So, you’re thinking about getting your hands on the 2023 Honda Ridgeline? That’s a solid choice for a truck that blurs the line between rugged utility and comfortable daily driving. Before you sign on the dotted line, there are five crucial things you should know. This guide will walk you through the essential pre-purchase considerations to ensure the Ridgeline is the right fit for your life and your wallet.
The Ridgeline isn’t your average pickup, and that’s its biggest strength—and sometimes, a point of confusion. It’s built on a unibody platform, more like a SUV, rather than the body-on-frame design of most rivals. This gives it a fantastic on-road ride and handling, but it also defines its limits. Let’s get into what really matters.
5 Things To Know Before Buying A 2023 Honda Ridgeline
Here are the core aspects you need to evaluate. Understanding these points will help you make a confident decision.
1. The Unibody Advantage Comes With Trade-Offs
The Ridgeline’s car-like foundation is its defining feature. You’ll enjoy a smoother, quieter, and more comfortable ride than in a traditional truck. It handles corners well and feels at home on the highway. The interior is also spacious and well-appointed, feeling more like a Honda Pilot than a work truck.
However, this design has implications for towing and payload. The 2023 Ridgeline has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. For many buyers, that’s plenty for a boat, jet skis, or a small camper. But if you regularly need to tow a large travel trailer or heavy equipment, rivals like the Ford F-150 or Toyota Tundra offer much higher limits. The payload capacity, or how much weight you can put in the bed and cab, is also lower than some competitors.
Key questions to ask yourself:
* Do I prioritize daily driving comfort over maximum hauling capability?
* Will I ever need to tow more than 5,000 pounds?
* Is a plush interior more important to me than a purely utilitarian one?
2. The In-Bed Trunk is a Game-Changer
This is arguably the Ridgeline’s coolest feature. The dual-action tailgate is handy, but the lockable, waterproof trunk built into the bed floor is a true innovation. It offers a massive 7.3 cubic feet of storage space, and it even has a drain plug so you can use it as a giant cooler.
Think about all the things you can keep secure and out of the weather: tools, camping gear, golf clubs, or groceries. It eliminates the need for a bulky bed toolbox, freeing up the entire bed for other items. For active families or DIYers, this feature alone can justify the choice. It’s a perfect example of Honda’s clever, practical engineering that you won’t find on any other pickup.
3. All-Wheel Drive is Standard, But It’s Not 4×4
Every 2023 Ridgeline comes with Honda’s i-VTM4® all-wheel-drive system. This is a sophisticated system that can send up to 70% of power to the rear wheels and actively torque-vector to the left or right rear wheel for better handling. It’s excellent for slippery roads, light off-roading, and maintaining traction in poor weather.
It’s important to know that this is not a traditional part-time 4×4 system with a low-range transfer case. For serious rock crawling or extreme off-road adventures, a truck like a Jeep Gladiator or Ford Ranger Tremor is better suited. The Ridgeline’s system is designed for capability and safety in real-world conditions, not necessarily for conquering rugged trails. The truck also features a “Trail” driving mode that helps in sand, mud, or snow.
4. The Tech and Safety Suite is Top-Notch
Honda packs the Ridgeline with its latest technology. Even the base model comes well-equipped. You’ll want to pay attention to the infotainment system, which is an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 9-inch on higher ones. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but some users find the system can be a bit slow to respond at times.
Where Honda really shines is with the Honda Sensing® suite of safety features. It comes standard on every 2023 Ridgeline and includes:
* Collision Mitigation Braking System
* Road Departure Mitigation
* Adaptive Cruise Control
* Lane Keeping Assist System
These systems work very well and provide great peace of mind on long trips. Higher trims add goodies like a wireless phone charger, a premium audio system, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
5. Resale Value and Cost of Ownership are Strong
Hondas are famous for holding their value, and the Ridgeline is no exception. It consistently ranks high in resale value comparisons among midsize trucks. This means when it’s time to sell or trade in, you’ll likely get more of your money back compared to some other brands.
Furthermore, the cost of ownership is generally favorable. Its 3.5-liter V6 engine is proven and reliable, and maintenance costs are predictable. Fuel economy is competitive for the class, with EPA estimates of 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway for AWD models. While not a hybrid, its efficiency is respectable for a vehicle with its capabilities. Always factor in these long-term financial aspects, not just the monthly sticker price.
Making Your Decision: A Step-by-Step Checklist
Before you visit the dealership, run through this list.
1. Define Your Primary Use: Write down the top three things you’ll use the truck for (e.g., commuting, home depot runs, family trips, towing a specific trailer).
2. Test Drive the Right Way: Don’t just drive around the block. Take it on the highway. Try parking it. If possible, load some bags of mulch in the bed to get a feel for it.
3. Inspect the Bed Features: Play with the tailgate. Open the in-bed trunk. Imagine how you’d use these spaces.
4. Compare Total Cost: Look at financing, insurance quotes, and estimated fuel costs for your annual mileage. A cheaper monthly payment can be offset by higher insurance or poor gas mileage.
5. Research Trims and Packages: The RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition trims offer significant upgrades. Decide which features (like leather, heated seats, or advanced audio) are must-haves for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Honda Ridgeline a “real” truck?
Yes, it is a real truck. It has a bed, can tow 5,000 pounds, has a payload capacity over 1,500 pounds, and offers available all-wheel drive. Its unibody construction makes it different, not incapable. It’s designed for a specific buyer who values comfort and innovation alongside utility.
How does the 2023 Ridgeline compare to a Toyota Tacoma or Ford Ranger?
The Tacoma and Ranger are traditional body-on-frame trucks. They often have higher towing potential (when properly equipped) and are built with more rugged off-roading in mind. However, the Ridgeline offers a far superior on-road ride, more interior space and comfort, and unique features like the in-bed trunk. The Ridgeline is the choice for the truck buyer who spends 90% of their time on pavement.
What are common complaints about the Honda Ridgeline?
Some owners wish for more towing capacity or a higher trim off-road version. Others note that the infotainment system can feel dated compared to some competitors. The exterior styling, while updated, is still more conservative than some of its more aggressive-looking rivals.
Is the Ridgeline good in snow?
With its intelligent all-wheel-drive system and available all-terrain tires, the Ridgeline performs excellently in snow and icy conditions. Its weight distribution and stability control make it a very confident winter vehicle.
Should I buy new or used?
Given the strong resale value, a new Ridgeline often comes with attractive financing incentives and the full warranty. However, a certified pre-owned (CPO) model from the previous few years can offer significant savings and still include a warranty, making it a very smart financial choice. Always get a vehicle history report if considering a used model.
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline is a fantastic vehicle for the right person. It excels as a comfortable, safe, and clever daily driver that happens to have a truck bed. By understanding its unique strengths—the unibody ride, the ingenious trunk, the standard AWD—and its compromises in max towing and off-road prowess, you can make a clear decision. Take your time, use the checklist, and choose the truck that truly fits your lifestyle. Your perfect pickup is out there.