2023 Honda Ridgeline Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

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 has no separate frame. It shares its underpinnings with the unibody three-row Honda Pilot SUV, which is obvious when you drive it. This nontraditional construction gives the Ridgeline the driving comfort of an SUV mixed with the towing and cargo bed of a smaller truck. While this diminishes its off-road capability compared to the most aggressive models from its competitors, the Ridgeline makes an excellent impression in the concrete jungle. Offered exclusively as a four-door crew cab with a five-foot bed, the Ridgeline is powered by a pleasant 280-horsepower V-6 with a nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard. From behind the wheel, you'd never guess you're driving a pickup, which is exactly why it's a multi-time Editors' Choice winner.

What's New for 2023?

The 2023 Ridgeline receives no changes for the new model year.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

This segment of mid-size trucks has become oversaturated with traditional body-on-frame pickups that provide ample towing and capable off-roading. However, the Ridgeline caters to folks who want a more comfortable and fuel-efficient alternative. While the priciest models have the fanciest features, we think the RTL has the best mix of desirable equipment and value. Likewise, the Ridgeline RTL receives better standard features than the lesser Sport trim level. These include heated front seats, a leather-trimmed interior, and power-adjustable front seats.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The lone powertrain is a 280-hp 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 262 pound-feet of torque and hooks up to a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The engine feels smooth, and throttle response is especially receptive when you call for hard acceleration. An untraditional pickup in many ways, the Ridgeline surprises from behind the wheel. On the road, it is well-mannered and feels extremely competent. Its coil-sprung independent rear suspension contributes to a carlike ride quality not available with the leaf-sprung, solid-axle setups used by the competition. Body lean in corners is minimal, and small bumps are barely noticeable. The electrically assisted steering feels appropriate. The Ridgeline's braking performance stands out as its lone dynamic blemish. Its braking distance from 70 mph to zero is on the long side, and we thought the brake pedal felt soft and had too much travel during normal use.

Towing and Payload Capacity

The Honda Ridgeline pickup is a show-er, but not much of a tow-er. All Ridgelines come standard with all-wheel drive and are rated at 5000 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 1600 pounds of payload, which is about on track with the Colorado but less than the Ranger's maximum.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The Ridgeline's engine is the most fuel-efficient V-6 in its class at 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. On our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which simulates real-world highway driving and is part of our extensive testing regimen, an all-wheel-drive Ridgeline earned 28 mpg. For more information about the Ridgeline's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Ridgeline's interior is tops in its class in terms of practicality and comfort. As with most other mid-size pickups, the Honda features hard plastics below the dash level. Otherwise, the materials are above average. Rear-seat passengers will enjoy the most space of all mid-size rivals. Fold-down armrests on both front seats are a welcome addition, especially since the center console sits low between them. The Honda 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 antidote to this disparity is its locking, weather-tight in-bed trunk, which is located below the bed's floor and accessed from above. It has a 7.3-cubic-foot capacity. There's one more advantage: with 50.0 inches between its bed's wheel wells, the Ridgeline is the only mid-size pickup that can fit a sheet of four-by-eight-foot building material flat on the bed floor. Clever features continue inside. The rear seat splits 60/40 and, when flipped up, provides room to fit a full-size bicycle. Unfortunately, loading large items may be difficult, as the rear doors don't open very wide.

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 predecessor was. However, we haven't had a chance to test this claim or the updated Display Audio system for ourselves. 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 actuators that vibrate, it turns the cargo bed into a huge speaker.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Honda pickup truck also includes a host of standard driver-assistance technology. For more information about the Ridgeline's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Honda has competitive limited and powertrain warranties, and like many of its competitors, the Ridgeline comes with a complimentary scheduled maintenance plan.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for two years or 24,000 miles

More Features and Specs