Each year, Car and Driver goes through each of them and awards their favorites an “Editors’ Choice Award.” There can be multiple winners from each category, yet Car and Driver thought only one mid-size truck deserved the honor. How did each of his peers shine?
Highlights of the 2023 Honda Ridgeline
Appreciated that the Honda Ridgeline provides a smooth everyday ride as well as utility. Every Honda Ridgeline is powered by a V6 engine capable of 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite its exclusive all-wheel-drive setup, the Ridgeline is surprisingly efficient with an EPA rating of 21 mpg city/highway.
It has a stereo system inside the bed. Of all its competitors, the Ridgeline offers the most legroom for passengers in the back row. It also has foldable rear seats if you need more storage space.
Honda’s mid-size truck also has only one cargo box option, measuring 5 feet 4 inches. Reviewers appreciated the useful width of the bed and the lockable storage compartment under the floor. You can open the tailgate from the side in addition to the traditional drop-down method. The Ridgeline can hold up to 1,583 pounds in the cargo bed and tow 5,000 pounds.
The site hasn’t revised the Ridgeline’s infotainment interface, but it does include an eight-inch touchscreen programmed with smartphone integration. The Ridgeline Sport’s safety suite includes both forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, as well as lane departure warning and cruise control.
The Honda Ridgeline RTL gains rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitors, while the two highest trims have standard parking sensors.
What makes the Honda Ridgeline the best midsize truck?
While the Ridgeline’s V6 delivers smooth acceleration and doesn’t feel inferior, it could benefit from some versatility. Likewise, while the Ridgeline’s bed should suffice for light hauling jobs, a taller cargo box option would make the truck more attractive.
Otherwise, the Honda Ridgeline didn’t attract much criticism from Car and Driver. The low center console might require an annoying adjustment period, but this is hardly a deal breaker. The Honda Ridgeline brakes are also on the foam side and the truck requires a longer stopping distance compared to other trucks.
Honda Ridgeline versus the midsize truck competition
The Honda Ridgeline is one of the most expensive midsize pickups, starting at $38,800. Unlike some of its competitors, the Honda Ridgeline also doesn’t offer an off-road option. Most of its competitors offer at least two off-road models, including the Nissan Frontier and Chevy Colorado.
The Colorado Z71 is equipped more modestly with off-road suspension, a locking rear differential, and a 308-hp V6. It has another front-end locking differential, standard four-wheel drive, and a two-speed transfer case. Likewise, two flavors of out-of-the-box TRD trim are offered.
However, while the Chevy Colorado also got a high score on Car and Driver, the editors couldn’t overlook the base engine’s performance. Both Tacoma engines prove too sluggish, while the Nissan Frontier offers subpar cabin space. The Honda Ridgeline may lack some power, but it’s more well-rounded than any of its peers.
