Honda Ridgeline uses a unibody frame. So don't expect to tow a lot. But it has decent payload. If you are planning to use it for daily driving as an alternative, get the Honda Ridgeline. If you are planning to tow it often, the Tacoma is safe choice.

Ridgeline is just a pilot with a bed. ive seen some here in canada with 500k km so nothing wrong with engine and trans. im not sure what your planning to tow but if its just for tools and such you should be fine. ridgeline are fairly expensive still though

frontiers are one of the best nissan makes because it doesnt have a cvt. or even a ford ranger. tacoma will always be expensive because theyre popular and reliable so no way winning that game.

price out frontier and ranger then inspection at a mech.

Scottro, I was in your boat not long ago and considered all three of the options you're asking about (I, too, wanted to stay away from domestic brands).  Since most folks here have glossed over the fact that Tacomas are out of your price range, I'm going to say this (and apologies now for the TLDR post):

First, understand the Ridgeline is NOT a truck.  It's a unibody "something" with a bed molded in.  If all you're doing is hauling around a bale of hay, or you need something for oversized, but not overly heavy boxes, etc., the Ridgeline could work.  It is an excellent vehicle in terms of reliability and utility.  Gas mileage is better than a truck, too.  BUT, it's not a truck.  It CAN do a lot of the same things, so it really just depends on your personal preference.  Just know that the general public will not acknowledge it as being a truck and you'll get snickers when you claim it to be.  If that doesn't matter to you (and let's be honest, it shouldn't), go with it.  It's a great UTILITY VEHICLE.  And you can definitely get them at good prices (or at least you could six months ago) when compared to Tacomas and Frontiers.  They don't seem to hold resale very well because they really are a niche vehicle.  But it's certainly not because they are bad machines.  Just think long and hard about whether or not you're going to be happy as a niche machine driver for the next 5-7 years.  If not, well.....keep looking.  Trading or selling in less time will lose you money, most likely.  I recall during my search that I could find 8-10-year-old Rdigelines in the $8,000-$12,000 range with anywhere from 80k to 150k miles.  Can't say what the market looks like now, but I know trucks have skyrocketed.

Second, while Tacos are great, reliable trucks with a good following and aftermarket options, they do have some year models that had issues (just search this site).  Youtube has great resources, too.  My suggestion, and what I personally settled on, was a Frontier.  I can say everything about the Frontier that I said about the Taco and I can tell you the only two issues you have to be concerned with depending on year model.  The 2005-2009 models were susceptible to an issue known as SMOD (strawberry milkshake of death).  Google search it for more info.  The good news: You can determine if one you're looking at is affected by simply popping the radiator cap in most cases.   If you see a frothy, strawberry milkshake gunk under the cap, stay away.  It's too late.  SMOD will ultimately blow your transmission, so if it's affected, don't buy it.  If not, get it checked by a mechanic and then (if it's in those year ranges), just change out the radiator with a Koyorad replacement or another like model and you're good to go.  The other thing to check is the differential breather on your rear axle.  Make sure it isn't corroded shut.  They are spring-driven and if they seal off, you can blow your rear axle seals.  Because you're looking at 4x4s, you definitely need to check this as it's likely been subjected to harsh conditions and the breather may need to be replaced.  It's a simple fix you can do in less than 10 minutes and you can get a superior replacement through All Dogs Offroad (search it up) for $15.  You can also completely re-route it from underneath the vehicle.  They make them for Tacos, too.  Those two things are it.  Beyond that, the Frontier is a solid, reliable truck with a reliable tranny (Tacos can't say that for all year models).  When I was looking, I narrowed it to a 2011 Frontier with 90k at $16k and a 2008 Taco with 110k at 18k.  I was looking at two trucks there will all the bells and whistles, btw, so you can definitely come in cheaper on both.  That said, I'm very happy with my Frontier and plan to have it for a long time.

Good luck with whatever you pick!

PS: Here's a list of Frontier radiators affected by SMOD so you can also check the part number right on top of the radiator to determine if you're safe or need further investigation.

21410-EA200 (early 2005’s.) Associated with SMOD

21410-EA205 (2005 – 2009). Associated with SMOD

21460-EA215 (2005 - 2009) Associated with SMOD

21460-EA265 Associated with SMOD

21460-ZL11A (2009-2010) isolated reports of SMOD found on the net

21460-ZL31A no cases of SMOD found by searching the net

21460-9CAOE (2011 – 2015 ) No known cases reported on SMOD.
       

I wouldnt recommend the Ridgeline if you want a real truck. The Ridgeline isnt a truck. Its a makeshift truck SUV. Think about it this way, you wont pay 30,000 at once. You will be making monthly payments. Will you be happy making monthly payments on a half-ass truck? Just get the Tacoma.

Ridgelines are good cars, they are not really trucks.
Are you sure that the Ridgeline is cheaper than Frontier?

Ridgeline is a great alternative!

Quick comment on the 4x4 thing: the Ridgeline has an outstanding torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system.  It does not have a low range 4x4 system or locking differentials. 

Depending on the intended use, it could be very effective or completely useless.  Get the right truck for the job you need it for.