If you’re looking at midsize trucks, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline is a model that demands your attention. This article takes A Closer Look At The 2023 Honda Ridgeline: Is It Worth The Cost? It’s a truck that walks it’s own path, blending car-like comfort with genuine truck utility. We’ll break down everything you need to know to decide if it’s the right pick for your wallet and your lifestyle.
A Closer Look At The 2023 Honda Ridgeline: Is It Worth The Cost?
Answering that question isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends entirely on what you need from a vehicle. The Ridgeline’s value becomes clear when you understand it’s unique position in the market. It’s not trying to be a heavy-duty workhorse. Instead, it focuses on being a supremely capable and comfortable daily driver that can handle tough jobs when needed.
What Makes the 2023 Ridgeline Different?
The Ridgeline stands apart due to it’s unibody construction. Unlike traditional body-on-frame trucks, it’s built more like a SUV. This fundamental difference shapes almost everything about it.
- Ride Quality: The unibody design gives it a smoother, quieter, and more comfortable ride on pavement. You won’t get the jostling feel common in other trucks.
- Interior Space: The cabin feels more like a Honda Pilot than a typical truck cab. Materials are nicer, and ergonomics are excellent.
- In-Bed Trunk: This is a Ridgeline signature. A lockable, drainable, and waterproof trunk is built right into the bed floor. It’s perfect for tools, groceries, or a tailgate cooler.
- Dual-Action Tailgate: It swings open like a door or drops down like a conventional tailgate. This makes loading and accessing the in-bed trunk incredibly easy.
Breaking Down the 2023 Trim Levels and Pricing
Honda offers the Ridgeline in several trims, each adding more features. Let’s see what you get at each price point.
Ridgeline RT (Starting MSRP ~$39,050)
The base RT is well-equipped. It includes a 9-speed automatic transmission, Honda Sensing® safety suite, and a 7-inch touchscreen. For many, this trim offers plenty of value without the extra cost.
Ridgeline Sport (Starting MSRP ~$41,230)
This adds a more aggressive look with black accents, a 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and heated front seats. It’s a popular choice for it’s balanced feature set.
Ridgeline RTL (Starting MSRP ~$43,120)
Here’s where you get notable upgrades. You’ll find leather-trimmed seats, a power moonroof, and a premium audio system. Comfort takes a big step forward.
Ridgeline RTL-E (Starting MSRP ~$46,160)
The luxury trim. It adds ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, and a bed-mounted audio system for tailgating. This is the pinnacle of Ridgeline comfort.
Ridgeline Black Edition (Starting MSRP ~$47,320)
This is the top-tier model with exclusive blacked-out styling, unique wheels, and all the RTL-E features. It’s for those who want the ultimate in style and equipment.
Performance and Capability: What Can It Actually Do?
Don’t let the smooth ride fool you. The Ridgeline is more capable than it’s looks suggest.
- Engine: Every model uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower. It’s paired to a 9-speed automatic. Power is smooth and readily available.
- Towing: All 2023 Ridgelines can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. That’s enough for a decent-sized boat, camper, or trailer.
- Payload: It can handle up to 1,583 pounds of payload in the bed and cabin. That’s competitive within the midsize segment.
- All-Wheel Drive: The available i-VTM4® AWD system is fantastic. It can send up to 70% of power to the rear wheels and torque vector to individual wheels for impressive traction in mud, sand, or snow.
The Interior: A Place You’ll Want to Be
This is a major selling point. The cabin is a highlight, offering a refuge from the typical truck experience.
- Comfort: The seats are supportive and spacious. Rear legroom is generous, making it a true 5-passenger vehicle.
- Technology: The infotainment system is intuitive, especially in trims with the larger 8-inch or 9-inch screens. Physical knobs for volume and tuning are a welcome sight.
- Storage: Beyond the in-bed trunk, the cabin is filled with clever storage bins, cupholders, and compartments. Nothing ever feels like it’s without a place.
Fuel Economy: The Daily Driver Advantage
This is another area where the Ridgeline’s design pays off. It’s one of the more efficient trucks in it’s class.
