2023 Honda Ridgeline Base — Carivo review carivo.co
Truck

2023 Honda Ridgeline Base

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $38,897–$46,035
Fuel Economy 21 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Truck
Est. Annual Fuel $2,500/yr

Key Specifications — 2023 Honda Ridgeline Base

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleTruck
Base Price$38,897–$46,035

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Base

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline Base is a truck that earns a Carivo score of 7.8/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.8/10, while Performance at 6.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability stands out at 8.8/10. The Ridgeline Base nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. On safety, it scores 8.6/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Performance at 6.8/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. At 7.1/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.

Priced from $38,897–$46,035, 21 MPG, seating 5, the Honda Ridgeline Base sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. At 7.3/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Verdict: Nothing about the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Base will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on performance if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good truck should — quietly and competently.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Trucks

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline Base ranks #53 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 90% of the segment. Its 7.8/10 overall score is 0.4 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $38,897 starting price is about 11% above the segment's median of $35,138.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking → · Best Trucks under $50k →

Which Ridgeline Base Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2020 Honda Ridgeline Base scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.8 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 7.9/10$41,303 Read review →
2024 7.9/10$40,100 Read review →
2023 (this review) 7.8/10$38,897
2022 7.8/10$37,694 Read review →
2021 7.7/10$36,491 Read review →
2020 7.6/10$35,288 Read review →
2019 7.6/10$34,085 Read review →
2018 7.5/10$32,882 Read review →
2017 7.6/10$31,679 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2023 Honda Ridgeline Base

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 21 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

Common Questions — 2023 Honda Ridgeline Base

Is the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Base reliable?

We rate the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Base's reliability 8.8/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.

Is the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Base worth buying?

It scores 7.8/10 overall, ranking #53 of 515 trucks in our database (better than 90% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Base cost?

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline Base starts at $38,897 and ranges up to $46,035 across trims (MSRP when new). At 21 MPG, expect roughly $2,500/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

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