Ownership Costs of a Toyota Tacoma vs Honda Ridgeline Findlay Toyota Henderson

Choosing the right midsize truck isn’t just about horsepower and features—it’s also about how much you’ll spend over time. The 2025 Toyota Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline are both top contenders, but how do they compare when it comes to ownership costs? From fuel efficiency and maintenance to insurance and resale value, every dollar adds up. Whether you're commuting through Las Vegas, hauling gear across Southern Nevada, or hitting the trails, understanding the long-term expenses can help you make the smartest choice.

At Findlay Toyota Henderson, we know that buying a truck is an investment. That’s why we’re breaking down the real costs of owning a Toyota Tacoma vs. a Honda Ridgeline—so you can drive off with confidence. Keep reading to see which truck delivers the best value, and when you're ready, visit or contact us to explore your options in person!

Comparing Costs of Two Midsize Trucks in Southern Nevada

Owning a truck in Southern Nevada comes with unique costs. From fuel to maintenance, every expense matters when choosing the right model. The cost of owning a truck includes more than just the sticker price. It also involves long-term expenses that add up over the years.

When comparing these two popular models, consider these key factors:

• Fuel Efficiency: How much gas will you need for daily drives? Trucks with better fuel economy will save you money in the long run.
• Maintenance Costs: What are the typical repair and service expenses? Reliable trucks usually require fewer repairs and lower maintenance costs.
• Resale Value: How well does the truck hold its worth over time? A higher resale value can help offset the initial purchase price.
• Insurance Rates: What can you expect to pay each month? Some models have lower insurance rates due to better safety ratings and lower repair costs.

Understanding these costs helps buyers make a smart choice. In Southern Nevada, fuel prices, weather, and road conditions all play a role. Choosing a truck with lower long-term costs can save thousands over the years.

Upfront Purchase Price: Which Truck Offers Better Value?

Price is a major factor when choosing between these two trucks. While both offer strong performance, their price tags differ significantly.

• The Toyota Tacoma has a starting MSRP of $31,590 for the base model.
• The Honda Ridgeline, on the other hand, has a higher starting price, with a starting MSRP of  $40,150 for its base model.

The Tacoma offers a lower starting price, making it a more budget-friendly option. This lower cost means lower monthly payments, which is important for many buyers.

When considering higher trims, the price gap remains consistent. Fully loaded models will cost more, but the difference is still noticeable. The Tacoma's lower base cost provides better initial value, allowing buyers to spend less upfront and maintain a more manageable budget.

Fuel Economy and Long-Term Savings

Fuel costs play a crucial role in truck ownership, and the efficiency of your vehicle can greatly impact your budget. The more fuel-efficient a truck is, the more money you can save over time. Here’s a breakdown of how the Toyota Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline compare in terms of fuel economy.

Toyota Tacoma Fuel Economy:

The Toyota Tacoma is designed with efficiency in mind, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize saving at the pump. Here are some key points about its fuel economy:

• City Mileage: The Tacoma achieves around 22 miles per gallon (MPG) in the city. This figure reflects its ability to navigate urban environments efficiently, where stop-and-go traffic can lead to increased fuel consumption.
• Highway Mileage: On the highway, the Tacoma performs even better, delivering approximately 27 MPG. This efficiency is beneficial for longer trips, reducing the frequency of fuel stops and overall fuel expenses.
• Combined Rating: With a combined fuel economy rating of 24 MPG, the Tacoma offers a good balance for both city and highway driving. This means that whether you’re commuting to work or taking a weekend trip, you can expect decent fuel efficiency.
  

Honda Ridgeline Fuel Economy:

In comparison, the Honda Ridgeline provides slightly lower fuel efficiency. Here’s how it stacks up:

• City Mileage: The Ridgeline offers around 18 MPG in the city. This is lower than the Tacoma, which means drivers may need to fill up more frequently during urban driving.
• Highway Mileage: On the highway, the Ridgeline achieves approximately 24 MPG, which is respectable but still falls short compared to Tacoma's highway performance.
• Combined Rating: The Ridgeline’s combined fuel economy rating is about 21 MPG, which reflects its overall efficiency in both city and highway driving scenarios.

