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 the new Ridgeline. - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By JayRidgeline - April 2 - 11:48 pm

  This new 2017 Ridgeline is not my its belongs to my brother. I have a lot of good things to say about the new ridgeline. This new body Style put the old ridgeline to shame, its so much better in many levels. The gas mileage is better my brother been averaging 19.5 to 21 mpg in town have not gone on long road trip yet. The seats are very comfortable but I notice the back seat area is just a tad bit smaller than old ridgeline but not much still very comfortable and backseats sits a little higher than front seats. I like the trunk space in the bed in the back and its slightly smaller but still very roomy I am 6,2 and I got inside the trunk and fit in good and a little tight but wanted to see how much space by getting inside of it. The bed is much better than the old one because its wider and longer. The old ridgeline drove pretty good but new one is much better because its easier to park it in parking lot and the horsepower is better. The ride is a little smoother and softer than old Rigdeline. My brother test drove the old one thinking he might save more money but decided to buy the 2017 Rigdeline because its so much better in many levels. Only a few downsize which its not a big deal at all. I want to buy one in a few years maybe the RTS model. I highly recommend the new Rigdeline because its very good on gas and good to keep a long time because its a keeper.

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  Former Dakota Owner Loves the 17 Ridgeline - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Norbert - March 28 - 6:54 pm

  I drove a Dodge Dakota for 170,000 miles and was in love with it. But when I sat in the 2017 Ridgeline, there was no comparison. The comfort, convenience, and features were worlds apart. Granted, the Ridgeline is 20 model-years newer, but Honda got it all right. It is spacious and drives like an SUV, with great acceleration and an ample back seat, which folds up to get out of your way when necessary. The bed is a little short, but is packed with conveniences including the bi-directional gate, lighting, and large cargo well. I should have gone up one trim level for upgraded electronics, but all in all I love it and expect to drive if for the next 20 years.

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  06 Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By MX5NRX - March 28 - 3:36 am

  Truck with car-like ride which turns heads. Decent gas mileage. Great motor and transmission. Ill probably buy another.

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  A Nice Truck for Everyone - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By John - March 27 - 3:20 pm

  Vehicle handles very well on the road, accelerates smoothly with 5 speed automatic. Displays are very clear, steering wheel mounted radio controls nice, A/C with dual zone works very well. Door handles oddly shaped, but you get used to them - actually is designed with ergonomics in mind - youll see. Rear window slides with push buttom. Rear windows go down all the way. Rear gate easy to open/close. Trunk in the bed water tight and roomy for suitcases (medium sized) or lots of groceries. Rear seat folds up and has plenty of interior holding capacity - does a 30/70 split. Seats area a little firm, so make sure everyone likes that before committing. Radio is has static; only bad item.

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  2006 RTL W/Moon Roof - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Godskid - March 24 - 2:23 pm

  Awesome truck. The second week I had it I drove 1000 miles. Very comfortable,quiet and so much fun to drive. I had, however, a little whistle noise at 70mph. It seems quite a few buyers have this same phenomenon. This, however, is very minor compared to the quality of this vehicle inside and out. Honda did this one right and Im sure will take care of the whistle noise. Very happy with my purchase.

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  Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jim - March 16 - 9:10 am

  Excellent vehicle to drive, have had it in a snow storm, handled very well, mileage around 19.5 to 19.8 mpg, still new. Love the trunk feature....

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  Goodbye Tacoma, Hello Ridgeline - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By R. W. - March 10 - 7:54 pm

  If you are looking for a great driving, comfortable riding pickup then get a new Ridgeline. I bought the RTL-T AWD model and cant find anything Id change. Its actually more comfortable than the 2011 Accord coupe I once owned. I am getting over 22 mpg in the month Ive been driving it.

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  Always wanted a Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gregory Kapuler - March 7 - 5:40 am

  Always wanted a truck. Saw the Honda Ridgeline and fell in love with it. Got it in black and turned it into a "Harley truck"...since both my wife and I ride Harleys. Truck rides like a dream..Its got all the safety and power I need. Any my wife loves driving it! She now wears a cowboy hat!

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  Love it! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jeremy Richards - January 18 - 10:15 pm

  Excellent truck for someone who wants functionality of a truck and economy of a car while not losing the ability of a truck.

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  2018 Black Edition - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By OlMnRvr - January 6 - 3:26 pm

  I drove Chevy, Ford, and Dodge pickups before the Honda. The Honda Ridgeline fit the needs of our family better than the others. The ride is better than any vehicle Ive owned or test drove. The 6 cylinder offers great acceleration as well as a 5000 pound towing capacity which is more than Ill ever need. The heated leather seats adjust to any position I need and I can preset my own adjustment as well as one for my wife. The rear seats will accommodate average sized people with no problem and if necessary a 6+ footer could fit. It would be nice if the rear doors would open wider however. The lockable waterproof trunk in the floor of the truck bed provides exceptional space and the dual action tailgate should be an industry standard. The tech stuff on this vehicle is fantastic and will help make me a safer driver. The biggest bonus with this truck is the MPG. Previous reviews I read said the gas mileage was in the low 20s but Ive found that by driving the speed limit with the ECON button on Ive averaging over 30 mpg on the highway (highest was 33.8) and about 26 mpg in town. I could not be more pleased with the Black Edition Honda Ridgeline and would recommend this truck to anyone.