Honda Ridgeline

First generation

According to the author of The Car Design Yearbook, the Ridgeline was "Honda's first foray into the true heartland of the American automotive way of life." It was designed and engineered by Honda R&D Americas, led by Gary Flint, who took about four years and approximately $250 million US Dollars (USD) to develop the vehicle. The design was first revealed as the Honda SUT Concept at the 2004 North American International Auto Show. The final production ready version of the Ridgeline was unveiled at the same auto show on January 10, 2005 as a 2006 model year vehicle.

Design

According to Honda, "Engineers started with Honda’s Global Light Truck platform and transformed 93% of the components into a mission-specific platform with seven high strength steel cross members that create a fully boxed ladder frame that was fully integrated into the unibody frame. Further differentiation included a unique suspension design with custom components, 100% unique sheetmetal and a 95% exclusive interior." The steel-reinforced fully boxed ladder-like unibody frame with its four-wheel independent suspension provided space for designers to build unique storage solutions in, around, and on top of the frame. Starting at the front of the Ridgeline, engineers crafted a hood that supported a unique cold air intake system for the engine that draws outside air from above and in front of the radiator to support torque production and deep water fording. This hood design also allowed engineers to build environmentally protected windshield wipers that were also heated to improve winter performance. In the crew-cab, the unibody frame allowed engineers to build a cabin with a flat load floor (i.e. no transmission hump) and more passenger space than other mid-size trucks. At the center of the truck, the C-pillar's unique shape was specifically designed to help distribute large loads across the unibody frame and the cab so the truck could achieve its targeted payload and towing figures. Also, the design of the C-pillar, rear roof garnish, and tailgate were built to maintain good aerodynamics and reduce turbulence between the cab and the tailgate while maintaining driver visibility. This aerodynamic design allowed them to create a rear garnish that shields the rear glass window so when it's opened at speed there is no buffeting or rainwater intrusion. The bed is built out of steel-reinforced Sheet Molding Composite (SMC) which is dent resistant, corrosion resistant, and is covered with a non-slip coating. It is supported by high strength steel-reinforced crossmembers (three under the bed and two in the rear cab wall) to safely secure and support loads, even under conditions that would cause the SMC to fail.

Specifications

The first generation Ridgeline has a 5 ft (1.5 m) cargo bed, similar to the Chevrolet Avalanche, which can be extended to 6.6 ft (2 m) with the tailgate down. The bed's width between the wheel-wells is 4.1 ft (1.2 m) and 4.6 ft (1.4 m) at its widest points. The Ridgeline's drivetrain, frame, and suspension design allowed engineers to build the "industry's first" lockable, watertight, and drainable 8.5 cu ft (240.7 l) In-Bed Trunk at the rear of the bed. The cabin can accommodate five full-size adults with 2.6 cu ft (73.6 l) of under-seat storage in the second row or 41.4 cu ft (1.2 m³) when the rear 60/40 split bench seat's bottom cushions are folded up. It has 8.2 in (20.8 cm) of ground clearance with approach, departure and breakover angles of 24.5º, 22º, and 21º respectively while maintaining a comfortable entry/exit height for passengers.

The first generation Honda Ridgeline has a weight distribution of 52/48 (front/rear) with a total payload capacity ranging from 1,475 lb (669 kg) to 1,559 lb (707 kg), depending on trim level. This SUT's steel-reinforced SMC bed is designed to handle loads of up to 1,100 lb (499 kg). and has six (2006-2008 models) or eight (2009-2014 models) tie down cleats, in a high/low configuration, rated at 350 lb (159 kg) each. The SMC bed has special guides built into its surface to help accommodate multiple off-road motorcycles. The Ridgeline’s bed is also equipped with four bed lights that are integrated into its walls providing a minimum of ten lux of illuminance throughout the bed. In addition to built in lights, the forward section (close to the cab) of the SUT's right bed wall has a hidden spare tire mount that can accommodate a compact or full-size spare tire for times when access to the spare tire service tray, via the In-Bed Trunk, is impractical. Inside the In-Bed Trunk are integrated cargo hooks and organizer slots to help manage the up to 300 lb (136 kg) of material that it can securely stowed. The tailgate has a dual-action hinging system that allows it to be opened like a traditional tailgate but can also be swung open either 30º or 80º to the side. When in the down position, the Ridgeline's tailgate can handle dynamic loads of up to 300 lb (136 kg). When equipped with a roof rack, the Ridgeline's roof structure is designed to handle a total load of 165 lb (75 kg) to 110 lb (50 kg), depending on model year.

