The 2023 Honda Ridgeline is presented in a quartet of trim levels: Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition. Their powertrain is a 3.5-liter V6 with an output of 280 hp and 262 lb.-ft. of torque that’s linked to a nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive comes standard, and – as we mentioned – the towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. The EPA has officially estimated the Ridgeline’s fuel economy at 18 mpg around town and 24 mpg on the open road.
The Sport represents high value with its excellent roster of standard equipment, such as LED headlights and taillights, automatic high beams, and a dual-action tailgate that provides access to a 33.9 cubic-foot cargo bed with a lockable in-bed storage trunk and eight heavy-duty tie-down points. This base trim also has Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock (Honda’s proximity keyless entry and exit system), push-button start, an overhead console sunglasses holder, three-zone automatic climate control, a HomeLink universal transceiver, and a 60/40-split flip-up rear seat with a hidden storage area.
For plugging in, there are two 12V power outlets and USB ports (one data and the other charging). The infotainment system has an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, and a seven-speaker audio system. Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety aids, is also standard. It includes forward collision warning with collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, and lane departure warning.
The additions to the RTL include heated side mirrors with turn-signal indicators, a power-sliding moonroof and rear window, LED interior lights, illuminated vanity mirrors, SiriusXM satellite radio, leather-trimmed seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated and power-adjustable front seats, and position memory for the side mirrors and driver’s seat. In the safety category, it adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
The RTL-E is equipped with an assortment of upgraded goods, such as front and rear parking sensors, programmable remote entry, a heated steering wheel, a conversation mirror, front-row courtesy door lights, illuminated front beverage holders, and blue interior mood lighting. It also gets two second-row USB charging ports, a truck-bed power outlet, a wireless phone charger, and a high-level infotainment system with navigation, voice recognition, HD radio, and an 8-speaker audio system with bed speakers and a subwoofer. The Black Edition is essentially a blacked-out version of the RTL-E with red ambient interior lighting.