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:

• 

  Excellent truck. - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By bubba smith - March 16 - 1:49 am

  The 2017 design is much improved over the earlier Ridgelines. So far, highway gas mileage is better than 30 mpg. However, city mileage is around 16.5 mpg. Overall the average mpg meets the sticker numbers. The big improvement is how quiet this truck is! I love it. The RTL-E is really loaded with goodies, with excellent safety improvements. Really glad I bought one. Not crazy about the turning radius - hard to pull in to a lot of parking spots without backing up to get centered. The original horn was so anemic so I got another one installed - a two-town real truck horn instead of a "meep, meep" kind of noise. I wish the back doors would open even 3" wider. Im averaging 21.3 mpg overall, which is a big plus. I have gotten a number of compliments on the truck. I am really enjoying this truck.

• 

  Cant beat it - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By thebigv21 - March 11 - 10:23 am

  I have owned practically everything over the last few years, not being able to be satisfied. I owned trucks (Frontier, Tacoma), cars (Forester, Matrix), and have finally settled on a Ridgeline. I chose the base model and is has plenty of equipment. I am one who likes vehicles loaded. This one is not loaded, but for a truck is equipped well enough for me. The ride is the best part. It rides like a car and is extremely quiet inside. My wife loves it in the snow. We had some snow in PA and she bragged about how she was in the passing lane while 4X4 full sized trucks were fishtailing in the slow lane. I chose the base model to try it. Now that I have one, the next time, I will go up.

• 

  My first Honda, and what a truck! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By John Molinatto - February 26 - 8:56 pm

  This vehicle is amazing! When I drove it off the lot, I didnt want to stop driving it. It has everything that I was looking for in a truck. A ride that is unbelievably quiet and smooth, controls that are easily accessed, great fuel economy for a q-cab 4x4. I keep saying wow everytime that I drive it and I can tell that its a feeling that I will continue to experience every time that I hop in and turn the key.

• 

  Stellar Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By happy with my truck - February 22 - 5:10 am

  I love this truck. The ride is better than any truck out there. Smooth and quiet. Off road handling is most impressive. Handles deep sand with ease. Love the flexible storage through out the vehicle. The interior is very classy in leather. The drivers seat is very comfortable. I feel like Ive arrived in this truck.

• 

  Enjoying it - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By daiverson - February 22 - 12:20 am

  I first looked at this truck when exploring which vehicle to buy to last the longest and be thI first looked at this truck when exploring which vehicle to buy to last the longest and be the most versatile. Anecdotal evidence from Honda owners and mechanics led me to rely on the brand for longevity. A truck seemed the likely choice but I had been driving a Sedan Deville – so I needed the big car features of a family car that I was used to. The Ridgeline was therefore the perfect choice and at a reasonable price. So far the gas mileage isn’t as good as my old Deville but its getting better..

• 

  Love my Ridge - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By LD - February 14 - 12:18 pm

  Its the perfect vehicle, its fun, rugged, roomy, luxurious, versitle, comfy, and reliable. What more could you ask of a midsize truck? It also has a class leading payload of 1550.lbs, it can tow 5000.lbs w/500lb toung. Im sold on the Ridgeline for life. The engine, transmission and drivetrain are as refined as they come. No vibration, shifts are silky smooth which you rarely feel. The only time I will get rid of my Ridge is when they redesign it with a V-8. A lot of people out there are really missing out on a great truck. If youre in the market for a midsize truck dont follow the sterio types opinions of what a truck should be you be the judge and test drive it, you will love it

• 

  Gas Mileage - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Emaas - February 14 - 4:56 am

  Overall a great truck. Im a contractor, home inspector and it works great for what I do. I have over 6K miles on the truck and I havent see any thing close the 16-21 gas mileage ratings.

• 

  Great Truck ! - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By B Chase - February 13 - 10:09 am

  Use the truck to pull recreational vehicles. Works great. Drives like a nice car on the freeways. Has many great features in the interior and exterior. Best all around vehicle i have ever had !

• 

  Wow, I love my Toyota - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Rbrss - February 10 - 3:50 pm

  I am a die hard toyota gal. I am so disappointed in Toyota what they did to the tacoma. BUT! Once I saw what the 06 Ridgeline had, I was sold after a 10 minute test drive. What a machine. Bought the extended warranty too. I keep my vehicles anywhere from 7 to 13 years. I need dependablity and comfort. The lumbar is wonderful for bad backs. Not crazy about where the cruise button is. Down under the console. But so far that is my only complaint. I think the get and go is fine, I have always driven either a diesel or 4 cyl. AGAIN, my husband was right! I hate that too!

• 

  Next to my Lexus, the best vehicle Ive owned - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ken - February 4 - 8:52 pm

  My new Ridgeline RTL-E is everything I hoped for and expected it to be. Very comfortable, smooth quiet ride (almost as good as my Lexus RX-350). Great safety features such as Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Parking Sensors, etc. Excellent sound system (the RTL-E features the upgraded sound system and 8" touch-screen infotainment system). Navigation system is easy to use. I especially like the voice activated commands for the Navigation and other systems. Storage under the rear seats is really nice as well as the in-bed trunk. The dual action tailgate (opens down as a traditional tailgate and swings open like a door) is very handy. As other owners have noted I wish the tailgate locked, especially since I plan to get the Honda tonneau cover. Overall this is one excellent vehicle!