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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  Dumped a 16 Tacoma Ltd and Happy I did! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Robsis - February 24 - 4:10 pm

  Last year, my wife and I decided to replace our FJ Cruiser with a truck, and bought a new 16 Tacoma Ltd 4x4. What a mistake that was. When speaking with Toyota Corporate or the Dealership about the issues we had (poor shifting, buzziness in steering wheel at speed, poor mileage, others too numerous to mention) all we got was : "Functions as designed." I was sick to my stomach about how much we were going to lose trading in; however, started looking elsewhere because I just couldnt drive the Tacoma, anymore. Drove the GM twins and was OK with them; however, we were worried about the dreaded Consumer Reports black dot on reliability. A friend suggested we look at the new Ridgeline (and I was pleased when I researched and saw that it didnt look like the previous gen, with that wing-back design) and our local dealer emailed and said they had 5 coming in on 6/22 and theyd be ready to see and drive on 6/23. We went by first thing on 6/23, test drove a Pearl White RTL-E with black interior, made the deal and bought it on the spot. Comfortable, smooth, quiet, much more rear seat room than the Tacoma; and, handled amazingly well. Everything you could or would want in a mid-size pickup, all with a number of unique features, like the in-bed trunk, fold up rear seats, unique dual release tailgate and a suite of safety features. After owning it now for 3 weeks, I can unequivocally say that dumping the Tacoma and buying the Ridgeline was one of the best decisions Ive ever made, in spite of losing almost $5k in the transaction. I didnt know how stressful it was to own/drive the Tacoma, until we got rid of it and purchased the Ridgeline. Wife loves it, too, and she did not really like the Tacoma at all. What did the Tacoma do better? Well, it looked more macho-trucky (subjective...The RL looks soft; however, it took no time to get used to it and its amazing the compliments I get), the Tacoma tows more (if you really need to tow, a mid-size shouldnt be where its at, though, and the RLs 5k rating is more than enough for what I occasionally tow, or buy a GM twin diesel), and it would do better off-road in extreme conditions, like rock crawling. Otherwise, there is absolutely, in my mind, nothing else that the Toyota comes close to doing that the RL doesnt do much better. Unless you are an extreme off-roader or are put off by the looks (or the fact that its a Honda truck), why would anyone even consider buying any other mid-size truck? All this and Honda reliability, too, as its not like a totally new design, the engine and trans come from the Pilot and they started with a Pilot frame and beefed it up to handle truck duties, so its been proven to work well and reliably. Check it out, Im very glad I did and took the plunge.

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  My 2006 Honda Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gary Espelin - February 16 - 9:03 pm

  I purchased my Honda Ridgeline March 19, 2005. I saw it advertised on TV and went down the next day to see it. Test drove and bought it the next day. I puchased the Floor Model which had the Running Board, Mudguards and Bed Extender. I have since added Foglights, Read Sensors, Roof Rack, Window and Hood Shields, Side Protective Modlings and the Tonneau Cover. I never get tired of driving this vehicle and/or talking about it. Many people approach me and I take them though the entire Vehicle. Im willing to say that I believe I have convinced people to go look at them. It is the most fantastic Vehicle I have ever owned and I have owned many. The ride, comfort and security are the best.

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  Ridgeline Done right - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Bob - February 15 - 5:48 pm

  I have owned a Ridgeline since 2006 and this is a big improvement on a already super vehicle. Contrary to what dealers tell you, there is room for negotiation.

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  My type of truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By bikeblue - February 5 - 3:33 pm

  Ive looked and driven every truck on the market and the Ridgeline was the best vehicle for my needs. It has all the power and comfort of a sedan, but the function of a light duty truck. Plus with a 5 star crash rating, I know my family and I will be safe. All my friends have commented on the great ride and features and the ample room of the cab.

