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Reasons Why Honda Ridgeline Might Be The Right Truck For You

This mid-size truck may be the one you're looking for

By Jen DemkinPublished about a year ago 6 min read
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Photo Credit: mlokren

Honda may not be as abundant compared to the "Big Three Automakers" of the American auto industry. However, it continues to offer vehicles with impressive designs and features. Honda's Ridgeline is one of the most popular trucks in the United States. It underwent a significant redesign in 2017, offering unique proportions to a traditional pickup. In 2021, the Asian automaker refreshed the model year. It has enjoyed a solid bump in sales, with 41,355 of the Alabama-built Ridgelines sold, increasing by 28.6 percent from its sales in 2020.

No major changes have been made to the 2023 model of the Ridgeline. However, it has many advantages over its rivals in the highly-competitive mid-size pickup space. The Ridgeline is ideal for several reasons, so if you're searching for a new truck, here's why it might be the right truck for you.

Reliable powertrain

The truck comes standard with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine spewing 280 horsepower. It has a solid power and throaty growl, which is something other brands would ask you to pay extra. It hooks up to a nine-speed automatic transmission, making 262 pound-feet of torque. The latest Ridgeline comes equipped with an all-wheel drive. It provides smooth operation, so you won't have to worry much about repairs or maintenance.

Nice features

The 2023 model has more standard equipment. It includes 18-inch alloy wheels with a nice set of truck tires, rear privacy glass, automatic LED headlights, LED fog lights, adaptive cruise control, proximity entry with keyless start, a multi-angle parking camera, a full suite of accident avoidance, a height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split back seat with flip-up seat bottoms, and more.

Sufficient fuel efficiency

The EPA-estimated fuel economy of Honda's mid-size pickup is 24 mpg highway, 18 mpg city, and 21 mpg combined. The fuel efficiency may not be as stellar as the selections in the compact truck category. The Ridgeline is at par with the fuel efficiency of the Ford F-150 4x4 and one mpg worse than a Ford Ranger 4x4. But its crossover architecture, with Honda's reputation, makes it acceptable.

Gives a comfortable ride

The design of the truck's interior is similar to Honda's family-oriented SUVs. It is pleasantly ergonomic and made with various cubbies and storage spaces. The Ridgeline's dimensions on the exterior do not translate into similar measurements inside. The cabin is roomier and more comfortable for passengers compared to others. It has ample legroom for the rear seating and extra width for the shoulder room. The seats are set higher off the ground for greater comfort.

The Ridgeline's suspension design makes it feel solid yet stable, even when driven over rough terrains. It also makes the drive more comfortable as it handles like a small passenger car. You will also notice that the seat provides support and feels cozy. The truck is equipped with standard front bucket seats that offer comfort and good visibility, especially for the driver.

Out-of-the-ordinary structure

Most mid-size trucks offer a smaller extended cab body style. The Ridgeline is made with unibody construction, making it different from many mid-size trucks on the market with a body-on-frame structure. Other crossover-based trucks on sale fall into the compact truck segment, but the 2023 model of the Ridgeline has a more extensive body, providing a larger room due to its mid-size unibody frame.

Honda's truck is basically the same height and length as other mid-size crew cab pickups. The wheelbase is not quite as long, and the ground clearance is only 7.6 inches. Since it has a low center of gravity and wide stance, it rides well in light off-road settings.

Ergonomic design

The Ridgeline's rear wheels are mounted closer together, giving it a lower step height. It is 5.3 inches wider compared to its rivals. It is consistent among trucks with short beds as it measures 5 feet 4 inches for the bed's length. Its license plate recess can be used as a well-placed bed step for climbing into the bed.

You can choose from different tonneau covers available to protect the open bed. It also has an in-bed trunk that adds even more practical elements to the truck. Moreover, the tailgate opens unconventionally as it is hinged along the bottom. It allows you to swing to the left like a door. But Honda downplays the tailgate feature as the latch is made under the right edge molding, which seems like it's hiding the door.

The innovative dual-action swing-out tailgate tech is a segment-exclusive feature. The Ridgeline lets you stand right behind the bed cavity. You can do that without leaning over the dropped tailgate, preventing pant stains and back strain. It is also the only way to easily access and look over items in the bottom of the in-bed trunk. The tailgate's practical design makes loading and securing your items easier by using the rear tie-down hooks.

Infotainment and other helpful techs

The tech inside the Ridgeline won't be the finest and most premium tech you'll see in a vehicle. Honda already updated it in 2021, but the driver assistance tech and infotainment system are still the usual.

The truck has the same infotainment system as the Pilot and Passport—and it is their weakest attribute. The Ridgeline has an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. It also comes standard with a 4.2-inch gauge cluster display.

As the automaker's solution for the lack of physical supporting buttons, the mid-size truck has a volume knob now. It is also designed with a strong suite of driver assist features, including the tri-zone automatic climate control. The higher trims, such as the RTL-E and the Black Edition models, are equipped with wireless phone charging and an upgraded eight-speaker setup.

Suitable for urban settings and city driving

Not all people who like to own a truck want to drive off-road. Unlike full-size trucks, the Ridgeline is not capable of towing enormous weight. It is also not ideal for those looking for a serious off-road monster. However, it allows owners to haul a few items on the truck bed or a variety of trailers. It gives a maximum of 5,000 lbs. towing capacity when properly equipped.

All Ridgeline models have a standard heavy-duty transmission cooler, a high-capacity radiator, and dual high-power fans. The pickup comes with an integrated trailer hitch and a 7-pin connector.

Americans have repeatedly proven that they want pickups not only for towing—they want one even if they are only using it for daily driving. If you are interested in a mid-size truck, there are a few reasons why you should not count out the 2023 Honda Ridgeline. It drives more like a car than an actual pickup but offers a nostalgic old-school vibe.

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About the Creator

Jen Demkin

Hi, I'm Jen from 4WheelOnline. My fascination with vehicles started in my childhood. I like cars more than dolls. I enjoy writing about automotive industry news, vehicle maintenance tips, and more.

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