It’s no secret, pickup trucks are not known for being the most friendly at the pump. While they might not be the gas guzzlers they once were, they certainly do not come with the fuel economy of a compact car. If you are looking for a mid-size truck, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline might have caught your eye. The Ridgeline has been a mainstay in Honda’s lineup, despite not being the most popular pickup on the road. But even with its standard V6 engine, the Ridgeline has some of the best fuel economies in its class. 

What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Ridgeline?

In terms of its mpg, the Honda Ridgeline does fairly well, it gets 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, per Honda’s reporting. According to Car and Driver, their test drive resulted in 28 mpg. Which is slightly higher than the estimated number. 

In comparison to other mid-size trucks with a V6 engine, the 2023 Ridgeline looks to perform better. And with today’s prices at the pump, that is probably a good thing for most new truck buyers. Although, it doesn’t seem like the Honda Ridgeline is all that popular among the truck-owning public. 

What kind of engine does the 2023 Honda Ridgeline have?

Each Honda Ridgeline comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine. This keeps you from having to pay extra in order to get the power of a six-cylinder engine. The V6 powerplant makes 280 horsepower and 262 pound-foot of torque. And that should be enough for most needs. Plus, every 2023 Ridgeline comes standard with all-wheel drive. 

The engine offers smooth delivery of power, which complements the comfortable ride that this mid-size truck has. Additionally, the steering is electrically assisted to make handling easier. 

Is the Ridgeline a good truck?

The Ridgeline is definitely not a traditional pickup. It utilizes unibody construction, has an independent rear suspension, and is focused on comfort rather than ruggedness. But, if you do not need the capability of a pickup that is body-on-frame, it is well-equipped to handle most needs. 

The 2023 Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 lbs and is capable of hauling 1,600 lbs. That might not be as much as the competition, but it is decent enough. Better yet, the Honda Ridgeline comes with a variety of features that make life easier. One of these is in-bed storage which provides you with a lockable, weather-proof space to store various items. That is not the only trick the bed of the Ridgeline holds, you can even opt for an in-bed audio system. 

Is Honda’s truck worth buying?

The new Ridgeline does have a starting cost of around $40,000. And that places it well above some of its other mid-size truck rivals. But, for that cost, you do get a variety of features that should make the 2023 Ridgeline a solid daily driver. 

The RTL trim brings a lot to the table, including heated front seats that are leather-trimmed. Which might make it the best value proposition in terms of the Ridgeline.