The 2023 Honda Ridgeline continues to stand apart in a segment dominated by traditional body-on-frame pickup trucks. While rivals focus on maximum towing, hardcore off-road capability, and rugged styling, Honda has spent years refining a different formula. The Ridgeline is designed for drivers who need the practicality of a truck bed without sacrificing the comfort, refinement, and everyday usability of a modern SUV.
Built on the same unibody architecture that underpins the Honda Pilot and Passport, the Ridgeline delivers a driving experience that feels remarkably smooth and composed for a midsize pickup. Its standard 280-horsepower V6 engine, intelligent all-wheel-drive system, and innovative cargo solutions make it a compelling option for families, commuters, outdoor enthusiasts, and weekend adventurers alike.
For 2023, Honda keeps the formula largely unchanged, focusing on the strengths that have helped the Ridgeline earn a loyal following. It may not be the most rugged truck in the class, but it remains one of the most comfortable, practical, and versatile pickups available for drivers who spend more time on pavement than on remote trails.
Our Take
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline remains one of the smartest pickup trucks on the market, even if it is not the most traditional. Instead of chasing maximum towing numbers or extreme off-road capability, Honda focuses on comfort, practicality, and everyday usability. The result is a truck that feels easier to live with than many of its midsize rivals while still providing enough capability for most owners.
What makes the Ridgeline unique is its ability to combine the driving manners of an SUV with the functionality of a pickup truck. The standard V6 engine delivers smooth performance, the all-wheel-drive system provides confidence in various weather conditions, and innovative cargo solutions add genuine convenience. For buyers who spend most of their time commuting, traveling, or tackling weekend projects, the Ridgeline often makes more sense than a traditional body-on-frame truck.
Its biggest limitation is that it does not offer the same level of off-road performance or towing capability as some competitors. Buyers looking for serious trail adventures may prefer trucks such as the Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road or Jeep Gladiator. However, for daily driving and real-world ownership, the Ridgeline continues to be one of the most well-rounded choices in the segment.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Smooth and comfortable SUV-like ride quality
- Strong and refined 280-horsepower V6 engine
- Standard all-wheel drive on every trim
- Spacious cabin with excellent rear-seat room
- Innovative in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate
- Easy to drive and maneuver in everyday situations
Cons
- Less capable off-road than traditional rivals
- Maximum towing capacity trails some competitors
- Infotainment system feels dated compared to newer rivals
- Conservative exterior styling may not appeal to truck enthusiasts
What’s New for 2023?
Honda makes very few changes to the Ridgeline for the 2023 model year. The truck carries over largely unchanged after receiving a significant refresh in previous years, including updated styling, enhanced technology, and improvements to the standard all-wheel-drive system.
Rather than introducing major upgrades, Honda continues to focus on the formula that has made the Ridgeline successful. Buyers still get a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission, Honda Sensing driver-assistance technologies, and one of the most versatile cargo beds in the midsize truck segment.
While some competitors have undergone complete redesigns or introduced more advanced technology packages, Honda’s approach emphasizes proven reliability and everyday usability. As a result, the 2023 Ridgeline remains a familiar but highly refined option for truck buyers who prioritize comfort and practicality over rugged image and extreme capability.
Who Is This Truck Really For?
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline is not built for buyers who spend every weekend rock crawling, hauling heavy equipment, or towing large trailers across the country. Instead, it is designed for drivers who want the practicality of a pickup truck without sacrificing the comfort and refinement of a modern SUV. For many owners, that balance makes the Ridgeline a more appealing choice than traditional midsize trucks.
Families who enjoy outdoor activities, homeowners tackling weekend projects, and commuters who occasionally need a truck bed will find plenty to like here. The spacious cabin, smooth ride quality, and user-friendly driving experience make the Ridgeline easy to live with every day. It feels far less demanding than some body-on-frame competitors, especially in city traffic and on long highway trips.
