Powering the Honda Ridgeline is a 3.5L V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, roughly 30 more horsepower than the engine in the previous generation. The engine is coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the front wheels, or to all four wheels on all-wheel-drive models. 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 truck bed is wide and flat, and may, at first glance, appear short. However, the rear seats are able to fold completely flat, allowing the truck bed to extend right into the cabin when extra utility is needed. 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 RT and features power windows and door locks, a 5-inch LCD color screen, Bluetooth with audio streaming, dual USB ports, speed-sensitive volume control and a 7-speaker 200-Watt sound system.
The Sport trim adds a little bit of attitude to the Ridgeline. It is equipped much the same as the RTS, but also features meaner looking 18-inch wheels and what Honda calls "Crystal Black Pearl" paint.
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 RTL-T was created for technophiles, with a navigation system, an automatically dimming rearview mirror, an SMS text message function, Apple CarPlay, Pandora and SiriusXM satellite radio.
The RTL-E adds to the RTL-T with several safety features, including a blind spot warning system and a lane-keep assist system. Also included on the RTL-E is an uprated stereo that includes speakers in the bed. All-wheel drive is standard on the RTL-E.
Finally, 2019 Ridgelines are available in the "Black Edition" trim. The all-wheel-drive Black Edition gets everything included in the RTL-E plus black alloy wheels, 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 Honda Ridgeline returns for 2019 largely unchanged; RTL and RTL-T trims now feature a power sliding rear window and a moonroof, and two USB ports are now standard in RT, Sport and RTL trims.
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. Prices for the Ridgeline start at around $29,500.
