Want a Truck That Feels Like a Car? Buy This Honda
For a select group of people, the idea of a pickup truck is an exciting one, but sacrificing comfort isn’t worth it. That is where the 2023 Honda Ridgeline comes in. With the new Ridgeline, buyers can get a vehicle that drives like a car while still offering the utility of a truck bed. Plus, it comes with all-wheel drive and a V6 engine as standard. So, is the 2023 Honda Ridgeline a truck worth buying?
What is the Honda Ridgeline?
The Honda Ridgeline is a pickup that first went on sale in 2005. It is a unibody truck, which makes it a fairly unique offering. It also marked the first and currently only truck offered by Honda. The first generation lasted until 2015, with the second generation coming in 2016.
Although it is a unibody pickup, the Ridgeline is a versatile truck. In 2022, it offers things like an in-bed audio system, various storage options, and standard AWD. Although it isn’t as capable as some other mid-size trucks, it can handle light off-road duty and tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Is the 2023 Honda Ridgeline worth buying?
The 2023 Ridgeline has a starting cost of $38,800, and that is more expensive than other mid-size trucks. You do get a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. But, you will not be getting the same off-road capability as something like a Toyota Tacoma or Nissan Frontier.
That said, the Honda Ridgeline does have a comfortable ride. It utilizes coil-sprung independent rear suspension, and that makes it feel more like a crossover or car over a truck. And that makes sense, considering this pickup is built on the same platform as the Honda Pilot.
Is Honda discontinuing the Ridgeline?
The 2023 Ridgeline was recently released, and it does not look like Honda has plans to discontinue its truck. Now, the Ridgeline is one of the worst-selling mid-size trucks on today’s market. Although, according to Car and Driver, it is a comfortable pickup, it seems like truck buyers want something that feels rugged.
Plus, the price of the Ridgeline is high compared to other models. Another downside of the 2023 Honda Ridgeline is its capability. Even though most truck owners don’t actually off-road their vehicles, the idea of being able to do so is a nice thing to have. But, even with standard AWD, the Ridgeline lacks the capability of a body-on-frame truck.
Should you buy a Honda truck?
If you are interested in a new mid-size truck, but want something that has legitimate comfort, the ideal option is the 2023 Honda Ridgeline. Perhaps the best value proposition is the Ridgeline RTL. This trim is a step above the base model, and it offers things like leather-trimmed interior.
It is not as well-equipped as the Ridgeline Black Edition, but it is also cheaper. Plus, you do get heated front seats, some active safety features, and other convenience items. And of course, you get a V6 engine and AWD.
