One of the new niches that became instantly popular is the segment of performance pickups. In the class of mid-size trucks, there’s already a number of pretty capable models, such as Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro or Chevy Colorado ZR2, which are pretty serious off-road performers. The new Ranger Raptor is on the way, while the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon offers off-road performances that are out of this world. So, it’s no wonder that various reports speculate about the high-performance version of Honda’s pickup. The new version would come as the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R.
Still, this model would come with one significant difference. If you’re familiar with the standard Ridgeline, you know very well that it features a much different design compared to the rest of the class. It rides on a unibody platform and focuses rather on comfort and convenience than utility and off-road performance. That’s why the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R wouldn’t come as the off-road performer, but rather some kind of a street racer.
Therefore, we count on completely different upgrades, especially in terms of the suspension setup. Furthermore, we could see a more powerful powertrain, along with a standard all-wheel drive. Finally, we presume that this model would come with lots of exclusive styling details, which would accentuate the model’s performance character.
2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R Design
When it comes to the overall design, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R would be heavily based on the standard model. This refers to both mechanics and aesthetics, though there will be a full load of upgrades as well. In any case, this would be a high-performance unibody pickup, and the first thing that comes to mind is the suspension setup.
As we’ve just mentioned, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R wouldn’t come with upgrades like lifted suspension, locking differentials and low-range gearing. Instead, this pickup would come with upgrades that would improve its street performance. They presume that the suspension upgrades would include new dampers and other components, in a similar fashion we saw in the recently-introduced Acura MDX Type S. Besides the upgraded suspension, we would expect to see things like Brembo brakes and a few more chassis reinforcements. All these things would reduce body roll and improve overall performance in corners.
Styling
When it comes to the styling, the overall look would be heavily based on the standard model. This includes all-new styling details that were introduced with the 2021 update, which made this pickup look way more attractive than before.
Of course, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R would come with various upgrades that would accentuate the model’s performance character. Some of the things we would expect to see are a new grille, as well as a completely new body kit, which would include more aggressive bumpers, side skirts and similar things. Furthermore, we would expect to see goodies like bigger wheels with unique designs, lower-profile tires.
Interior
Interior upgrades are possible too, though most of the things would remain the same. Simply, the current model already looks impressive from the inside, thanks to the design that closely resembles Honda’s crossovers like Pilot and Passport. This means modern dashboard design, fine materials and lots of features. That’s something you usually wouldn’t see in a mid-size pickup truck.
When it comes to exclusive details, we presume that the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R interior would come with typical Type R upgrades. That would include a red interior, upgraded steering wheel, and gear shifter, exclusive color schemes and similar things.
On the other hand, the overall layout would remain the same. This truck comes exclusively with a crew cab layout, which offers plenty of passenger room. It accommodates adult passengers with ease.
Features
As we are talking about a model that would probably be the most expensive version in the lineup, we presume that the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R would come with a full load of standard equipment. In other words, most of the options would be standard in this case, especially when it comes to tech and convenience features.
For reference, the current model comes standard with keyless entry, tri-zone climate control, an 8-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, two USB ports, a seven-speaker stereo, and Bluetooth. On the other hand, the list of options includes satellite radio, two rear USB ports, HD Radio, satellite-linked navigation, voice recognition, an eight-speaker premium stereo, wireless device charging, and in-bed speakers. We presume that many of these options would be standard in the new Type R model.
The same thing goes for safety features. Currently, base models are equipped with things like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, rearview camera etc. Among upgrades, you can currently find things like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, parking sensors etc.
2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R Engine
We have finally come to the most interesting part of the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R, the engine. The base model comes with a quite capable and very refined 3.5-liter V6 engine. It puts out around 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. We presume that the Type R would come with notable upgrades. The first thing that comes to mind is the turbo-V6 engine from the new Acura MDX Type S. That model features a 3.0-liter engine that puts out around 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Well, that seems like a perfect measure for a performance pickup like this.
Along with the upgraded engine, the Type R would come standard with the company’s well-known Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system (SH-AWD). Such a combination would bring further performance improvements. We presume that the 9-speed automatic transmission would undergo some fine-tuning as well.
With all this power and other upgrades, the Type R would be notably faster compared to the base model, which needs around 6.5 seconds to hit 60 mph. We presume that the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R would need less than 5.5 seconds to complete this sprint.
2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R Release Date and Price
At this point, the officials are quiet about the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R. The only source is rumors, which couldn’t be trusted most of the time. Therefore, you should take this article, as well as the arrival of this pickup with a big reserve. If it arrives one day, this pickup won’t be cheap. We presume it would cost notably more than base models, while certain sources estimate a price tag of around 50.000 dollars.
When it comes to the competition, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R wouldn’t have a direct rival. Moreover, it would be one of a kind in the class. That would make it more exclusive, more appealing and more appreciated among car enthusiasts.
Get these guys going on the type-r, I want one! I am tired of the Electric BS I want a real TRUCK! Thanks, Jim