Which is really all I would "need"

 

THREE vehicles to post about each day? You'll never get off Car Chat.

(Don't be irked...just kidding)



Have you looked at or test-driven a Ridgeline? While not as rugged as, say, a Tacoma or Colorado, it is remarkably comfortable to drive....with road-manners somewhat like a downsized version of the big comfortable Ram 1500. A former pastor of mine traded in a Hyundai Genesis for a special Black-Edition Ridgeline, and just loved it.

 

Haha that’s true!

The Ridgeline doesn’t appeal to me at all. If I were to buy a truck, I would buy a real truck.

 

Ridgeline isn't a truck. It'll never appeal to truck guys. People who advocate for it come from an entirely different worldview IMO.

 

Had a first generation of Ridgeline. Loved the utility (the in-bed storage swallows golf clubs and then some). Sold it when gas was $4+ and I was spending $200/week just to drive to/from work (100+ miles round trip at the time). The Jetta TDI that replaced it was a welcome reprieve on the wallet.

 

Everyone who has owned a Ridgeline (about 5 people I know) has absolutely loved their Ridgeline; most consumers (not directing anything at you Steve or Brett) buy trucks for the rugged appeal rather than the actual utility. This clever GMC Canyon ad (that posts pictures of a man in front of a Corolla/Canyon and asks women who they find more appealing) I think personifies a large portion of truck sales. I personally believe a Ridgeline addresses what most people need, whereas a proper truck addresses the emotional need.

Back on topic, due to the crazy residuals of Toyota trucks, here is a good Leasehackr thread (for TX & SC) for $269-down-$269-mth Taco leases and $309-down-$309-mth Tundra leases which is an amazing deal for a $35k-$48k truck.

 

yeah it's totally superior for shopping trips in downtown toronto.

 

Totally agree about the Ridgeline. I have nothing against it, but part of what I like in a truck is that tough and rugged feeling. Very masculine. Maybe I'm a bit vain, but I like that.

I do plan on taking the Tacoma to some off road parks to play around with it, which I would be no more likely to take a Ridgeline to than I would my Highlander. It's just not for that purpose. I also have access to a trailer that I intend to tow on occasion and the Ridgeline doesn't have a high enough tow rating for it.

And yes, those lease rates are incredible. You can lease a Tundra for about the same price as a Tacoma, making the Tundra the better value. I did seriously consider that, but decided to stick with the Tacoma as the Tundra is just bigger than I want.

On a side note, I have parted with the Silverado. Not much love lost there. It was a 2000, but with only 89k miles on it. It wasn't worth much so we donated it.

 

The Ridgleine can't even touch a BOF truck in terms of actual utility. Lower payload rating, lower tow capacity, less off-road capability. It's literally a topless Pilot.

 

Exact truck I have. 2017 SR, utility package, no rear seat. $25000 MSRP. Paid $22000. Lease ends May 2021. Will get a 4 door SR5, long bed.

 

100% agree with you - the front is pretty much a transplant from the Honda Pilot. The point I was hoping to make was a lot of truck owners (upwards of 75% as per this study) never tow, certainly a higher % of truck owners (or SUV owners for that matter) never off-road and never carry a payload bigger than a weekend Costco trip.
Obviously to many, they do use a truck for these functions; but for the significant majority who do not, a truck like a Ridgeline (which I think has superior ride & comfort only matched by the new Ram 1500) would be more than sufficient.

Upcoming trucks like the VW Tarok (built off the VW Rabbit chassis) or the Hyundai Santa Cruz (built off the Hyundai Santa Fe) showcases most truck buyers overbuy their trucks.

That was all I was trying to state - you're right it can't touch an actual BOF truck in terms of utility, but most truck buyers do not need the trucks because of actual utility.

At least most trucks hold their resale values very well though; these trucks are a cash cow for all automakers

 

Had a chance to take it out for a bit this weekend. My kids love riding in it. With it being higher, they can see out very well, though they note that it is noisy on the freeway, which is a result I think of the tire choice and the fact that my kids are used to riding in the GS and the Highlander Hybrid. It's not loud, just not that quiet.

Controls are easy and straightforward. Nav system menus are updated and slightly different than my Highlander and GS. It seems to work well. I've been using CarPlay a lot to try it out and see why all the hype. It's nice for controlling Pandora, but otherwise I still don't really get it. Wireless charging pad is super nice when the phone isn't plugged in for CarPlay.

The V6 has a certain grit to it that always reminds you that it's a truck, but is otherwise pleasant. I ordered and installed some side steps/running boards to make it easier for the kids. My Weathertech tonneau cover and bed mat should be coming this week.

Overall, it's just fun to drive. Something about the tall hood and sitting higher up than I am used to that just feels tough and bold. I'm really enjoying it.

 

The benefit of CarPlay is the much improved GPS mapping, messaging, and control of streaming based media sources. Waze and Google maps are way more robust than Toyota's own map system, they are always updated, and when streaming you can control everything right there without having to involve the phone.

The other thing is being able to take your setup across multiple cars. Since your other two cars don't have CarPlay that doesn't benefit you much. Same with me since the van doesn't have it. But when driving rental or loaner cars its awesome.

 

I'll have to try out Waze. I always get frustrated with Google Maps. But yes, music is good with CarPlay, for sure. Very easy to control.

I need to better understand the Tacoma's dynamic maps which have free updates for 3 years. I don't know if it's constant, or like a once a year type thing (this is what I expect).

 

They still wont be anywhere near as dynamic as what you get from Google Maps, Waze, even Apple Maps.

What frustrates you about Google Maps? Its my go-to, mainly because I like the satellite map view.