Rumors are circulating about an upcoming 2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R. This pickup is sought after a lot because of its reliability. It has a modern look, it is well designed and the interior is second to none. Honda is always bringing their A-game to the table.
Ridgeline Type R is no exception. Ridgeline is unique due to its unibody design. And now it is getting the long coveted R badge. Type R is usually reserved for sporty types of vehicles. But we can see the Ridgeline winning a drag race. The changes that are rumored are not few. There is talk about a completely new interior.
The exterior is getting updated and modernized as well. And perhaps the most interesting part of this refresh is of course the engine department. Honda is also well known for hybrid vehicles so it wouldn’t come as a complete surprise to have at least a hybrid version.
Perhaps a fully electric Ridgeline is on the table. We know that it is possible since Ford made it happen with their F-150 Lightning. Whatever might be the case, let us dig deep and see what is in store for us with the new 2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R.
Interior
Everything starts from the interior. It has to represent the car and the design idea of the car. Since it is a type R badge, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R will be on the sportier side. This is not all that uncommon for trucks as one might think. Other pickups carry certain badges that represent them being sport or racing tailor-made. We can assume that Type R means that there are going to be racing seats in the new 2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R.
Although we are not the biggest fans of these, since they are made for racing and not driving around, Honda is known for making proper and comfortable seating. Hopefully, they give enough attention to the lumbar support and cushioning. This would allow for comfortable rides, even on bumpy roads and for a prolonged time. We know how after a while in the seat, your back gets stiff. Well, Honda should alleviate that issue we hope. Contrast stitching and different material choices are available. This also adds some personalization options and is much sought after.
Dashboard
The instrument panel is lined with leather which looks stylish. There are a few buttons on the panel and quite a few on the steering wheel. Having buttons on the steering wheel helps with safety while driving since you don’t have to look away to change a setting. The infotainment system is just enough, allegedly 12 inches. This means that the back row of people can join in on the fun, and you can use it to change pretty much anything that is connected to a battery.
The dashboard is digital as well, this enables easier tracking of parameters. We are not sure about chrome or wooden accents around this cabin. After all, it is a sports truck, not a luxury truck. Connectivity is standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We get Bluetooth and a Wi-Fi hotspot in the truck. Satellite navigation and other useful apps are present on the infotainment system.
Safety
Safety measures are present. We can expect standard features such as pedestrian detection, lane change alert, automatic braking, collision alert, and similar. Artificial intelligence like this helps save lives on the road. Also, hands-free driving is not confirmed, but we can see Honda implementing a system of their own. So far we know of SuperCruise by GM and BlueCruise by Ford. These programs allow drivers to unwind behind the wheel and enjoy the ride while the computer takes them to their destination.
However, no sleeping behind the steering wheel and it can only be used on certain pre-mapped roads.
Exterior
On the outside, the new 2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R looks stylish as ever. It has a low ride height which is quite noticeable. After all, this is a racing model so don’t expect it to go off-roading and running over obstacles. It has rims that match the design idea, they come in black, 18 inches, and are lightweight. Side mirrors are colored differently from the exterior.
On the front, we have a huge front fascia that gives the Ridgeline a mean and aggressive look. It also lets enough air inside to keep the engine department cool. So you can press the pedal and go all out with your Honda pickup. The cargo bed is standard 5.5 feet. The hood is also specifically designed to be aerodynamic and decrease wind drag. All that while looking stylish.
2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R Engine Specs
Under the hood, we get a 3.5 liter V6 that gives 280 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.
Another option is a 3.0-liter turbocharged engine with 355 horsepower and 355 pound-feet of torque.
The new 2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R will come with an all-wheel drive. It can haul up to 5000 pounds which is admirable.
Manual and automatic transmission is available. There might be a version for the off-roading environment with a taller ride height. It will be interesting to see if Honda decides to electrify their Ridgeline.
Hybrid systems are known for powerful and economic engines that give the petrol engine an extra boost. Also, all-electric trucks are possible and it would be interesting to see whether Honda decides to make one.
Its main competitor will be Ford Ranger Raptor, Hyundai Santa Cruz N line, GMC Canyon AT4X, and Jeep Gladiator Hercules.
2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R Price and Release Date
Expect to see the new 2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R on the streets in early 2023. Starting price could cost you around $45.000 while a performance package would be $5000 extra.
