The Honda Ridgeline is currently the only truck in the automaker’s lineup. Even though it hasn’t had a major update since 2016, it continues to impress consumers with its comfort and capability. There’s speculation that the Ridgeline might get a redesign soon, possibly with a hybrid powertrain or a TrailSport model.

If you need a compact pickup in the near future, you can buy the 2023 Honda Ridgeline right now. Is it worth springing for the fully-loaded model? Let’s examine the top-tier trim along with all the others beneath it.

How much does the 2023 Honda Ridgeline cost?

According to Honda, the cheapest Ridgeline trim can be purchased for around $38,800. The Ridgeline Sport is powered by a V6 engine producing 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD.

All Ridgelines share the same powertrain, which affords a 5,000-lb towing capacity on properly-equipped models. The AWD system also includes a terrain management system with traction settings for sand, mud, and snow. Edmunds says that the Ridgeline has just 7.6 in of ground clearance, so it’s not the most ideal truck for intense off-roading.

Every Ridgeline also has a 5-ft-4-in bed with a Class III trailer hitch and a crew cab. The bed features a dual-action tailgate, meaning it can be opened from the side or dropped down like a traditional tailgate. The cargo box has a maximum payload capacity of 1,583 lbs and a lockable waterproof storage area underneath to hold extra cargo.

The Honda Ridgeline Sport has five cloth-upholstered seats inside, each with enough legroom to fit most adults comfortably. The standard infotainment system includes smartphone integration and Bluetooth, accessible through the 8-in touchscreen. 

Each Ridgeline has an advanced driver’s safety system (ADAS) with forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and road departure mitigation. LED headlights with fog lights are also standard.

The Ridgeline RTL has a leather steering wheel and a one-touch power moonroof. Drivers also get to enjoy heated leather-trimmed seats that are power-adjustable (the standard cloth seats have a manual adjustment lever). You also get tri-zone automatic climate control, along with rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitors for the ADAS suite.

The Ridgeline RTL starts at $41,700 and the RTL-E is priced at $44,730. It adds some premium tech like ambient lighting, a bigger audio system, and even speakers for the cargo box. You also get a wireless charging pad, parking sensors, and a navigation system.

Should you buy the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition?

Honda sells the Ridgeline’s most expensive trim for $46,230. It features a striking all-black interior, fully-leather seats with red stitching, and red ambient lighting to match. It also has exclusive black body accents and rides on black-alloy wheels.

The Honda Ridgeline is the most expensive compact pickup truck

Many of the Ridgeline’s rivals, including the Toyota Tacoma and the Hyundai Santa Cruz, have price ranges starting in the mid-$20,000s.  Even the Jeep Gladiator is slightly cheaper than the Ridgeline, starting at $38,775.

However, the Gladiator’s higher trims can get quite expensive, especially if you want a lot of off-roading equipment. The standard Santa Cruz has more ADAS features, but it has a smaller base engine.  Additionally, few trucks can replicate the Honda Ridgeline’s agreeable ride quality.

Since every Ridgeline has the same powertrain and towing potential, performance-minded shoppers can feel confident buying the Sport model with zero FOMO. We’d probably only recommend Honda Ridgeline Black Edition for drivers who value its blacked-out aesthetic. If you desire nicer seats and some extra tech, buy the Ridgeline RTL.