Honda lists a 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) towing capacity for the Ridgeline while accommodating an additional 510 lb (231 kg) to 594 lb (269 kg) (depending on trim level) of payload. All models came with a heavy-duty radiator, integrated transmission and power steering coolers, dual 160W radiator fans, and were pre-wired for a trailer brake controller and a four and/or seven-pin (depending on model year) trailer wiring harness. Also, depending on trim level and model year, a class III tow hitch with a four and/or seven-pin trailer wiring harness was either standard equipment or dealer installed options.

The Ridgeline has a four-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link trailing arm configuration in the rear. It has a turning diameter of 42.6 ft (13.0 m) using variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. It has four-wheel disk brakes with 13.1 in (33.3 cm) ventilated front disks with floating twin piston calipers and 12.6 in (32 cm) solid rear disks with integrated emergency/parking drum brakes; the rear brakes use floating single piston calipers for the disks and dual opposing brake shoes for the drums. The disk brakes are controlled via a four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist. Although 60 mph (97 km/h) to 0 stopping distances of 117 ft (36 m) to 195 ft (59 m) have been reported, the average appears to be between 140 ft (43 m) and 147 ft (45 m).

Powertrain

According to Gary Flint, the truck's Variable Torque Management Four-Wheel Drive (VTM-4) system —co-developed with BorgWarner— "provides front-wheel drive for dry-pavement cruising conditions and engages all-wheel drive when needed to improve stability or maneuverability" and supports medium duty off-road use. The electromagnetically driven clutch-operated differential can be manually locked (VTM-4 Lock) to help the truck better handle adverse terrain or become unstuck. It also has a four-channel fully automatic Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system that is designed to enhance control during acceleration, cornering, and collision-avoidance maneuvers and can be manually disabled to prevent undesirable throttle intervention in off-road conditions.

The Ridgeline is powered by a transverse mounted J35A9 (2006–2008) or J35Z5 (2009–2014), 3,471 cc (211.8 cu in) 60º V6 engine equipped with a 22 US gal (83 l) fuel tank; no powertrain variations were offered. Both engines have an aluminum block with exhaust manifolds cast directly into the cylinder heads and a belt driven Single Overhead Camshafts (SOHC), a 24-valve Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) system, 10.0 : 1 compression, a variable-length intake manifold, and Honda's Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI). All work together to respond to the Ridgeline's electronic throttle that's also linked to the VTM-4 and VSA systems. The automatic transmission uses a four-shaft design with a flat lock-up torque converter that's managed by the PGM-FI's central processing unit. A direct-control real-time pressure management system coordinates engine and transmission operation to minimize driveline shocks and a Grade Logic Controller prevents gear hunting when climbing hills or when more engine braking is required.

The aerodynamic and drivetrain design as well as the overall weight of the Ridgeline produced a truck that, according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) testing, can achieve 15 mpg_‑US (15.7 L/100 km) city, 20 mpg_‑US (11.8 L/100 km) or 21 mpg_‑US (11.2 L/100 km) highway (depending on model year), and 17 mpg_‑US (13.8 L/100 km) combined.

Equipment

In addition to the features described above, the Honda Ridgeline came equipped with other standard equipment not found in many other base model mid-size trucks of its time —like the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Suzuki Equator, Dodge Dakota, Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Ford Ranger, and GM's Colorado/Canyon— such as:

Front and rear tow hooks

Power door locks, side-view mirrors, and windows including rear-glass window, automatic up/down driver's window, and child window lock

Multi-function center console with telescoping armrest, two-tiered expandable storage, rear-facing air vents, 12V/10A DC outlet, and grocery bag hooks

Two telescoping sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Overhead console with two map lights and an integrated sunglasses holder

Large damped and illuminated glove box

Large dashboard-integrated storage tray (above the glove box)

Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Cruise control

Tilt steering wheel

Pioneer 100W audio system with an AM and stereo FM radio receiver, CD player —PCM, MP3, and WMA capable—, four full-rang 6.7 in (17.0 cm) speakers, and two 1.5 in (3.8 cm) tweeters

Split 60/40 fold-up rear bench seat with fold-down center armrest —that contains two integrated cup holders and activity tray—, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for three child safety seats, and three adjustable head restraints

Rear-door power window controls and integrated cup holders

Two overhead rear-passenger map lights

The 2009 model year brought more unusual standard equipment such as a seven-pin trailer wiring harness for Canadian models and a class III tow hitch for all models. The 2013 model year brought with it a rearview camera to round out the unusual list of standard equipment for the Honda Ridgeline.

