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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  My 2013 Honda Sport Review - 2013 Honda Ridgeline
  By Roy Higgins - May 10 - 7:00 pm

  I highly recommend getting a bed cover. It will help with the mileage. Only other complaint is that the radio reception seems worse that most cars. I love all the storage. You give up some getting a four door short bed, but the truck (under the bed) is huge. I was able to put a table saw in it with plenty of room. The fold up rear seats are great too.

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  comfortable, roomy, but god, that whine!!! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By David ONeill - April 20 - 3:43 pm

  I have the Firestone tires that appear to be the cause of a subtle high pitched whine. I love the truck and Im enjoying the ride but beware of the road noise.

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  5 months in my Honda Ridgeline RTLNAV - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jeff Skimel - March 3 - 3:03 am

  I drove a Lexus RX300 for 5 years and we needed a new primary vehicle. I always wanted but never had means of hauling light payloads, such as plywood, furniture, etc. I wanted a rugged vehicle, my wife still wanted comfort and goodies like the Lexus. We both like SUVs. The ridgeleine was the answer; combined all we want and need into one vehicle. I love this truck. The lockable truck is beyond useful- the composite bed is a good quality feature. The NAV system is great and has already saved me time- very reliable. The rear cabin is spacious according to passengers. The drive is responsive, peppy, and fun, albeit a little bumpy on bad roads. I recommend the truck- we parked the lexus.

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  noisy - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By mossy - February 12 - 2:26 am

  Has been in shop twice for whistle noise and still makes the "Honda Whistle" at moderate speeds. Tire noise on some roads extremely loud.

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  Pickup for part-time needs - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By OLDSE - December 23 - 5:50 pm

  This is the best quality vehicle I have ever owned. The bed is just what I need for occasional use and the ability to lay a sheet of plywood down in the bed was a big factor in my purchase decision. I play a lot of golf and the in bed truck works well for clubs and a pull cart. The cab hauls four of us to the golf course and back with ease and comfort. You can also hold a normal conversation with people in the front seat or back. All the friends who have driven it love the handling qualities and are satified with the power although I think it needs a little more. I would recommend it to anyone needing a light to moderate duty pickup. It is NOT an off-road vehicle.

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  alot of truck for a high price - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By james - July 2 - 11:06 am

  The new Honda truck is a very nice truck, but I feel it`s too much money for what you get, You can still get a truck at 80% of a Honda in a Ford 150 at about 10,000- less when ford is on sale. Honda needs to compete. On the truck, it needs more leg room in rear, also the gauges are tilted away from you behind the wheel, that has to change, and for sure you will pull out your back when you try to get something out of that back trunk,you have to lean over the tail gate. And the radio set up is very blah. But the seats and truck looks are very nice.