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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  Cajun Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By bcp1 - March 25 - 9:33 pm

  Was ready to purchase an SUV, saw Ridgeline in early March. Went to 4 different cities, 6 dealers and walked away with an exceptional deal. This is my first truck. The quality and the ride are fantastic. I am very impressed with all the safety features that come standard. My wife loves it completely. I am hoping for better gas mileage as I go. In town is 15.8 and highway is 18.9 so far. Have 1300 miles since 4/27/05 All my friends, family and neighbors are really impressed with the truck.

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  fuel efficiency - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By dueldr - March 24 - 9:55 am

  I shopped around for the truck with the best fuel mileage rating. In Canada it may be different, but the rating the Ridgeline had was 28 miles to the Gallon. The Tacoma was 27. Between these two I preferred the Honda as it had more available options that I was Looking for i.e. loaded. Unfortunately, I have yet to do better than 22, and as last winter progressed I did many tanks at 16.5 miles to the gallon. The mileage just isnt their, a major disappointment. I believe the vehicle is underpowered for its size with a 3.5 l engine. The Tacoma with its 4.0 gets better mileage, and better power. If I had it to do over I would have gone with the Tacoma.

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  Comfortable and Intuitive - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Diver Down - March 21 - 8:11 pm

  Hondas initial shot at producing a truck was a huge success. The trucks in bed trunk is huge and the dual action tailgate is extremely helpful. Although the exterior of the vehicle is quite conservative, its functionality makes it a step above domestic and foreign rivals. The interior is quite comfortable and did a fairly good job at dampening road noise. The back seat is very big...plenty of room for three adults and when the seats are lifted, reveals another huge cargo area. The power rear window is great at getting fresh air in the cabin without getting wind turbulence. I was very impressed with the quality of the 160 watt sound system.

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  06 RTL Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By new honda owner - March 17 - 6:58 pm

  amazing, versatile, comfortable, great through snow, watch out American midsize trucks, hondas coming! Im a woman owner of this truck have driven many and been a passenger in many and this is a great truck. Use to own chevys, sorry not anymore! Ford, junk uncomfortable and unreliable.

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  New - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By ace - March 16 - 10:26 am

  I have only had this vehicle for 1 day but the V6 that I initially thought would be inadequate is surprisingly nice. It could use about 50 horses though.

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  What Subaru? - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dennis Carlson - March 16 - 6:13 am

  I traded my 04 Subaru Forester XT for the Ridgeline. My wife asked me if I regretted that decision and I responded with "what Subaru?". The Ridgeline rides and handles like a sedan but has the utility of a AWD pickup. The interior is luxurious, spacious, and has numerous nooks and crannies for storage. After driving it for 5000 miles I couldnt imagine life without it.

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  Nice Entry - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Josh - March 15 - 10:01 pm

  Great truck for a first stab at a new market. This truck has amazed me far beyond my imagination. I have hauled everything from a bed load of concrete to my sons nursery full of furniture. It handled beautifully. By far the best mid size truck on the road. More room inside than nissan and toyota. Im still amazed at the payload capacity of the RL even without a solid rear axle. 11000 miles, two oil changes and not a single problem to report. I love all the cool features that you cant get with other trucks...Honda seems to think of everything.

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  Love the Ridge - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By RDL - March 14 - 6:52 pm

  Almost made the mistake of waiting for the New Tundra. Test drove the Ridgeline, the 06 Tundra and the F- 150. Came back to the Ridgeline, it fit like a glove when I slid into the drivers seat. Just the right size for my "gentleman truck" needs (occasional trip to Home Depot). The F-150 was too big and on the test drive the MPG readout on the dash didnt get over 10.5 MPG on average. Didnt wait on 2007 Tundra, even though I had driven Toyotas for years and my other car is a Lexus. No regrets!

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  Ridgeline Affair - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Craig Banner - March 9 - 12:13 pm

  I love this truck! This review covers a 2017 and 2018 Honda Ridgeline. I had the 2017 for 8 weeks before it was totaled when I hit a full size horse at 0530 in the morning. After escaping its fenced pasture, it was running directly at me and in the dark I didnt see it until it was 20 from me. The horse died and the truck was totaled but I was not hurt. Had seat belt on and airbags did not go off since horse was above bumper area and crushed hood, windshield and roof. A month later I purchased my new, identical 2018 Ridgeline. It drives real smooth, even my wife likes the ride, with good acceleration and so far, 23 mpg. Only have 1500 miles on this one. Love the in-bed trunk and 2-way tailgate. No complaints so far. Was able to negotiate $3600 below MSRP.

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  Ford,Chevy,Dodge, take some lessons!!!!! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By GGOLDS5 - March 5 - 3:36 pm

  Fast, fun, reliable, does it all. Ive had all the American trucks and none come close to the comfort and ease of owning a truly versatile truck like the Honda. Honda thinks of everything and doesnt screw it up. Everything from a passenger side lighted vanity mirror to the 2 way tailgate makes everyone happy. Parks easily, steering is fast and precise. Loaded 600 lbs of slate on the trunk hatch and it handled that easily. Quality is far superior to Chevys crappy interiors and ill fitting parts. The Canyon is total junk and cannot believe that GM still produces such unforgivably poor quality vehicles.Who designes such junk? maybe refrigerator mechanics. The Honda is also very comfortable.