The Car Guide's Best Buys for 2022: Honda Ridgeline
Every year, The Car Guide unveils a list of Best Buys covering all the different vehicle categories in the industry.
Small and midsize pickups are hot commodities right now after being neglected for much of the past decade. They appeal to many customers who don’t need full-size trucks.
- Also: This Unreal Honda Ridgeline Concept May Have Superpowers
- Also: The Car Guide's Best Buys for 2021: Honda Ridgeline
Winner
Once again this year, we picked the Honda Ridgeline as the No.1 choice for buyers. Using a unibody construction instead of a classic body-on-frame architecture, this smooth-riding Japanese pickup drives more like an SUV. It’s the best-handling model in its class by far.
Unless you need a true workhorse, the Ridgeline offers a tremendous combination of versatility, comfort and capability. Don’t miss the lockable in-bed trunk that can double as a cooler for parties, the dual-opening tailgate and the modular rear bench.
Performance is pretty decent, too, with a 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque.
Other Finalists
In second place, we put a truck that is the complete opposite of the Ridgeline. Derived from the iconic Jeep Wrangler, the Jeep Gladiator offers a nice selection of engines and strong performance. Once you get past the choppy ride on paved roads, you’ll enjoy unbeatable capability over any terrain.
As for third place, the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon get the nod. Available with a wide selection of engines and trim levels, they can be anything you want, from a basic work truck to a luxurious family vehicle. Don’t forget the tough, adventurous Canyon AT4 and Colorado ZR2.
Note: Our 2022 Best Buy awards were determined prior to the new Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz getting a proper evaluation from our staff. The rankings could look much different for 2023, not to mention that a few contenders will be completely redesigned.