For the US market, it was produced in six different trim levels through its lifetime: RT, RTX, Sport, RTS, RTL, and SE. The short lived RTX trim was a base RT model with a class III tow hitch, four and seven-pin trailer wiring harness, large honeycomb style black grille, and 17 in (43.2 cm) alloy rims. The Sport trim came with an exterior blackout treatment, fog lights, a saw-tooth style black grille, special 18 in (45.7 cm) alloy rims, as well as some interior enhancements such as a black interior trim package, MP3/auxiliary 3.5mm TRS stereo input jack, and steering-wheel mounted audio system controls. The RTS trim lacked many of the exterior treatments found in the RTX and Sport but had interior enhancements not found in the other packages such as a ten-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar support, dual-zone climate control, and a Pioneer Premium 160W six-CD changer with upgraded speakers and a subwoofer. —Power-adjustable lumbar and MP3/auxiliary input jack were added to the RTS in the 2009 model year.— For all but the last year of production, the RTL was the highest trim package available and came with both exterior and interior enhancements. Some of the more noteworthy RTL enhancements were found in the interior such as leather trimmed upholstery and steering wheel, heated front seats and side-view mirrors, a HomeLink Wireless Control System for up to three devices, and the addition of XM Satellite Radio. —Unique 18 in (45.7 cm) alloy rims, fog lights, and a 115V/100W AC inverter were added to the RTL in the 2009 model year.— Optional on the RTL was a power moonroof —until the 2007 model year— and an Alpine Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation. This GPS navigation option replaced the Pioneer Premium audio system with a Clarion 160W XM head unit, a Panasonic 8 in (20.3 cm) infotainment touchscreen, and a hidden multi-format six-disc CD player. —A rearview camera, Bluetooth, Honda's HandsFreeLink, and a multi-data/multilingual (English, French and Spanish) information display were added to GPS navigation equipped RTLs in the 2009 model year.— The SE trim was the top trim package for the 2014 model year which included every option available for the RTL and added the Sport trim's blackout treatment and grille, unique 18 in (45.7 cm) polished aluminum rims, and a black interior with matching leather upholstery.

For the Canadian market, the Ridgeline was produced in seven different trim levels throughout its production: LX, DX, VP, Sport, Special Edition, EX-L, and Touring. The LX and DX were the base trim packages, similar to the RT. The VP trim was the next in the lineup, sitting somewhere between the RT and RTS. The Canadian Sport was the third fanciest in the lineup and was very similar to the Sport trim sold in the US. The Special Edition was next in the lineup; although it shared the SE's unique rims, grille, badging, and black leather interior, its features put it somewhere between the Sport and RTS trim packages. The EX-L and Touring trims were at the top of the lineup and were similar to the RTL with one exception; until the 2009 model year, a moonroof as well as GPS navigation were part of the EX-L's optional equipment while the Touring package came standard with both. This made the Touring trim the top trim package for Canadian buyers, similar to the SE. Although there were differences between the US and Canadian trim packages, the technical differences were the use of daytime running lights on all trim levels and model years, metric system gauges, and Honda's bilingual (English and French) voice recognition and navigation systems.

For the Mexican market, only an RTL trim was available and had a few twists to its packaging that set it apart from its US and Canadian counterparts. The Mexican RTL came equipped very similarly to the Canadian EX-L and retained the optional moonroof of the early EX-L. Unlike the EX-L, GPS navigation was never a factory option. Also, the Mexican RTL came equipped with the 2006 through 2008 EX-L rims until the 2012 model year when it was updated with the US and Canadian Sport's exterior trim pieces.

For the Chilean market, the Ridgeline was sold in two trim levels, RT and RTL. The Chilean RT appears to be a mix between the Canadian DX and VP trims while the Chilean RTL appears to consist of options found in the early model Canadian EX-L trim.

With the exception of the trucks sold in Mexico —which were sold with limited options—, the first generation Honda Ridgeline was offered in five to seven different exterior colors each year as well as one to three interior color options. Exterior colors were based on different shades of black, gray, white, silver, blue, and red as well as some short-lived green and brown colors. Most interior color variations were found in the upholstery that varied between olive, beige, gray, dark gray, or black in cloth or leather depending on model year, trim level, and the country where it was sold. Also, the interior colors were often mated to specific exterior colors and trim levels.

