Overview & Reviews

Although millions of full-size pickup trucks are sold each year, only a fraction of them actually see an off-road trail, a large travel trailer or a boat ramp. The rest are daily drivers that make an occasional trip to Home Depot for 2x4s and patio furniture. For those consumers who desire a less bulky, less thirsty alternative that can still handle those occasional jobs, there's the Honda Ridgeline. This four-door ("crew cab") pickup truck has a number of distinctive features and, true to Honda's philosophy, it makes sense for smart consumers.

Current Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline pickup is available in just one four-door body style. There are five trim levels: RT, Sport, RTS, RTL and top-of-the line SE. The Ridgeline's sole powertrain is a 250-horsepower V6 mated to a five-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is standard.

Standard feature highlights for the base RT include a power-sliding rear window, air-conditioning, a 60/40-split lift-up rear seat, a rearview camera, full power accessories, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player. Moving up through the other trims adds luxuries such as alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver seat, upgraded audio systems, heated seats, leather seating and a navigation system with voice recognition and Bluetooth phone connectivity.

Rather than having a separate cab and bed, the Ridgeline's body unites the two. The Ridgeline's architecture combines the techniques of both unibody and full-frame construction. All Ridgelines include a hidden trunk in the cargo bed that doubles as an ice chest, a dent-proof bedliner, a four-wheel independent suspension (for a smoother ride and more agile handling) and a trailer hitch. Maximum towing capacity stands at 5,000 pounds.

In all but the most taxing situations, performance is respectable, and on the open highway the Honda Ridgeline is an effortless and quiet cruiser. As such, it is an ideal road trip vehicle, especially when said trip involves carrying bulky items. That easy-going demeanor, along with comfortable seats, plentiful storage cubbies, sound ergonomics and a relatively manageable size make the Honda Ridgeline a viable option as the sole family vehicle. While the cabin provides sedan-like comfort, the cargo bed effortlessly transports things such as camping gear or lawn supplies. Criticisms include the Ridgeline's aversion to off-road adventures, where its lack of a low-range gear and a tendency to bottom out don't help when tackling more rugged trails. Fuel economy for a V6-powered pickup is also disappointing.

If these shortcomings are meaningful to you, then you'll want to consider a pickup with true truck DNA. But if all you really need is the passenger space of an SUV and the utility of a pickup truck, the Ridgeline is an excellent choice.

Used Honda Ridgeline Models
The Ridgeline was introduced for the 2006 model year, available in RT, RTS and RTL trim levels. The following year the chrome-accented RTX debuted. There were only minor features updates until '09, when the RTX trim was dropped and the exterior and interior styling was updated.

Things stayed pat until 2012, when a new grille design and a new Sport trim level debuted, the latter slotted between the RT and RTS trims. That year also saw minor aerodynamic improvements and engine tweaks that boosted highway mileage by a single mpg. The following year brought a standard rearview camera for all trim levels.

User Reviews:

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  No Heat - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By tom - December 25 - 12:26 pm

  the 2017 Ridgeline interior heat is poor. When you stop the interior heat drops off. Honda stated that this is a design of the vehicle and has no fix. Do not purchase for use in cold climate areas.

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  Honda El Camino - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Joe - December 23 - 12:08 pm

  I have had this Car/truck for about a year and a half, drove it of off the lot new. Nicely executed interior, excellent stereo and nav. Real size seats for a change in a Japanese vehicle. All wheel drive is great when the going gets slippery. The trunk rocks. Terrible gas mileage. I get 14 in the city maybe 16 on the highway. Dealer says this is normal. When I tow 2 atvs on a 12ft trailer, I have had as low as 8mpg on the highway. This thing hates to tow. If you are planning on regularly towing anything do not get this truck. For the occasional run to the home store youre probably good.

