2023 Honda Ridgeline Redesign, Type R is Finally Coming

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline will still be the only mid-size truck without a ladder frame (soon we will see mini pickups, such as Ford Maverick). The Japanese company sticks to the unibody platform and sportier ride, rather than durability and better towing capacity. So, it is not a surprise to see Ridgeline at the bottom of sales charts, since it is actually an SUV-based pickup. Nevertheless, Honda doesn’t plan to change the main idea. On the other hand, engineers and designers will do everything to improve the truck’s chances in the market.

For a quite while, we are listening about the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R model. Now it is more likely to happen with moves by the company’s premium branch, Acura. The Type S is finally back for one sedan and luxury SUV. Truckers already hope for the Ridgeline to be the next with the performance package. Other rumors about the truck mentioned a hybrid model. Honda will expand the lineup of vehicles whose drivetrains have electric support. Pilot SUV should be the first one to introduce the system. Since two vehicles share a lot of things, the Ridgeline is going to be the next model with the same configuration.

2023 Honda Ridgeline

2023 Honda Ridgeline Changes

It’s been a while since the current version is on the market. The company launched the second generation of the truck in 2017. Every year, it received a few updates, until the COVID-19 outburst. The 2023 Honda Ridgeline redesign should do something special about the pickup. The exterior needs a more attractive appearance. The interior comfort is always welcome. The manufacturer is updating the infotainment system with more multimedia services. The focus is on smartphone integration. But, the most important upgrades will happen under the bonnet of the 2023 Honda Ridgeline.

2023 Honda Ridgeline interior

Specifications

A 3.5-liter V6 remains the main source of power. With 280 hp and 260 lb-ft, it meets the requirements of not so demanding truckers. For example, if you are happy with 5,000 pounds of the towing capacity, the 2023 Ridgeline will be an excellent choice. The unibody architecture makes the truck safer. The body is lighter, bringing sportier handling and maneuvering. If you need to haul more, or go off the road, then lookup for the alternatives.

2023 Honda Ridgeline type R

2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R and Hybrid

Acura is Honda’s luxury branch. But, surprisingly, two companies are not sharing drivetrains. For example, we can hear rumors about hybrid models of Ridgeline pickup and Pilot SUV, and Acura MDX used a perfect configuration. Nevertheless, a 3.0-liter V6 with 320 hp never happened on Honda models. It makes us wondering about some other version.

Now, a couple of Acura vehicles brought back Type S performance packages, centered around a 3.0-liter V6 engine. This system is good for 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. Fans would love to see this setup under the hood of the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R. But, having in mind that Acura kept a hybrid engine exclusively for this brand, we won’t rely too much on this outcome as well. The Type R package is also going to include a lot of exterior and interior upgrades, while the biggest change will be felt on the pricing.

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