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Michael Simari|Car and Driver Select a year 2023202220212020201920182017
OverviewHonda’s mid-size Ridgeline pickup is different. Unlike traditional body-on-frame pickup rivals like the Chevy Colorado or Toyota Tacoma, the Ridgeline is a unibody vehicle—meaning, it has no separate frame. It shares its underpinnings with the unibody three-row Honda Pilot SUV, which is obvious when you drive it. This nontraditional construction gives the Ridgeline the driving comfort of an SUV mixed with the towing and cargo bed of a smaller truck. While this diminishes its off-road capability compared to the most aggressive models from its competitors, the Ridgeline makes an excellent impression in the concrete jungle. Offered exclusively as a four-door crew cab with a five-foot bed, the Ridgeline is powered by a pleasant 280-horsepower V-6 with a nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard. From behind the wheel, you’d never guess you’re driving a pickup, which is exactly why it’s a multi-time Editors’ Choice winner. Where This Vehicle RanksWhat's New for 2023?he 2023 Ridgeline receives no changes for the new model year. Pricing and Which One to BuyThis segment of mid-size trucks has become oversaturated with traditional body-on-frame pickups that provide ample towing and capable off-roading. However, the Ridgeline caters to folks who want a more comfortable and fuel-efficient alternative. While the priciest models have the fanciest features, we think the RTL has the best mix of desirable equipment and value. Likewise, the Ridgeline RTL receives better standard features than the lesser Sport trim level. These include heated front seats, a leather-trimmed interior, and power-adjustable front seats. Engine, Transmission, and PerformanceThe lone powertrain is a 280-hp 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 262 pound-feet of torque and hooks up to a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The engine feels smooth, and throttle response is especially receptive when you call for hard acceleration. An untraditional pickup in many ways, the Ridgeline surprises from behind the wheel. On the road, it is well-mannered and feels extremely competent. Its coil-sprung independent rear suspension contributes to a carlike ride quality not available with the leaf-sprung, solid-axle setups used by the competition. Body lean in corners is minimal, and small bumps are barely noticeable. The electrically assisted steering feels appropriate. The Ridgeline's braking performance stands out as its lone dynamic blemish. Its braking distance from 70 mph to zero is on the long side, and we thought the brake pedal felt soft and had too much travel during normal use. Towing and Payload CapacityThe Honda Ridgeline pickup is a show-er, but not much of a tow-er. All Ridgelines come standard with all-wheel drive and are rated at 5000 pounds, which is between 2000 and 2500 less than rivals such as the Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger. The Ridgeline is capable of hauling almost 1600 pounds of payload, which is about on track with the Colorado but less than the Ranger's maximum. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGThe Ridgeline's engine is the most fuel-efficient V-6 in its class at 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. On our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which simulates real-world highway driving and is part of our extensive testing regimen, an all-wheel-drive Ridgeline earned 28 mpg. For more information about the Ridgeline's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and CargoThe Ridgeline's interior is tops in its class in terms of practicality and comfort. As with most other mid-size pickups, the Honda features hard plastics below the dash level. Otherwise, the materials are above average. Rear-seat passengers will enjoy the most space of all mid-size rivals. Fold-down armrests on both front seats are a welcome addition, especially since the center console sits low between them. The Honda pickup has only one bed length, 5.3 feet, which lines up with competitors' short beds and has the second-lowest volume at 34 cubic feet. The antidote to this disparity is its locking, weather-tight in-bed trunk, which is located below the bed’s floor and accessed from above. It has a 7.3-cubic-foot capacity. There's one more advantage: with 50.0 inches between its bed's wheel wells, the Ridgeline is the only mid-size pickup that can fit a sheet of four-by-eight-foot building material flat on the bed floor. Clever features continue inside. The rear seat splits 60/40 and, when flipped up, provides room to fit a full-size bicycle. Unfortunately, loading large items may be difficult, as the rear doors don't open very wide. Infotainment and ConnectivityEvery Ridgeline comes standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It now features a physical volume knob and screen icons that Honda says are easier to use than its predecessor was. However, we haven't had a chance to test this claim or the updated Display Audio system for ourselves. The Ridgeline also comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, certain models can be equipped with an in-bed audio system that can liven up any tailgate party. Using actuators that vibrate, it turns the cargo bed into a huge speaker. Safety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesThe Honda pickup truck also includes a host of standard driver-assistance technology. For more information about the Ridgeline's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Warranty and Maintenance CoverageWhile Honda has competitive limited and powertrain warranties, nearly all of its competitors are more favorable because they offer complimentary scheduled maintenance.
SpecificationsSpecifications 2021 Honda Ridgeline Sport HPD PRICE ENGINE TRANSMISSION CHASSIS DIMENSIONS C/D TEST RESULTS C/D FUEL ECONOMY EPA FUEL ECONOMY More Features and Specs Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Which is better Ridgeline or Tacoma?Toyota Tacoma trucks will reveal many competitive advantages to a 2022 Honda Ridgeline. You'll find additional standard safety features, more horsepower, standard all-wheel drive (a Toyota Tacoma offers it as an option), a more spacious interior, a longer and wider truck bed, better fuel efficiency, and more benefits.
Is Honda Ridgeline the same size as Toyota Tacoma?Toyota Tacoma size comparison, the new Toyota Tacoma is longer and narrower than the Honda Ridgeline. The Toyota Tacoma measures 212.3 inches long, 74.4 inches wide, and 70.6 inches in height. The new Honda Ridgeline is 210.2 inches long, 78.6 inches wide, and 70.8 inches tall.
Will Toyota redesign the Tacoma for 2023?The 2023 Toyota Tacoma will carry over for at least one more year. That's the big takeaway from Toyota's announcement last week of a new SX cosmetic package on SR5 grades on both the bestselling mid-size pickup truck and its bigger brother, the 2023 Toyota Tundra that was redesigned for 2022.
What can I expect from my 2023 Tacoma?For 2023, expect the fourth-gen Toyota Tacoma to receive hybrid and even plug-in hybrid versions. Both electrified powertrains are likely to be sourced from the RAV4. That means you're looking at two versions of the 2.5-liter four-cylinder rated at 219 and 302 horsepower, with the latter being the PHEV model.
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