Long-Term Savings:

The fuel efficiency of these trucks has a direct impact on your long-term savings. Here are some considerations:

• Cost Savings Over Time: The Tacoma’s superior gas mileage, especially in city driving, translates to significant savings at the pump. Over the course of a year, this can amount to hundreds of dollars in savings, depending on your driving habits and fuel prices.
• Driving in Southern Nevada: For drivers in Southern Nevada, where distances between cities and work sites can be substantial, the difference in fuel economy becomes even more important. Longer trips mean more fuel consumed, making the Tacoma's efficiency a compelling factor for cost-conscious buyers.
• Budget-Friendly Ownership: By choosing a truck with better fuel efficiency, such as the Tacoma, you can enjoy more budget-friendly ownership. The money saved on fuel can be allocated to other expenses, whether that’s maintenance, upgrades, or simply enjoying life.

In summary, the Toyota Tacoma provides impressive fuel economy compared to the Honda Ridgeline, making it a wise choice for those looking to save money over time. The Tacoma’s efficiency can lead to substantial savings, especially for those who frequently travel long distances in the Southern Nevada area.

Tacoma vs. Ridgeline Maintenance Costs

When it comes to maintenance, keeping a truck running smoothly is crucial, and the costs involved can significantly impact your total ownership experience. Comparing the Toyota Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline in this aspect highlights some key differences.

• Routine Maintenance:
  • Both trucks require regular upkeep, such as oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and fluid checks. The Toyota Tacoma tends to have lower routine maintenance costs, thanks to its proven engineering and widespread popularity, which makes parts more affordable.
  • Honda Ridgeline owners may pay a bit more for routine services due to its less common design, but both vehicles are known for their reliability in general.
• Repair Costs:
  • While all vehicles need occasional repairs, the Tacoma is particularly known for its durability. It often outlasts competitors in terms of fewer repairs needed. With fewer unexpected breakdowns, owners can enjoy long-term savings.
  • The Ridgeline, though reliable, may require repairs slightly more frequently, especially as it ages, because of its unique unibody construction, which can sometimes result in higher repair costs.
• Warranty Coverage: Having a solid warranty helps ease the costs of repairs and provides peace of mind.
  • Toyota offers a robust warranty package that covers a substantial period, which can reduce the costs of any major repairs during the early years of ownership.
  • Honda offers a competitive warranty as well, but the Toyota Tacoma’s warranty is often perceived as one of the strongest in the market, with many owners reporting fewer repair issues due to the truck's overall design and build quality.
• Parts Availability:
  • One factor that helps keep maintenance costs low for Tacoma owners is the availability of parts. Toyota's wide-reaching presence means that parts are easy to find and often come at a lower cost.
  • The Honda Ridgeline, with its more niche presence, may require owners to search a little harder for parts or pay a bit more for them.
• Longevity:
  • The Toyota Tacoma is well-known for its ability to run for several hundred thousand miles with proper care. This translates into fewer visits to the mechanic and lower overall repair expenses in the long run.
  • The Ridgeline, while also a long-lasting truck, may not match the Tacoma in terms of overall durability, which could result in slightly higher maintenance costs as it ages.

On average, Tacoma owners tend to spend less on maintenance over the years. Toyota's reputation for producing durable and reliable vehicles is a big part of that. With fewer major repairs and affordable parts, owning a Toyota Tacoma could translate to substantial savings on maintenance costs, ensuring that your investment stays low over time.

Insurance Costs: What to Expect for Each Truck

Insurance is another key factor in overall ownership costs. Rates can depend on several factors:

• Vehicle Price: More expensive trucks tend to cost more to insure.
• Safety Ratings: Trucks with higher safety ratings often receive lower insurance rates, as they are less likely to be involved in accidents.
• Repair Costs: Vehicles that are more expensive to repair usually come with higher premiums.

Since the Ridgeline has a higher starting price, its insurance rates generally tend to be higher than those of the Tacoma. Tacoma's lower cost and strong safety features contribute to more affordable insurance premiums, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious buyers.

Depreciation and Resale Value

When buying a truck, it’s smart to think about how much it will be worth later. Depreciation is how much value a truck loses over time. Some models hold their value better than others.

