If you’re looking for a combination of style, comfort, performance, power, and reliability you may want to consider the 2023 Honda Ridgeline. While it’s Honda’s only pickup, it’s one of the most popular midsize trucks in the market today, rivaling the likes of the Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado, and Toyota Tacoma. However, no option is perfect. Here are three reasons to buy and three reasons to pass on this potential option.

Get to know the 2023 Honda Ridgeline 

The five-seater 2023 Honda Ridgeline is a midsize truck under Honda’s second-generation truck range. In TrueCar‘s words, it’s perfect for buyers who want a capable pickup with the comfort, civility, and refinement of a crossover.

It packs a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 hp and 262 lb-ft and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Its fuel economy is on track with EPA estimates of 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg combined. Speed isn’t bad either. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 6.3 seconds. 

Pro 1: Award-winning 2023 Honda Ridgeline

There aren’t many trucks in the market that have won awards a few years in a row until the 2023 Honda Ridgeline did. According to Honda News, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline has been named a Consumer Guide Compact Pickup Truck Best Buy for the seventh consecutive year and the eighth time in nine years. US News also ranked the truck No.1 in Compact Pickup Trucks. 

Pro 2: It’s Honda’s only truck

A single truck model is unusual and may only work for some car manufacturers. It may seem limited, but Honda taking this approach with Ridgeline has several potential benefits to potential car owners, including high-quality trucks since Honda can put all of its resources and attention into perfecting one product. It’s also easier to compare different trims and know what you’re getting when you purchase a Ridgeline. It simply streamlines the decision-making process. 

Pro 3: Turn off the truck and enjoy the music

Truck bed audio is a convenient perk and a feature most pickup trucks miss but are beginning to copy. This feature lets you turn off your vehicle, snap open some cold drinks, and listen to music outside. As the name suggests, the truck’s speakers play sound through its cargo bed. What better way to play music at a tailgate party, job site, or drive-in movie? However, Edmunds confirms this cool sought-after feature comes with at least the RTL-E trim. 

Con 1: Less than desirable towing capability

The reason many owners go for pickup trucks is the towing capability. If you plan on towing heavy cargo, the Ridgeline might limit the amount you can haul. Unlike the Ford Ranger or Chevy Colorado, which can tow 7,000 pounds and above, the Ridgeline can only pull 5,000 pounds. That limits you to a Jet Ski trailer or a small camper. 

Con 2: Not cut out for off-road driving 

While the Ridgeline comes in an all-wheel drive and an available Intelligent Traction Management system, it has poor ground clearance at only 7.6 inches. This makes off-roading difficult, considering its arch-rival, the Chevvy Colorado, has a ground clearance of 10.7 inches and 8.4 inches for the Toyota Tacoma. 

Con 3: There aren’t any exciting changes to the 2023 Honda Ridgeline

Ask any car enthusiast about what they look forward to in an upcoming model car brand, and they’ll probably tell you its new features. The added functionalities add to the thrill and the reason to get behind the wheel of a new car. The difference between the models makes purchasing a new brand exciting and worth it. 

Unfortunately, the 2023 Ridgeline is just a second-generation truck and a refresh from the 2021 Ridgeline. There aren’t any significant, exciting changes.