In addition to the different features and accessories one could obtain by purchasing certain trim levels, Honda offered many accessories as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) items that could be ordered and installed at the dealership. Additionally, there were numerous Honda accessories that did not come on any trim level which could be purchased and installed at the dealership including brush guards, roof racks (with a variety of accessory mounts), storage organizers, bed extenders, and more.

Updates

For the 2007 model year, the RTX trim package was introduced in the US market as a unique tow-ready version of the Ridgeline. Also for the 2007 model year, Honda made the moonroof standard equipment on the US RTL trim and swapped three of its exterior color options for slightly different shades of the same base colors while adding "Nimbus Gray Metallic" to the color palette as well as "Taffeta White" for the Canadian market.

For the 2008 model year, Honda replaced its two-tone fabrics upholsteries for monotone versions and the RTS and RTL trims received more polished versions of their existing alloy rims. Also for the 2008 model year, Honda removed its last green exterior color option, called "Aberdeen Green Metallic," from its lineup.

For the 2009 model year, the Ridgeline received its most significant updates with over 50 different changes, including the removal of the RTX trim from the US lineup, exterior and interior updates, as well as drivetrain improvements. Some of the more noticeable changes were a new front-end with daytime running lights, new taillights with red vise amber turn signals, new rear step-bumper with integrated class III tow hitch, two additional bed cleats, new instrument cluster, a new steering wheel, driver and front-passenger active head restraints, and more. In the US, the RTS trim gained a power-adjustable lumbar, an MP3/auxiliary input jack, and a seven-pin trailer wiring harness. The US RTL trim gained the same seven-pin harness and received new 18 in (45.7 cm) alloy rims and a 115V/100W AC inverter; if equipped with GPS navigation, the US RTL also received a rearview camera, Class 2 Bluetooth with Honda's HandsFreeLink system and a multi-data/multilingual information display. For Canadians, a new lineup of trim levels were introduced that more closely resembled the US lineup. A new V6 engine (the J35Z5) was introduced that produced up to 10 lb·ft (14 N·m) more torque at lower revolutions per minute (rpm) than its predecessor with a slight horsepower (hp) increase of 3 hp (2.2 kW) at the top of its rpm band. The transmission was also revised with the greatest differences found in third and fourth gears providing approximately 5% lower ratios. Also for the 2009 model year, Honda swapped four of its exterior color options in the US and three in Canada for slightly different shades of the same base colors --leaving Canadians with two different black paints to choose from-- while adding "Mocha Metallic" to the exterior color palette in both markets.

For the 2010 model year, Honda swapped three of its exterior color options in the US and two in Canada for slightly different shades of the same basic colors --including the consolidation of Canada's two black paints into Honda's new global "Crystal Black Pearl"-- and adding "Alabaster Silver Metallic" to both markets.

For the 2011 model year, Honda removed it's only brown paint option, called "Mocha Metallic," from the Canadian lineup.

For the 2012 model year, Honda put the Ridgeline through another series of updates and introduced a new Sport trim for the US and Canadian market and Canadians had their EX-L trim replaced with a new Touring package. A new grille was introduced for all but the new Sport model, which was equipped with its own unique sports grille. Additionally, a new taillight design was introduced that used black-chrome/hyper-black outlines to separate the taillight's different sections. Also, as was done in the previous year with the Canadian lineup, the brown paint option (Mocha Metallic) was removed from the US color pallete. For Mexico, their RTL trim received the US and Canadian Sport's exterior package while retaining its Canadian EX-L interior. Lastly, aerodynamic improvements were made to the body and friction reduction measures were made to the J35Z5 engine; these improvements helped increase highway fuel economy by 1 mpg_‑US (2.4 L/km), according to EPA testing.

For the 2013 model year, all Ridgeline trim levels, if not already equipped, were outfitted with rearview cameras using a new rearview mirror with an imbedded monitor and integrated parking guide lines. --For trims with GPS navigation, the navigation touchscreen continued to be used as a rearview camera monitor and were not outfitted with the new rearview mirror.-- Also, the Chilean market received the 2012 updated taillights that were used on all models as well as the 2009 18 in (45.7 cm) alloy rims for their RTL trim. Lastly, Honda swapped its "Bali Blue Pearl" paint for a slightly lighter blue, called "Obsidian Blue Pearl."

