Mid-size trucks are a fairly popular option for those who want the utility of a pickup but don’t need a full-size truck. A variety of automakers offer mid-size pickups, including Honda. And the 2023 Ridgeline is not a pickup you should ignore. It comes standard with things like a V6 engine and offers legitimate comfort. And that means you can get a mid-size truck that is well-equipped to handle daily life. But, in the past, the Ridgeline has not been all that popular. 

Why isn’t the Honda Ridgeline popular?

With the praise that the Ridgeline earns from publications like Consumer Reports, it is a little bit confusing that it does not sell that well. The Honda Ridgeline is regularly in last place in terms of mid-size truck sales. But, Honda is still committed to offering its customers a pickup. 

One reason the Honda Ridgeline might not be super popular is something that makes it unique. It really drives more like a car than a pickup. Because of its unibody construction and suspension, it does not drive the way you expect a truck to. And for truck drivers, that might be a downside. Pickups are sought-after for their rugged feel and connection to the road. The 2023 Ridgeline just does not have that. 

Is the 2023 Honda Ridgeline worth buying?

It’s no secret that many truck owners don’t even do truck stuff. Because of that, the Ridgeline could potentially be a great vehicle for most buyers. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds and comes standard with all-wheel drive. Its 3.5-liter V6 engine makes 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. And those are fairly respectable numbers.

Additionally, the new Honda Ridgeline comes with a variety of convenient features. When it comes to camping or tailgating, you are likely to appreciate the available in-bed audio system. This option turns your truck’s bed into a giant speaker. Plus, the rear seats split 60/40, and you can fit quite a bit into the cabin of this mid-size truck. 

Now, the new Ridgeline is not necessarily cheap. It has a starting price of around $40,000, and that is just for the base model. In comparison, the 2022 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X costs under $40k. With a price like that, it makes sense that some buyers might look to a cheaper truck with more capability. 

What’s new for the 2023 Ridgeline?

Honda has not made any major changes to its pickup for 2023. It remains largely similar to the outgoing model. But, in a segment that is generally filled with body-on-frame trucks, a unibody option is nice to have. 

Plus, the standard V6 engine and AWD will stop you from having to pay extra in order to get those benefits. At the same time, don’t expect Honda’s mid-size truck to dominate off-road or have the capability of some other pickups. You will be making trade-offs for the comfortable drive that this vehicle has to offer. But, it just may be worth buying.