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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  A comfortable ride - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By MontanaFred - April 15 - 2:46 am

  I bought my Ridgeline to replace an old truck and SUV. I was tired of dealing with TWO vehicles. So far the Ridgeline has filled all my needs for both trucking and commuting. It is comfortable and roomy enough and when I need a truck (which is almost every weekend for me) the Ridgeline has worked out perfectly. When I need to get myself and friends to where we can ski or hike or just enjoy the outdoors the Ridgeline has performed very well. In Montana the wind and snow and quick turns of weather can be a challenge but so far I have felt more comfortable, safe and in control driving my Ridgeline than any other vehicle I have owned.

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  Water,water,everywhere - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By L Freeman - March 30 - 1:18 am

  Bought the especially designed top cover for the bed because the ad said it would protect and keep your belongings DRY.mine got soaked.The dealership only gave me a partial refund and explained the difference between waterproof and keeping things dry!After market people are afraid to touch it because there is a slide in bed protecter and they do not know what is behind it.So I am stuck with an open bed.and the dealership will not help.A fantastic truck is being ruined by a dealership and a leaking bed cover.

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  Lets Go Camping ! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By bob - March 9 - 1:56 pm

  On our second weekend of ownership, we took the teenage grandsons to Cownans Gap SP in south central Pennsylvania. Doesnt matter if its overnight or a week, when camping you have to "load up"; and we did including 4 bikes. The trunk was great, placed backpacks with clothes and bike gear in the water tight cargo space. Carried 1 bike in the bed and 3 on the hitch mounted rack. Round Trip 323 miles of mountains, turnpike and secondary roads... 24.0 mpg ! Everyone was comfortable in the cabin; A/C in the front set at 73; rear 68. Storage under the rear seat was invaluable; no hump, all usable space. Downsized from a 2013 Silverado, didnt need the big truck any longer. The trip proved it. Great Ride, Great Weekend. 2-18-17 Follow Up: Truck has been tremendous, does everything required. Everyone comments on how much room there is in the back seat. I have a short 12 mile commute to work, hilly back roads mostly; getting 18 to 21 mpg. Downsized from a full size pick up. Handles great. No problems in the parking garage. Really satisfied with purchase; no buyers remorse.

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  5 months in my Honda Ridgeline RTLNAV - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jeff Skimel - March 3 - 3:03 am

  I drove a Lexus RX300 for 5 years and we needed a new primary vehicle. I always wanted but never had means of hauling light payloads, such as plywood, furniture, etc. I wanted a rugged vehicle, my wife still wanted comfort and goodies like the Lexus. We both like SUVs. The ridgeleine was the answer; combined all we want and need into one vehicle. I love this truck. The lockable truck is beyond useful- the composite bed is a good quality feature. The NAV system is great and has already saved me time- very reliable. The rear cabin is spacious according to passengers. The drive is responsive, peppy, and fun, albeit a little bumpy on bad roads. I recommend the truck- we parked the lexus.

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  6,000 miles and ready to report - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By NJRidge - March 2 - 5:06 am

  I waited till I drove the truck a while before reporting. As you can tell, I am pleased overall. The truck drives like a luxury car, it really does. If you want complaints, the only five I have are the turning radius, you can not turn the stability control off when you drop tire pressure for the beach, no trip computer on Nav unit, the bedliner/truck liner scrathes easily, and above all the gas mileage. The good however surpasses anything I have ever owned. COMFORT! i am 64" and love it. You know about the functionality, but there are so many little things done right, you will continue to be impressed. I still find stuff that amazes me. If gas mileage is not a big worry, buy it!

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  noisy - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By mossy - February 12 - 2:26 am

  Has been in shop twice for whistle noise and still makes the "Honda Whistle" at moderate speeds. Tire noise on some roads extremely loud.

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  Paragon of utility - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tom Jensen - February 9 - 8:58 am

  Are you kidding? There are so many storage options in this truck there is a concern that one might forget where one put something. The entertainment options are just as numerous. I live in the mountains, so FM radio is scarce, but AM is here, and Sirius/XM radio is here. Between the broadcast alternatives and my bluetooth iPhone music library, I never feel at a loss. The truck handles my mountain roads like a champ, with very little body roll one might assocaite with trucks. The transmission shifts at all appropriate places, never hunting for the right gear. I havent driven it at night yet, but I understand the LED low beams are terrific, just what one needs where there are no street lamps, and curving roads shrouded in forest. I cant wait to use the beds trunk, a unique and compelling piece of design for a truck. I had a Garmin navigation device long ago, and am pleased to see the reliable Garmin in use in this truck. It never misses a beat, and takes me right home, though other, DVD systems, apologize for being unable to provide turn by turn directions on the roads where I live. It sells itself.

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  Ridgeline is an outstanding vehicle - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Albert Hernandez - February 8 - 12:28 pm

  I am very pleased with my new Ridgeline. The truck has an amazing ride that is both smooth and quiet. I was looking for a truck that could haul bulky items when I needed it, but also would provide the comforts of a car. Its a pleasure to drive the truck every day and be in a very comfortable ride. It has great performance for a truck too. The other day while I was on the off ramp, a german car owner thought he would show me the dust by accelerating past me....lol....did he get a surprise when I put my foot into it and left him in my rear view wondering how that just happened.

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  Awesome - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By John Mullaney - February 2 - 9:00 am

  Just what I wanted small truck plenty cargo space . Like the new look and design . Ride is very comfortable ride like a car great in snow. Black Edition has all the bells and whistles. Only had to add was the running boards and back cover .

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  Truck that drives like a car. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By julius - January 30 - 11:30 pm

  It is the best truck that I test drive. It feels like driving a car. The first Honda that I purchased, it will not be the last.