As a mid-size truck, the Honda Ridgeline has never really been a top seller. It lacks the capability of a traditional pickup, and it rides on a unibody platform. Which means it lacks the connected feel to the road that most truck buyers are looking for. But with the resurgence of compact pickups like the Ford Maverick, could the 2023 Honda Ridgeline win over more shoppers?

Why don’t more people buy the Honda Ridgeline?

Although the Honda Ridgeline truck has a range of comfort features, it has never really won over that many people. The 2023 Ridgeline does not have any major changes compared to the 2022 model, but the market for trucks have shifted. Models like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz have proven that folks are willing to make the change to a compact pickup. 

Each 2023 Honda Ridgeline comes standard with a V6 engine and all-wheel drive. Both are things that other brands will make you pay extra for. The engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 280 horsepower and 262 pound-foot of torque. And those are pretty respectable numbers. 

How long will a 2023 Honda Ridgeline engine last?

According to RepairPal, the Honda Ridgeline has a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5. At the same time, it is estimated to have lower maintenance costs than other mid-size trucks. It is not surprising to see Ridgeline models with over 150,000 miles on the clock. So, with proper care, you should have a pickup that can stand up to serious use. 

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline does share its platform with the Honda Pilot. And it has done so for some time. Because of that, it does offer a more comfortable ride than you might expect for a pickup. Even though that means losing out on some capability.

How expensive is the 2023 Ridgeline?

In terms of cost, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline starts at $38,000. This price tag does make it more expensive than other mid-size trucks, but it also comes better equipped. There are a number of convenient features, from under-bed storage to active safety tech. 

Unfortunately, the more expensive price might be what leads buyers to look elsewhere. Especially when you can get things like off-road capability from a truck like the Nissan Frontier. 

Is the Ridgeline getting discontinued?

Although it has consistently been one of Honda’s worse sellers, it does not appear like the brand has plans to get rid of its mid-size truck. The Ridgeline has been on the market for some time, spanning multiple generations. Plus, it was really one of the first unibody pickups out there. Maybe if folks decide they want something bigger than a Ford Maverick, the 2023 Ridgeline will get on their radar. 

There are currently four trims of the Ridgeline mid-size truck that are offered. The most expensive of which starts at $46,230. Nearly $50k for a mid-size truck is a tough pill to swallow. Especially if you are looking for a budget-friendly pickup.