The Honda Ridgeline Hybrid Fires Back at the Ford Maverick
Tons of people have been comparing the new Ford Maverick to the Honda Ridgeline. However, the Ford Maverick Hybrid provides an option that the Honda Ridgeline doesn’t have yet. The Ridgeline currently only has gas-powered powertrains. But the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid will solve this problem.
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid is coming to tackle the Ford Maverick
Someone tell the 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid to watch its back. It won’t be the only unibody hybrid truck in town for much longer. Word on the street is that the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid is on the way.
But the Honda Ridgeline begins at about $36,490, so the Hybrid model could cost a little more. The Ford Maverick Hybrid starts at around $19,995, providing thousands in savings. To compete against that price, the Ridgeline will need to provide more space, power, and luxury.
What to expect with the Ridgeline Hybrid
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid may see an increase in power. Currently, the gas-powered Ridgeline uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 5,000 lbs.
The 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine with 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. The Hybrid model can only tow up to 2,000 lbs, while the gas-powered model can tow up to 4,000 lbs.
So, there is a chance that the Ridgeline Hybrid will provide more muscle. Also, the Maverick Hybrid isn’t available with all-wheel drive. We don’t foresee the Ridgeline Hybrid coming out without available AWD, so the Ridgeline Hybrid could also be more capable.
With the Maverick Hybrid, you get an EPA-estimated range of 40 mpg in the city. The gas-powered Honda Ridgeline provides an estimated 18 mpg in the city and up to 24 mpg on the highway. The hybrid variant has some work to do if it wants to beat the Maverick.
But the Ridgeline could be more spacious. The Maverick is built on the same unibody platform as the Ford Escape, a compact SUV. The 2023 Honda Ridgeline is switching to the Honda Pilot’s platform, which is a midsize SUV.
We know the point of compact trucks is to be smaller. This allows them to be easier to maneuver in tight city areas. But it can also limit space for cargo and passengers. Plus, the Ridgeline is pretty nimble and easy to navigate through tight spots.
What do we know about the 2023 Ridgeline?
Along with the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid, we could see the Honda Ridgeline Type R. This is a model built for a sportier performance with 19-inch wheels, a blacked-out grille, and red accents.
The Ridgeline will have a refreshed interior and is expected to share components with the Honda Pilot. For example, it will most likely gain the Pilot’s 8-inch infotainment system. Plus, the interior materials are expected to be upgraded from cheap plastics to luxurious soft-touch materials.
The exterior is expected to remain similar to its current look. Unfortunately, we’re waiting for more information about the 2023 Honda Ridgeline to be released. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more. So far, it’s safe to expect a more capable hybrid model to arrive that silences the 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid.
RELATED: Does the Honda Ridgeline’s Unibody Make it a Better Truck?
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