- Front-Wheel Drive Models: EPA-estimated 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway.
- All-Wheel Drive Models: EPA-estimated 18 mpg city / 23 mpg highway.
While not hybrid numbers, these figures are respectable for a vehicle with this much space and utility. It helps keep running costs predictable.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
No vehicle is perfect for everyone. Here are some points where the Ridgeline might not meet your expectations.
- Off-Road Limits: While the AWD system is great for light trails and adverse weather, it’s not a dedicated off-roader like a Tacoma TRD Pro. Ground clearance is lower.
- Traditional Truck Image: It lacks the rugged, boxy look some truck buyers desire. It’s styling is more subdued and SUV-like.
- Max Tow Rating: The 5,000-pound limit is sufficient for many, but competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado can tow up to 7,700 pounds. If you regularly tow heavy loads, look elsewhere.
- Bed Size: The 5.3-foot bed is a bit shorter than some rivals. However, the width between the wheel wells is generous, allowing for full sheets of plywood to lay flat.
Who Is The 2023 Honda Ridgeline Perfect For?
This truck shines for specific types of buyers. It’s worth the cost if you:
- Prioritize daily driving comfort and a quiet cabin over rugged, off-road prowess.
- Need real truck utility (towing, hauling, home projects) but only occasionally.
- Value clever, practical features like the in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate.
- Want a vehicle that doubles as a comfortable family hauler during the week and a project helper on the weekend.
- Prefer a more refined interior with higher-quality materials than the typical truck offers.
Step-by-Step: How to Decide If It’s Worth It For You
Follow this simple process to make your choice clearer.
- List Your Needs: Write down your top 5 uses for the vehicle (e.g., commute, family trips, towing a jet ski, hauling mulch).
- Test Drive the Competition: Drive a Ridgeline, then immediately drive a competitor like a Toyota Tacoma or Ford Ranger. The difference in ride quality will be stark.
- Check Real-World Pricing: Research invoice prices and current incentives. The “worth” changes if you can get a good deal below MSRP.
- Consider Long-Term Costs: Look at projected reliability ratings (Honda typically does well) and insurance quotes for the different models.
- Imagine Your Daily Life: Be honest. Will you use the rugged image of a traditional truck, or will you appreciate the Ridgeline’s comfort and clever features every single day?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Honda Ridgeline a “real” truck?
Yes. It has a bed, can tow 5,000 pounds, has a decent payload capacity, and offers available AWD. It’s construction is different, but it’s capabilities meet the needs of most truck buyers.
What is the main competitor to the Ridgeline?
It’s in a class of it’s own in many ways. The closest competitors in spirit are the Hyundai Santa Cruz and perhaps the higher-trim Ford Maverick, though those are smaller. Traditional rivals include the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, and Ford Ranger.
How reliable is the 2023 Honda Ridgeline?
Honda has a strong reputation for reliability. The Ridgeline’s V6 engine and 9-speed transmission are proven designs. It consistently scores well in dependability studies compared to other midsize trucks.
Does the Ridgeline hold it’s value?
Resale value is historically very strong for the Ridgeline. It’s unique feature set and Honda’s reputation help it retain a higher percentage of it’s original price than many segment rivals.
What is the best Ridgeline trim for value?
The RTL trim often represents the sweet spot. It adds the most-wanted premium features (leather, moonroof, better audio) without jumping to the highest price tier of the RTL-E or Black Edition.
Final Verdict on Value
So, is the 2023 Honda Ridgeline worth the cost? For the right buyer, absolutely. You pay a premium over some base models of competitors, but you get a vehicle that feels more sophisticated and is packed with innovative, practical features.
The value isn’t in brute strength; it’s in intelligent design and daily livability. If your truck life involves more pavement than rocks, and you appriciate comfort and clever engineering, the Ridgeline isn’t just an alternative—it’s arguably the best choice. It proves you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to get genuine utility. Take that thorough test drive, and you’ll likely find it’s worth every penny for the unique blend of talents it provides.