The Toyota model is known for its strong resale value. It often retains more of its worth after a few years compared to other trucks. Here are some factors to consider:

• Initial Cost: A lower purchase price can lead to a higher resale value.
• Popularity: Trucks that are in demand will hold value better.
• Reliability: Reliable models tend to have less depreciation.

For example, the Tacoma is popular among buyers. This popularity helps keep its resale value high. On the other hand, the Ridgeline may not hold its value as well due to lower demand in certain markets.

Understanding depreciation is key. When the time comes to sell, a truck that retains its value will give you more cash in hand.

Off-Road Capability vs. Everyday Comfort

Choosing the right truck often means balancing off-road ability with daily comfort. Each model has its own strengths.

The Toyota truck is known for its rugged design and off-road features. Here are some points to consider:

Off-Road Capability:

• Strong suspension system.
• Good ground clearance for rough trails.
• Available four-wheel drive for tough terrains.

On the other hand, the Ridgeline focuses more on comfort. Here are its key features:

Everyday Comfort:

• Smooth ride on highways and city roads.
• Roomy interior with modern tech features.
• Quiet cabin for a pleasant driving experience.

If you plan to take your truck off the beaten path, the Tacoma is a great choice. If you want a truck for daily use and comfort, the Ridgeline may be better. Both trucks serve different needs, so think about how you will use your vehicle most often.

Total Ownership Costs: Which Truck is the Better Investment?

When looking at total ownership costs, it’s important to consider more than just the sticker price. The overall expenses can make a big difference in your wallet.

• Purchase Price: The Tacoma generally costs less upfront.
• Fuel Costs: A truck with better fuel economy saves money over time.
• Maintenance Costs: The Tacoma tends to require fewer repairs and less upkeep.

To break it down further:

Toyota Tacoma:

• Lower purchase price.
• Higher fuel efficiency.
• Lower maintenance expenses.

Honda Ridgeline:

• Higher initial cost.
• Lower fuel economy.
• Slightly higher maintenance costs.

Overall, the Tacoma offers a better investment value in every area due to its lower total ownership costs. When considering both trucks, think about how each factor adds up over time. A lower price today can lead to more savings tomorrow.

What are the differences in fuel consumption costs between the Tacoma and Ridgeline?

• The Tacoma generally has better fuel efficiency, especially in off-road conditions. However, the Ridgeline may perform slightly better on highways.

How do the technological features and their associated costs differ between the two trucks?

• The Ridgeline comes with more standard tech features, such as a smoother infotainment system and driver-assist tools. Some of these features are optional on the Tacoma, which may increase costs.

What are the expected costs associated with regular service intervals for both models?

• The Tacoma tends to have lower maintenance costs due to its simpler design and reputation for reliability. The Ridgeline, with its more complex suspension and drivetrain, may require higher service expenses over time.

Are there any significant differences in the cost of replacement parts between Tacoma and Ridgeline?

• Yes, replacement parts for the Tacoma are generally more affordable and widely available due to its popularity. Ridgeline parts can be pricier and harder to find.

How do the resale values of the Tacoma and Ridgeline compare after several years of ownership?

• The Tacoma has a higher resale value and depreciates slower than the Ridgeline. It remains in high demand, which helps owners get a better return when selling.

These answers should help you understand the key financial differences between the two trucks. If you need more details on any specific point, let me know.

Find Your Next Truck at Findlay Toyota

As you think about your next vehicle, it’s important to consider the total cost of ownership. At Findlay Toyota Henderson, we’re here to help you make an informed decision. Our extensive inventory features the Toyota Tacoma and a wide range of other vehicles, perfect for all your needs in the Las Vegas and Southern Nevada area.

While you're on our site, take some time to explore the vibrant dining scene in Las Vegas with our guide to the Michelin Star Restaurants. If you're planning a trip, you'll find useful information about international airports and how to navigate the city’s travel options. Additionally, for those interested in sports, we cover the growing presence of professional sports teams in the area and what that means for fans.

Ready to explore your next vehicle? Visit Findlay Toyota Henderson today and let us help you find the perfect ride for your lifestyle.