The Honda Ridgeline Pickup Is the Best Version of the Honda Pilot
The Honda Ridgeline Pickup could be the better version of the Honda Pilot SUV. Honda makes great use of the Honda Pilot platform that underpins the Ridgeline. That means that both the SUV and the truck have a smooth ride on the road, some off-road capability, a powerful V6, and tons of creature comforts. But the ridgeline has a bed, all-wheel drive, rugged good looks, and can cost less for the same features. So, why not consider a Ridgeline instead of a Pilot?
The Ridgeline is stronger than the Pilot
Though the Honda Ridgeline pickup uses the same platform as the Pilot, it’s been beefed up and Honda has said that its 17% more robust than the Pilot’s to deal with the rigors of truck work, such as towing. The Honda Ridgeline tops both Consumer Reports’ and Edmunds’ lists of best midsize pickup trucks because it’s reliable and competent. especially as a daily driver. The unibody Honda Ridgeline has a couple of tricks up its sleeve that make it a great alternative to the Pilot, too. Its in-bed trunk provides waterproof, lockable, storage in the composite bed, and its tailgate swings out like a door or flops down like a traditional tailgate.
Consumer Reports recommends the Pilot, too
Consumer Reports recommends the Pilot, too. But, the Pilot doesn’t seem to get the praise that the Ridgeline does. Reviewers often say that it doesn’t handle as well as some top SUVs, and while Honda’s are known for their reliability, the 2022 only gets an “average” score from J.D. Power. However, reviewers praise it for its overall comfort, its powerful 280-horsepower V6, and its standard features, like standard Honda Sensing and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Pilot does have one standout feature the Ridgeline doesn’t, which is seating for seven or eight with a roomy third row.
There will be an all-new 2023 Honda Pilot
Honda has released one grainy image of the new 2023 Honda Pilot, and even in that image, it’s wearing camouflage. But the fact that the picture was taken on the side of a rocky cliff says that Honda wants to make more of the Pilot’s off-road ability. Honda has made a big deal, too, of the new hybrid systems in the CR-V, so that could mean that we’ll see a new Hybrid Pilot Hybrid for the first time. The last time we got an all-new Pilot was 2016.
The Honda Ridgeline pickup beats the Pilot’s price
For 2022 Honda added several new trim levels to the Pilot, including the new two-wheel-drive Sport version which is the least expensive at $36,820. The TrailSport, which has some off-road attitude, starts at$43,560. The TrailSport package gets a 0.6-inch factory suspension lift to help it clear the tough stuff, as well as 18-inch black wheels, fender flairs, and new badging. But, pricing has not been specified on the new 2023 Honda Pilot.
One of the great things about the Honda Ridgeline pickup has always been its value. The Sport, which includes the big V6 and all-wheel drive, starts at $36,890. The RTL and RTL-E versions come with heated seats, a blind spot information system, automatic braking, and more, for $39,870 and $42,820. The Ridgeline Black Edition has an MSRP of $44,320.
