed space at 16 cu ft, making the choice a balance between a truck-like bed experience and standard enclosed utility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Highlander

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is the winner for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, delivering 24 MPG combined versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander offers significantly more protected storage with 16 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota Highlander

Enthusiasts will likely prefer the Highlander because it boasts greater low-end pull with 310 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Ridgeline's 262 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Honda Ridgeline

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline wins on initial value by sporting a lower MSRP of $40,595, saving buyers $4,675 over the base Highlander.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

You want the lowest entry price, as the Ridgeline starts at $40,595.
You prefer the unique utility of a crossover with a truck bed, despite its small 7.3 cu ft capacity.
You don't mind slightly lower efficiency (21 MPG combined) in exchange for the lower purchase price.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

Maximizing enclosed cargo space is essential, as the Highlander offers 16 cu ft.
You want better fuel economy, specifically achieving 28 MPG on the highway.
You value higher low-end acceleration, thanks to its 310 lb-ft of torque.

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 2026 Honda Ridgeline and 2026 Toyota Highlander.

What is the primary difference in size between the 2026 Ridgeline and the 2026 Highlander?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline is longer overall at 210.2 inches compared to the Highlander's 194.9 inches. However, the Highlander is slightly smaller in width and height, making the Ridgeline the longer vehicle on the road.

How much money can I save upfront by choosing the Honda Ridgeline?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline has a lower MSRP of $40,595, which is $4,675 less than the starting price of the 2026 Toyota Highlander at $45,270.

Which crossover has more accessible driving power for merging onto highways?

The Toyota Highlander offers a superior torque rating of 310 lb-ft, which should translate to better immediate response when accelerating compared to the Ridgeline's 262 lb-ft of torque.

Is there a significant fuel economy advantage for either AWD model?

Yes, the Highlander provides a clear advantage, earning 24 MPG combined (21 city/28 highway) using regular unleaded fuel, while the Ridgeline achieves 21 MPG combined (18 city/24 highway).

Which vehicle has more practical space for carrying luggage or groceries?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is much better for enclosed storage, offering 16 cu ft of cargo capacity, while the 2026 Honda Ridgeline only provides 7.3 cu ft.

Do both models use the same type of fuel and drivetrain?

Both the Ridgeline and the Highlander use regular unleaded fuel and come equipped with an All-Wheel Drive system. They both utilize a shiftable automatic transmission, although the Ridgeline features a 9-speed unit versus the Highlander's 8-speed.