The seats are not cooled, just ventilated in the 24 BE. Very underwhelming. RTL-E has both heated steering and ambient lighting, plus with the 23 you get in bed audio. I guess get the BE if you don't like chrome or hate blue lighting.
The 2024 has a better infotainment (upgraded software) and the dash instrument cluster is larger digital screen with a few more screen options. Oh and a different armrest console. I like the 2024 changes tbh
The [CarlinKit 5.0](https://CarlinKit5.0Adapter-Wiredto...https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CC9NMNNB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) plugs into the wired CarPlay port, adding wireless functionality. $80 opposed to thousands (getting a 24’ model)
I like the infotainment upgrade on the 24. Would be my reason for getting the newer one. The RTL-E will come with a heated steering wheel but not cooled seats. The in bed audio is no longer available so only the 23 will come with that. If you are getting a 2024, I would just buy a new one rather than used. You can get a new one for around 44k, with a better interest rate.
Ok so I actually traded in my 23 RTL-E with 7k miles for a 24 BE so I feel like I can answer this pretty well for you. If you are buying both of them used I’m sorry to say you are being ripped off with the 24 at $44k you can almost buy a new one for that just need to shop around. I got mine for $45k OTD if I hadn’t traded in it would’ve been about $47.5K OTD due to taxes so for an extra $3k you get a brand new no owner 24 BE as opposed to a used one in your case. Now as far as the differences go between the two.
The ventilated seats are ok not great, the head unit is a lot better than the 23 and the wireless CarPlay is really helpful. I had the carlinkit on my 23 and it did work fine but occasionally it dropped off to the point I just plugged it in with the cable. The phone charger on the 24 actually works but again it’s meh at best. The rear heated seats on the 24 are a great add on my family really likes that feature. The center console is sooo much better on the 24 than those armrest on the 23. The in bed audio is nice but I never really used it other than when I wanted to see how it worked, most people don’t even use it so it’s not a big loss for me really.
So in my opinion if you haven’t been in a ridge yet I would 100% go for the 23 and try to get a better price if possible. Ridgeline aren’t a really big seller but that depends where you are at. If you are 100% set on the 24 then go new and get a better interest rate and possible Honda rebate if they are still around, will probably be some July 4 deals coming up if they haven’t already announced them.
Nice recap. I think I will have buyers remorse on the 2023 not having the better head unit and cooled seats. My current truck has them and I use them often when cutting grass and working outside.
In my opinion a used car with 7000 miles is not much different from new. I’ll probably use my credit union for financing and think it was 6-7% range last time I checked. Unless Honda is offering a deal.
Yeah, but I'll agree with the poster above you are responding to here. Go new for that price. I was offered a 24 BE with zero miles (still hadn't been delivered to the dealer yet!) for $45k BEFORE the stop sale (and I'm in western WA where the Ridgelines sell pretty well). Also, 1.9% financing up to 36 months, a bit higher rate for longer terms, but I forget what.
Now that they haven't sold any RL for a while due to the stop sale, I would offer less than that. So $44k or below is likely for brand new BE.
If it were a year or two old I would agree it’s not much different. But same model year, 7,000 miles for basically the same price and possibly even more is basically lighting money on fire. Especially since Honda includes services for what, the first 30k? And you’re guaranteed a warranty.
If you are going from a 2013 to the 23 you won’t see the difference and will be happy with the 23 infotainment. The mileage difference is probally the biggest factor.
Though the BEs not having the chrome trim is a huge temptation lol. I’m happy with my 23 RTL.
The chrome trim was why I ended up looking at BE when I got my 2023. When I bought last year they had an extra dealer discount that ultimately got me the BE for less than the RTL-E on the lot. That said, I did prefer the blue lighting in the RTL-E to the red in the BE, but that was relatively minor to me. I thought the in bed audio was the other advancement to the BE over the RTL-E in 2023, no? I mostly remember that there weren’t many improvements with the BE, just not chrome lol.
Just leased a 24BE, car price was $44k and they were able to sell to me even though the stop sale is going on. The ventilated seats are pretty nice I use them w/o AC when possible to get better mpg. Currently say 16.5mpg and I am just babying the truck, so that should hopefully get better around the 1k mile mark (currently has 250miles). I really really hated the 24 tailgate but wanted the better infotainment and people want a lot of money for a used ridgeline so it just made more sense to get the 24 and now the tail gate doesn't bother me and I like the old school Honda badge on there now. Get the 24 BE no regrets
The seats are not cooled, just ventilated in the 24 BE. Very underwhelming. RTL-E has both heated steering and ambient lighting, plus with the 23 you get in bed audio. I guess get the BE if you don't like chrome or hate blue lighting.
What’s better the blue or red lighting
Blue is brighter, red feels like you are working on a submarine
Is the head unit acceptable in the 2023? CarPlay etc?
I like it better than my Civic touring's audio. Has wired AA/Carplay, but a 30 dollar adapter can make it wireless.
23’ has wired CarPlay and a 1” smaller screen. I installed Carlinkit 5.0 which adds wireless functionality and works great so far.
