2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R

After the launch of the Type S models in Acura lineup, everyone is wondering what will be the next step for Honda. For a long time, fans are trying to find out if more vehicles with the Type R will be out. Recent news is a good sign that the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R could be one of the stars of the lineup in the upcoming season. The Japanese company is not so focused to the truck market. However, now they will have more rivals, since the Ridgeline is not going to be the only unibody pickup at dealerships.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R should be a part of the big redesign, which will turn the future of the nameplate. It is the worst-selling truck in the US. With reason – truckers are mostly looking for body-on-frame models, and Ridgeline is still using an unibody architecture. It has advantages, and one of them is the potential to build a performance package for a street drive. Unfortunately, buyers are looking for the towing capacity and durability, which are way easier to achieve with the ladder frame.

2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R release date

Under the Hood

Let’s analyze the new situation and the potential for the Ridgeline Type R. Honda’s luxury branch, Acura, also features a similar badge, Type S. A couple of vehicles already brought back the package. Those are TLX sedan and MDX crossover SUV. It is a premium version of the Pilot and Passport. Those vehicles also share the platform with the Ridgeline.

It is enough for the enthusiasts, fans and experts to start thinking of a similar configuration for Honda’s lineup. All those vehicles might benefit from the arrival of the Type S. For example, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R can get the same configuration that includes a 3.0-liter V6 engine capable of delivering 355 horsepower. The base version still relies on a 3.5-liter mill and cracks 290 hp. A ten-speed auto sends power to front wheels. That is another configuration that is not so frequent in the truck market. Anyway, Honda will stick to it. All-wheel drive is going to be optional, even for the Type R package.

2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R release date

2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R Expectations

This truck could change the image of the pickup truck. But, besides positive things we can take from the launching of the Acura Type S, there are also downsides.

First, Acura also featured a hybrid engine. Although everyone saw it on the Honda Pilot, the company didn’t do it. Then, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R would be a performance-oriented (more expensive) version of the truck that already sells very slow. A more expensive model can hardly draw more buyers. And finally, the market for performance pickups is not so big. That is the reason why other companies are not producing such packages.

All in all, the idea of the Type R truck is nice. But, such an upgrade is more suitable for SUVs and sedans. But, we won’t write off the chances of this happening in the foreseeable future, where the redesigned truck is coming probably in 2023 or 2024.

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