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  Solid, but not great. - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Loyal Honda Man - December 15 - 9:54 am

  Purchased Ridgeline to be the "family car," and in that function, it has performed satisfactorily. After almost 30,000 miles, it has been perfectly reliable, and has been a solid all-around-family-vehicle. Fuel econ has been 15-16 in town, 18-20 on highways. The engine is adequate if underwhelming for normal use but simply inadequate for towing much of anything. I towed a mid-sized trailer of approx. 2,500 lbs on level ground and the engine worked very hard and with mileage of only 9-10mpg. It is, however, very functional and the interior cabin space is efficiently maximized. LOVE the in-bed trunk, built-in bed cleats, as well as the built-in lighting for the truck bed.

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  A Great Vehicle - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tim - December 14 - 9:10 am

  My wife has an 2007 RTS and complained that I was always taking her Ridgeline whenever I left the house. Told me to get my own, so I did. I couldnt be more pleased. Love driving the Ridgeline. Getting much better mileage than advertised. My first trip got 22.2 mpg and several tanks later, the worst I have gotten is 19.6 mpg. Love all the storage compartments.My Ridgeline handles like a car. I have driven all the trucks and this is by far my favorite.

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  Great Car, Not a truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By dman - December 12 - 2:36 pm

  The Ridgeline handles and drives very well, although the drivers area is not as roomy as my F150 was. Honda is reliable and offers just a couple of versions, making it easy to chose come buy time. The Ridgeline in bed trunk and roomy back seat are cool, but the Tonneau cover is awkward and the payload/towing capacity are very weak. Overall, a great car, not a truck.

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  06 Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By RStipe - December 10 - 6:10 am

  Have owned this truck for 6 weeks and have 6500 miles on it; most from a 3500 mile trip from Chicago to Oklahoma, to New Mexico, to South Dakota, and home. My wife noted how enjoyable the trip was and attributed it to the ease of driving the truck (shes not a truck person). It performed flawlessly. Overall MPG averaged 18.5 with a high of 21 and low of 15.7. Through the Ozarks at 75 MPH, in mountains between 6500 - 9500 feet the engine never missed a beat; caught her driving over 80 a few times. Plenty of room for 4 - both sons say it has more room than our 4Runner. My 16 y/o loves to be seen driving it. All around a solid vehicle - a good replacement for my SUV.

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  Ultra Low Emmissions Vehicle. - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By deadeyerish - December 9 - 11:34 pm

  I just bought my Ridgeline, I have been wanting one for years now. My 07 has 60k+ miles but Ill tell you if it didnt have an odometer I would think it was brand new. Honda Certified, the truck drives beautifully. I traded in an Acura TSX. I loved my car but this truck is great. Its everything I need and nothing I dont. Power rear window, moon roof leather try to find that in a competing model without paying out the wazoo.

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  Best for our family - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Richie - December 5 - 12:24 am

  If you are interested in an excellent choice for a family utility truck, the Honda Ridgeline RTS would be your choice. I traded in a 2008 Civic because my commuting days were over. I am extremely impressed with the quality, ride virtually no road noise and excellent workmanship of this vehicle. Although I dont drive aggressively, gas mileage on the road for me has been seen at 22.8 mpg using the cruise control on the Interstate. City has shown 17-18 mpg. Hauling utility and trailering is excellent with ample power. I really appreciate the under deck storage trunk and rear seat foldups to allow for ample carrying capacity. If your looking for the ultimate family vehicle, this is it.

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  great for me - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Pete - December 4 - 6:16 pm

  So far so great. This truck is everything I hoped it would be. I got it after having driven a Jaguar for a number of years. I wanted something comfortable, practical, fun, good looking and capable of handling my move to the mountains. I needed a truck that I could enjoy as both a vehicle for regular use and that could handle weekend warrior stuff. I ride a motorcycle so I wanted something that could tow my bike when needed.The Ridgeline had it all. I have had the truck for just a week so there is a lot to learn. I love it so far

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  Great Mid Size Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Oregonbound - November 24 - 3:06 pm

  This truck seems far larger than it actually is, and is a joy to drive. I have found the gas mileage to be what was expected (too bad) but the quality and drivability of the truck, especially in traffic, is much better than anticipated. A telescopic steering wheel is all that is lacking in the vehicle. Pick-up is quite good, and I love the front wheel drive-AWD system. Storage is great, and it is very comfortable on long drives. The truck is rock solid!!