Are you interested in buying the range-topping Black Edition from the 2023 Honda Ridgeline lineup? As the most costly option, buyers have high expectations for this version of the midsize truck. However, does the fully loaded Ridgeline have enough to offer to make it worth your money? We take a look at the cost of the most expensive Ridgeline, the included equipment, and viable alternatives in the Honda pickup lineup.

What is the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition?

According to Edmunds, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition is the most costly trim in the lineup. Starting at $47,525, it’s roughly $7,500 more than the base model. Additionally, most of the exclusive upgrades are entirely cosmetic. That means almost nothing functional comes from spending extra for the most expensive Honda pickup model. It gains a blacked-out exterior trim, black leather, interior red accents, black wheels, and red ambient interior lighting.

Besides those things, nothing of value is added to the Black Edition. However, it also takes every feature from the RTL-E trim level. That means for about $1,500 more, you’ll get the RTL-E equipment but with blacked-out trims, wheels, and more that enhance the overall design of the Honda Ridgeline.

Ridgeline RTL-E standard equipment

Does the equipment from the Ridgeline RTL-E make the Black Edition worth it? For $467,025, the RTL-E trim has many excellent features. For example, LED truck bed lights, an in-bed outlet, truck-bed audio with six speakers, blue ambient interior lighting, a heated steering wheel, navigation, eight speakers for audio, second-row USB ports, wireless smartphone charging, and front/rear parking sensors.

Additionally, the RTL-E trim is the third most costly in the Ridgeline lineup. As a result, it also has equipment from the more cost-effective models. Highlights of lower trims include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, the Honda Sensing safety suite, a sunroof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable/heated front seats, leather upholstery, satellite radio, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic tri-zone climate control.

Is the Black Edition worth it?

For so much extra money, does it makes sense to buy the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition? We don’t think so. Midsize truck buyers who adore the blacked-out look of the fully-loaded model should inquire about the Black Edition. However, if you’re not in love with the alternative style, there’s nothing there for you. Equipment, engine, features, and more are identical with the more affordable RTL-E model. Additionally, the bottom two trims are even more reasonably priced and still well-equipped.

Experts like Edmunds recommend buying the second-tier RTL trim. We agree that this model is the one to buy to get the most bang for your buck. It’s got all the standard features of the Sport trim, plus it adds luxurious amenities like a sunroof, leather, heated seats, blind-spot monitoring, and a power-sliding rear window. Best of all, it’s $43,075, which saves you nearly $3,000 straight from the factory.

Moreover, buyers seeking more equipment can get it without opting for the Black Edition model. Four packages are available for any version of the midsize truck. They are the Function, Function+, Honda Performance Development, and Utility packages. Optional equipment highlights include in-bed trunk dividers, a tonneau cover, fender flares, a unique grille, roof rails, and running boards.

Skip the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition

In conclusion, we don’t think the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition is worth the extra cash. Skipping it will not only save you money, but you’ll lose out on nearly zero features. The range-topping Black Edition is a trim that provides mostly blacked-out trims, wheels, and other cosmetic changes. It doesn’t actually impact the vehicle’s functionality in any way other than style points.