2023 Honda Ridgeline is unique among pickup trucks. Its unibody construction (rather than the more traditional body-on-frame construction) makes it more comfortable and smoother to drive than other mid-size trucks. It also offers plenty of storage and a ton of standard security features.
The Ridgeline is a little lacking in towing and off-road capabilities, but overall it’s a very impressive mid-size truck.
Which of these mid-sized trucks is unlike the rest? Well, if you chose the 2023 Honda Ridgeline from our imaginary range, you’d get the answer right. Unlike rival trucks which are based on a traditional body-on-frame design, the Ridgeline is built more like a crossover SUV with unibody construction and independent rear suspension.
Going this route gives the Ridgeline a distinct advantage in comfort, but holds it back in terms of maximum towing capacity and off-road performance. With that said, the Ridgeline’s appeal really depends on what you’re looking for in your next truck.
- Superior ride and handling thanks to independent rear suspension
- Versatile two-way tailgate and large lockable trunk
- The spacious crew cabin is comfortable and beautifully finished
- No major changes for 2023
- Part of the second Ridgeline generation introduced for 2017
2023 Honda Ridgeline Review
The Ridgeline has a few other interesting attributes. It has plenty of interior space and storage, a lockable in-bed trunk, and a smart rear door that opens down or swings open to the side. It also offers plenty of traction thanks to its standard all-wheel drive system and the V6 engine provides fast acceleration.
We really like the Honda Ridgeline. It’s been sitting atop our midsize truck rankings for a while. If you prefer a more traditional truck, check out the Toyota Tacoma or Nissan Frontier. But the Ridgeline is also in competition with two other slightly smaller unibody trucks. The Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick recently entered the market and are solid rivals.
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline is a mid-size pickup with a twist. It is based on the SUV, which increases the refinement. Prices start at $38,800. Sharing a foundation with the excellent Honda Pilot midsize SUV, the 2023 Ridgeline pickup has a unibody (or one-piece) construction.
Most rivals take the time-honored body-on-frame approach. That’s great for towing and for rough off-road antics, not so great every day when there’s school to run and/or a commute to do.
Many medium sized trucks were purchased for work; Ridgeline is more to play. The bed wasn’t very big, but it accommodated surfboards, camping gear, ski gear… all that sort of thing.
Thus, the 2023 Ridgeline has its own charm with a pleasant driving experience like an SUV. The fact that it is made by Honda brings certainty to the decision.
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Honda’s mid-size Ridgeline pickup is different. Unlike traditional body-on-frame pickup rivals like the Chevy Colorado or Toyota Tacoma, the Ridgeline is a unibody vehicle — meaning, it doesn’t have a separate frame. It shares the basics with the three-row unibodySUV Honda Pilot, which is obvious when you drive it.
This non-traditional construction gives the Ridgeline the ride comfort of an SUV combined with a smaller truck crane and cargo bed. While this detracts from its off-road capabilities compared to the most aggressive models of its competitors, the Ridgeline makes an excellent impression in the concrete jungle.
Offered exclusively as a four-door crew cab with a five-foot berth, the Ridgeline is powered by a delightful 280 horsepower V-6 coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard. From behind the wheel, you’d never think you were driving a pickup, which is why it’s a multiple-time Editors’ Choice winner.
2023 Honda Ridgeline Specs
- MSRP: From $38,800
- Towing capacity: 5,000 lbs
- Engine: 3.5 L V6
- Horsepower: 280 hp
- Bed length: 63.6″
- Cargo volume: 2.9 ft³
2023 Honda Ridgeline Interior, Comfort and Cargo
The Ridgeline’s interior is at the top of its class in terms of practicality and comfort. Like most other mid-size pickups, Honda features hard plastic below dash level. Otherwise, the ingredients are above average.
Rear seat passengers will enjoy the most space of any mid-range competitor. The folding armrests on both front seats are a welcome addition, especially since the center console sits low between the two. The Honda pickup only has one long bed, 5.3 feet, which is on par with the short bed of competitors and has the second lowest volume at 34 cubic feet.
The antidote to this discrepancy is the locking, weathertight bed trunk, which is located under the bed floor and accessed from above. It has a capacity of 7.3 cubic feet. There’s one more advantage: with 50.0 inches between its bed wheel bores, the Ridgeline is the only mid-size pickup that can fit a four-by-eight-foot sheet of building materials flat on the bed floor.
The smart features continue inside. The rear seat splits 60/40 and, when reversed, provides room to fit a full-size bicycle. Unfortunately, loading large items can be difficult, as the tailgate does not open very wide.
The Ridgeline’s classy SUV roots emerge in this spacious and refined 5-seater cabin. Standard active noise cancellation helps keep it comfortable and quiet.
36.7 inches of rear legroom may be sufficient for younger members of the family. This rear seat also has an extra trick. They can provide under-cushion storage, or flip up to create ample room for the bike.
