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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  Super truck for Honda 1st try.. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dave from MA - December 4 - 12:30 pm

  Honda, hmm??? Its a Honda. I bought it in July 2005 and boy, I put a ton of accessories on that truck and walked away w/ the price @ 35,000. Not thing to complain on ride, handling..etc, but a minor prolem for me and maybe major soon. Well I put 13,700 on this truck, I really enjoyed every bit of it, unfortunately, my truck has a major leaks. The water gets in the vehicle through unsealed body seams, front end of the vehicle. Its taking Honda three strikes to try, and now its back to the dealership for the third time...I love everything about this truck but, minor prolem shall put down Hondas reputation, at least to me..So my suggestion is wait til the 2nd generation then go for it....

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  A generation ahead of the competition - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Frank Corbin - November 25 - 12:02 am

  I researched and test drove the Tacoma, Frontier, and the Colorado. The Ridgeline was hands-down the best truck for me. I am a contractor & this is my daily driver. I carry tools in the trunk, and three or four men to job sites every morning. Theres always something in the bed. Honda could take a cue from Chevy and put a step in the rear bumper, as the bed is high to make room for the deep trunk. The truck is quick, smooth driving, quiet and comfortable. Payload is more than adequate for a midsize truck, and it tows 5000 pounds with ease.The trimline packaging limits configuration. I would like to have had the suite of safety features without some of the frills that came with higher trim levels.

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  Wonderful Truck that drives like a Car or SUV - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Stacey - October 12 - 11:21 am

  This truck has very clever design. The interior is posh, appointed like a higher end SUV - the exterior is very attractive but the storage/cargo features are what sells the vehicle. There is a lockable "trunk" hidden in the truck bed. There is a drain hole so you could fill it with ice and beverages for tailgating, etc. The bed is 4 wide so it can accommodate a 4x8 sheet of ply or drywall. I havent attempted that yet but the bed is flat (no wheel wells) so I believe it. There are also several tie-downs located inside the bed. The back seat can be pulled upward and latched creating a large cargo area there. Stuff can be stowed under the back seat while it is down also. I love the storage area between the two front seats. It is very large and can fit a small to medium purse. The truck drives like an SUV or even a car. Very quiet and easy to drive. Very nice vehicle. Reliability and other aspects of longer term vehicle ownership are yet to be determined so I rated them a 4.

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  If only the tailgate locked - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By owner - August 23 - 7:20 pm

  Dealer wrapped a tonneau cover into my purchase which would have been great if the tailgate locked. I carry items that do not fit into the trunk and must be locked. My salesman assured me the tailgate would lock. not so. We are working on a fix. Other than that I love this truck. I call it a cluck for chick truck or car truck. The mirrors do not retract by power. 2 complaints which honda could easily fix for probably not that much money and it would be perfect. I am coming from a bmw and this truck is much more clever and solid. It is an outstanding vehicle.

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  Nice Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Kens - August 11 - 12:53 am

  Very nice truck for Hondas first year. I put on about 3,000 miles per month and I own it now for 9 months. Everything in the truck suites my needs well. The drawback for me is I need a larger cargo area, at least 6 feet long with tailgate up. It should come standard, like with the top of the line truck, the enclosed watertight hard cargo cover. It should have running boards and fancier wheels (chromes). Other than that, I cant see anything else the truck needs unless you are gong to pull heavy things - then you will need a larger engine... Good Luck in your purchase.

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  Loved the truck hate the price - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Curt Alverson - July 2 - 12:39 am

  The truck is great. Pricey for the features you get. An RTL has a very basic radio for 37 k. For that price I expect better amenities so I passed

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  in the shop already - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By ross from texas - April 17 - 5:53 pm

  the reat strut is blown at 1100 miles, never towed, no loads, dealer told me 3- 5 days for part, and no loaner car. honda is a joke on customer satisfaction, he said the part had to be made, how do they make ridgelines on the assembly line? whats next, will the engine lock up? gas mileage is over stated, i bought it for the mileage, what a joke!

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  Great Sport Utility Midsize Truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Skip M - April 5 - 3:41 pm

  I have had my RTL-T for 6 weeks and love it! My main disappointments are the technology and interior storage compartments. Cup holders need to be like the Odyssey with flapped inserts so you can put a standard plastic water bottle in them and not have it jump out on turns and speed bumps. they are to large and have no flaps to support the smaller cups and water bottles, the door cavities are very small and shallow, water bottles will not fit in any of the door cavities/pockets and there is no holder for them in the door. there is a shallow square french fry container holder which is not good for much. the Ridgeline could have done better in using the wasted space in the 12 inch thick door its sister the Odyssey does. The 8 inch touch screen is nice but it is kluge to use the volume controls are hard to fumble with and the tuning is hard on the radio. The Garmin Nav system had 2015 maps on it and the Android OS that runs the head unit behind the 8 inch screen was from 2010 android 4.2.2 and is incompatible with google play try to use it and you get no longer supported version. So the bottom line is i really like the ride, comfort, power, MPG, utility and looks the technology leaves a lot to be desired.

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  Its What I Need and More - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By DL Paul - March 3 - 6:57 am

  I traded a 2012 RTL that I liked a lot and the 2017 is a step up. Most of the negatives of the previous generation Ridgeline have been addressed, Here goes the pluses: 1)The MPG is great, first tank of HWY driving I averaged 27. 2)The quiet of the cab is impressive, better than most cars. 3)The seats are all day comfortable and 4)the ride is serene. 5)It goes straight down the road. 6)It is much quicker than my 2012, much. So, it is a home run, but a few things keep it from being a grand slam. Here goes my reasoning: 1)Why no Michelin tires? Firestone Destinations are just OK. 2)The armrests are small and cheap looking. For the price there should be an 3)electric rear window, 4)sunroof and 5)presets for two drivers. 6)Plus the dull black trim between the front and back windows beg for chrome trim to match the rest of the window trim. The styling is a "beauty is in the eyes of the beholder issue" so Ill not add my opinion, but the San Marino red color would make it pop.

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  Surprise - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By carlos ugarte - February 8 - 6:51 am

  I was interested in seeing this vehicle but was intent on buying another SUV. I was not quite convinced about the outward appearance- it looks a little homely. But once you get behind the wheel it really shines. Very comfortable, plenty of power and all the technology I really need. I need a truck every now and then. They can be very convenient but my main driving could be handled by any car. This vehicle drives like a car but has the ability to be a light truck. Perfect for me. I have read about the cumbersome technology package but I have had no problem. The nav system is much better than my previous 2006 Nissan murano. Links easily to my Iphone. I like Apple Car play. I have had it now for 2 months and the looks is growing on me. Not a single mechanical problem.