For the 2014 model year, Honda removed the VP trim from the Canadian lineup and added a new Special Edition package. In the US, the SE trim was introduced surpassing the RTL as the new top-of-the-line model. Also, Honda replaced its "Polished Metal Metallic" paint for a slightly lighter gray, called "Modern Steel Metallic."

Changes in Honda Ridgeline's trim levels over time

Changes to Honda Ridgeline's front fascia and rims over time

Exterior color changes to US and Canadian Honda Ridgeline's by model year and trim level

Comparisons

When attempting to compare one vehicle to another, one can look at the manufacturer's numbers as well as independent testing. Given that environmental conditions can change a vehicle's performance, looking at real-world tests that were performed at the same time, at the same location, with like configured vehicles should yield the fairest results. All comparisons referenced below are made with four-wheel drive, crew-cab (where possible), short box versions of the same model year mid-size trucks as the Honda Ridgeline that were sold in North America.

When you compare the Ridgeline's advertized interior/passenger volume and total payload with the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Suzuki Equator, Dodge Dakota, Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Ford Ranger, and GM's Colorado/Canyon, the Ridgeline has greater interior space and hauling capacity than its competition. However, when comparing the manufacturers' tow ratings, —even when performing a towing, curb weight and GCWR calculation to get a more accurate number— the Ridgeline falls short putting it at the bottom of its class for towing. Otherwise, the Ridgeline falls in the middle of these mid-size trucks' published specifications.

The Ridgeline is the first four-door pickup truck to win the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) five-star safety rating for both front and side impact crash test performance and it had the highest rollover resistance of any pickup NHTSA ever tested. Also, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Ridgeline with its highest crash safety scores giving it the "Top Safety Pick" designation while the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Suzuki Equator, Dodge Dakota, Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Ford Ranger, and GM's Colorado/Canyon had one or more less than good rating(s).

In 2012, PickupTrucks.com conducted a mid-size truck challenge with six of the eight trucks listed above (minus the Dakota and Sport Trac) and the Honda Ridgeline. With the exception of a 2011 super-cab Ford Ranger, all test vehicles were 2012 models and all but one had V6 engines (the Colorado was equipped with the LH8). The head-to-head comparisons focused on numerous attributes including objective tests on 0-60 mph (97 km/h), 60-0, and quarter-mile (0.4 km) times with maximum payloads as well as empty beds; dynamometer tests; and real-world fuel economy tests. Subjective tests included expert driver impressions, best value estimates, and an off-road course. Of the seven mid-size trucks tested, the Ridgeline ranked third overall. Of the objective tests, the Ridgeline had the highest scores for payload and real-world fuel economy while ranking lowest in torque delivery at the wheels; otherwise, the Ridgeline ranked in the middle of the other objective tests. Of the subjective tests, the Ridgeline was judged second in expert impressions, third in best value, and last in the off-road course.

Marketing and sales

According to Automotive Design & Production, Honda was slow to enter the minivan market as well as the SUV market, so "given that track record it is no surprise that Honda has just now [2005] gotten around to building a pickup truck.". The Ridgeline is more aptly classified as a sport utility truck with the only direct rivals being the full-size Chevrolet Avalanche and the smaller Ford Explorer Sport Trac.

According to Bloomberg, Honda hoped buyers would find it an attractive alternative to large SUVs, and conventional pickup trucks. Some in the press that have evaluated the Ridgeline, such as PickupTrucks.com, consider it "one of those odd vehicles." They wrote, "The Ridgeline can't really do what most people who like trucks need it to do." While AutoTrader.com wrote, "Sure, some homeowners and weekend warriors may actually need a 10,000-lb towing capacity, but the Honda Ridgeline is probably just right for most." Others in the automotive press, such as The Driver's Seat TV, call the Ridgeline, "the Swiss Army knife of trucks," due to its functionality, and "the anti-truck," due to Honda's lack of following the rules when it comes to truck design; they summarized the truck as scoring "high on practicality but very low on image."

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, "Since its March [2005] debut, Honda's first pickup for the US market is slow to gain traction. Nissan's full-size Titan pickup also has fallen short of sales targets in this all-American segment, which ... is proving tough for outsiders to crack." According to Bloomberg Business, early slow sales can partly be attributed to the expense of the vehicle, which some considered "over-priced." Consequently, dealers began to discount the truck and sales increased. Regardless, sales were still slow compared to other Honda vehicles Honda gave the Ridgeline a facelift for 2009 and added a lower-priced Sport model for 2012, but sales remained "lackluster," according to AutoBlog.com.