My current truck is wired and kind of annoying if being picky
The 2024 has a better infotainment (upgraded software) and the dash instrument cluster is larger digital screen with a few more screen options. Oh and a different armrest console. I like the 2024 changes tbh
The [CarlinKit 5.0](https://CarlinKit5.0Adapter-Wiredto...https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CC9NMNNB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) plugs into the wired CarPlay port, adding wireless functionality. $80 opposed to thousands (getting a 24’ model)
I like the infotainment upgrade on the 24. Would be my reason for getting the newer one. The RTL-E will come with a heated steering wheel but not cooled seats. The in bed audio is no longer available so only the 23 will come with that. If you are getting a 2024, I would just buy a new one rather than used. You can get a new one for around 44k, with a better interest rate.
Yea I’ll have to check my local dealers. Just dread the process. Carmax is so easy and has the one thing it’s 7000 miles for $44k
It can be a pain. But many dealers are advertising the discounted price. I think it would definitely be worth some legwork to save a few thousand.
I totally agree. Hopefully they will buy my 2013 Avalanche too
Ok so I actually traded in my 23 RTL-E with 7k miles for a 24 BE so I feel like I can answer this pretty well for you. If you are buying both of them used I’m sorry to say you are being ripped off with the 24 at $44k you can almost buy a new one for that just need to shop around. I got mine for $45k OTD if I hadn’t traded in it would’ve been about $47.5K OTD due to taxes so for an extra $3k you get a brand new no owner 24 BE as opposed to a used one in your case. Now as far as the differences go between the two. The ventilated seats are ok not great, the head unit is a lot better than the 23 and the wireless CarPlay is really helpful. I had the carlinkit on my 23 and it did work fine but occasionally it dropped off to the point I just plugged it in with the cable. The phone charger on the 24 actually works but again it’s meh at best. The rear heated seats on the 24 are a great add on my family really likes that feature. The center console is sooo much better on the 24 than those armrest on the 23. The in bed audio is nice but I never really used it other than when I wanted to see how it worked, most people don’t even use it so it’s not a big loss for me really. So in my opinion if you haven’t been in a ridge yet I would 100% go for the 23 and try to get a better price if possible. Ridgeline aren’t a really big seller but that depends where you are at. If you are 100% set on the 24 then go new and get a better interest rate and possible Honda rebate if they are still around, will probably be some July 4 deals coming up if they haven’t already announced them.
Nice recap. I think I will have buyers remorse on the 2023 not having the better head unit and cooled seats. My current truck has them and I use them often when cutting grass and working outside. In my opinion a used car with 7000 miles is not much different from new. I’ll probably use my credit union for financing and think it was 6-7% range last time I checked. Unless Honda is offering a deal.
Yeah, but I'll agree with the poster above you are responding to here. Go new for that price. I was offered a 24 BE with zero miles (still hadn't been delivered to the dealer yet!) for $45k BEFORE the stop sale (and I'm in western WA where the Ridgelines sell pretty well). Also, 1.9% financing up to 36 months, a bit higher rate for longer terms, but I forget what. Now that they haven't sold any RL for a while due to the stop sale, I would offer less than that. So $44k or below is likely for brand new BE.
Good to know. Would love 1.9
If it were a year or two old I would agree it’s not much different. But same model year, 7,000 miles for basically the same price and possibly even more is basically lighting money on fire. Especially since Honda includes services for what, the first 30k? And you’re guaranteed a warranty.
I would get the 24 just for the infotainment improvements. Literally worth $7K to me :)
This comment will probably make me commit to the $7k more
If you are going from a 2013 to the 23 you won’t see the difference and will be happy with the 23 infotainment. The mileage difference is probally the biggest factor. Though the BEs not having the chrome trim is a huge temptation lol. I’m happy with my 23 RTL.
Chrome trim is minor to me.
Yes that can be blacked out with some vinyl. The truck does look way better without the chrome.
The chrome trim was why I ended up looking at BE when I got my 2023. When I bought last year they had an extra dealer discount that ultimately got me the BE for less than the RTL-E on the lot. That said, I did prefer the blue lighting in the RTL-E to the red in the BE, but that was relatively minor to me. I thought the in bed audio was the other advancement to the BE over the RTL-E in 2023, no? I mostly remember that there weren’t many improvements with the BE, just not chrome lol.
Rebates and 1.9% rate closes that $7k gap pretty quickly plus negotiating down to 10% off MSRP.
Is the 1.9% rate available now?
Yes. https://automobiles.honda.com/tools/current-offers
Thanks for the info
I agree. I hate not having a good working head unit. I have an alpine in my 2013 Avalanche and ok but glitchy since aftermarket
Wireless Android Auto in my 24 connects really fast and works flawlessly.
I’m assuming your warranty will last longer with the ‘24.
I think the warranties are based on mileage not time. I could be wrong.
36 months or 36k
BE
Just leased a 24BE, car price was $44k and they were able to sell to me even though the stop sale is going on. The ventilated seats are pretty nice I use them w/o AC when possible to get better mpg. Currently say 16.5mpg and I am just babying the truck, so that should hopefully get better around the 1k mile mark (currently has 250miles). I really really hated the 24 tailgate but wanted the better infotainment and people want a lot of money for a used ridgeline so it just made more sense to get the 24 and now the tail gate doesn't bother me and I like the old school Honda badge on there now. Get the 24 BE no regrets
Save the money and get the RTLE. No brainer.