You’re probably wondering if the 2023 Honda Ridgeline can handle more than just the pavement. Is the 2023 Honda Ridgeline a capable off-roader? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no, and it depends entirely on what you mean by “off-road.”
This truck sits in a unique spot. It doesn’t look like a traditional, body-on-frame pickup. That leads many to doubt its dirt credentials right away. But Honda has packed it with clever features aimed at adventure. We need to look past the spec sheet and see how it really performs when the road ends.
Is The 2023 Honda Ridgeline A Capable Off-Roader?
To answer this, we must judge it by its own standards. The Ridgeline is not a Ford Raptor or a Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. It’s a unibody, all-wheel-drive adventure vehicle with a pickup bed. For the majority of people who encounter forest service roads, muddy campsites, or snowy passes, it is remarkably capable. For extreme rock crawling or deep mud pits, it is not the right tool. Its capability is defined by smart engineering, not brute force.
Where the 2023 Ridgeline Excels Off-Pavement
The Ridgeline’s strengths come from its intelligent AWD system and thoughtful design. It’s built for accessible adventure, not for competition.
- Intelligent Traction Management: This is the core of its off-pavement skill. You can select between Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand modes. The system adjusts throttle response, transmission shifting, and torque distribution to each wheel. It works seamlessly to find grip.
- Independent Rear Suspension: Unlike a solid axle, this gives it fantastic wheel articulation on uneven terrain. Each wheel can move independently, helping to keep tires in contact with the ground for better traction. The ride comfort is also far superior on rough roads.
- Ground Clearance: At 7.9 inches for the Black Edition and TrailSport trims, it’s sufficient for most moderate obstacles, drainage ditches, and rocky paths. It’s not class-leading, but it’s well-judged.
- The In-Bed Trunk: This is a secret weapon. It’s a perfect, lockable, and dry place to store recovery gear, muddy boots, or your valuables away from the elements. No aftermarket bed box needed.
Key Off-Road Limitations to Consider
Honesty is important. The Ridgeline has clear boundaries you should understand before venturing out.
- Unibody Construction: It lacks the extreme torsional rigidity of a body-on-frame truck. This means very rugged, repeated twisting on severe trails could lead to long-term stress. It’s not built for that.
- Tire Choice: Most trims come with all-season highway tires. They are the weakest link in the system. Upgrading to all-terrain tires is the single best mod you can make for off-pavement confidence.
- Approach and Departure Angles: These are modest due to its integrated bumper design. You must be more careful on steep inclines and declines to avoid scraping the front or rear fascia.
- No Low-Range Transfer Case: It uses a torque-vectoring AWD system, not a traditional 4WD with a crawler gear. For slow, technical crawling, it relies on its brake-based traction control, which can work well but generates heat.
The TrailSport Trim: Honda’s Off-Road Answer
For 2023, Honda introduced the TrailSport trim as its official off-road package. It adds specific upgrades aimed at improving capability.
- Unique 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires (a huge upgrade).
- Increased 8.2 inches of ground clearance.
- Retuned suspension with increased damping force.
- TrailSport badging and orange accents.
- It also includes skid plates for the engine, fuel tank, and steering gear.
The TrailSport is the most off-road-ready Ridgeline from the factory. The tires alone transform its grip on loose surfaces. However, its fundamental mechanics remain the same as other AWD trims.
Real-World Off-Road Scenarios: How Does It Handle?
Let’s break down how the Ridgeline performs in common situations.
Gravel and Forest Service Roads
This is where the Ridgeline is arguably the best in class. The independent suspension soaks up washboard and potholes comfortably at speed. The AWD system provides secure, predictable handling. The comfortable cabin makes long journeys down dusty roads a pleasure, not a chore.
Mud and Deep Sand
Select the appropriate drive mode. The system will manage wheelspin effectively. Ground clearance is your main enemy here. If the ruts are deeper than about 8 inches, you risk getting hung up. Momentum is key in sand, and the Ridgeline’s smooth power delivery helps. Again, proper tires are critical here.
Rocky Trails and Articulation
For mild to moderate rocky trails, it can suprise you. The independent suspension helps with articulation. You must pick your line carefully due to the approach angles and wheelbase. The standard underbody protection is minimal (except on TrailSport), so be mindful of sharp rocks.
Snow and Ice
With its Snow mode and intelligent AWD, the Ridgeline is an excellent winter vehicle. It anticipates slip and redistributes power proactively. The balanced weight distribution from its unibody design also contributes to stable, confident handling in slippery conditions.
Essential Mods to Improve Off-Road Capability
If you want to push the Ridgeline a bit further, focus on these practical upgrades.
