By: Peter Gregorian
February 25, 2024
In a world where pickup trucks are getting seemingly larger with every generation, there is some solace in knowing that automakers like Honda still manufacture vehicles that are practical in all aspects of the world. The 2023 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition, generously loaned to us by Honda Canada Inc., ticks all the boxes of what an urban, midsize pickup truck should be. From its styling to the driving dynamics, there are a multitude of reasons why this truck excels for those needing a dedicated hauler, whether it be for moving furniture, equipment, or everything in between.
Understanding how the 2023 Ridgeline manages to achieve exemplary versatility as a midsize pickup truck requires taking a brief step back and examining other vehicles in Honda’s line-up, most notably the Honda Pilot, from which the Ridgeline adopts the same unibody chassis. Sharing this architecture brings a number of benefits over traditional body-on-frame trucks, including more precise handling comparable to a crossover, improved ride comfort over rougher terrain, and greater body rigidity, contributing to a higher payload allowance of up to 718 kilograms (1,583 pounds).
Stylistically, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline shares a resemblance to the 2023 Honda Passport, inheriting its siblings front fascia, including the LED headlights, fog lights, and grille shape, while also adopting the general body shape of the Passport when observing the truck ahead of the truck bed. Understandably, the Ridgeline does appear dated next to the 2023 Pilot, which underwent a redesign for the 2023 model year; however, the Ridgeline still holds its own in the styling department.
Opting for the Black Edition introduces a number of aesthetic upgrades, including exterior enhancements including black-painted 18-inch wheels, gloss black exterior grille accents, and a custom garnished skid plate. The example on test was finished in a Platinum White Pearl paint which contrasted well with the upgraded gloss black trim, creating a “Storm Trooper” aesthetic.
Integrated neatly into the rear bumper on the Black Edition is also a tow hitch and 7-pin connector, equipping it for trailer towing duty. Along the lines of towing, the Ridgeline offers a total towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms (5,000 pounds), and while regular fuel is acceptable for normal driving, it is noteworthy that Honda recommends premium unleaded fuel when towing more than 1587 kilograms (3,500 pounds).
Within the cabin, the Black Edition introduces black leather seats trimmed with red stitching and embroidered with the model designation to create a comfortable and well-appointed sanctuary. A majority of the technology is last-generation Honda switchgear, which points to the lack of a tuning knob and a lacklustre media interface. To this same tune, the 540-watt audio system is only average at delivering flat notes, and while wired Android Auto and Apple Car Play are standard on the 8-inch display, this negates the need for the integrated wireless charger. Overall, the Ridgeline falls short in the technology department given the clunky infotainment system, which is in dire need of an overhaul.
In the realm of cargo, the 5-foot 4-inch by 5-foot truck bed is finished in a scratch-resistance coating and features eight tie-down hooks that can accommodate 350 pounds of weight, making it incredibly usable. An adored feature are the integrated truck bed LED cargo lights, which helped with loading cargo after sundown.
The Ridgeline’s truck bed practicality is underlined by its dual-action tailgate, which operates either as a traditional drop-down or as a swing-out tailgate. This additional flexibility improves access to the cargo area by preventing the need to circumvent the tailgate itself when loading large, awkward, or heavy items. Speaking of tailgates, a quirky feature that the Ridgeline includes is an in-bed speaker system that plays audio via Bluetooth through an integrated speaker—perfect for summer tailgate parties, livening up a job site, or spreading holiday cheer like we did.
One of the ironic downsides of a pickup truck is the lack of covered stowage, but unique to the Ridgeline is a lockable and weatherproof in-bed trunk that offers 207 liters (7.3 cubic feet) of additional cargo space. In conjunction with this, additional storage can be found both under the rear bench within the cabin thanks to the 60/40 split lift-up rear seats and the deep centre console. If passengers are the only cargo, the Ridgeline seats five adults relatively comfortably and provides rear seat occupants with separate rear-zone climate controls.
Under the hood of the Ridgeline lies the tried-and-tested 3.5-litre V-6 found within many vehicles across Honda’s model line-up. There is a good reason why this has become a prominent motor. With its 280 horsepower at 6000 rpm and a torque figure of 262 lb-ft. at 4700 rpm, all fed through a 9-speed ZF transmission, this powertrain impresses with its smooth and progressive power delivery. Higher up the rev range, the i-VTEC direct injection can be heard and felt, which made passing on the highway an effortless affair.
Contributing greatly to the driving experience is Honda’s Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ (i-VTM4®) All-Wheel-Drive System, which delivers torque to the wheels that need it most and is appreciated when taking off ramp exits at higher speeds. Confidence-inspiring and pickup trucks are often not synonymous with one another, however, with the Ridgeline, oddly enough, they are.
The utilitarian nature of the Ridgeline unfortunately experiences some trade-offs in the fuel economy department. Honda’s claimed fuel economy figures are split as 12.8L/100km in the city, 9.9L/100KM on the highway and 11.5L/100KM combined. Real world figures were observed at 13.0L/100KM across mixed city and highway driving, however, it is important to consider that the test vehicle was outfitted with Michelin Latitude winter tires which presumably dampened efficiency. Notably, the ECON mode was often employed to boost economy for leisurely drives, however, the rather abrupt idle-stop system could use some refinement to make it more seamless.
The Honda Ridgeline Black Edition is the range topping model that comes loaded with technology, including Honda Sensing driver assistance and safety features such as adaptive cruise control above 30 kilometers-per-hour, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic monitoring system, collision mitigation braking system, and forward collision warning. Before taxes and fees, the entry-level Ridgeline Sport starts at $49,569, the EX-L at $52,569, the Touring at $56,769, and the Black Edition at $58,569 – representing a $9,000 premium over the Sport.
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition offers the complete package for the urbanite requiring the added usability of a truck bed over a Honda Pilot or Passport. It subjectively looks good and handles like a crossover, making it easy to navigate or park in tighter spaces, all while providing excellent outward visibility from the cabin. The Ridgeline’s powertrain also packs a punch, generating ample power for towing. Where it falls short in its technology, driver assistance systems, and fuel economy, it undoubtedly makes up for it in its practicality. Given that the next-generation Ridgeline is on the horizon, we are confident that the aforementioned gripes will be resolved. More importantly for the consumer, there will be deals on the outgoing model as dealers make way for the next generation. All facts considered make the 2023 Ridgeline a practical purchase for those shopping in the mid-size pickup truck segment.
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