The Honda Ridgeline has long been the brand’s only truck. Based on the Honda Pilot, it has the underpinnings of an SUV while offering the utility of a truck platform. Although the Ridgeline is practical and offers some nice features, it generally ranks last in the midsize truck segment. For this reason, perhaps the Pilot is the best version of the Ridgeline.
Is the Honda Ridgeline the same as the Honda Pilot?
The Ridgeline rides on the same platform as the Pilot SUV, which means the two vehicles are pretty similar at the base level. Currently, the 2023 Honda Pilot is legitimately different because it just received a complete redesign. This three-row SUV is now in its fourth generation, while the Ridgeline is still a third-generation pickup.
In the past, both vehicles used the same powertrain. And, looking at them head-on, it’s hard to tell the difference. In a side-by-side comparison, it’s clear that the Honda Ridgeline is a Honda Pilot with a pickup bed.
2023 Honda Pilot outperforms 2022 Ridgeline in one key area
Although a redesigned Ridgeline is likely on the way, the 2023 Pilot has already been announced. And frankly, it seems to offer an advantage over the old midsize pickup. Honda’s three-row SUV now comes with an optional off-road-focused version known as TrailSport.
The Pilot TrailSport comes equipped with off-road tires, a stronger suspension, and other off-road perks. Although the Pilot won’t be as capable as the Jeep Wrangler, Honda has clearly noticed that consumers enjoy an adventure-focused vehicle.
Other changes to the 2023 Pilot TrailSport include the addition of skid plates, a 1.0-inch lift, and a trail riding mode. You probably shouldn’t be taking this SUV rock climbing, but according to car and driverIt can handle some moderately difficult terrain.
What’s new for the 2023 Pilot?
The Honda Pilot is all-new for the 2023 model year. It’s now more in line with Honda’s current design language seen in the Civic and CR-V. Along with all the changes, the Pilot has seen a price increase. It has an MSRP of $39,150, which will likely push it over the $40k mark.
As a three-row SUV, the Pilot will compete with popular models like the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Subaru Ascent. The SUV world is pretty competitive, so it will be interesting to see how the 2023 Pilot lands with consumers.
It should be noted that this SUV is missing a hybrid or plug-in hybrid model. Every Pilot will continue to come with the 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 285 horsepower. It’s the same engine found in the 2022 Honda Ridgeline.
Time for Honda to update the Ridgeline
Now that a new generation of Pilot is here, it’s time for the next generation Ridgeline pickup. If Honda gave the 2024 Ridgeline a TrailSport trim, it could turn the midsize truck into just another competitor. Today, Honda’s truck isn’t known for its off-road prowess. And that could be what’s hurting you in terms of sales.