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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  Mid-Sized Have It All Truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Allan - July 31 - 3:11 am

  Traded in my 2016 Tacoma TRD-Offroad, Double-Cab, Long-Bed truck to get the new Ridgeline. I was forced to down-size after moving across the country to a house with a crowded garage. My F150 just barely fit in our garage and leaving it outside isnt an option due to the brutal sun and hail storms of Colorado. I had to choose between the Tacoma and the Colorado truck when I down-sized at the time. Definitely wasnt thrilled with either option, but the Tacoma edged-out the Colorado. My Tacoma (and the Colorado) have lack-luster acceleration. Driving the Tacoma to work and back on not-so-wonderful roads was punishing at times. Sure the Tacoma is a great off-road vehicle, but it needs much better manners to be a daily driver. I could go on about the Tacoma, but Ill stop here. The 2017 Ridgeline I was a little skeptical about, but I was really wanting to find a better mid-sized truck option. When the Ridgeline was available in my area for a test drive I had to try it out. My wife had a 2013 Honda Pilot that we really liked and I knew this new truck had the latest version of the engine from the Pilot. Wow! What a difference! Smooth, quiet, powerful, and much roomier inside the cabin. My son couldnt sit in the back of my Tacoma as his head would be touching the roof of the cab. The Ridgeline has plenty of head room for my son and in spite of the really cool stadium rear seating in the Ridgeline, he still has inches of head room to spare. The Ridgeline has already delivered as high as 30MPG for me on the highway and I can average 25-26MPG in mixed driving (I do use the ECON mode about half the time). The lowest Ive seen it get while driving in the mountains was a tad over 22MPG. This is using the lower octane gas (85). The ride is smooth, just a little stiffer than our Pilot due to have a suspension more suitable for a truck. The handling is awesome. The AWD and suspension made it a fun vehicle to drive on the twisty mountain roads. In fact, the AWD is full-time torque-vectoring, very much like what you would get in a Subaru. Before looking into the Ridgeline, I assumed it would be FWD by default and then the rear wheels kick-in when needed, but not so... We will be pulling a camping trailer later with the Ridgeline (probably one that weighs around 3200lbs as the max towing capacity is 5000lbs, also a trailer brake controller will be installed on the Ridgeline) and I will report on how that goes. The only thing about the Ridgeline that I find a little annoying is that the brake peddle is a little mushier than what Im used to. BTW...this truck is fast and highly responsive!

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  Wishful Thinking..... - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By Rockford 1963 - July 29 - 4:03 am

  Have been researching all of the new trucks available and have test driven just about all of them. Read numerous reviews and continue to dig deeper into all available info on the new 2nd generation Ridgeline. I own an older Tacoma and regardless of all of the comparisons, I am drawn to the new Ridgeline. Only one obstacle standing in the way at this point-have to sell my current ride in order to get into my Ridgeline. Patience required as I havent gotten a lot of bites so far. Its just a matter of time until I own my Ridgeline.....

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  My first Honda - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By RJ146 - July 27 - 10:06 am

  I thoroughly researched this vehicle prior to purchase and it sounded perfect for me, my previous vehicle was an 05 Colorado crew cab. I generally use the vehicle for commuting and occasionally use the bed for homeowner chores. This vehicle was well thought out, everything functions as it was intended and every square inch of this vehicle is used to its potential. The ride is quiet and comfortable and the overall feel of the vehicle is solid. As far as looks go, I opted for the Formal Black with the optional chrome wheels and I must say that this is a mean looking truck. I couldnt be happier.

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  So far its everything I needed. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By P-Bear - July 21 - 3:03 am

  Growing up with pick-up trucks on our farm, I have first hand knowledge of what the traditional truck is supposed to handle. The problem is, I dont haul cattle, horses, or feed anymore and the concrete highways here are a bit smoother than the West Texas farm land I grew up on. That being said, my Ridgeline is a multi-purpose vehicle that handles everything that my family needs at this time. Reliability, seating, room, pick-up a yard or two of soil for our yard, haul hardware for the house, etc, etc. And the driving experience is just remarkable. I understand what the traditional truck is supposed to do and they do it extremely well, but for what I need, this "truck" nails it!

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  Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By psdir - July 15 - 2:56 pm

  Traded up from a 2004 Pilot and was pleased with the power and performance of the Ridgeline. The vehicle has over 18K miles on it and has not had one mechanical repair. The Ridgeline has a smooth shifting 5 speed automatic with plenty of power to pull a trailer, carry a load or just to pass a slower moving vehicle. Everything works perfectly. The gas mileage is a consistant 21 mpg which is reasonable using 87 octane fuel. It has high ground clearance with no real blindspots. Constantly get compliments on it. I would recommend the Ridgeline to everyone.

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  My 2007 RTL - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Chris - July 14 - 12:31 am

  I just love this truck. I am a female that sold my BMW in order to buy this truck. It handles like a luxury car, no cabin noise, very smooth ride, its great to be able to go shopping and stow all your purchases in the trunk, completely out of sight. I also haul chicken feed, hay, straw and groceries. I would not trade this truck for anything. It is very stable on the road during bad weather, rain, snow. I feel very safe in it and it has handled everything Ive put it through I would definitely recommend this truck to females who desire a working truck with great cabin features that dont want the mini van look or feel.

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  Best truck on the market - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By MJM - June 29 - 10:51 pm

  By far the best truck Ive ever owned. Fun to drive and handles like a car, but is built and hauls like a truck. Excellent in snow (live in Minnesota).

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  31,000 and amazed at the quality - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Weekend Warrior - June 28 - 12:29 am

  The navigation system is cool. The trim is polarizing, just like the body. Either you like it or not. But having never been a Honda owner before, I cannot believe that for a first try, Honda could have almost nailed it. At every turn, Im impressed. Driving impressions are superior, thoughtful storage and utility abound. The technology is Acura quality, and the safety is second to none. No, it wont haul a small country, but most people dont. When used for what most people use it for, it has enough command of the road or the trails to feel convicted about the build, the utility, and the quality to get you there and back, whether its work, camping, or snowboarding...it can do it very well

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  2006 Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ft. Wayne Indiana - June 26 - 1:26 pm

  So far so good with a recent purchase of the Honda ridgline. The vehicle handles and drives well. I recently towed a large boat with it and it handled it like a champ. Very well engineered. Kudos to Honda.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By jmtip - June 25 - 6:00 pm

  This truck is more of a gentlemans truck where the ride and the handling are far superior to the Chevy truck and the Yukon that I had previously. The interior fit and finish are excellent and the brakes are better than most cars. I have pulled trailers and it does this with ease. If you want a heavy duty work truck, this vehicle may not be for you, but if want a great safe everyday driver this is the truck. By the way, my son is 6 3" and he can ride in comfort in the back seat. I would buy the Ridgeline again.