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  2014 528 XI replaced with Ridgeline - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mike Cole - January 31 - 2:40 pm

  This RTL-E is amazing, replaced my BMW 528 XI with this truck. So much more comfortable and user friendly. Apple Car Play makes up for the cartoonish Navi, if you can afford the extra $2K step up to the RTL-E you wont be disappointed. In bed sound system seemed like a gimmick but sounds great.

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  Glad I bought a Ridge - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By JohnMcA - January 30 - 7:43 am

  What a perfect vehicle. It handles so well, has get-up-and-go, has room for everything and is fun to drive. Honda did a great job. Considering it the first model year it sure is well thought out. I used to drive a 93 Accord DX coupe. What a step up in every way, except gas mileage. I highly recommend this vehicle. Im really picky too.

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  Best Truck Ever - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By jabijaam - January 24 - 5:30 pm

  Traded my 2002 F250 for Ridgeline. Best move I ever made. Drives and handle like a sports car. Wife loves inbed trunk for shopping. Gas mileage is great compared to 8 mpg from F250, Im getting 18mpg from Ridgeline. I have tall kids and the interior room and comfort is great. Wish the bed was longer and that the tail gate locked,but driving this truck is like having my truck and sports car at the same time.

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  Dont believe all the great reviews - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jason - January 19 - 10:47 pm

  I had really high hopes for this new Ridgeline, but after driving this vehicle for the last 8+ months I can say that its a real disappointment especially compared to the previous generation. I had a 2008 Ridgeline that I really liked, but the new one is nothing like the previous generation. The new Ridgeline just doesnt have that nice solid feel that the previous generation did. The biggest issue with the new Ridgeline is stability. The steering is over-powered and light feeling as well as being overly sensitive to the road surface. This leads to a lot of road vibration in the steering wheel. Some reviewers have stated that there isnt much feedback from the road. Since driving this vehicle for 8+ months, I can say that its not that you dont get much feedback. Its that you get the wrong feedback, and too much of it. Small insignificant road imperfections (small bumps, small cracks, etc) cause feedback into the steering wheel where you would expect to not even notice. I will concede that some of the steering issues that Ive stated could be due to the lousy Firestone tires that come on the truck. The suspension is just on the edge of being bouncy, so when driving it feels a bit like floating around on the highway. This leads to the truck being very sensitive to even light breezes making driving on windy days very difficult. Other poor design issues: When coming to a complete stop, the truck rocks back and forth about 10-12 times before becoming motionless (which is weird as Ive never experienced this on any other vehicle), the heated seat switches look and feel like they came out of a vehicle from about 20 years ago, many of the safety features are intrusive (such as the Collision Mitigation Braking System...if it worked better it would be ok), the entertainment system is a bit clunky (its running a VERY old version of Android), the rear hvac controls are located with the main hvac controls (this doesnt even make sense especially in the RTL-E which is the trim level that I have). The biggest build quality issue that Ive noticed is that both front doors are not mounted straight (its not noticeable on mine unless you look closely, but once I noticed it I see it every time I get in the truck); however, there were a couple of others that have been corrected by the dealer (including something that was broken). On the positive side, the truck has a comfortable ride, the seats are comfortable, the technology is much better than previous gen, the look is much more truck-like, the brakes are pretty good, the engine is pretty good (although it could use a bit more low-end power), the transmission is pretty good, better fuel mileage than the previous Ridgeline.

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  The Best - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Michael Minor - January 19 - 1:54 pm

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned

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  Its about time - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By MARIE - January 1 - 10:13 am

  I have always been a dodge/chrysler owner due to family discount. I traded a 2005 dodge 1500 4door loaded for the ridgeline because of all the trouble i had with the ram in only having it one year. The ridgeline drives and rides 100% better then the ram. The interior is more accessable from the drivers seat. The standard equipment puts ram to shame. The fact that honda is the first to come out with the truck in the bed shows me that they are thinking about the comsumer. I highly recommend this vehicle for anyone, male or female, who wants comfort, style, gas mileage, and a vehicle will give you many years of driving pleasure