Automobile Magazine wrote, "The reaction among pickup buyers has been a collective yawn. ... Volume dropped by half from 2008 to 2010 and then fell another 40 percent last year [2011]." Soon after, Honda posted "an open letter from the company's head to truck product planning, denying rumors that the Ridgeline would be dropped and insisting that a pickup truck will remain part of the company's portfolio." According to Automobile Magazine, parts shortages, due to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, put production on hold and "this setback likely impacted sales," but the company announced that the Ridgeline would "continue production through 2013."

The first generation Honda Ridgeline ended production in mid-2014. According to Auto Trader, the automaker planned to continue production until the second generation Ridgeline was introduced; however, "slow sales of the truck have prompted the automaker to pull it sooner than expected." Despite this, the Ridgeline was one of Honda's more profitable vehicles due to the company's frugal nature that allowed them to develop the Ridgeline for under $250 million USD —half of what General Motors would normally pay—, maximizing Honda's profit margin.

Second generation

On January 11, 2016 at the North American International Auto Show, Honda unveiled the 2017 Honda Ridgeline to the North American market, two months after the public got a glimpse of what the new truck would look like when Honda showed off its new Ridgeline Baja Race Truck at the 2015 Specialty Equipment Market Association Show.

Design

The second generation Honda Ridgeline retains the features and capabilities from the first generation —such as: a similar payload capacity (between 1,447 lb (656 kg) and 1,584 lb (718 kg) depending on trim), the same towing capability, the In-Bed Trunk, the dual-action tailgate, the flat bed, and the rear 60/40 split bench seat with flat load floor— but with more traditional truck styling, advanced safety features, modern electronic amenities, and is now offered in front-wheel drive (FWD) (US market only) as well as all-wheel drive (AWD). Like before, the 2017 Honda Ridgeline is a unibody vehicle but this frame uses Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure. The front-half of this new truck comes with many of the same components and features as the 2016 Honda Pilot, such as:

Earth Dreams V6 engine

Intelligent VTM-4 (I-VTM4)

Intelligent Traction Management

Agile Handling Assist

Eco Assist System

Honda Sensing with:

Lane departure warning

Lane keeping assist

Road departure mitigation

Adaptive cruise control

Forward collision warning with collision mitigation braking

Honda LaneWatch or a blind spot information system with rear cross-traffic monitor

Amplitude Reactive Dampers, but with a modified design to support heavier payloads

TPMS with Tire Fill Assist

Similar front fascia

Front doors and mirrors

Dashboard and instrument cluster

8 in (20.3 cm) infotainment touchscreen system with:

Garmin based GPS navigation

Honda HD Digital Traffic

HD Radio

SiriusXM Satellite Radio

Pandora Radio

Android Auto

Apple CarPlay

HondaLink with HondaLink Assist

Front seats

Center console (but with a traditional gear selector)

Tri-zone climate control and more...

Despite these similarities, a spokesman from Honda R&D Americas stated that 50% of the Honda Pilot's chassis components had to be changed or strengthened for use in the 2017 Ridgeline. The C-pillar and rear sub-frame mounts had to be strengthened as well giving the 2017 Ridgeline 28% more torsional rigidity over the first generation Ridgeline. According to one of the Ridgeline’s body development engineers, "Utilizing fully boxed frame members for the body sides and rear tailgate frame, the truss-style rear inner construction contributes to the new Ridgeline’s more conventional three-box design profile allowing for the elimination of the buttress-style body structure" of the first generation Ridgeline.

Specifications and Powertrain Differences

Some of the 2017 Honda Ridgeline's features being touted by Honda include a more spacious interior; a wider, longer, and tougher bed; the optional in-bed audio system —where the bed walls are turned into speakers that can be controlled with a smartphone—; the optional bed-mounted 115V/150W-to-400W AC inverter; and best in class gasoline V6 fuel economy at 19 mpg_‑US (12.4 L/100 km) city, 26 mpg_‑US (9.0 L/100 km) highway, and 22 mpg_‑US (10.7 L/100 km) combined for FWD models.

