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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  Just buy it - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Kd - March 19 - 4:33 pm

  You will love ride bcauset it feels like a suv in a truck

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  The perfect truck for a car guy! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By RTLinMD - March 12 - 12:43 am

  1 Month, and 1,200 miles later, I love this truck! Ive wanted a truck for about 18 months. But I hated to drive and ride in one. Either they were too unrefined to drive, or too big. The Ridgeline gives you a smooth, quiet ride with the refinements of a sedan. Its sized like a mid-size SUV, but it feels more nimble. Drives great in the snow. Ive been a GM buyer, and never would have purchased a Honda. But Honda must have had the suburban homeowner (ie. ME!) in mind when they designed the Ridgeline. This is a perfect truck!

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  Good Choice - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Houston Commuter - March 1 - 5:00 am

  I traded a 2003 Honda Pilot for a 2006 Ridgeline because the Pilot was getting worn out and torn up using it as a pickup. Hardly knew the difference with the Ridgeline as the ride and performance feel like the same vehicle. Performance is good, and love the new features. Oil is monitored by an onboard diagnostic unit that allows you to go further between changes. I get about 7000 miles before the light comes on, so no more 3000 miles/3 months. Only problem have experienced is the interior driver door handle linkage broke, covered under warranty. 17-19 MPG as a Houston commuter. Dont plan on using it to move or carry a king size mattress, the 5 bed is small, but big enough for me!

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  Acura pick up truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By AndyR - February 12 - 2:01 pm

  I have to say, being in the car business and working for another brand that pick up isnt available, took me a long time to decide which one would be the best hands down mid size pick up truck out there, if you are in the market for a midsize pick up truck take 20 minutes of your time and go to the nearest Honda dealer and test drive the new 2017 Ridgeline and you will understand what Im talking about, you basically getting a Acura Pick up truck, a step a head of Tacoma, Frontier, Colorado etc! You will not be disappointed!!! Good luck!

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  Works for me !!! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By PJ - February 1 - 2:58 am

  This is a small pickup by today’s standards. For me, it is a very good size, a 4-door model with a small open bed. Just right for the light hauling I do. The Black Edition comes with all the bells and whistles that Honda offers. It is a joy to drive and performs well in traffic as well as on the highway. Glad I bought it although an expensive purchase.

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  Honda understands the means of a use able vehicle - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Chris - January 30 - 6:33 pm

  First off this truck is amazing. So much we almost got two but could not get two so we got a new fit. But this Vehicle is great. When driving you completely forget your in a "truck". I have a 99 ford f350 diesel and a 05 jeep wrangler. I have owned a Colorado and Ranger. Nothing compares I have never bought a new vehicle till i bought this brand new and well the fit to. the truck has lived up to everything so far. We have put about 2000 miles on it since thanksgiving. I live in upstate ny and where in snow season now. I did get stuck...but wait whats this snow mode button do and insistently i was unstuck amazing great system. It makes no funny noises that a vehicle shouldnt make. It easy to clean not to many hiding pockets to catch all the salt. This radio thing people are complaining about...well it took us about 1500 miles before we got the hang of it. Its much easier to use if you use the voice or steering wheel controls. Then you never need to touch anything. Plus its a computer you need to give things a chance to "think". Compared to the fit the controls are not very driver orientated but your passenger will do just fine. Were a drive in couple and the bed speakers will rock the heck out of the drive in this summer we cant wait. Are real average for gas so far is under 21 mpg. We do a ton of mix driving plus its winter now. The vehicle just makes you want to drive it which is what a vehicle of USE ABILITY should do for you. No complaints now only time to wait for the type-r civic.......

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  Wind noise - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By mossy - January 17 - 3:06 pm

  It is fun to drive and the looks are great. It has plenty of power and the mileage seems to be outstanding for a truck.

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  Ridgeline - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gary - January 10 - 10:11 am

  Good so far, hope it holds up to other hondas in reliability

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  Love My Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tiregoddess1 - December 30 - 2:46 pm

  I loved the look of the Ridgeline the first time I saw it. After test driving it, I was really smitten. I bought an RTS Amazon Green model. It has a comfortable ride and doesnt feel like Im driving a truck. Recently took it on a trip of over 500 miles roundtrip and the gas mileage was better than I anticipated, even with the air conditioning running. It ran at 22 mpg. The trunk "hidden" in the bed is the best idea. I absolutely love this vehicle.

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  RTL - Good Mid-Size Truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Robert - December 29 - 5:44 pm

  Leg room if you are over 6 foot tall is a little cramped for the driver. My right leg is constantly resting against the center console when in my normal driving posture. I feel the gas and break pedals and the overall floor space of the drivers side could use another 6 inches or so forward. In my opinion the center console, while useful with ample storage and space to place things, leaves the comfort level a little to be desired. Ive owned the larger Ford F-150 and a RAM in the past along with smaller Tacoma, Frontier and Ranger. True, the larger trucks have better power and towing and the smaller vehicles have the better gas mileage, but this truck manages to land perfectly in between the two sizes. Even with my little issue with the center console I feel this is a perfect mid-sized truck. The size reminds me of the old T100 from Toyota in which I missed out on. I thought that was a perfect sized truck as well. Power of the V6 in my Ridgeline RTL AWD is good and is perfect for my driving needs. Mostly daily commuting 40 miles round trip to work. Then, lite payloads and towing for weekend projects. This truck drives like a car and has decent visibility and good road mannerisms. Overall the truck is solid. Honda name tag is solid and reliable with typical great resale values. Not that I plan on selling it. The finishes and layout for the user are solid. The technology is good and is easy to understand and use. Averaging 23.3 mpg after 2000 miles. The rear seats are comfortable and leg room is good, not great for adults. The folding rear seats are easy to engage/disengage even for smaller folks like children and with folded seats the truck offers additional flat floor space for payloads that require more security. The hidden well below the bed is a neat little feature. Im using it more than I thought I would. The other small issue I have is that the tail gate does not lock. Again, overall, this is a great mid-sized truck. You will not pull the house off its foundation with its 5000 tow rating, but you will be able to handle the majority of your weekend projects around the house and do so in style and comfort.