Skip to main content

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline is the best first truck for consumers looking to buy a truck for the first time. The Ridgeline is the perfect balance of power, class, and comfort. Find out why it is the perfect first truck here.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline is the total package

A red 2021 Honda Ridgeline in sand.
Honda Ridgeline | Honda

The Honda Ridgeline has frequently topped mid-size truck rankings for years. Ironically, the Ridgeline doesn’t excel at conventional truck capabilities such as towing. Instead, the mid-size truck’s strength is its well-roundedness and potential as a daily driver.

With a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, the Ridgeline is far from the best work truck. It is, however, the best first truck for new owners because of its smooth ride and unique unibody design. The 2022 Honda Ridgeline offers a peppy powertrain, decent gas mileage for its class, and an above-average level of comfort for a truck.

Why the 2022 Honda Ridgeline is the best first truck

A silver 2022 honda ridgeline equipped with the HPD package parked outside.
2022 Honda Ridgeline with HPD Package | Honda

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline is the best first truck for consumers that are new truck buyers because it isn’t the typical truck. MotorTrend scored the 2022 Ridgeline an 8.1/10 overall and calls it the second-best mid-size truck. The Ridgeline gets 18 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway. Its combined 22 miles per gallon isn’t great for most vehicles, but it’s decent for a truck.

The Ridgeline uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes a mighty 280 horsepower. It has enough pep and acceleration to satisfy the average driver. Its ride quality is similar to that of an SUV because of its platform. The Honda Ridgeline also includes a refined cabin with a standard 8-inch display audio touchscreen infotainment system.

The base model 2022 Honda Ridgeline Sport starts at $36,890. It includes a lockable in-bed trunk and Honda’s Intelligent Traction Management system with different terrain modes. The base model also includes several standard safety features such as its Collision Mitigation Braking System and Road Departure Mitigation System.

The perfect daily driver truck

A gray Honda Ridgeline is on display.
The Honda Ridgeline | Todd Korol/Toronto Star via Getty Images

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline is the perfect daily driver truck. It’s reliable, powerful, and comfortable. Unlike other trucks, it doesn’t just have a singular use or strength. The Ridgeline comes in four different trims with several package options that add more luxury and utility to the mid-size truck.

If you’re looking for a work truck or an off-roading truck, the Ridgeline probably isn’t for you. If you want a truck that you can drive every day, the Ridgeline provides amazing value for its price. It should provide the average drivers with at least 13-15 years of usage before needing any major repairs.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline is the best first truck for new truck owners because it lasts long and doesn’t include many of the drawbacks that truck owners have to deal with, like poor fuel economy and unreliability. In a vehicle class filled with plenty of vehicles that provide rough rides, are uncomfortable, and are costly to own, the Ridgeline is the perfect pick for your first truck purchase.

Related

Why Is the Honda Ridgeline in Last Place?