- All-Terrain Tires: This is non-negotiable. They provide grip in mud, sand, and on rocks that highway tires cannot match. They also offer better sidewall protection.
- Skid Plates: Aftermarket steel or aluminum skid plates for the engine, transmission, and fuel tank will protect vital components. This gives you peace of mind on rougher trails.
- Lift Kit or Leveling Kit: A small 1-2 inch lift can improve clearance and allow for slightly larger tires. Be aware that lifting a unibody vehicle requires careful component selection to avoid damaging CV joints.
- Recovery Gear: Always carry basic recovery equipment: a kinetic recovery rope (not a tow strap), soft shackles, a shovel, and a portable air compressor to re-inflate tires after airing down.
How It Compares to Traditional Rivals
This context is crucial. The Ridgeline is often cross-shopped with trucks that have very different designs.
- vs. Toyota Tacoma/ Ford Ranger: These body-on-frame trucks often have higher max ground clearance, better angles, and optional low-range gearing. They are more purpose-built for severe off-roading but sacrifice on-road comfort and daily driving refinement. The Ridgeline is the better daily driver that can still reach most campsites.
- vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz: This is its closest competitor. Both are unibody. The Santa Cruz has a more car-like feel, while the Ridgeline generally has a more robust and truck-like demeanor off-road, especially in TrailSport form.
- vs. Jeep Gladiator: No comparison for extreme off-roading. The Gladiator is in another league with its solid axles, massive articulation, and factory lockers. The Ridgeline wins on comfort, practicality, and as a daily commuter.
Step-by-Step: Preparing Your Ridgeline for a Trail
- Check Your Tires: Ensure they are properly inflated for the highway. Consider airing down to 18-20 PSI when you hit the trail for better footprint and traction (remember your compressor to air back up).
- Pack Smart: Use the in-bed trunk for recovery gear. Secure all loose items in the cabin. Pack water, food, and communication devices.
- Know Your Systems: Familiarize yourself with the Traction Management modes. Practice turning off Traction Control (if needed for deep sand or mud) by holding the button for 3+ seconds.
- Plan Your Route: Match the trail difficulty to your vehicle’s limits. Use maps and trail reviews to avoid obstacles beyond your clearance or capability.
- Go with a Buddy: Never wheel alone, especially in a vehicle not built for extreme recovery situations. A second truck can be a lifesaver.
Owner Insights and Common Impressions
Most Ridgeline owners who take it off-road report pleasant suprise. They praise its composure and comfort on rough roads that would shake other trucks to pieces. The common complaint is always the factory tires. After switching to all-terrains, many feel it’s capable of 95% of the adventures they’ll ever attempt. The smart AWD system gets consistent praise for working quietly in the background without needing driver intervention.
Final Verdict: Who Is This Truck For?
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline is a highly capable off-roader for the realistic adventurer. It is perfect for:
- The outdoor enthusiast who needs to reach trailheads, mountain bike parks, and remote campsites.
- The homeowner who faces snowy winters and occasionally ventures down a muddy job site.
- The buyer who values a smooth, quiet, and comfortable daily drive but refuses to get stuck at a damp campsite.
- Someone who appreciates clever, practical features like the in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate.
It is not for the hardcore off-road enthusiast seeking to tackle the most difficult rated trails. If your off-roading involves intentional obstacle conquest, you need a more specialized truck.
In essence, the Ridgeline redefines “capable.” Its capability lies in getting you and your gear to beautiful, remote places with confidence and comfort—and then driving you home without a fuss. For a vast majority of people, that is exactly what a capable off-roader should do.
FAQ Section
Does the 2023 Ridgeline have 4WD?
It has an intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system with torque vectoring. It does not have a traditional part-time 4WD system with a transfer case and low-range gearing.
Can the Honda Ridgeline go on the beach?
Yes, it can perform very well on hard-packed sand, especially in Sand mode. Always air down your tires, carry recovery gear, and avoid soft, dry sand where you might get bogged down due to its weight.
Is the Ridgeline TrailSport good for off-roading?
The TrailSport is the best off-road version from Honda. The included all-terrain tires and extra skid plates address two major weaknesses of the standard models, making it a competent choice for moderate trails.
What is the ground clearance of the 2023 Ridgeline?
The Black Edition and TrailSport trims have 8.2 inches of ground clearance. Other AWD trims have 7.9 inches. This is measured at the lowest point, typically the front crossmember.
How does the Ridgeline handle in snow?
It is an excellent winter vehicle. The Snow mode, combined with its intelligent AWD and balanced weight, provides secure and confident traction in snowy and icy conditions, often outperforming traditional part-time 4WD trucks.