Buyers considering trucks such as the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, or Jeep Gladiator should carefully evaluate how they plan to use their vehicle. If comfort, practicality, and daily usability rank above extreme off-road capability, the Ridgeline remains one of the most sensible pickups available.
Driving Experience
The driving experience is where the Honda Ridgeline separates itself from nearly every other truck in the midsize segment. Thanks to its unibody construction and fully independent suspension, the Ridgeline behaves more like a large crossover than a traditional pickup. Road imperfections are absorbed with impressive composure, and the truck remains stable and comfortable even during long highway journeys.
Power comes from Honda’s proven 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration feels strong and predictable, while the nine-speed automatic transmission delivers smooth shifts during everyday driving. The powertrain may not feel as aggressive as some turbocharged rivals, but it provides the refinement and reliability many buyers expect from a Honda.
The standard all-wheel-drive system adds confidence when driving in rain, snow, or on unpaved roads. While the Ridgeline is capable of handling light off-road adventures, its true strength lies in daily driving comfort. Steering is precise for a pickup, body motions are well controlled, and overall refinement exceeds what many buyers expect from a vehicle with an open cargo bed.
Comfort & Interior
Few midsize trucks can match the comfort and practicality offered by the Ridgeline’s cabin. Honda has created an interior that prioritizes passenger space, visibility, and long-distance comfort. Both front seats provide excellent support, while the rear seat offers enough room for adults to travel comfortably, something that cannot always be said about competing trucks.
The cabin design focuses on functionality rather than flashy styling. Controls are logically placed, outward visibility is excellent, and storage solutions are abundant throughout the interior. Large door pockets, generous center-console storage, and clever cabin packaging make everyday use remarkably convenient.
One of the Ridgeline’s biggest advantages is its quiet and refined character. Wind and road noise are kept well under control, helping the truck feel more premium than many traditional rivals. Buyers cross-shopping vehicles such as the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, or Jeep Gladiator will likely notice the difference immediately. The Ridgeline simply feels more relaxed and comfortable during daily commuting, family road trips, and extended highway driving.
Technology & Infotainment
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Bluetooth connectivity, multiple USB ports, and a seven-speaker audio system are included across the lineup, ensuring that even base models provide the technology most drivers expect.
Higher trims add premium features such as wireless phone charging, navigation, a premium audio system, and additional convenience technologies. While the system is functional and easy to learn after a short adjustment period, it does not feel as modern or visually impressive as some of the latest setups offered by Ford, Chevrolet, and Hyundai.
Fortunately, Honda’s strengths lie in usability rather than flashy graphics. The menus are straightforward, smartphone integration works reliably, and physical controls remain available for important functions. For most owners, the technology package delivers everything needed for daily commuting, road trips, and family travel without unnecessary complexity.
Fuel Economy & Real-World Efficiency
Fuel economy remains one of the Ridgeline’s strongest advantages among V6-powered midsize trucks. EPA estimates stand at 18 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined. Those numbers place it among the most efficient trucks available with a naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine.
In real-world driving, many owners report highway fuel economy that closely matches official estimates when cruising at moderate speeds. The combination of the refined V6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission helps the truck maintain efficiency without sacrificing performance. Unlike some turbocharged competitors, the Ridgeline delivers its power smoothly and predictably without requiring aggressive throttle inputs.
While newer trucks equipped with smaller turbocharged engines may achieve slightly better fuel economy under certain conditions, the Ridgeline offers an appealing balance of efficiency, reliability, and everyday drivability. Buyers upgrading from larger full-size pickups may find the reduction in fuel costs particularly noticeable.
Cargo & Everyday Practicality
Practicality has always been one of the Ridgeline’s defining strengths, and the 2023 model continues that tradition. The truck bed may not be the largest in the segment, but Honda compensates with several clever features that make daily use easier and more convenient.
The standout feature remains the lockable in-bed trunk located beneath the cargo floor. This weather-resistant storage compartment provides secure space for tools, luggage, emergency equipment, groceries, or valuable items that would normally need to be stored inside the cabin. It is a feature that few competitors can match and one that many owners quickly learn to appreciate.
