Pros: Unibody construction delivers smoother, better-composed ride and handling than traditional body-on-frame pickups; unique available features, versatile cargo bed
Cons: Only one engine and body style available; body-on-frame pickups offer better off-roading and towing capabilities
CG Says: After a two-year hiatus, the Ridgeline pickup truck returns to Honda’s lineup as an all-new model. Unlike other compact pickups that have body-on-frame construction, the redesigned Ridgeline retains the four-door, five-passenger configuration and carlike unibody construction of its previous generation. A 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission is the sole drivetrain, and front-wheel drive is newly available in addition to full-time all-wheel drive. The cargo bed is five feet four inches long and five feet wide; a four-foot-wide sheet of plywood will fit between the wheel arches. There is also a lockable storage well under the bed floor and the two-way tailgate can be opened either down (like a traditional pickup) or to the side. A novel “truck-bed audio”feature available on top-line models uses small electronic units mounted inside the bedliner that essentially turn the entire pickup bed into a speaker. Other available features include keyless access/starting, a navigation system, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated mirrors, heated front seats, and leather upholstery. Available safety features include forward-collision mitigation, lane-keep assist, road-departure mitigation, multi-view rearview camera, and Honda’s LaneWatch right-side camera. Honda’s new Ridgeline looks more like a traditional pickup truck than its predecessor, but it continues to offer SUV-like on-road ride and handling characteristics that are a bit more refined than its GM and Toyota rivals. Ridgeline also offers some clever interior and exterior cargo solutions that aren’t matched by its competitors. Unless you’re looking to do serious off-roading or towing, the Ridgeline will likely provide all the hauling versatility you’ll need, along with everyday driving manners and all-around sophistication that are a cut above its class competition.
| Class | Compact Pickup Truck |
| Body Style(s) | crew-cab |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Honda |
| Nation of Manufacture | USA |
| Base Prices | RT: $29,475 AWD RT: $31,275 RTS: $31,515 AWD RTS: $33,315 Sport: $33,015 AWD Sport: $34,815 RTL: $33,780 AWD RTL: $35,580 RTL-T: $35,930 AWD RTL-T: $37,730 AWD RTL-E: $41,370 AWD Black Edition: $42,870 |
| Base Engine 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 280 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 18-19 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 25-26 |
