Skip to main content

If you want a midsize truck in 2023, you likely want a pickup that is reliable. And it’s probably easy to assume a brand like Toyota makes the most reliable truck. At least if you follow that brand’s reputation. Apparently, the Toyota Tacoma has been beaten out by another truck—the 2023 Honda Ridgeline.

What is the most reliable midsize truck?

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline might be the most reliable pickup truck this year. It might not be popular, but the brand has put quite a bit of work into it. There is even a Ridgeline TrailSport in the works, giving this vehicle some legitimate off-road chops. 

A 2023 Honda Ridgeline drives up a hill.
2023 Honda Ridgeline | Honda

While you might assume that the Toyota Tacoma is the most reliable truck, that might not be the case. According to iSeeCars, the Ridgeline has a higher reliability score. The publication gives it 8.6 out of 10, while the 2023 Tacoma gets a rating of 8.5 out of 10 in terms of reliability. 

Toyota's midsize truck, the 2023 Tacoma might not be as reliable as the Honda Ridgeline.
2023 Toyota Tacoma | Toyota

I don’t expect this rating to suddenly make Honda’s truck the most popular. But it does show that sometimes the underrated option can actually be pretty good. The 2023 Ridgeline gets things like a standard V6 and all-wheel drive, which isn’t something you typically see on a truck of this size. 

The Honda Ridgeline tells a confusing tale

Despite earning praise from journalists and various publications, the Honda Ridgeline has never done great in terms of sales. When I talk to Ridgeline owners, they seem to love their vehicles. But for most folks, maybe the truck isn’t truck enough. 

At the same time, the Ridgeline makes more power than the Tacoma. And it has earned iSeeCar’s highest reliability score for a midsize truck. So maybe this is a pickup that more folks should take another look at. 

Will there be a redesigned Ridgeline?

The current Ridgeline has been around for some time, so it’s probably time for a new one. Especially with the Honda Pilot getting a full redesign. Honda has confirmed there will be a TrailSport trim and it also tamped down rumors of a Ridgeline hybrid. 

As a midsize truck, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline might be the most reliable vehicle.
Honda Ridgeline | Honda

So if you were holding out for a hybrid Honda truck, you might feel a little disappointed in that regard. But maybe a redesigned Honda pickup could bring more love for this model. It certainly needs it if it hopes to compete with other midsize trucks in terms of sales. 

At the end of the day, folks are going to spend their money on what they want. And if the Ridgeline isn’t offering that, they’re going to look to other trucks like the Toyota Tacoma. Even if it does not get as high of a reliability rating from places like iSeeCars.

Related The Honda Ridgeline Keeps Losing

The Honda Ridgeline Keeps Losing

Best in Tips, Tricks & Trends
Writer - Trucks

Eric Boman

Eric Boman joined MotorBiscuit as an Autos Writer in 2022. He brings with him experience writing for companies such as Cox Automotive and HotCars. Eric’s enthusiasm for 4×4 vehicles, off-roading, and novelty exotics began at an early age and, after earning a B.A. in English from Pittsburg State University, Eric set out to merge his love for both writing and cars into a successful career as an automotive journalist. He is also working toward an MBA from Colorado State University.

In order to keep up with our dynamic industry and in a constant effort to stay current when it comes to automotive news, Eric follows the work of publications like Car and Driver and MotorTrend. A passion for world travel also gives voice to some of his unique coverage of European 4x4s. Though much of Eric’s inspiration comes from a drive to be outside in nature and embarking on off-road adventures, he also dreams of one day owning a classic car like the Trabant.

Eric is also Google Analytics Certified. Additionally, Eric is currently an active member of the Kansas City Social Symphony.