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 this car! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By ken guiles - October 29 - 3:53 am

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  Love the Ridgeline - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Deron Bender - October 27 - 12:22 pm

  Never consider myself a "truck-guy" but now I dont think I could consider driving something other than the Ridgeline type truck/SUV/car. I consider the outside looks a blend of a truck and SUV but it really drives like a car. I use the truck bed way more than I could have imagined but it still never feels like Im driving a truck. It feels better than my wifes Lexus 470 and thats no knock on the 470. The bottom line is the inside feels like an SUV, the back is enough of a truck for what 90% of us need when hauling things and it drives like a solid car...couldnt be happier!

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  its wide! Wider than my Tacoma - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By chris - October 26 - 5:49 pm

  Its really wide compared to Tacoma. I needed a truck to be more compact for historic city driving and parking and I was more focused on the length than thinking of the width when I bought it. Now that I have it, I realize that the extra few inches make a big difference. While it adds to comfort, it makes driving narrow streets and parking more difficult. Also with all that width it would seem like honda could have fit more storage nooks into the rear door panels. Overall its a nice truck and has a great ride and I was suprised at how fast it accelerates compared to tacoma. While I got the highest trim level, Im disappointed in some of the material quality (although I also own 2 BMWs and an Acura - so i may be a little spoiled by them). Another complaint is the arm rest set up - I miss a full size console.

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  A truck that keeps you man-hood in tact - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Baltimore Driver - October 26 - 3:22 pm

  With a family of 5 and a house to take care of, this truck does it all. 3 kids (all under 12) fit in the back with plenty of room to spare. The trunk can fit a bag of soccer balls and lawn chairs, or a full trips worth of bags from the grocery store. The bed is perfect for runs to the dump. You sit up high and feel safe. The wifes Odyssey will always be the go-to family vehicle, but having something I can tow the family and all of our bikes with, is a great thing indeed.

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  Wanted to tow my Harley in style - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Russ Kubik - October 23 - 5:47 pm

  I was looking for a compact pickup to do some light towing, some low-stress off-road stuff and Home Depot for plywood or fertilizer. This RTL is the ultimate fusion of a luxury car and a utililitarian truck. The fit/finish is impeccable. The lockable bed trunk is amazing. No more cranking down the spare from underneath the bed if you have a flat. Its on a slide out tray in the bed trunk. Easier to get to than most car spares. Interior is well thought out from cup holders to flip up rear seats which yield plenty of room for 2 yellow labs in comfort. Only knock is blind spot caused by those "wings." Other than that, well, its a Honda so you know the reliability will be there.

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  Great truck, horrible gas mileage - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By EA - October 22 - 11:26 pm

  Purchased the Ridgeline in May 07. PROS: In-bed locking trunk, good handling and great turn radius for a truck, extremely comfortable and roomy interior with extra roomy center console, decent power from V6. CONS: Horrrible gas mileage (under suggested sticker), terrible blind spots making it very hard to see to your left, right, or rear, base stereo system lacks any mids (I have heard better quality from a ham radio), seems like you have to gas it to accelerate at a decent pace. All in all, its a very good vehicle if you dont mind forking out loads of cash for gas or backup or change lanes often. Those two issues are enough to have me trading it in this week.

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  Constant noise - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By HaditwithHonda - October 18 - 10:46 am

  Overall a good vehicle. I just have a continuous noise from the "dash" area on the right side. The dealership had the truck for three weeks trying to solve the noise. They removed the windshield, tore apart the dash, passenger A pillar. Nothing worked. Regional rep came heard the noise and said "Normal for a truck. It is result of body flex." I have owned over 20 vehicles and never had this noise--even in a car you could see flex. Result is Honda will do nothing for me. Dealership I feel really tried to help.

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  Wow! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By steve - October 17 - 1:15 pm

  After 6 years with my Toyota Tacoma, I felt it was time to change. After comparing the Tacoma, Frontier and Ridgeline, I went with the Ridgeline because of the ride, comfort and storage room. All three are solid bets, depending on your need. Some say the Ridgeline is not a real truck but I have had it off road with no problems. I love this truck.

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  Honda Ridgeline RTL - love it! - 2013 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dan - October 15 - 6:33 pm

  This is the first review that I have ever written for a product but I could not resist because the Ridgeline is such an excellent vehicle. I purchased the Ridgeline used about one year ago with only 13K miles and have driven it for 15K miles. It is the first pick-up that I have owned and love it. Prior to purchasing, I did plenty of research and test drove the old and new 2017 model. In my opinion, the new 2017 model is just OK. My personal preference is the old design. Things like most: car-like ride; comfort; tons of interior storage capacity and compartments; in-bed trunk (holds two sets of golf clubs); the mid-size makes it easy to maneuver (my wife has no problem driving it); traction in the snow; easy-to-use controls (knobs and buttons vs the new touch screen); gate swings to the side (very convenient). Things where improvement could be made: has no memory seat; poor radio reception; the "on" / "off" indicator for air conditioning setting is small and difficult to read; poor compass. Extra accessories: bed cover (keeps things dry and improves gas mileage); rubber bed mat for protection; cargo net (works great for holding cargo in place). We have owned several Hondas. They are very dependable. Would highly recommend the Ridgeline.

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  Seperate yourself from the norm. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By RTLTATE - October 14 - 11:20 am

  Ive owned them all, and if you are the average consumer with the need for light duty towing and room for five men, this is the truck for you. Not too big, not too small.