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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  Best truck Ive owned! - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By STINGREY0007 - April 17 - 4:17 pm

  I bought this truck to replace my Nissan extended cab pickup for a couple of reasons only. I wanted to use this for long trips and accommodate more people comfortably and be able to haul small stuff including yard waste, pull small trailer with riding mower etc, etc. I have looked at all brands and came to conclusion that the Ridgeline gives me the best value for my money plus Hondas excellent reputation. So far my ridgeline has been performing well with no major hiccups. A few times the tire pressure monitoring light came on during cold days and disappear after the truck had been running for some time. That was it, but Im still on the look out in case it happens again.

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  Great Truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Richard Bell - April 13 - 5:59 pm

  I bought this truck three weeks ago and I love it! It handles and looks great. I like the it drives and the smooth ride, more like a car than a pickup.

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  One great vehicle! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Chris - April 8 - 8:02 pm

  Have had this one year and nearly 15000 miles. This has been all I had expected and more. It drives more like a car than a truck, and yet is incredibly spacious and has lots of novel features. It is wide enough to put a mountain bike inside the back (putting the seats up) without having to take off the front wheel. You can comfortably sit 3 across the back, or fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in the bed. A lot has been written about this truck, so I really will only add that I am more impressed with this truck after owning it for a year than I was when I first bought it! The only negative I can think of is the gas mileage is mediocre. I average 17, but have gotten as high as 22 on the highway.

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  Much better than expected! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Wood Chopper - April 6 - 3:56 am

  Handling and ride quality are outstanding. Three separate climate controls keep everyone comfortable. Has all of the features I needed plus some delighters that I did not expect at this price point. Advanced AWD has completion beat hands down. Huge lockable trunk keeps valuables safe, dry and out of sight. In mixed driving I am averaging 25 MPG which is far better than I expected. The only negative is rear visibility, but there is a high resolution backup camera with 3 different view modes which addresses that shortcoming. I also considered a F150, but it was $6K more expensive for a comparably equipped model. I also ruled out Tacoma due to dated technology and poor reliability according to Consumer Reports.

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  Very Refined Vehicle - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By AngusDad - April 1 - 12:42 am

  I’ve owned my 2017 RTL-T for three months now and am totally satisfied. My previous truck was a 2005 Tundra, which was more robust, but much less comfortable to drive. The interior and ride quality of the of the Ridgeline is first rate. My only criticism is that the low beams on this vehicle are weak. Otherwise, it’s perfect.

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  I love it! - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Boy and his dog - March 31 - 1:12 pm

  I have had for a little over a month. It is excellent and more people should consider it. I compared Tundra, Tacoma, F-150 and Chevy. Overall, best value by far! The trunk is awesome, ride is car like, it has more than sufficient off road (4x4) capability 99% of us. Towing ability is respectable. Interior features are a great blend of luxury, quirky, and utility truck. It is so easy and pleasant to drive this truck. After 5 years of a Tacoma and a lousy Chevy 2500, I have finally stepped up into a truck built just for me. Gas mileage is okay- average about 18.5. I can get over 21 on highway. V-6 has plenty of power/torque. A great truck, high quality and I even like the looks.

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  love my Ridgeline - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gerry - March 25 - 5:44 pm

  Ive had my Ridgeline now for over 3 months. I cant imagine a truck fitting my needs better. I love the looks, not just another pick-up. The in bed lock-able compartment is an answer to so many problems for pick-up owners Fun to drive, good mileage (19.5) mostly highway. I wish I knew what they were thinking when they put in that center glove box. ODD! Over all, Id do it again in a second.

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  Great but not perfect - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By cbrown3381 - March 11 - 5:16 pm

  The Ridgeline is a very impressive truck, and it is a Honda through and through. The engineering, design and build quality are impecable. I do, however, have two issues with the truck. First, the darn thing beeps at you every half mile until you put your seat belt on. I get it after the first beep. I dont need my car strong-arming me into clicking the belt. Second, the cab could use a little more room, especially if its going to compete with full size trucks. The size is perfect for my wife, but if I were driving it full time, Id feel a bit cramped. The under-bed trunk is perfect. No more grocery bags sliding around in the bed.

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  Great family truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By medicalminds - March 7 - 11:15 am

  We have had our truck for about 6 mo and it is great. It is amazing on the snow. My wife is from the south and hates driving our Lexus in the snow but does great with this truck. It handles and rides better than any other truck I test drove (Tundra, Tacoma, F150, Frontier etc.) and it gets reasonable mileage for a truck. It has good acceleration and the inbed storage trunk is a stroke of genius. We are very happy with our truck and would highly recc it to others.

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  Great Truck - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By WRGADog - March 7 - 8:54 am

  I sold my 2006 Ridgeline RTL. Prior to purchasing the 09 Ridgeline I drove each competitors vehicle, and decided to purchase a 2009 Ridgeline RTL w/navigation. In the end, I couldnt part with the in-bed trunk, ride quality, general utility, and balance between car and truck offered by the Ridgeline. The Ridgelines price was also less than comparably equipped 4x4 vehicles from other mfgs. The Ridgelines 4x4 capability is more limited, but it satisfies my needs. So far, I love the truck (700 miles) and the gas mileage has been a respectable 18 mpg with most driving around town. My truck is Billet Silver, w/chrome step bars, silver roof rack, bug deflector, splash guards, and wheel locks.