Powering the Honda Ridgeline is a 3.5L V6 engine producing 280 horsepower. The engine is coupled to a 9-speed automatic transmission, sending power to all four wheels. The engine allows the Ridgeline to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, while still returning decent fuel economy when not towing.
The Ridgeline's true party trick, however, is the way it manages to combine the best things about a car with the best things about a truck. The Ridgeline also features a substantially sized trunk underneath the rear of the bed, allowing covered and hidden storage, just like a car. And of course, the rear seats are spacious and easy to get to since the Ridgeline features four conventionally opening doors. The Ridgeline should also make a great platform for tailgating parties, as it features the world's first optional sound system in the bed of the truck.
With several different trims available, the Ridgeline offers something for everyone. The base model is dubbed the Sport and features power windows and door locks, 18-inch wheels, a 9-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth with audio streaming, dual USB ports, speed-sensitive volume control and a 7-speaker sound system.
The RTL ups the luxury with a leather-trimmed interior, heated front seats, a 10-way power driver's seat, an acoustic windshield, a power sliding rear window and a power moonroof.
The TrailSport trim is the off-road version of the Ridgeline with skid plates, and all-terrain tires. Finally, Ridgelines are available in the "Black Edition" trim which gets everything included in the RTL plus black alloy wheels, auto-high beams, auto-dimming mirrors, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, an 8-speaker sound system, voice activated navigation, wireless device charging, red ambient LED lighting and blacked-out exterior trim.
Roomy Interior, Car-like Driving Experience, Compact Exterior Dimensions, Innovative Truck Bed With Tons Of Storage Options, Available All-wheel Drive.
The RTL-E trim was replaced with the TrailSport trim for 2024 but otherwise the Ridgeline carries over with minimal changes.
While virtually every pickup truck in the U.S. uses a body-on-frame-style chassis, the Honda Ridgeline utilizes a car-like unibody structure. This allows for a much more sophisticated driving experience, with a stiffer chassis, a better ride and much better handling. The configuration also makes the Ridgeline far more refined, with fewer compromises than just about any truck on the market. The Honda Ridgeline competes with other compact pickup trucks such as the Toyota Tacoma.