2023 Honda Ridgeline Overview
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline continues to carve out its unique niche in the pickup truck market by offering a blend of SUV-like comfort and driving dynamics with the utility of a traditional truck bed. It's a pragmatic and well-rounded choice for those who prioritize a refined on-road experience and everyday usability without sacrificing essential truck capabilities.
Highlights
- Engine: Powering the 2023 Ridgeline is a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This naturally aspirated V6 provides smooth, responsive acceleration and ample power for most daily driving tasks and moderate towing.
- Safety Features: Honda Sensing®, the brand's comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, comes standard across all trims. Key features include:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™): Helps brake the vehicle when it detects an oncoming frontal collision, potentially reducing impact severity or avoiding the collision altogether.
- Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM): Uses cameras to monitor road markers and can steer the vehicle back into its lane or apply brakes if it drifts off the road.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting for traffic flow.
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS): Helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane by making subtle steering adjustments.
- Trims: The 2023 Ridgeline is available in four distinct trims, each offering increasing levels of luxury and capability:
- Sport: The entry-level trim, offering a sporty appearance with black exterior accents and a well-equipped interior.
- RTL: Adds premium features like leather-trimmed seats, a power moonroof, and heated front seats.
- RTL-E: Further enhances comfort and technology with a premium audio system, wireless phone charger, and more sophisticated interior materials.
- Black Edition: The top-tier trim, featuring exclusive black exterior and interior accents, unique badging, and a premium feel.
- Unique Features:
- In-Bed Trunk: A lockable, weather-sealed 7.3 cubic foot storage compartment located under the bed floor. It’s incredibly versatile for securing groceries, valuables, or even acting as an ice chest.
- Dual-Action Tailgate: The tailgate can swing open like a traditional tailgate or drop down, allowing for easier access to the bed and the in-bed trunk.
- Unibody Construction: Unlike traditional body-on-frame trucks, the Ridgeline utilizes a unibody construction, similar to an SUV. This contributes to its more refined ride quality, better handling, and quieter cabin.
- Standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD): For 2023, AWD is standard on all Ridgeline models, enhancing traction and stability in various driving conditions.
What to Expect
Owning a 2023 Honda Ridgeline typically translates to a smooth and comfortable daily driving experience. Its car-like handling and ride quality make it a pleasure to navigate through city streets and on highways. The V6 engine provides ample power for acceleration and merging, and the cabin remains quiet even at higher speeds.
Maintenance: Honda vehicles are generally known for their reliability and relatively affordable maintenance. Routine services like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections will be standard. The Ridgeline benefits from Honda's established dealer network, ensuring easy access to parts and qualified technicians. Expect maintenance costs to be comparable to other mid-size SUVs or premium sedans, rather than the higher costs sometimes associated with heavy-duty trucks.
Insurance: Insurance premiums for the Ridgeline will vary based on your location, driving record, chosen coverage levels, and the specific trim you select. Generally, mid-size trucks with advanced safety features and premium trims can have slightly higher insurance costs than entry-level sedans. However, the Ridgeline's strong safety ratings and advanced driver-assistance systems may also contribute to potentially lower premiums from some insurers.
Potential Considerations
While the Ridgeline excels in many areas, potential buyers should be aware of a few aspects:
- Towing and Payload Capacity: While capable, the Ridgeline's towing and payload capacities are generally lower than those of many traditional body-on-frame mid-size trucks. If your primary use case involves frequently towing large boats, campers, or hauling extremely heavy loads, a more traditional truck might be a better fit.
- Off-Road Capability: While the standard AWD and available Intelligent Traction Management system offer good capability in mild off-road situations and inclement weather, the Ridgeline is not designed for extreme off-roading. Its unibody construction and lower ground clearance, compared to some dedicated off-road trucks, limit its prowess in challenging terrain.
- Bed Size: The Ridgeline's bed is a practical size for most everyday tasks, but it is slightly shorter than the beds found on some competitors, particularly in their long-bed configurations.
Overall Summary
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline is an excellent choice for buyers seeking a practical and refined pickup truck experience. It masterfully blends the comfort and driving dynamics of an SUV with the essential utility of a truck bed. Its standard V6 engine, comprehensive safety features, and innovative in-bed storage make it a versatile and user-friendly option for a wide range of lifestyles, particularly for those who prioritize on-road comfort and everyday usability over extreme towing or hardcore off-roading.