One popular midsize truck to buy recently is the 2023 Honda Ridgeline. Honda offers many trustworthy vehicles, and the Ridgeline truck is one of the most luxurious models in its class. With such an upscale interior, it’s no wonder buyers are interested. However, one place where many pickups lack is fuel economy. Some models found a solution by offering a hybrid powertrain as an option or as the standard engine under the hood. Is there a 2023 Honda Ridgeline hybrid, or should you keep waiting?

Does the 2023 Honda Ridgeline have a hybrid powertrain?

According to Edmunds, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline does not have a hybrid powertrain. Furthermore, all models in the Honda midsize truck lineup use the same 3.5-liter V6 engine. Each is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The potent engine makes 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately, there is no other option available for the Ridgeline. Moreover, in its four trim levels, Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition, many features are different, but the engine, transmission, and drivetrain remain the same.

Honda Ridgeline fuel economy vs. other midsize trucks

Since customers can’t buy a 2023 Honda Ridgeline with a hybrid powertrain, how is the fuel economy? The EPA-estimated gas mileage for the midsize truck is 18 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway. Edmunds says it is better than the V6-equipped Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado for mpg. Beating rivals with a still powerful engine for fuel economy is an excellent feat to accomplish for Honda. Since brands like Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota dominate the truck segments, Honda takes what it can get.

Compared to four-cylinder and hybrid-equipped models, the Ridgeline falls short. For example, the turbocharged four-cylinder Ford Ranger gets an average of 21 city and 26 highway mpg. The standard hybrid and highly affordable Ford Maverick easily beats every other midsize truck. According to FuelEconomy.gov, the Maverick gets 42 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway, which outdoes the Ridgeline by a wide margin.

Which 2023 Honda Ridgeline trim to buy?

Lastly, if you buy a 2023 Honda Ridgeline, be sure to get the best model. Although lacking engine choices is unfortunate, it provides a powerful V6 engine with any version of the Honda pickup. As a result, anyone searching for an excellent base model at a low price can choose the Ridgeline. However, Honda’s midsize truck is notably more expensive than its rivals. A Ridgeline Sport base model starts at $40,095, much higher than rivals like the Tacoma, which starts at $27,250.

As a result, we think it’s better to skip the base model and head for higher trims. Buyers needing an affordable midsize truck should search elsewhere for better value. With Honda’s offering, the best value comes from the mid-tier RTL trim. It has a sunroof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable and heated front seats, and blind-spot monitoring, just to name a few niceties. At $43,075, it isn’t much more expensive than a Sport base model but offers much more value.

There is no 2023 Honda Ridgeline hybrid

In conclusion, there is no 2023 Honda Ridgeline hybrid. Although the midsize truck has a lot to offer, excellent fuel economy isn’t one of them. It loses to a few competitors in gas mileage if they use a four-cylinder or hybrid powertrain. However, the Ridgeline is surprisingly one of the best fuel economy options for a V6 engine. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most expensive vehicles in its class. Most experts and buyers choose the RTL trim, which offers a lot more bang for your buck than alternatives.