Not much to add but my $.02n I have owned many mid sized trucks (Toyota, 2 Dakotas, Ridgeline)
Tacoma: If off road adventure is your thing (or you have a tribal band tattoo...) , this is your rig. Otherwise the ergonomics are awful. It is long and narrow and the ride leaves much to be desired. As I mentioned before this was 20 YO KTMs ride. Is there not a new Taco on the horizon?
Ridgeline: I have one and it has been great. It is somewhat homely, basic and needs more torque. In my 3 1/2 years with me it has hauled dirtbikes, camping gear, firewood, and performed endless urban pick up runs (landfill runs, appliances, Home Depot,..). It has done some light towing (3500 lb boat) and it also serves as my daily commuter and a family hauler. It drives like a large sedan which is much appreciated since I live in the city. The trunk keeps my hockey/biking gear secure and away from everyone's nose
. I will run this thing into the ground. The AWD system is very good but make no mistake it is no off roader. It can handle light off road work (abandoned service roads etc) but it's Achilles heel is the lack of ground clearance. For 95% of off road work it is fine as long as the driver is cognizant of the vulnerable bits underneath. For real nasty off road bits I grab the LR4. It has been rock solid mechanically but build quality and cabin noise is there. The interior is also basic but functional. Lots of storage. I don't mind the simple interior. Engine needs more torque. HP is fine. I would punch engine to 4.0L .
Canyon/Colorado: The diesel option that is coming is interesting. Wouldn't consider it otherwise. I will let others Beta test this one for a few years and we will see how they shake out.
If the new Ridgeline design is released I will have a long hard look. I would love a small displacement diesel to increase the torque. Keep everything else the same.
