I’ve heard that the Honda Ridgeline isn’t a truck countless times, so let’s put this to rest. What do you think about it?
I own a 2006 Ridgeline, bought it used about 6 years ago. I really wouldn’t call it a truck either but an SUV with a truck box. I love the trunk in the back. Everything I keep in it is safe and dry. It can haul stuff, 4 foot wide material sits flat on the floor unlike some other pickups. I upgraded the rear suspension so it can carry an addition 1000 pounds of cargo. I tow a 20 foot long travel trailer and have had zero issues except towing it kills the already crappy gas mileage.
I test drove the new 2017 model a few weeks ago and I am seriously considering buying one before I retire this next January. For me anyway, it’s a great combination of utility and comfort. I plan on towing that 20 foot trailer around the US come next spring and feel the new Ridgeline would be perfect for the job.
I love the Ridgeline and will likely snag one when my 20-year old Dodge truck finally dies, but yeah - it’s not a traditional truck. Outside of the US manufacturers, most SUVs are simply raised car platforms. The Ridgeline goes a step farther and gives us a raised car with a bed, like a tall El Camino or Ranchero. That means it drives much better than a truck and more easily incorporates convenience features.
The people who grouse about its shortcomings compared to some $75k Dodge you need a step-ladder to get into and that will haul an entire building are just kidding themselves - 80% will never need anywhere near that kind of hauling capability, or AWD and a host of other features it has.
How much clearance does a Ridgeline have and can you get it in 4WD? I’ve got a Forester we use for moderately-bad dirt roads (mostly BLM or Forest Service) and light off-roading, but it doesn’t really have the clearance or the true 4WD to get out of a bad spot. I keep looking for what’s practically a unicorn these days–a used smaller truck, ideally a Toyota but I’d take American, with an extended cab (but not a full double) for some interior storage, a six or eight foot bed, and 4WD.
My Ridgeline has about 8 inches of clearance. I’ve taken it to a couple off road events and it has performed fantastic. All Ridgelines up to 2015 are 4 wheel drive, the new 2017 is the first with just 2 wheel drive (and it’s front wheel drive too). In fact, Ridgelines operate in front drive except when the 4 wheel drive is engaged. Ridgelines have 4 doors and lots of back seat space. And the box is only 53 inches long, this is much less than any standard pickup. As I stated in my first post, the box also has a lockable trunk with lots of storage room. The spare tire is also in there.
The 4 wheel drive is also a hybrid system. If the truck detects any wheel slippage, the 4 wheel drive will engage automatically. You can also engage the system, this locks up all 4 wheels and has a speed limit of about 18 mph. You can also lock the front drive axle so both front tires pull, this is only recommended for wet or slippery conditions.
The only issues I have had with mine is the less than stellar gas mileage (about 15 mpg) and the warning for a loose gas cap that likes to pop on whenever it feels like it. The only expense so far was a timing belt at 105,000 miles, with a new water pump, tune up and all fluids changed, that cost me about $1200.
Had a 2008 that I foolishly sold a few years ago. Fantastic at being the swiss army knife of SUV/Truck/Car crossover do-everything vehicle. It does 99% what most buyers of standard body-on-frame pickup buyers do with their trucks, while still basically driving and handling like a unibody SUV.
Tows up to 5000 pounds, I’ve personally towed a flatbed car trailer and sport car project, total weight had to be close to the 5000 # limit, and it towed with no drama whatsoever.
If I can find a nice clean low-mileage 1st gen RLT trim level example for sale, I’ll buy it.
Nice to see some fellow Ridgeline buddies.
The thing I like is the cooler in the back that you can either use for drinks, or in my case, random tools and electrical wire lol. I also find it funny how the Chevy avalanche is around the same size and has a v8, and it rows about the same as the ridge, whose engine is a 3.5l vtec (gotta let that kick in lol). Most of my friends who give me crap about having a ridge are the ones with the fat f350 mountain moving Dooleys. To me, comparing the ridge (classified as a sports utility truck) to a full size truck like even an f150 is as asinine as comparing a turtle to Usain bolt in running ability.
I was quite interested when they came out.
But I want need;
2wd, and I want it rear wheel drive
Extended cab, not dual cab
Resurrecting this because I just bought a 2019 RTL-E. I traded a Tundra Crewmax 4WD so I’m adjusting to the MUCH smaller size and the lower height. I e only had it a few days but so far I’m loving it. It drives and parks so easily. It has all the bells and whistles like adaptive cruise, lane keeping, etc. The trunk is plenty big enough for my golf clubs.
I loved my Tundra but I think I made the right trade. The fuel savings driving 50 miles a day will also help.