The Honda Ridgeline has long been known as a competent, unibody pickup truck. With its available all-wheel drive and a number of convenient features, it is well-equipped to take on a variety of automotive roles. And while not as capable as trucks like the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier, it does still offer some off-road ability. Which is something that mid-size truck owners are likely to appreciate.

Is the 2022 Honda Ridgeline a capable off-roader?

The Honda Ridgeline comes equipped with a V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower. With its available all-wheel drive, it can handle some light off-road duty. The all-wheel-drive system includes a traction management system. This will allow Ridgeline owners to optimize their drive for the current conditions. Whether it be snow, sand, or mud. 

The terrain management can be operated with the simple push of a button. Which allows for ease of use. When it comes to on-road use, the Honda Ridgeline has an independent suspension system. This means better handling and a more comfortable ride. When it comes to off-roading, an independent suspension will provide more control to handle rough terrain.

What does it mean if a truck is unibody?

Traditionally speaking, pickup trucks are usually body-on-frame. But, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline is not. A unibody frame is seen as stronger than the conventional construction. It also means that road noise and vibration are reduced.

Unibody construction does come with some drawbacks though. Body-on-frame trucks give a more connected feeling to the road. They can also stand up to more rugged terrain, which comes in handy for serious off-roading.

What features does the 2022 Honda Ridgeline offer?

In addition to offering the ability to handle some off-roading, the Ridgeline comes standard with a V6 engine that generates 280 hp. When properly equipped, this mid-size truck can tow up to 5,000 pounds thanks to its 262 lb-ft of torque.

Honda also offers a performance package that adds things like fender flairs and bronze wheels. Which helps the Ridgeline stand out from the crowd. The package also updates the look of the grille for a more aggressive appearance. 

Those shopping for a new truck likely want modern safety tech. This mid-size truck does not come up short in that department. Safety features include things like collision mitigation, road departure warning, and more. Which will add to overall driver confidence.

Is the Honda Ridgeline being discontinued? 

While the Honda Ridgeline may trail behind the competition, a 2023 model is in the works. According to MotorTrend, the 2023 Ridgeline will be similar to past models. As the vehicle had a significant update in 2021. Things like new interior packages and exterior colors can be expected. And a comfortable ride is sure to be provided. The Honda Ridgeline rides on the same platform as the Honda Pilot, which makes it more like a crossover than a mid-size truck. 

Of course, there are trucks available that are more capable than the Ridgeline. But, the Ridgeline is not a truck targeted at those kinds of shoppers. It does still manage to offer some off-road capability though.