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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  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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  Its What I Need and More - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By DL Paul - March 3 - 6:57 am

  I traded a 2012 RTL that I liked a lot and the 2017 is a step up. Most of the negatives of the previous generation Ridgeline have been addressed, Here goes the pluses: 1)The MPG is great, first tank of HWY driving I averaged 27. 2)The quiet of the cab is impressive, better than most cars. 3)The seats are all day comfortable and 4)the ride is serene. 5)It goes straight down the road. 6)It is much quicker than my 2012, much. So, it is a home run, but a few things keep it from being a grand slam. Here goes my reasoning: 1)Why no Michelin tires? Firestone Destinations are just OK. 2)The armrests are small and cheap looking. For the price there should be an 3)electric rear window, 4)sunroof and 5)presets for two drivers. 6)Plus the dull black trim between the front and back windows beg for chrome trim to match the rest of the window trim. The styling is a "beauty is in the eyes of the beholder issue" so Ill not add my opinion, but the San Marino red color would make it pop.

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  Surprise - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By carlos ugarte - February 8 - 6:51 am

  I was interested in seeing this vehicle but was intent on buying another SUV. I was not quite convinced about the outward appearance- it looks a little homely. But once you get behind the wheel it really shines. Very comfortable, plenty of power and all the technology I really need. I need a truck every now and then. They can be very convenient but my main driving could be handled by any car. This vehicle drives like a car but has the ability to be a light truck. Perfect for me. I have read about the cumbersome technology package but I have had no problem. The nav system is much better than my previous 2006 Nissan murano. Links easily to my Iphone. I like Apple Car play. I have had it now for 2 months and the looks is growing on me. Not a single mechanical problem.

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  Ridgeline or Tacoma? - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jim Faust - February 7 - 1:29 pm

  The Ridgeline is a little quirky looking. Kind of SUV with a truck bed but it is very practical with all of its features. Example- I will get much more use out of AWD then I ever would out of 4 WD.

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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.

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  Part Time Pickup - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Oldse - January 4 - 5:43 pm

  Ive been very impressed with the quality and with the handling. It is just enough pickup for what I need and will fit in my garage (barely).

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  2017 Ridgeline All Mine - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By 1138mf - December 31 - 1:43 pm

  The 2017 Honda Ridgeline is just was I was looking for. One look and I was smitten. A versatile vehicle that is comfortable to drive every day. The Honda Ridgeline combines the best aspects of a terrific SUV with a modern tech savy truck. The technical aspects of the Honda Ridgeline are beyond my expectations. Drives like a dream and will haul anything I will need. Coupled with Hondas industry leading reliability and customer satisfaction I couldnt be more pleased.