The second generation Honda Ridgeline does enhance its hauling and towing performance from the first generation through the following enhancements:

An increase in interior volume (depending on trim level), such as a 0.3 in (8 mm) increase in under-seat storage in the second row

A bigger bed that's:

0.25 in (6 mm) wider between the wheel wells

5.5 in (14 cm) wider overall

3.9 in (10 cm) longer with the tailgate up

5.5 in (14 cm) longer with the tailgate down

A more durable SMC bed, that's reportedly stronger than its competitor's

A more powerful J35Y6, 3,471 cc (211.8 cu in), V6 engine —produces 30 hp (22 kW) and 15 lb·ft (20 N·m) more at the top of the rpm band— consisting of a:

60º V aluminum block with integrated (cast) exhaust manifolds

belt driven SOHC

11.5 : 1 compression

direct injection

Intelligent VTEC

two-stage Variable Cylinder Management

An improved transmission with:

Six versus five forward gears with a 20% wider gear spread

Including a 21.9% lower first-gear and a 20.2% lower reverse gear

reduced friction

an improved lock-up clutch

An improved AWD system (I-VTM4) that's:

22% lighter

with a 20% increase in torque capacity

now able to dynamically distribute torque between left and right rear-wheels

now capable of overdriving the outside rear-wheel by 2.7% for improved cornering performance

Improved brake ventilation with 23% reduction in drag

A multi-view rear camera

An auto-tilting side-view mirror, for close-in visibility when backing up

Trailer Stability Assist

Hill Start Assist

Better fuel economy, with EPA estimated AWD improvements of:

3 mpg_‑US (78.4 L/100 km) city

5 mpg_‑US (47.0 L/100 km) highway

4 mpg_‑US (58.8 L/100 km) combined

Despite these improvements, the 2017 Honda Ridgeline does have some numerical decreases from the first generation Ridgeline, such as:

a shallower bed

less bed illumination

less ground clearance

FWD = 7.3 in (19 cm) with approach, breakover, and departure angles of 19.2°, 18.5°, and 21.4°

AWD = 7.9 in (20 cm) with approach, breakover, and departure angles of 20.1°, 19.6°, and 22.1°

a smaller fuel tank (at 19.5 US gal (74 l))

a smaller but deeper In-Bed Trunk (at 7.3 cu ft (206.7 l))

a shallower spare tire service tray, making it no longer capable of accommodating a full-size spare

However, just like the first generation Ridgeline, there's a hidden tire mount in the bed —integrated in the left-side of the forward bed panel— that can accommodate a compact or full-size spare tire.

Equipment

For the US market, the 2017 Ridgeline is being offered in seven different trim levels: RT, RTS, Sport, RTL, RTL-T, RTL-E, and Black Edition. The base RT trim comes with many of the standard equipment found with its competitors but does have a few unusual standard features, such as:

18 in (45.7 cm) alloy wheels

TPMS with Tire Fill Assist

Security system

Multi-angle rearview camera (with guidelines)

Class III tow hitch

Trailer Stability Assist

Hill Start Assist

Intelligent Traction Management

Agile Handling Assist

Cruise control

Push button start

Capless fuel system

200W seven speaker (with subwoofer) audio system

4.2 in (10.7 cm) multi-information display

In addition to the standard equipment found in the RT trim, the RTS adds remote engine start, smart entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, and fog lights. The Sport trim takes the RTS and adds 18 in (45.7 cm) gray painted alloy rims, crystal black pearl paint, black painted exterior trim, and sport badging. The RTL trim takes a different approach with the RTS by adding a leather-trimmed interior, heated front seats, ten-way power driver's seat, and an acoustic windshield. The RTL-T trim takes the RTL and adds the 8 in (20.3 cm) infotainment touchscreen system. RTL-E trim takes the RTL-T and adds blind spot monitoring, Honda Sensing, and a 540W audio system with truck bed audio while the Black Edition adds a unique blackout treatment to the RTL-E trim.

For the Canadian market, the 2017 Ridgeline is being offered in five trim levels: LX, Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Black Edition. These trim levels are fairly different from the ones offered in the US until you reach the top trim levels. However, there are unique amenities that can only be found in Canadian Ridgelines, such as: heated windshield wipers (all trims) with rain sensing (Touring trim and up), ventilated front seats (Touring trim and up), power folding side-view mirrors (Touring trim and up) with integrated turning signal indicators (Sport trim and up), and heated rear-seats with a rear-passenger climate control interface (EX-L trim and up).

For the Caribbean and Latin American markets, the 2017 Ridgeline is being offered in two trims, RTL and RTL-T, and are similarly equipped to the US versions of the RTL and RTL-T.

Depending on trim level, the 2017 Honda Ridgeline is offered in seven exterior colors and black, gray, or beige interiors in either fabric or leather upholstery, including a special black leather interior with red highlights that's exclusive to the Black Edition trim level.

