is pretty cure more like
 

super sentai as a franchise than rider?

It's more like tokusatsu as a whole. But then again that's no giving it it's dues. It's more like toku than other magical girl shows, yes, but then that not difficult really.

In other news, yes it's cheesy and all about love/happy/insert emotion winning the day, but I DON'T CARE DAMN IT! :lol

but between the two which is it like

It's toku aimed at girls essentially, seeing as it's also done by Toei. But the formula it follows makes it enjoyable for most toku and anime fans.

Monster/issue of the week stuff, sixth ranger additions in some cases, power-up forms near the end of the series, it follows most if not all of that from season to season. The only difference is that since it's aimed at younger girls, it's a lot fluffier and brighter.

That said though, there are things that are entertaining for older viewers. Character conflicts, pretty good development and in some cases really dark or surprisingly complex plotlines or backstories. HeartCatch Precure is considered the best installment because it included all of those points. If the happier tone of things don't bother you, it's a great addition to watching Super Sentai and Kamen Rider IMO.

EDIT: It's more like Sentai based on the fact that it's mostly team-based. Starting with one or two members at first and increasing to at least five as time goes on.

like what dark backstories or plotlines

The world being turned to a desert and its population being reduced to depressed gemstones, a heroine and villain actually being two parts of one person, mascots sacrificing themselves and staying dead afterwards, teams having to fight their true selves or personified versions of the most negative parts of their personalities, etc.

eh not that complex and dark to me

but I meant in tone and style is it more like sentai or rider