The 2017 Honda Ridgeline Is Hard To Ignore

[Gorehamj]

John Goreham
Contributing Writer, GM-Trucks.com
5/10/2016

Every automaker with a current mid-size truck offering has the same problem. The darn customers won’t stop clamoring for more. Toyota, GMC, and Chevy have all boosted production as much as possible and yet; buyers won’t let the trucks sit on lots for more than couple weeks. This is the hottest segment in America today. Honda just showed up, and it is bringing a vehicle that many who have seen it think will do extremely well with homeowners, outdoor enthusiasts, and maybe even a few small business owners.

This is Honda’s second attempt at a mid-size pickup. Like the previous generation, which skipped a year of production in 2015/2016, this one starts with a front-drive platform (sort of) and is a unibody vehicle (sort of). We say “sort of” because the platform sharing it does in its family is with vehicles that are intended to be primarily all-wheel drive and all of which are built to be all-road capable and off-road competent. Honda has no plans to challenge the Tacoma TRD Pro. That said, luxury truck sales are increasing, and the Ridgeline is designed to be better at almost everything the luxury versions of the Tacoma, Colorado, and Canyon try to do. Honda says it is quieter, has a much better ride, and will offer four modes including sand, snow, mud, and normal.

The Ridgeline starts off strong by skipping the four-cylinder engine altogether. It is only offered with a smooth, powerful V6 engine. I’ve owned three modern Honda V6 engines and know they are responsive, reliable, and efficient. With 280 hp and the best V6 MPG in this class, the Ridgeline's will be no exception. The Ridgeline will be a legitimate hauler of boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and homeowner trailers. With a 5,000-pound max towing rating it can even tow a Spec Miata racecar, plus tires and trailer. It won’t tempt Canyon Duramax customers, but it isn’t trying to.

The first thing that came to my mind when I researched the Ridgeline was "How big is this thing?" The answer is surprising. It has the largest cabin in its class. If you have been in a Pilot or Acura MDX lately you know just how well Honda does vehicles this size. The bed is 64 inches long. So it is not a 5-foot bed, nor is it a 6-foot bed. It is a 5' 4" bed. Honda wanted one truck, not four configurations and this seems pretty sensible. Honda says the Ridgeline has segment leading rigidity. Check out the graphic. Notice that it has a ladder frame under the unibody. Those side members and tailgate components are fully-boxed frame members. You won't find that on a Tacoma.

These are just the basic facts. To learn more we spoke with a Honda expert who just returned from spending a day testing the new Ridgeline. That report follows tomorrow.

[sugarjohnson]

IMO-"Segment leading Minivan front meets truck bed" or "ugliest in class" just saying......

[truckofwinandawesome]

the only Problem i have with the Ridgeline is only 3 letters long: FWD.

[j-ten-ner]

"...and will offer four modes including sand, snow, mud, and normal."

 

So,basically, "...little gas, gas, more gas, step on it!..."?

 

Not that I was a fan of the Ridgeline or did pay much attention to it.

But seeing them side by side, the 2014 model has at least a meaner look.

The new one...oh well, it's just taste.

 

so long

j-ten-ner

[Daryl LBZ]

IMO-"Segment leading Minivan front meets truck bed" or "ugliest in class" just saying......

Agreed.

[white1500]

In all honesty this probably fits the needs of most 1500 owners in this forum. Especially those who have carpet in the bed and want all sorts of electronic nannies/gadgets?

[j-ten-ner]

In all honesty this probably fits the needs of most 1500 owners in this forum. Especially those who have carpet in the bed and want all sorts of electronic nannies/gadgets?

 

Agreed.

Except for the "Hello Ken" design.

 

so long

j-ten-ner

[KMGZ400]

Seems like they should of make at least a small attempt to make it look rugged... At least the tacomas is pretty rugged looking. This thing is brutal looking

[white1500]

Suburban dads and families don't need a rugged looking truckster to go to the state park or grocery store? And the Tacoma/4Runner front ends are too aggressive, just like what they have done with the Lexus predator grills.

 

[SILVER SLED]

I thought the Ridgeline was gonna be awd? Either way, I think the dual tailgate set up, the in bed speakers and the trunk in the bed are awesome features. It's the perfect urban truck. And like someone said, it prob fits the bill for 90% of the 1500 owners on here. I also think it looks pretty good.

[conundrum]

... It's the perfect urban truck. And like someone said, it prob fits the bill for 90% of the 1500 owners on here. ...

For only a 1 mpg savings (AWD), and it appears, more expensive to begin with; does that matter?

[Rock1500]

In all honesty this probably fits the needs of most 1500 owners in this forum. Especially those who have carpet in the bed and want all sorts of electronic nannies/gadgets?

It would certainly fit my needs but the hell with me buying one of these. I rather have the Colorado if I went mid size.

 

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

[f8l vnm]

This is one ugly mofo , FWD ? lol HOnda should just stick to making plain ole vanilla like the accord and nipvic

[Likarok]

IMO-"Segment leading Minivan front meets truck bed" or "ugliest in class" just saying......

 

I agree, it is like calling the old El Camino a truck!

[[email protected]]

In all honesty this probably fits the needs of most 1500 owners in this forum. Especially those who have carpet in the bed and want all sorts of electronic nannies/gadgets?

 

 

LOL - that's me to a "T". A agree it would do 90% of what I need/use a truck for. EXCEPT pull my car and enclosed car trailer. 6K to 7K lbs loaded. The Ridgeline's bed is a bit small for infield camping as well.

 

I liked the Styling/Design of the original Ridgeline - and yes - I always loved my El Camino's - This new styling is in my opinion - just ugly. As mentioned the in-bed storage area is a great idea. The composite bed material is a great idea - although the Customer is taking a chance on it. Anything that new and different has to prove itself to me in actual use for several years.

 

So the New Styling - leaves me out. Plus now my 2015 1500 gets amazing gas mileage so no need to worry about that either. Third - the Honda Dealers around here never had more than two or three Ridgelines on their lots - and never seemed that interested in really SELLING them. You can't SELL what you don't have.

 

Carl B.