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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  I love it!! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By happyridgeowner - May 16 - 8:53 am

  I couldnt be happier with my Ridgeline. I wasnt expecting "great" gas mileage. NO truck will give you that. But it is better than most. But the comfort, sound system, and general quality was way above the competition. With all the magazines saying it was their choice for Truck of the Year I knew I couldnt go wrong. The week after I got mine Consumer Reports comes out and makes it their Truck of choice. If you want a farm truck forget it. But if you want a middle duty truck and comfort you cant beat it.......period..........

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  Could use some improvements - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By AB Minnesota - May 15 - 1:55 pm

  This truck has been a good solid vehicle for me. Its handled better in the snow and ice than any other car that Ive owned. The interior is spacious and the trunk is a unique touch that Ive utilized quite a bit. There are two downfalls that Ive experienced with this truck however: gas mileage and road noise. Ive experienced dramatic swings in gas mileage once the temperature gets below 30 degrees. Im not sure why, but my average mpg drops from 20 to 17. I had a mechanic check the tire psi and all of the filters, but it came back inconclusive. Additionally, this is one of the noisiest vehicles that Ive owned as well. Once I reach 50 mph or so, the wind and tire noise is too much.

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  35K and still Great - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Spylake - May 12 - 11:35 am

  Not a reel truck? So what. It does what most owners need with more comfort, safety and refinement than any pick-up Ive ever driven. 30 sheets of plywood laid flat? No problem. Bales of hay? NP. 1,500 lbs of concrete? NP. 40 sacks of fertilizer or horse feed? NP. Towing a 26 foot Catalina 250 (sailboat). NP. Commuting 3 kids to school, rowing etc. NP. Taking a family of five on vacation with all the toys they need. NP. REAL truck owners are just jealous of our trunk, independent suspension, squeak and rattle free interior and reliability.

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  Great overall truck! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Soua - May 12 - 8:52 am

  After doing a lot of research for the last 6 months all avenues lead me back to the Honda Ridgeline. To me, the Black Edition looks the best of all the available models. I did add the hard tonneau cover, black rugged side steps, and CD player. The cover and the side steps really completes the look of the Black Edition. It looks very sporty. I have only had the truck for about a three weeks but so far I have been really happy with the purchase. Compare to my company Tacoma and S-10, the Ridgeline is a dream in difference. The Ridgeline rides very nice without jarring around over bumps like a typical truck. It rides about as smooth and almost as quiet as my Mercedes GLC. The truck has great pick up when you step on it and the 6 speed transmission does not feel like its hunting for the correct gear. I cannot say how it performs in the snow as this has been a very mild winter. The Black Edition and the RTL-E both comes with more bells and whistles than I know how to use and I am a very techie guy. It has tons of safety features such as lane departure, blind spot monitoring, back-up camera with cross traffic sensors, and adaptive cruise control. For what I use the truck for the Ridgeline fills all my needs. I do not haul or tow for a living and I am not a mudder/off-roader. My main needs are driving to visit family, weekend household hauling, and towing my fishing boat.

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  Ridgeline hits the mark on the re-design. - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Scott - May 8 - 11:53 am

  Know exactly what you want as far as infotainment options; as they are different on every level. Im a Silverado old-school guy, so the RTL is perfect for me. However, some options that are desirable (i.e.) XM radio and/or CD player, you will be forced to go up 1 level just for that. Leather seats are much more comfortable than the cloth. Drive train and layout are the same on all. I was impressed enough to give up my newer Silverado for this more manageable and comfortable truck. Access to the bed on 3 sides is unmatched. I have driven a UPS truck for 23 yeas, so I know what a rough ride is. 5k towing is adequate for my Harley. If you desire a full size bed or want to pull a house off its foundation, This isnt your truck. The Ridgeline is a combo of luxury car with a bed that fits 4x8 plywood. Was never a big fan of the previous models. This one caught my eye. Fun to drive and no ladder needed to enter the cab or bed. 4 wheel independent suspension and the AWD system are very refined. Visibility is very good. The icing on the cake is being designed, manufactured, and built in Alabama. Gm trucks contain at least 40% parts made south of the border as stated on the door sticker. I am happier keeping those folks in Alabama working an earning a living.

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  I love my Ridgeline! - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Soundman - May 2 - 11:03 am

  I bought my 07 Honda Ridgeline used with only 7K miles on it and it was 1 year old from date of purchase. I have driven all wheel drive vehicles before and this is the most all the time sure footed drive I have ever experienced. I couldnt go back to a 2 wheel drive vehicle again. I was driving a new Honda Element and hated it so I traded it for the Ridgeline. If you need a truck every once in a while but like the SUV all wheel drive handling then buy a Ridgeline.

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  HondaLover - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By HondaLover - May 1 - 7:55 pm

  Whats not to love about this truck? When you price a Tacoma 4 door and see that you can buy a 4wd Honda, well thats a no brainer. The ride is so much better than a Ford, Toyota, Chev. Its a truck that will last almost forever. Comfortable driving, easy access/egress, transmission is very smooth. Getting groceries and just placing them in the storage container in the bed, have something leak, no problem, just pull the plug and hose it out. I love the way the back seats fold out of the way. There is tons and tons of room for for vacation. Find an antique, no problem. Love to garden, well this truck is like a best friend (never let you down). Bottom line, this is the most truck for the money.

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  Not That Impressed - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Darryl - April 30 - 3:40 am

  This was my first time ever buying (leasing) a import vehicle and so far I have not been that impressed. The Performance is good and it is fun to drive. Driving it in the snow is like a dream. It also tows my medium sized tent trailer very well but that is where the good stuff ends. I find the front seats are not comfortable on long drives and my back ends up very sore. My truck has been to two different dealerships a total of 7 times for tailgate issues and the problem is still not fixed correctly. After a year, the driver door seal wore out and had to be replaced. The paint is very soft and scratches very easily so I do not recommend a dark color (mine is a dark red).

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  So versatile - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By greenstarfish20 - April 28 - 3:58 pm

  I looked at the Tacoma, but didnt like the pricing (had to add a whole package just to get keyless entry, another package to get tow wiring, etc). The Ridgeline has it all, standard. I really like the trunk and the way the rear seats flip up for storage. There are many small intelligent things: the heater doesnt blow cold air on you (it waits until the car has warmed up before blowing any air), the drivers window has auto-down AND auto-up, you can lower all four windows with the key fob (great for airing out hot air), and the car gives you your real-time mpg as you drive. Its fun, well-designed, and with Honda reliability too.

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  Honda convert from Dodge Dakota Quad 4x4 - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By SE MN Ridgeline RTL - April 25 - 6:15 pm

  Aquired the 09 Ridgeline RTL to replace 02 Dodge Dakota Quad 4x4 with 110K. I really like the Ridgeline and enjoy driving it each day. Solid build, minimal windnoise, even on windy days. Love the trunk! The seating and build is is better than the Dakota. Added an A.R.E. Z-series Cap for ~$2000, fit is okay, but these are not meant to be easily taken off and put back on like most fiberglass caps/toppers. Need to consider if you hall large objects now and then.