2023 Honda Ridgeline is a mid-size pickup, which hits very differently. Unlike traditional chassis-on-frame pickup competitors like the Chevy Colorado or Toyota Tacoma, the Ridgeline is a unibody vehicle. This means it has no separate frame. it borrows its underpinnings from the unibody three-row Honda Pilot SUV, which is quite obvious when you drive it. This unconventional construction gives the Ridgeline the driving experience of an SUV mixed with the cargo bed of a smaller truck.
However, this diminishes its off-road capability compared to the most aggressive competitors. The Ridgeline is an excellent choice in a jungle full of concrete. The truck is available exclusively as a four-door crew cab with a five-foot bed, powered by a healthy 280-hp V6 mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard. The wheel doesn’t make it feel like a pickup, which is exactly why it’s a multi-time Editors’ Choice winner.
Contents
What’s New?
For the 2023 model year, the Ridgeline receives no major changes. This Honda pickup is more of a show-er, but not much of a tower. All Ridgelines come with all-wheel drive as standard and are rated at 5000 pounds, which is 2500 less than rivals. In terms of practicality and comfort, the Ridgeline’s interior tops in class. The Honda features hard plastics below the dash level. Fold-down armrests on both front seats are a welcome addition.
Engine & Performance
The only powertrain available is a 280-hp 3.5-Liter V6 that pumps-out 280 hp and 262 pound-feet of torque hooked with a nine-speed automatic transmission. As stated earlier, all-wheel drive is standard. The engine is buttery-smooth, and the throttle is responsive when needed for hard acceleration, which is a good thing. This is an unconventional pickup in many ways but surprises immensely from behind the wheel. It is well-mannered and competent enough on road. The coil-sprung independent rear suspension contributes to a carlike ride quality, which is not available with the leaf-sprung, solid-axle setups used by the rivals. Body roll in corners is minimal, and small bumps are mostly unnoticeable. The electrically assisted steering is appropriate. The brake pedal is soft and has too much travel during normal use.
Fuel Economy
The Ridgeline’s engine is the most fuel-efficient V6 in its segment at 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The pickup has only one-bed length, 5.3 feet, which lines up with competitors’ short beds and has the second-lowest volume at 34 cubic feet. The compensation is its locking, weather-tight in-bed trunk, which has a 7.3-cubic-foot capacity.
Dimensions & Airbags
| 2023 Honda Ridgeline Dimensions | |
| Length | 210.2 in |
| Width | 78.6 in |
| Height | 70.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 125.2 in |
| Cargo Volume | 34 ft3 |
| Airbags | 8 Airbags |
All Ridgeline variants house an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard. It now features a physical volume knob and screen icons that are easier to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard as well. Plus, certain models can be equipped with an in-bed audio system that can liven up any tailgate party.
Pricing
| 2023 Honda Ridgeline Trims | Price (USD) |
| Sport | $40,095 |
| RTL | $43,075 |
| RTL-E | $46,025 |
| Black Edition | $47,525 |
This class of mid-size trucks is now oversaturated with traditional body-on-frame pickups, providing ample towing and capable off-roading. We would recommend the RTL, as it has the best mix of desirable equipment and value. These include heated front seats, a leather-trimmed interior, and power-adjustable front seats.
Specifications & Top-Speed
| 2023 Honda Ridgeline Specifications | Specs |
| Engine | SOHC 24-valve V6 |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Horsepower | 280 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.2 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 18.0 sec |
| 1/4 Mile | 15.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 111 mph |