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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  Improvements to previous generation are spot on - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By A.Kuffner - February 3 - 9:06 am

  I previously owned the 2007 version of this truck. When I purchased that truck in 2012 I paid 19K and I sold it for 10K (4 years later) after putting 65K miles on it. That is an amazingly low annual cost. I had absolutely no issues with the previous version. Needless to say, I put a lot of miles on my car and I wanted better gas mileage and something I knew would last me a long time so I looked at the new version. I also loved the versatility of the Ridgeline and the very good road manners. The improvements are perfect. I absolutely love the option to turn off a few cylinders and go into "eco" mode. I even got 30 MPG wile taking a road trip! My average over the first 2200 miles has been a very respectable 23 MPG. I love the technology and all the bells and whistles, which is why I opted for the Black Edition. So far, I have appreciated the lane departure and front collision warning, but I am still getting used to the beeping when I get close to things. One benefit of the beeping is that when someone walks in front of your car while you are stopped but looking the other way, you hear it! My kids have loved the Apple Carplay and completely taken over the music which sounds incredible in this truck. They also love the truck-bed audio system and controlling it from their phone through bluetooth. I thought I would miss the CD player, but I discovered that I can put a bunch of mp3 files on a memory stick and it will play it. My biggest compliment to this new version is the ride comfort and quality. Clearly Honda made very significant improvements to the sound dampening because it is very quiet in the cabin even at freeway speeds. Everything feels quicker and more nimble. The engine has lots of power especially when eco mode is off. I have not towed anything yet with this new one, but I did completely fill the bed and the interior and while the suspension felt a little softer, it was still very secure. The previous version was very solid towing (it felt like a full sized SUV towing) The headlights are amazing, I can see things clearly at night. I was also so amazed when the brights turned off automatically when I was driving on a country road at night and there was an oncoming car. Yes, the controls for the touchscreen take a little while to get used to, but I actually appreciated that some of the features and settings were limited to when I was not driving so as to not distract the driver. Now that I am used to them I appreciate them, but I do think a physical lever or button for sound would be nice beyond the steering wheel controls. I really like the red accents and lighting but in all honesty, I was disappointed that in this top of the line black edition the red lighting was only in the front seat-wells and door handles and there were none for the back seats. The interior has good quality and soft materials. I did notice that the access to the back seats through the doors is a little less on this new model. Not a big deal but getting bigger things into the back seat is a little more challenging. I really like the new exterior styling, very sleek. While not an overly rugged looking truck, it appeals to me because it looks sophisticated and at home in the city which is where I do the majority of my driving. I do not consider myself an off-roader but I did take this new truck out on the beach and tested out the "sand mode" and it performed with flying colors. My previous version was simply stunning in the snow so I expect the same with this generation. No deals to be had at the dealership, at least not yet while demand is high and inventory is low. I had to drive an hour and a half away to find a dealership with this one in stock. Overall, I believe that Honda took the best parts of the Ridgeline (ride quality, performance, versatility, features) and improved each one significantly. They also fixed my biggest complaint with the previous version (16 mpg average in mixed driving). I also fit the demographic Honda was targeting very well: mostly city driver, rarely tows/hauls/offroads but wants the versatility only a truck can provide while also wanting the comfort of an SUV. Bingo!

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  What an amazing truck!! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By jim - January 14 - 12:06 pm

  How does Ford, Chevy, Dodge, etc. still sell any trucks? I find it hard to believe. I have had them all and this Ridgeline is by far the best of the group. It can only tow about 6000 pounds, but that is not my primary use. It has been getting 21-22 hwy, 18ish mixed and 15-17 around town in pure stop-go traffic. Every time I drive it, I like it even more. The things they think of and incorporated in this vehicle are amazing. I wondered in the beginning why they made some things the way they did, and over time, everything makes perfect sense. The 4x4 system and stability control are second to none, it rides like a car and it is Honda quality. Enough said. Highly recommended

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  2008 Honda Ridgeline RTL w/ Navigation - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By ssoelter - January 14 - 10:02 am

  I read lots of reviews before deciding what I would buy to retire my 03 Tahoe Z71. I wanted a SUV or truck that has 4WD/AWD, that is more fuel efficient than the Tahoe and priced closer to $30K than $40K. In the end, the vehicle that fit me (6-4")and my criteria best was the Ridgeline. Now that Ive had it for a couple of weeks I am confused with the two most common complaints that I read during my pre- purchase research - gas mileage and power. To the issue of gas mileage, it compares very well with every other 6 cylinder powered vehicle out there. As to power, it is very capable in town and on the highway, but again, its a 6. In the end, the Ridgeline is great at being what it is.

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  The swiss army knife vehicle - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By jlan - January 8 - 1:56 pm

  Sure this is not all truck, but if you commute that is good. It gives you some of the things a truck has while keeping all of the things to love about a car. First unlike most trucks you still get a trunk. Second the interior, because of Hondas flat floor design fits 5 people better than a Toyota Camry. Then there is the fact that you get all wheel drive. So while the big rear wheel drive trucks are sliding around in the snow the Ridgeline hugs the road. I live in a marine community and 5000lbs towing is enough for pulling boats. So no it is not totally a truck, which is great.

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  Nice weekend warrior vehicle - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Rich - January 1 - 4:18 pm

  I have not owned this vehicle long and I love it. The first day I drove it was during a snow storm and it handled very well. The interior is well done, steering feels tight and I now have plenty of room in the back to haul my ATV. If you are looking for a truck, but dont want to suffer with the gas mileage a full size truck gets, then this makes for a nice alternative.

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  I love it - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By scottsdale - January 1 - 5:46 am

  I bought to replace the hauling capacity of a surburban and the passenger use of a GMC van. Of course not as large as the Safari van, but what a vehicle. Looks good, rides like a car and I got a good price.

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  IT WAS WORTH WAITING FOR - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Douglas - December 23 - 1:27 am

  It is as simple as this, if you need to tow more than 5,000 lbs or like to off road then buy another vehicle. In the truck talk around RV campsites it beats ALL the competition in the rest of the needs hands down. Compare the ride and it is a no-brainer. Also, if you are older and like climbing a ladder to get into the vehicle then dont buy it. Entry into the vehicle is simply open the door and sit down ! !

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  2007 Honda RidgeLine - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Truck Guy - December 3 - 10:56 pm

  I have had my 2007 Honda RidgeLine for over a year now and put on close to 19k miles on it. I am extremely pleased with the performance, quality, ride, comfort and extensive flexibility this truck has to offer. Once again Honda has proven that it stands for very high quality and thus its reputation as one of the most reliable and innovative auto manufacturers in the world.

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  Happy Owner - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By jack gleason - December 1 - 3:16 pm

  Just took delivery last week and could not be more pleased. Was planning to buy a sports car...drove the new Corvette, Boxter, and a two year old 911, as well as a Lexus 430SC. Also rented a new f-150 in October so new what a truck was like to drive. In the end, I went back to Honda and took a second look. I am so glad I did. This is the thinking mans truck for those who want a car/suv/truck but can only get one. The sports cars were nice, but sometimes I have more than a duffle bag to take along. This is one sweet ride. I am a happy owner. Try it, but only if you want to be sold.

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  Great planning - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mike - November 23 - 11:20 pm

  Just gave my wife my 05 pilot and bought the Ridgeline. This is also first truck I have owned. After seeing and driving it, I was taken by car like ride and Honda quality. Creative engineering, such as amazing room, teriffic options, trunk in truck bed, and outstanding sound system. This is my fourth Honda and I will keep buying as long as they continue to get it right!