In the world of mid-size pickups, the Ridgeline stands out for impressive ride quality and overall utility and at the top of its offer, there is a version called Black Edition. Priced at around 45.000 dollars, it is the most luxurious version of the pickup, which doesn’t come just with a full load of standard equipment, but also comes with several exclusive styling details that make it pretty unique. Considering the last year’s refresh, we don’t believe that bigger changes could come for the next model year, and this refers to the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition as well.
Therefore, this version will continue in the same way. Essentially, it brings lots of standard equipment, along with a full load of exclusive styling details. Other than that, you may count on a typical Ridgeline design. In other words, you may count on a pickup that’s super-smooth and comfortable, which offers a high-quality cabin and plenty of passenger room.
As there are no significant changes to come, we expect that the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year.
2023 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition Design
Design-wise, the overall layout isn’t any different compared to the rest of the lineup. On the other hand, you can notice a lot of exclusive styling details. In accordance with the nameplate, most of them are blacked. You may count on completely blacked-out interior trim, as well as on black wheels. All these parts go perfectly well with all the changes that were introduced with the 2021 model, which received a mid-cycle refresh.
On the other hand, the mechanical aspect is pretty much the same as in standard models. That’s not a bad thing at all. Moreover, it’s great because the Ridgeline features a pretty unique design for the class. It rides on a unibody platform and features an independent rear suspension. As a result, the ride quality is superior, whether it’s about comfort or athleticism. Unfortunately, such a design brings a few compromises as well, particularly in terms of max towing capacity.
Interior
Just like the exterior, the interior of this particular version also comes with a couple of exclusive aesthetical details. This model comes exclusively with black upholstery, as well as red stitching. Also, you may count on red ambient interior lighting. On the other hand, the overall cabin layout is the same as in the rest of the lineup, characterized by the great build quality and nice materials, with a crossover-like design.
Besides great build quality, this cabin also offers plenty of passenger space. It is probably the most spacious mid-size pickup, which comes in a crew cab layout only. Both rows of seats are very generous with space and accommodate adults with ease. Furthermore, the front seats are massive and supportive.
Features
Considering that we are talking about the most expensive Ridgeline on the offer, it’s not a surprise that the list of standard equipment is very long. Among standard features, you can find LED headlights, truck bed lighting, keyless entry and ignition, tri-zone climate control, 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, power-sliding rear window, heated mirrors, heated steering wheel, navigation system, eight-speaker audio system, wireless charging, household-style power outlet in the bed etc.
When it comes to safety features, the list of standard equipment includes front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking etc.
2023 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition Engine
Under the hood, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition won’t be any different than the rest of the lineup. It will continue with the same, well-known 3.5-liter V6, which is smooth and super-refined. Furthermore, the engine features a max output of 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, which is plenty enough for strong driving dynamics, comfortable and convenient ride. The engine comes in pair with a 9-speed automatic transmission, which does a pretty decent job too. All-wheel drive is standard.
When it comes to fuel economy, you may count on about 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, which is typical for the class. As we already mentioned, the biggest drawback of Ridgeline’s unibody design is towing capacity, which goes only around 5.000 pounds. For comparison, rivals like Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado can tow up to 7.700 pounds.
2023 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition Release Date and Price
We expect that the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition will arrive without more important changes, sometime in the last quarter of the year. The starting price should go around 45.000 dollars. For reference, the base Ridgeline starts at around 37.000 dollars. It comes with the same engine, standard all-wheel-drive and a decent amount of standard features.
Please , please, please, ditch the black wheels for 2023.. At least offer one model that has something better than black wheels. This eveything is black is killing other peoples idea of a nice looking vehicle.