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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  2007 Ridgeline - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By PeterD - May 21 - 2:09 pm

  This is our second Honda. Wife has an 03 Pilot. Like all Hondas the quality, design and engineering are top notch. I am 68" and 300 lbs. Being comfortable is not easy in most cars or trucks. The Ridgeline is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned. Handles better than most cars. Independent suspension and long wheelbase make long highway cruises fun. Highway driving at 75-80 mph I get 22 mpg.

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  Great truck, ready to go out of the box - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Old man Bryan - May 17 - 2:27 am

  I love all the fun things with this truck, but there are some down sides. Turning radius is not good. Headlight switch gets turned on when getting out at times (at your left knee). No bluetooth with nav. Some good things are I pull my ski boat (3000 lb) with no problems. In fact the truck handles great with a trailer behind it. The ride is very good. Stock sound system is good. Dash has a great looking display. Back seats fold up to make lots of room in the back.

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  My first truck drives like a car - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By STEVE - May 14 - 10:02 pm

  I traded in my 2003 Infinity G35 sedan for the deluxe Ridgeline. While the interior design doesnt measure up to the Infinity it sure beats the pants off all other trucks I checked out. The charcoal grey metalic is the best color option. The only beef I have with the exterior is the omission of side door protectors and rails, both after market or dealer added options. I get 17 city/highway and 20 highway MPG with regular unleaded, not bad for a 4600lb truck! I also added an after market bed protector and under rear seat mat. I might add that there is planty of storage in the cab including a huge space between the front seats.

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  A truck for the rest of us - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By Byron Buck - May 12 - 4:30 am

  If you have modest towing needs and value safety, comfort and efficiency in a mid sized Truck, look no further.

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  Road trip - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By KWRT - May 11 - 4:30 am

  I just got back from a week long vacation, driving from Iowa to Dauphin island, AL. The total miles over 1600 miles and 20+ hours in the truck. I will say that after being in the seat that long I have no issues. The sit itself is firm, not too soft and not too hard; after driving for 12 hours straight in one stretch, no aches or pains. On the dash board it said the Ridgeline was averaging 26-27.6, but I found that it overestimates, on the trip down the mpg was 23-25 going about 5 mph over the speed limit and driving back was the same. The storage was great!! The in-bed trunk was awesome and extremely useful, between my wife and my 2 year olds stuff, we still had plenty of room. The only issue I found was that the cruise control and the 8 inch screen is lack luster. The problem with the cruise control was the pause between pushing the acceleration and the truck actually going was 3-4 seconds, this is with or without the eco button on. The screen and Honda link is not easy to use. It is like Honda tried to cram to much into and trying to navigate it is not intuitive. The drive of the Ridgeline is very smooth and it seems to just glide on the road. My wife is hearing impaired and with the very quiet cabin, we were able to have conversation, without me yelling over the road noise. I am quiet happy with the truck so far.

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  Nothing is perfect, but Honda is close. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Kevin Krueger - May 5 - 11:26 pm

  Owned this vehicle for a year, use it for work pulling a trailer. Fantastic. I think the mileage is reasonable for an AWD truck. I average 16 city/20-21 hwy and about 14-15 when pulling a trailer, and it pulls a trailer sweet. Thanks Honda.

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  2007 Ridgeline - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Bill - April 30 - 10:56 pm

  This is my 3rd Honda, and wont be my last. The Ridgeline is typical Honda for creature comfort and practicality. Those that need the hauling/towing capability of a full size truck need not apply, but for those of us that only occassionally need the usefullness of a truck are quite happy with the Ridgeline. I didnt buy this vehicle to do heavy towing or off-roading, but to do the everyday things like going to/from work, running to Home Depot, picking up some groceries, carting the kids to practice, etc. It is very comfortable for me at 64". The exterior appearance is a bit unusual, but nothings perfect. Dependability? Theres a reason Honda doesnt offer roadside assistance!

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  Love my new Honda - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dave - April 26 - 11:09 pm

  I just traded my 04 F-150 Lariat for the RTL and it is every bit the vehicle the Ford was and more. If you can stand the lower towing capacity (and most people can) this is a great vehicle. Way more refined than anything else Ive owned, its a pleasure to drive.

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  I love it! - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By spb_gaco - April 26 - 12:29 pm

  I love the Ridgeline. I came from a Ford F-150 and was a little leary about the Ridgeline at first. I am glad that I got it though. Probably the best truck Ive ever had.

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  Best truck ever. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tom - April 20 - 11:16 pm

  Traded in the Tacoma and I couldnt be happier. The Ridgeline is better in every way. More interior room, wider bed, more power-better for towing, less interior noise and the ride is soooo much smoother...oh yeah, theres a trunk! I tend to get a new vehicle every other year and this is by far my favorite of any car or truck I have ever owned.