All 2023 Ridgeline trims feature an 8-inch high-resolution infotainment touchscreen. However, we’re still more inclined to expand at least to the RTL version (nearly $42K) for heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, blind-spot monitoring, and a few other extras.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Ridgeline comes standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It now features a physical volume knob and screen icons that Honda says are easier to use than its predecessors. However, we haven’t had a chance to test these claims or the updated Display Audio system ourselves yet.
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The Ridgeline also comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, certain models can be equipped with an in-bed audio system that can liven up any tailgate party. Using a vibrating actuator, it transforms the cargo bed into a large speaker.
2023 Honda Ridgeline Exterior
Available only as a regular four-door crew cab, the 2023 Ridgeline mid-size truck also has one berth that is 5.3 feet long.
That may only take a few trail bikes – as long as the tailgate stays down, which stretches the accommodation up to 6.9 feet. The distance between the rear wheel wells is a mustache of just over 4 feet.
Spray bed coating is not necessary, as the cargo area flooring is made of a scratch/dent resistant composite. It also accommodates eight heavy-duty binding cleats.
Every version of the 2023 Ridgeline pickup uses 18-inch alloy wheels. The mid-range RTL and RTL-E trims are finished in Pewter Gray, and the top Black Edition is in (no surprise) gloss black.
2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R
We’re still waiting for you, but the 2022 Honda Ridgeline Type R is expected to start at around $50,000.
This would make the Type R more expensive than the current top trim level Honda Ridgeline Black Edition. But the internal and external upgrades are worth it.
2023 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid
The Honda Ridgeline Hybrid 2023 will work on the Ford Maverick. Someone had the 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid take a look at the rear.
It won’t be the only unibody hybrid truck in town for long. News on the road is that the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid is underway.
2023 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition
The Honda Ridgeline Black Edition 2022 AWD is powered by a 3.5L V6 Gas Engine with a 9-Speed Automatic transmission.
What Is The Honda Ridgeline Black Edition
- $45,070 Initial Price (MSRP)
- Machine 3.5L V6 Gas
- Horsepower 280 hp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
- Transmission 9 Speed Auto
- Drive chain All Wheel Drive
- Transmission 9 Speed Auto
- Drive chain All Wheel Drive
- Body type Truck
- Seating capacity 5 seats
- Rod Volume tuberculosis
- Fuel Economy: City: 18 MPG and Why: 24 MPG
Driving
Refined and comfortable to live in during the week, ready for road trips and weekend adventures, the 2023 Ridgeline can easily become the only family vehicle. As long as it’s a family that will use and appreciate the pickup bed behind them.
It’s easy to forget that the Ridgeline is a midsize truck and not an SUV, because it does drive like one. Independent rear suspension means a much better ride quality than older leaf springs. But the Ridgeline can still handle a maximum payload of 1,583 pounds, about the weight of an ox.
Luckily, the engine’s 262 lb-ft of torque is enough to get things moving. And the transmission has a shift paddle mounted behind the steering wheel, for those times when a driver wants to change gears instead of leaving the auto-tuning to its own devices.
Standard all-wheel drive, snow/sand/mud modes and 7.64 inches of ground clearance also contribute to off-road capability. Dirt roads shouldn’t cause any problems.
Many of the advantages come with the Ridgeline’s unibody chassis, fully independent suspension and torque vectoring all-wheel drive system. Steering and handling are unrivaled among mid-size pickups — this is where the advantages of being a car-based truck become apparent.
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We love how the 3.5-liter V6 and nine-speed automatic work together. The Ridgeline accelerates smoothly and has plenty of power over the highway. On our test track, the Ridgeline accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, which is a fast time for a midsize truck.
The catch: Off-road potential is limited. The Ridgeline is like a crossover SUV in this respect and lacks the underbody clearance, wheel articulation and low-range gearing that allows other 4WD pickups to venture into rockier territory. That said, the Ridgeline does better with its independent rear suspension on washboard dirt roads than the typical solid axle truck.
The Ridgeline has the best ride comfort in the mid-size pickup class. It easily absorbs bumps in the road and feels stable and quiet in turns. The front seats have thin but supportive cushioning that provides good long-distance comfort. The cushion is wide enough to accommodate larger people, and effective side bolsters help keep drivers with narrower frames from slipping.
Noise and vibration are minimized in the cabin. The exception is the incredibly fun and rugged V6, which you’ll hear when you fill up the gas. Automatic tri-zone climate control is standard across the range, and cools and heats the cabin well. Models RTL and above get heated front seats that work quickly.
2023 Honda Ridgeline Engine
The only powertrain is a 280-hp 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 262 pound-feet of torque and is connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The engine feels smooth, and the throttle response is very receptive when you need hard acceleration.
An untraditional pickup in many ways, the Ridgeline packs a punch from behind the wheel. On the road, polite and feels very competent. The coil spring independent rear suspension contributes to a car-like ride quality not available with the leaf spring solid axle arrangement used by the competition.
The streamlined body in bends is minimal, and the tiny bumps are barely noticeable. The electrically assisted steering feels just right. The Ridgeline’s braking performance stands out as its only dynamic flaw. Its braking distance from 70 mph to zero is on the long side.
