2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2022 Honda Ridgeline

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was built on a unibody platform, setting it apart from the traditional body-on-frame construction of most pickup trucks. This design choice, shared with the Honda Pilot and Passport, provided increased rigidity and a more car-like feel. While the engineering was innovative, the styling remained conservative, with a snub nose hinting at its crossover roots. The rear maintained a classic pickup look with vertical taillights and dual exhausts. The Black Edition test vehicle featured a dark exterior with Berlina Black paint and matching alloy wheels. Inside, the Ridgeline offered a straightforward design with high-quality fit and finish. The Black Edition was well-equipped with leather upholstery, heated seats, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, and a moonroof. However, the piano black trim was prone to smudging and scratching, detracting from the otherwise cohesive interior.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline continued the rugged styling updates introduced a couple of years prior, featuring a bold front end, LED lighting, and larger dual exhaust outlets. The optional Honda Performance Development (HPD) packages, however, were criticized for their oversized fender flares. The 2023 model offered four trims, all powered by a V6 engine, nine-speed automatic transmission, and i-VTM4 torque-vectoring AWD. The Black Edition test vehicle came in Platinum White Pearl with accessory black alloy wheels. Despite its higher price point, the Ridgeline was praised for its refinement and sophistication, sharing many components with the Honda Passport. The interior, though similar to the 2016 Honda Pilot, was noted for its quality, comfort, and sensible layout. The Ridgeline's driving dynamics were lauded for their SUV-like refinement, making it a standout in the midsize truck segment.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. It had a towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms (5,000 pounds) and a payload capacity ranging from 674 to 690 kilograms, depending on the trim. While these figures were modest compared to competitors like the Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado, the Ridgeline excelled in ride quality and handling, thanks to its unibody platform and fully independent suspension. The torque-vectoring AWD system provided some off-road capability, but the Ridgeline's design limited its performance in more challenging terrains.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline shared the same powertrain as its predecessor, with a 3.5-litre VTEC V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring AWD system contributed to its sophisticated driving dynamics. The 2023 model offered a slightly improved payload capacity of 694 kilograms (1,530 pounds) but maintained the same towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds). While the Ridgeline's unibody construction limited its off-road prowess, it excelled in on-road performance, offering a comfortable and refined driving experience. The Ridgeline's fuel economy was also commendable, averaging 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres on a road trip, making it a class leader among gas-powered V6 midsize pickups.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was available only in a four-door crew cab configuration with a 162.5-centimetre (64-inch) bed, offering a balance of passenger and cargo space. The truck bed featured a 207-litre lockable in-bed trunk with a drain plug, a slot for the spare tire, and an in-bed audio system. The Dual-Action Tailgate and wide bed allowed for versatile cargo handling. Inside, the Ridgeline provided additional storage under the rear seats and a well-organized front cabin with a pushbutton shifter, large centre console, and easy-to-use controls. The interior felt spacious, thanks to its wider stance and lower cowl height.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline emphasized practicality with features like shelves in the front door panels, a giant storage console, and a dual-action tailgate. The interior, shared with the Honda Passport, offered comfortable seating with power adjustments and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat provided an elevated seating position and rear air conditioning vents, while the seat cushion flipped up for additional cargo space. The truck bed, measuring 1,625 mm (64 inches), featured a dual-action tailgate, tie-down cleats, and a lockable 206-litre trunk with a drain plug. Honda offered various accessories to enhance the Ridgeline's functionality, making it a versatile choice for daily driving.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and Bluetooth. While the interface was not cutting-edge, it was user-friendly, with analog controls for essential functions. SiriusXM satellite radio and navigation were available on higher trims, but the system lacked unique features and modern graphics.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline's infotainment system, dating back to the mid-2010s, included Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The system was slow to load and had a delayed response to voice commands. The 8-inch touchscreen was smaller than expected, with outdated graphics. However, the user interface was simple, with touch-sensing shortcut buttons and a stereo volume knob. The navigation system was cluttered, and the wireless charger worked inconsistently. Overall, the Ridgeline's technology was in need of an update.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, with an "Average" score in the passenger-side small overlap frontal test. It earned a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention tech but had a "Marginal" headlight rating. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included the Honda Sensing suite, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring, though a 360-degree camera system was absent.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline featured aging driver-assistance systems, including Honda Sensing with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard in Canada. The adaptive cruise control system struggled to maintain a safe following distance, and the lane-departure warning system was irritating. The IIHS and NHTSA gave the Ridgeline favourable crash-test ratings, with only the headlights receiving a lower score.