Honda Ridgeline

Introduction

The Honda Ridgeline was first introduced in 2005 as Honda’s entry into the midsize pickup truck market. Unlike traditional body-on-frame pickups, the Ridgeline featured a unibody construction, delivering a smoother ride and better handling without sacrificing utility. Designed for both work and lifestyle use, it gained popularity for its innovative features like the in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate. The Ridgeline remains Honda’s flagship pickup, known for combining comfort, versatility, and reliability.

Exterior

The Ridgeline’s exterior design set it apart from conventional pickups. Early models had a distinctive, aerodynamic shape with integrated cargo beds, while later generations adopted more traditional, rugged styling with a bold front grille, LED headlights, and sculpted body lines. The dual-action tailgate could open downward or swing sideways, improving practicality. Bed sizes offered ample space, while trims included alloy wheels and optional off-road styling packages.

Interior

Inside, the Ridgeline emphasized comfort and refinement, resembling an SUV more than a traditional truck. It offered spacious seating for five with supportive seats and high-quality materials. Higher trims included leather upholstery, a touchscreen infotainment system, premium audio, and tri-zone climate control. Clever storage compartments, including under-seat bins and the signature in-bed trunk accessible from the cabin, enhanced practicality. The cabin was designed for both family comfort and work convenience.

Safety Features

Honda equipped the Ridgeline with strong safety systems. Standard features included multiple airbags, ABS brakes, traction control, and stability assist. Modern generations added Honda Sensing technology, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The unibody construction also improved crash safety compared to some traditional pickups. These features made the Ridgeline one of the safest trucks in its class.

Engine Trims

The Ridgeline was powered primarily by a 3.5-liter V6 engine across its generations, producing around 250 hp in early models and up to 280 hp in recent ones. It was paired with automatic transmissions, evolving from five-speed to advanced nine-speed gearboxes. All-wheel drive was available alongside front-wheel drive, with towing capacities of up to 5,000 pounds. The V6 delivered smooth, reliable performance with respectable fuel economy for a pickup.

Maintenance

Maintenance of the Ridgeline was generally straightforward, with its V6 engine and unibody design offering durability and lower maintenance costs compared to some rivals. Routine servicing of oil, brakes, and transmission fluid ensured long-term reliability. The all-wheel-drive system required periodic servicing, especially for towing or off-road use. Honda’s extensive dealer network and strong reputation for reliability contributed to the Ridgeline’s ease of ownership.

Competitors

The Honda Ridgeline competed with midsize pickups such as the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, Nissan Frontier, and Ford Ranger. While the Tacoma emphasized rugged off-road ability, and the Colorado and Ranger focused on towing and utility, the Ridgeline distinguished itself with superior ride comfort, innovative features, and Honda reliability, appealing to lifestyle buyers who valued versatility.