Transmission & Performance
Honda uses a smooth-running 3.5-liter V6 in every 2023 Ridgeline truck. It produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque on a regular supply of gasoline. This output is channeled to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission.
To help save a bit of fuel, the engine has a stop/restart function and can also disable one or two cylinders if possible.
Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. If we’re talking about a midsize SUV here, then that number would be normal. Midsize pickups, however, are a different ballgame. The Ford Ranger can tow 7,500 pounds, the Jeep Gladiator can tow 7,650 pounds.
- 3.5-liter V6
- 280 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
- EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 mpg
Favorite Feature
1. Three-zone automatic climate control
Every new Ridgeline truck comes with this as standard. This is the type that is more often found in luxury vehicles and helps keep everyone in it as comfortable as possible.
2. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration
Smartphones are another standard feature in the 2023 Ridgeline lineup. These allow users to run certain apps through the vehicle’s infotainment system.
3. Convenient 2-way back door
Like most rear doors, it is reversible (and can withstand 300 pounds sitting on it). But then do this trick where it can open from the side.
4. Lockable bed trunk
Valuables are stored safely and out of sight in the 7.3 cubic foot storage area under the actual bed.
5. Truck bed audio system
The RTL-E and Black Edition versions of the 2023 Ridgeline come with in-bed speakers. It can be the life of a tailgate party.
6. Truck bed outlet
Another feature in the top two trims, it might give some juice to some lighting or laptops.
Crane Capacity and Payload
The Honda Ridgeline pickup is a show-er, but not particularly flashy. All Ridgelines come standard with all-wheel drive and are rated at 5,000 pounds, which is between 2000 and 2500 less than rivals such as the Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger.
The Ridgeline is capable of hauling almost 1,600 pounds of payload, which is about the same as the Colorado but less than the Ranger’s maximum.
Real World Fuel and MPG Savings
The Ridgeline’s engine is the most fuel-efficient V-6 in its class at 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. On our fuel-efficient 75 mph route, which simulates driving on real-world highways and is part of our extensive test suite, the all-wheel-drive Ridgeline produced 28 mpg.
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Colors and Materials
- Standard Exterior Colors: Crystal Black Pearl
- Optional Exterior Colors: Platinum White Pearl and Sonic Gray Pearl
2023 Honda Ridgeline Release Date
Honda Ridgeline 2023 is expected to be launched in early 2023. We just want the future car to be popular and in demand in the market. This is going to be a great future for cars.
Honda Ridgeline Hybrid Release Date
By the model year 2022, we expect the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid to be available in Fall 2022.
2023 Honda Ridgeline Price
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline starts at $38,800, plus destination fee. That’s for the basic Sport trim. At the high end of the range, the Black Edition comes in at $46,230. It’s a true cosmetic treatment, with significant add-ons at RTL-E levels, starting at almost $45K.
Options can add up to $4K or more for all four trims.
This price puts the Ridgeline at the high end of its class. For example, the Chevy Colorado starts at around $37K, the Jeep Gladiator is around $37.5K, the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma are close to $28K, and the (smaller, admittedly) Hyundai Santa Cruz with all-wheel drive is around $27K. But the Ridgeline is a slightly different species in its own little sub-category.
Before buying a new Ridgeline midsize pickup, check KBB.com Fair Buying Prices to see what others in your area are paying for theirs. Its more traditional competitors enjoy strong resale values, especially the Tacoma, but the Ridgeline’s rugged build should defend it well.
Honda’s new vehicle warranty is for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The powertrain is covered for five years or 60,000 miles. The 2023 Ridgeline also comes with two years or 24,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance.
The mid-size truck segment is oversaturated with traditional body-on-frame pickups that provide ample towing and capable off-roading. However, the Ridgeline caters to people who want a more comfortable and fuel efficient alternative. While the most expensive models have the most advanced features, we think the RTL has the best mix of equipment and value for money.
Likewise, the Ridgeline RTL received better standard features than the lower Sport trim level. These include heated front seats, leather-trimmed interior and power-adjustable front seats.
- Sports $40,145
- $43,125 RTL
- RTL-E $46,075
- Black Edition $47,575
People also ask Honda Ridgeline 2023
Q: Will the 2023 Ridgeline be redesigned?
A: Honda refreshed the Ridgeline for the 2021 model year, but no major changes have been made to the 2023 model year truck
Q: Do ridgelines hold their values?
A: Honda’s midsize Ridgeline had the worst resale value of any truck, retaining only 56.9 percent of its value after a five-year ownership period
Q: Why did the Ridgeline beat the Tacoma?
A: All Honda Ridgelines have a 3.5-liter V-6 under the hood that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine has a considerable advantage over the Tacoma’s base engine, which is a 2.7-liter four-cylinder unit that produces 159 horsepower.
Q: Are Honda Ridgelines selling well?
A: The Honda Ridgeline is the only vehicle Honda sells that is either stable or thriving. Year-over-year sales have remained steady at around 28,100 sales, however, when you compare August 2022 to August 2021, the Ridgeline’s sales are up nearly 200%, according to Honda.