As before, Honda is offering many OEM accessories that are specifically designed for the 2017 Ridgeline. The types of accessories being sold are much the same as those offered for the first generation Ridgeline with one exception, the Honda Bed Tent.

Comparisons

As in 2012, PickupTrucks.com performed another mid-size truck challenge but with 2016 and 2017 model year vehicles sold in the US. Through this battery of objective and subjective test —many similar and some different from the 2012 challenge— the 2017 Honda Ridgeline came in second overall "by one of the slimmest margins in any test" PickupTrucks.com has conducted, winning half of the objective tests. PickupTrucks.com said, "There's no question the Ridgeline was the surprise of this challenge... Our biggest surprise came at our daylong romp at the Bundy Hill Offroad Park where we found the Honda Intelligent Traction Management system to be shrewd and smooth during our sand drags and steep hill climbs. However, as well as it performed, it still had a few problems;" such as how "much sag occurs while carrying payload," mushy and unpredictable brakes, and a hard to use with bad Sun glare infotainment touchscreen. "Still, if you need your pickup to be a Swiss Army knife and you don't need to carry a lot of gear, there isn't anything else in the Ridgeline's league."

After running through IIHS's new test procedures, the 2017 Honda Ridgeline was given their new top honor, the "Top Safety Pick-Plus." As of December 2016, IIHS ranked the second generation Ridgeline as the only Top Safety Pick vehicle, let alone Top Safety Pick-Plus, in their large pickup category. Additionally, IIHS reported that the 2017 Honda Ridgeline was the only pickup that received top marks at their new headlight performance test; however, these high marks only applied to the top trim levels of the Ridgeline that were equipped with light-emitting diode projector headlights.

Marketing and sales

Compared to the first generation Ridgeline, Honda's second attempt at a mid-size truck for the North American market has the automotive press changing its tune, yet it still has an image problem. Gearheads.org wrote the "2017 Honda Ridgeline still won’t get respect but should" stating, its "downside is going to be looks" with its "soft rounded pudgy panda look rather than a sharp chiseled warhorse." A New York Daily News reporter reviewed the 2017 Honda Ridgeline saying, "You’d think that the most utilitarian of passenger vehicle styles –-the pickup truck-– would be a completely logical purchase. If that were the case, the Ridgeline would outsell all of the other midsize trucks by a landslide, boasting the best combination of safety, utility and drivability in the class. But the Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado both have something that the Ridgeline almost completely lacks: tough, blue collar pickup truck bravado." That being said, Car and Driver magazine proclaimed, "The Ridgeline’s roomy cabin, ample storage, smooth ride, and innovative touches make its rivals seem outdated. ...it not only has cargo space, but also the makings of a great tailgate party..." Motor Trend magazine summed up their view by says they liked "its smooth ride and sharp handling," disliked "the high price, clumsy infotainment system, and plain design," and nominated the new Ridgeline as one of its finalist for their 2017 Truck of the Year competition.

Examining the sales figures for the 2017 Honda Ridgeline, TorqueNews wrote, "...it looks as if American Honda Motors has yet another sales success in its ever expanding lineup." After seven full months of sales, Honda has sold 26,348 second generation Ridgelines in the US and 2,971 in Canada. According to Reuters, sales demand for the new Ridgeline has outpaced production. --Although vehicles sales in North America have gone down 0.3%, Honda's truck and crossover sales have gone up 3.8%.-- To address the demand for these vehicles, Honda will move production of its Acura MDX to its East Liberty Auto Plant in early 2017 in order to increase production of Honda's larger vehicles; the Ridgeline, Pilot, and Odyssey.

Awards and accolades

North American Car of the Year for the truck category in 2006 and 2017

Canadian Car of the Year for the truck category in 2006 and best new pickup category for 2006

Motor Trend's 2006 Truck of the Year

Car and Driver magazine's #1 mid-size truck for 2005 and 2016

U.S. News & World Report's #1 compact pickup truck for 2016

Society of Plastics Engineers 2006 Grand Award for Honda Ridgeline's composite In-Bed Trunk

NHTSA's first four-door pickup to earn five-star safety rating

IIHS's "Top Safety Pick" for the pickup category in 2009, 2012 2013, and "Top Safety Pick-Plus" for 2017

SCORE Baja 1000 winner for the stock mini-truck class in 2008 and 2010 as well as the unlimited open wheel class in 2015