The dual-action tailgate is equally useful, allowing it to open traditionally or swing sideways for easier access to cargo. Combined with a wide bed floor, numerous tie-down points, and a spacious cabin, the Ridgeline proves that practical design often matters more than raw cargo dimensions. For homeowners, outdoor enthusiasts, and families, it remains one of the most versatile trucks available for everyday life.
Competitors Worth Considering
The midsize truck segment offers several strong alternatives, each appealing to a different type of buyer. The Toyota Tacoma remains one of the most recognizable names in the class, offering outstanding resale value, proven reliability, and significantly better off-road capability. Buyers who regularly venture onto trails may find the Tacoma a better fit, although it cannot match the Ridgeline’s ride comfort and rear-seat space.
The Ford Ranger delivers stronger towing capability and a more traditional truck experience. Its turbocharged engine provides impressive torque, making it a solid choice for drivers who frequently tow trailers or haul heavier loads. However, the Ranger’s ride quality and interior refinement still fall short of what the Ridgeline offers in everyday driving.
For buyers seeking adventure-focused capability, the Jeep Gladiator stands out with its removable roof and doors, exceptional off-road credentials, and unmistakable Jeep character. The trade-off is a noisier cabin, a less refined ride, and a higher price once similarly equipped.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is perhaps the closest philosophical rival to the Ridgeline. Both prioritize comfort, technology, and daily usability over traditional truck toughness. The Hyundai offers modern styling and excellent efficiency, while the Honda counters with a roomier interior, greater towing capacity, and more practical cargo solutions.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline continues to prove that not every truck needs to follow the traditional pickup formula. While competitors focus on maximum towing, aggressive styling, and extreme off-road capability, Honda delivers something many buyers will appreciate more: comfort, practicality, refinement, and everyday usability.
Its smooth ride quality, spacious cabin, intelligent cargo solutions, and dependable V6 powertrain make it one of the easiest trucks to live with on a daily basis. The Ridgeline may not be the best choice for serious off-road enthusiasts or buyers who regularly tow heavy loads, but for the majority of truck owners, it provides all the capability they need while offering a far more comfortable driving experience.
If your truck spends most of its life commuting, carrying family members, handling home-improvement projects, and supporting weekend adventures, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline deserves a place near the very top of your shopping list. It remains one of the smartest and most well-rounded midsize pickups available today.
FAQ
Is the 2023 Honda Ridgeline a real truck?
Absolutely. Although it uses a unibody platform instead of a traditional body-on-frame design, the Ridgeline still offers a useful truck bed, standard all-wheel drive, a 5,000-pound towing capacity, and strong payload capability. It simply prioritizes comfort and refinement more than many traditional competitors.
How much can the 2023 Honda Ridgeline tow?
When properly equipped, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds. This is enough for small boats, utility trailers, motorcycles, campers, and many recreational towing needs, though some rivals offer higher maximum ratings.
Is the Honda Ridgeline better than the Toyota Tacoma?
That depends on your priorities. The Ridgeline offers a smoother ride, a quieter cabin, and greater everyday comfort. The Tacoma provides superior off-road capability, stronger aftermarket support, and a more traditional truck character. Most daily drivers will likely prefer the Honda, while serious off-road enthusiasts may favor the Toyota.
Does the 2023 Honda Ridgeline have four-wheel drive?
All 2023 Ridgeline models come standard with Honda’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system. While it is highly capable in poor weather and on light trails, it is designed primarily for everyday confidence rather than extreme off-road use.
What is the biggest advantage of the Honda Ridgeline?
The biggest advantage is its balance of truck utility and SUV comfort. Few vehicles combine a spacious cabin, smooth ride quality, innovative cargo features, and practical everyday usability as effectively as the Ridgeline. It delivers the capability most owners need without many of the compromises associated with traditional pickups.
