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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  GREAT TRUCK - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By JAMAICA - September 17 - 8:16 pm

  This truck drives like a car. It is very easy to handle. The leg room is the greatest. A family can travel with comfort and carry all you need is the back. So far it has been great. It is too early to determine if the truck is reliable. I will have to see in the winter

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  weekend warrior - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By blue5 - September 4 - 4:26 pm

  After 200 miles of driving, I have no regrets for getting this truck. This truck has the right blend of luxury and performance for everyday driving. This is my first truck and it was made for the weekend warrior.I like the Tacoma but the ride was a little rough and interior was slightly spartan. Ridgeline is pricier but it has all the SUV features.

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  Great truck - favorite vehicle ive owned so far - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tracy Nickleson - September 3 - 7:47 am

  I love the truck. The touch screen is a little finicky sometimes, but its the most comfortable vehicle Ive owned, to date, in regards to how it hugs the road, and how it envelopes my body. Every day, I find myself looking for excuses to drive someplace.

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  Nice Truck! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By f4oXr4d - August 20 - 12:46 pm

  Nice riding truck. Love the trunk space, with the removable plug so you can spray it out. Honda always thinks of the little things.

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  Perfect for what we do - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By notsnuf - August 5 - 12:36 pm

  We purchased the vehicle for use as a work truck for Land surveying. The trunk and 4 doors are perfect for securing all of our equipment. We do not use it for severe off roading, but we do use it on muddy construction sites and in moderate off road situations. It has done everything we have asked it to do and have had no problems what so ever. We are very happy with the Ridgeline.

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  Best Mid Size Pickup - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By Richard Wood - July 23 - 12:56 pm

  This is the best mid sized pickup on the market. It drives like a sedan and has superior finish (inside and out) to competitors. I compared to Nissan, Chevy, GMC, Ford (F150), Ram, and Jeep Cherokee / Grand Cherokee. This vehicle outperforms them all and has better features and creature comforts and gas mileage by far. If you are looking for a hardcore work truck consider a full size, but if you want a very upscale vehicle with truck capabilities do yourself a favor and check out the Honda. I even comes with a trunk/cooler and stereo built into the truck bed for tailgating. This truck also has better visibility and a far smoother ride than the others. I got the top of the line Black Edition AWD and love it.

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  Best truck on the market - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By GGolds5 - July 21 - 6:46 pm

  As usual Honda thinks about every detail when they design a vehicle. Ive had Chevy, Ford, Mazda, even Toyota pickups and this truck is far superior in every way. Drives like a sports sedan and works like a truck. In freezing winter temperatures heater heats up instantly, easy to park, feels like im driving a truck half its size. Steering, breaking, excellent. Transmission feels as though it knows exactly what im thinking.Incredibly responsive. Ive had 14 new trucks in my life and this one is superior to them all. GM should be ashamed after seeing what Honda can do. Chevy trucks might be tuff but they are crude, trucky, and have many thoughless design features. Nothing better then this Honda.

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  About Time! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Aaron_trader - July 21 - 7:03 am

  Been looking for a mid-size truck with all-purpose capabilities. Almost went with Tacoma just about the time the Ridgeline hit the market, and even though its a first year model, I went with the Honda. Im counting on Honda reliability and the fact the much of the technology was taken from the Pilot and MDX. Overall, the vehicle is just want I wanted and meets or exceeds all my expectations. I would highly recommend a few accessories that help turn an otherwise unattractive vehicle into a looker: custom Honda grill, chrome bumper kit, side body moldings, custom wheels and tires. Also take off the front license plate and youll have a great looking truck with all the fantastic features.

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  2017 Ridgeline - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Larry Dennis - July 17 - 2:21 am

  Consider the Ridgeline before buying a Tacoma or Frontier.

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  I love this truck so far - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Michael Bishop - July 14 - 6:54 pm

  Be aware this is based on a few weeks and 900 miles of ownership. I am comparing it to my previous truck, a 2005 Nissan Frontier King Cab. Handling is good, with slight body lean and a secure feeling in corners. I do find the steering a little light. Comfort is outstanding, as good as a car. The suspension smooths out bumps while still feeling firm, not bouncy. The front seats are comfortable and adjust nicely to my short old body. The rear seats seem at least adequate, and when they are folded up, the storage room is remarkable. The controls are scattered around a bit, but work well once I figured out where they are. I was apprehensive about the entertainment system, which has gotten unfavorable reviews. I found it to be unintuitive but once I worked past that, it does everything it is supposed to do. I have not yet used the voice control system. Entrance and exit is easy, even without running boards. The swing door on the bed is more useful than I expected. It makes it easier to reach into the bed and easier to get up into the bed. Overall a well designed cargo area. With one big demerit - tailgate doesnt lock! Still, I love this truck!