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 Happy - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Clif - January 29 - 2:34 pm

  Bought the RTL-E top line model mostly for the tech features. Hard to find in exterior/interior color combination I wanted for reasonable price, but can be done with patience and negotiation. Replaced a 2004 Honda Element at 120K miles. The major selling point after a test drive was the ride quality and quietness. VERY carlike. Rides as well as my 2010 Acura MDX and 2013 Chrysler 200 hardtop convertible and a little better than our 2015 Nissan Murano Platinum. Great compromise between a SUV and a full-size pickup truck for light to moderate duty. 3 months and 1500 miles later, Im very happy with the Ridgeline. My wife is loving it and me for her truck.

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  2nd Ridgeline, 11th Honda (own 5 currently) - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Shawn Wyss - January 11 - 9:22 am

  Obviously, a Honda fan (12 Odyssey, 17 Ridgeline, 06 CRV, 02 Shadow ACE, 10 Fury) This truck is perfect for the daily driver who needs the capabilities of a truck without owning a truck. My daily commute is only 3.5 miles, but on the weekend I have hauled 3/4 of a ton of minus rock, a few loads of dirt, several loads of retaining wall blocks, and countless plants. We also haul a camper trailer with a dry weight of 3,200. I like it way better than my 2006 RTL - reason being that they put all of the controls where they are supposed to be on a Honda. Worth the wait, I look forward to driving this truck until the wheels fall off. Only bad experience was the dealer - they will never see a plug nickel from me again, I wont let them touch any of my vehicles.

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  Great Job on Hondas First Attempt - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By RTB - January 1 - 1:30 am

  After having F150s in the past wasnt expecting the refinement of this vehicle. WOW. More space you could ever need, great road manners and enough power that you dont really need a V8. Everything is there for towing. All coolers in drivetrain that all you need is the hitch. Am going to enjoy this truck for a long time. Great job Honda. WOW.

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  Pickup for part-time needs - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By OLDSE - December 23 - 5:50 pm

  This is the best quality vehicle I have ever owned. The bed is just what I need for occasional use and the ability to lay a sheet of plywood down in the bed was a big factor in my purchase decision. I play a lot of golf and the in bed truck works well for clubs and a pull cart. The cab hauls four of us to the golf course and back with ease and comfort. You can also hold a normal conversation with people in the front seat or back. All the friends who have driven it love the handling qualities and are satified with the power although I think it needs a little more. I would recommend it to anyone needing a light to moderate duty pickup. It is NOT an off-road vehicle.

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  Not your average truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Steve - December 12 - 4:53 pm

  The new Ridgeline is a very well designed truck, with many great extras. It does not feel like a truck when you are driving it because it is so comfortable, and a smooth ride. The storage room in the cab, and the added trunk are wonderful and give the extra storage that one might need for any occasion. The only bad thing is that my wife keeps trying to take it. There are also a lot of people who stop me to ask questions, or just stare, and while driving, they really shouldnt be staring at the car next to them.

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  Nice - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Barbara Barsamian - December 2 - 6:37 pm

  Warranty is more limited than the previous models

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  One SEXY Truck!! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Nat and Diane - November 2 - 12:20 am

  Ok, lets face it. I aint no mechanic. Ill do my own routine maintainance, but all the build stuff and tech specs dont get my dander up. I know what I like. We also have a Goldwing, so going in, we were partial to Hondas in the first place. If this turck is 1/2 as dependable as our Wing, Im a happy camper. The lines, and the front end styling really are "Da Bomb"! This little truck does it all, or at least all I need it to. I am a large frame guy, and I sit in the cockpit very comfortably. All those airbags! Idiot has the nerve to hit me, at least be able to walk away. Power? Yup. Got enough to get out of its own way. Braking? Yup. Stops on a dime, and gives you 9 cents change.

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  Honda has a winner - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By zeroagenow - October 30 - 11:20 am

  Honda has made a truck that performs, is fun to drive, very safe, affordable and not only out innovates all others but does so in a way that will affect truck manufacturing in years to come. All you have to do is test drive one and you can feel right away the difference between the Ridgeline and all other trucks ever made. They beat out the engineering of all competitors and for a better price so the only thing you can ask for is even more standard features I guess. No I dont work for Honda!

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  So far everything is as I wanted in a vehicle. - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Norbert Lague - October 21 - 2:23 am

  This is my second Honda Ridgeline and so far I would highly recommend the vehicle. There is just one more issue that I have to resolve with the dealership but do not expect any problems as they have been great so far.

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  Dont Ya Just Love It? - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jeff - October 14 - 5:33 am

  Truly a vehicle for all seasons. Payload is great, mileage for its class is awesome, comfort is nice, visibility is good (much better than the Honda Element with its nasty blindspots...have 2500 mi on it...ask me again in two years...