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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  A Great truck with style - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Lenny - November 24 - 3:50 pm

  This is a great truck. It has all the features and luxury options that my Acura TL has and more. Besides it is very stylish and a pleasure to drive. It is capable of more than I will put to use; off road capable, heavy towing, etc. Honda high quality and long expected life are a plus over the competition. The gas mileage is not bad considering the size and weight of the vehicle and it takes Regular gas!

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  Vajcha - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By swelectrical1981@att.net - November 10 - 12:26 pm

  First time bayer. Excellent, quiet, silky drive, lot of space, sound system is better than great. Quality finish. Comfort beyound expectation. Ton of electronics, navigation and working. Acceleration is fantastic. Extra compartment outside and can be locked. Hope this toy will lust.

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  Must drive to appreciate - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By bklynboy11 - November 7 - 11:43 pm

  It is a fantastic driving vehicle giving you a feeling of size, power and great handling as well as ample accelaration when needed. You feel like you are driving a large comfortable SUV rather than a bouncy pickup.I also own an Odyssey and the cab space of the two is almost identical. I have two car seats in the back and the kids really enjoy the ride(5 & 3)especially when I open the roof and rear window!!

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  Jims - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jim Kirkman - October 29 - 11:27 am

  Great vehicle. Everything I wanted and more. Honda quality!

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  An SUV that hauls - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Kathryn Watts - October 28 - 3:01 am

  Am in love with the 10 way driver seat with the lumbar support and the adjustable arm rest. This should fit any driver. Was looking for an SUV that was comfortable for 4 adults that would pull a lightweight trailer. This will do that, plus I can haul gardening supplies or camping gear in the back without trashing the inside. It handles like an SUV, the best turning radius of any truck I ever owned. Love the locking huge trunk under the bed. I think its very attractive and I cant wait to take my first road trip.

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  I love my truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By D Cox - October 23 - 9:23 pm

  My new truck is a perfect mix of a SUV and a truck. Loads fo room in the back seat and a great trunk in the bed. Im very happy with it.

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  2018 Black Edition Honda Ridgeline - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By bcomer - October 17 - 10:16 pm

  Love it all around.

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  Just the Right Truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ed Sanford - October 15 - 9:13 pm

  I was looking for the right truck. I was frankly partial to the F150. When I really checked it out, it was too big. The Honda Ridgeline is perfect for me. It is a truck that drives like the Accord. It holds the road and is comfortable- no big vehicle sway. It has plenty of power and very driveable. The bed is rugged and comes lined. Also, there is a hatch in the bed that opens to a trunk that is lighted. There are stadium style rear seats with plenty of room. It has a Garmin GPS which is far more accurate than those that come with cars. For me, the only downside is that it doesnt have memory for the drivers seat position.

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  Buy it! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By DC - October 12 - 6:49 am

  Great truck for people who have treated there cars like trucks for years. The trunk feature in the truck bed is great. All around great truck.

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  Old man that wanted a comfortable pickup - 2013 Honda Ridgeline
  By charles johnson - September 18 - 5:48 pm

  I have only had the vehicle a short time, but I love it. This is my first Honda.