After a two year hiatus, the Honda Ridgeline is back and better than ever. The second generation Ridgeline rides on a completely new platform and has been redesigned inside and out to do battle with established heavyweights such as the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC Canyon. Honda positions the Ridgeline as a utility vehicle for those who do not need the capabilities of a full size pickup, and would like a comfortable ride. To that end, the new Ridgeline continues to share its unit body underpinnings with the Honda Pilot crossover. The original Ridgeline received criticism from some truck buyers for not being a real truck. They say real trucks are built using body on frame construction to maximize towing ability.
Although the Ridgeline lags its competitors in terms of towing capability, it offers a much better ride for its passengers and gets superior fuel mileage. Honda quotes fuel economy at 18 mpg city, 25 highway, and a combined rating of 21 mpg for all wheel drive models. Towing capacity is rated at 3,500 pounds for front wheel drive Ridgelines and 5,000 pounds for all wheel drive Ridgelines. For comparison, the base four cylinder Tacoma can pull 3,500 pounds and is capable of towing as much as 6,800 pounds with the optional tow package. The bed of the Ridgeline has grown four inches longer and can comfortably hold 4x8 sheets of plywood or a couple of motorcycles. Payload is quoted at 1,584 pounds, among the best in the segment.
Novel features include a tailgate that can swing out as well as down for versatility while loading the bed. There is also a handy in bed storage compartment capable of carrying an additional 7.3 cubic feet of cargo. Inside, the rear seats split 60/40, and can lift up to make room for groceries and even a bike. A new feature for this generation is an in-bed audio system that uses speakers mounted behind the bed lining to play music. An outlet in the bed allows hookup for a television or power tools.
Of course, the Ridgeline comes equipped with Honda's latest safety and convenience technology. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on higher tier models, as is HondaLink, which can stream music, access social media, and even make it easy to schedule service appointments. A rearview camera is standard on all models, and other driving aids such as blind spot monitoring systems and lane keeping assist are part of the Honda Sensing package.
The Ridgeline does start on the expensive side of midsize pickups with an MSRP of around $29,475. However, keep in mind that the Ridgeline is only offered with a 280 hp V6 engine. Apples to apples, the Ridgeline is priced competitively with comparable models, and offers several class exclusive features that should entice prospective buyers. Honda did its research when developing the Ridgeline, and built a truck that will suit the majority of people's lifestyles.
Back in 2005 when the first Ridgeline debuted, it was heralded as the right truck at the right time as gas prices started to climb. Prices are lower now, but fuel economy remains a priority in the truck industry. Ford has already made strides in weight reduction and fuel efficiency by offering a turbocharged V6 and aluminum bodywork on its best selling F-150. With the innovative new Ridgeline, Honda stands to gain a healthy market share of those looking for a fuel efficient, comfortable riding, and versatile midsize pickup.
