The Honda Ridgeline has long been Honda’s version of a mid-size truck. It is based on the same platform that the Honda Pilot rides on and it has consistently been praised by critics. But, a comfortable ride and convenient features have not led to this pickup truck selling that well. The Ridgeline is typically in last place when it comes to sales, and the question should be asked why exactly is that? Is the 2022 Honda Ridgeline not a good pickup truck?

Is the 2022 Honda Ridgeline a good truck?

On paper, the Honda Ridgeline seems like a great pickup. It is unibody, meaning that it handles better than a traditional body-on-frame truck and the drive feels more comfortable. Plus, this mid-size truck comes standard with a V6 engine, something that other brands would make you pay extra for. 

Better yet, each 2022 Ridgeline comes equipped with all-wheel drive. And that will help you to handle things like inclement weather. When outfitted properly, this mid-size truck has the ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds. That may not be as much as other mid-size trucks, but according to The Drive, most pickup owners don’t tow heavy items all that often.

Why isn’t anyone buying the Honda Ridgeline?

Despite earning praise from publications like Consumer Reports and Edmunds, pickup buyers have not shown serious interest in the Ridgeline. Since 2005, less than 500,000 Ridgeline trucks have been sold. In comparison, Toyota managed to sell over 250,000 Tacomas in 2021 alone. So, praise from critics has seemingly not helped Honda sell its mid-size truck. 

Oftentimes, truck owners like something that feels rugged and capable, even if they don’t actually use their pickup for truck stuff. And a unibody vehicle like the Ridgeline does not offer that feeling. The driver can feel isolated from the outside world, which might be sought-after in a luxury sedan, but not necessarily a mid-size truck. 

Is the Honda Ridgeline being discontinued?

While the Ridgeline has had its sales paused in the past, it does not sound like Honda is planning to discontinue its truck, at least yet. The 2023 Ridgeline is expected to go on sale at some point this fall, but there likely won’t be any major changes from the previous model. 

The Honda Ridgeline is still in its second generation, which has been in production since 2016. After the Honda Pilot receives a full update, it can be expected that those changes will trickle down to the Ridgeline pickup truck. 

Although the Ridgeline is aging, it still feels comfortable and offers some notable features. One of these is an available in-bed audio system. This option turns your pickup truck bed into a giant speaker, which is ideal for things like camping or tailgating. Still, it seems these conveniences are not enough to convince the buying public to consider the Ridgeline. 

Should you buy the 2022 Ridgeline?

If you are interested in a new mid-size truck, there are a few reasons why you should not count out the 2022 Honda Ridgeline. But, if you want something that offers an old-school feel, the Ridgeline feels more like a car than an actual pickup. 

For most truck buyers, that actually might be enough. But Americans have proven again and again that they want beefy pickups, even if they are just for commuting.