Final Thoughts: Truck Perception vs Reality! 2018 Ridgeline
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- Опубліковано 24 гру 2024
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Great video. Most trucks on the road not even carrying or pulling anything and nothing's in the bed except McDonald's cups
Haha! So true except for the twice yearly visits to Home Depot.
Jon Bledsoe ha ha so true!
@@treydrier3169 I prefer Lowe's
so people can drive what they want!
Seems like a use my Mazda B2200 harder than most use there full size trucks.
I love my 2018 Black Edition. Very capable and very comfortable.
We’ve had our ‘17 Ridgeline for the better part of a year now. We live in an inner ring suburb and don’t NEED a truck. But I do need a vehicle with the capabilities that the Ridgeline provides. Between my jet skis and my teardrop trailer the 5k lb towing is more than enough. The bed was just right when I brought home 30 bags of mulch. We just got done hauling 30 folding chairs and 8 tables for a friend. Can a full sized truck do more? For sure. But I don’t see the benefit of spending more so I can sacrifice comfort and mpg just to justify my manhood. I thought that was solidified when I married my wife and fathered two kids. The comments that call the truck feminine are comical coming from individuals who probably do a lot less MANLY things with their midsize truck than I do.
I'm on my 3rd Ridgeline and find it so hilarious of people to comment about it, but have no first hand experience with the Ridgeline. As you know, it has good fuel economy, great acceleration, comfort & handling of a car, etc, etc and last but not least, it fits in an average size garage.
Right on. Yeah, I though signing up and serving my country in the military over the last 2 decades proved mine; so I bought the best truck I could find for my lifestyle - money no object. Happy 2018 Ridgeline RTL-E owner now. No problem loading my dirtbikes in the bed (they're Hondas too). I don't own anything I need to tow, but waverunners and a small travel trailer are my speed.
I bought a dodge ram for less than a ridgelines costs and can do a lot more. My only problem with the ridgeline is it's less truck and for the same price.
You can zero out a full size, with 2wd, small cab, no options, 1500 and get a machine that tows and hauls more than a Ridgeline, Tacoma, Colorado, or any midsize. If all you do is tow and haul, and dont care about comfort, you can buy the lowest end full-size 2wd machine for 31-32K. If you don't tow or haul anything routinely, I think you'd be a fool to buy a low-end fullsize.
Love the comment. Most of these, "guys" so worried about their manhood have never used a truck for work in their life and don't even know what that means. Work for them means hauling their 4wheeler, snowmobile trailer and playing in the mud.
I previously owned 3 Tacoma's. TRD was the best. I test drove a 2019 Colorado and a new 2019 Tacoma. The Honda Ridgeline won easily over the others. A truck for men and women for all seasons. Camping, hunting, fishing, home construction and soil hauling too, and touring. Comfort, quietness, and convenience beyond. Powerful beyond expectations. Probably the best for 90% of the pickup truck population. I bought one and love it.
Was never a Honda fan always owned domestic until my Ridgeline but Honda has won me over with my 07 Ridgeline(125k) and my wife's 09 civic(200k) both over 10yrs old and have never once seen a shop for repairs other than recall airbags, I have no doubt the new RL would do the same.
Another bit of useful info is the Ridgeline will fit in most standard garages GM twins, tacoma likely wont and neither will a fullsize. This is important to me as the FL sun is very very brutal on every exterior/interior part. Waxing only does so much when your truck sits 24/7 in the brutal hot sun all day, I see cars everyday that are just destroyed in a few yrs from the sun down here. At 40+k for any new well equipped truck IMO it must be protected as much as possible.
from Google "Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) is an automobile factory located in Lincoln, Alabama. ... HMA is also the first Honda factory to have both engine die-casting and machining on site as well as vehicle assembly, under the same roof. HMA is the sole manufacturer of the Honda Odyssey, Honda Pilot, and Honda Ridgeline."
Surely Alabama is domestic
Exactly! I have a 15 Honda Civic and it’s bulletproof! The exact reason this is a perfect truck and I plan on adding one to my Honda family!
I have an 01 Accord. Best car I’ve ever owned. Reason I’m looking at this thing as my truck.
I have a colorado, and it does fit in a standard car garage, with room to spare.
New Tacoma trucks are narrower than new Ridgelines and fit suburban size garages better. I tried both in my garage. That being said, for my needs I prefer the Ridgeline overall. It is so much more refined than the Tacoma but each fits a different need.
the Ridgeline is really unappreciated IMO. it really rides like a car, which is amazing for a pretty capable vehicle.
it a car
Best rated pickup in its class, by far. Consumer reports loves the Ridgeline. Legendary reliability and American made.
Yep AMERICAN MADE!!
Great truck, consumer reports is a bunch of shills tho
Bought the 2019 Ridgeline on a Monday and drove it from Cleveland to Miami on Tuesday. 19.5 hours straight through with my wife and I alternating at the wheel. You don't know you are in a pickup truck. The ride is phenomenal. Buttery smooth. It has very good acceleration and handling. You feel very safe in it. My wife loves it just as much as I do and she's not a fan of pickup trucks. To be fair, I do not plan on using it for serious off road adventures. I haul things and have a small boat on a trailer. I also tailgate. The built in trunk underneath the trailer bed is perfect for tailgating as it can be used as a cooler. It even has a screw out drain cap for when emptying when the ice melts.
I bought the middle of line RTL trim package. A very reasonable $37K sticker price. They gave me $3,500 off the sticker to sweeten the pot. It's a great package that includes leather seats, 8 speaker stereo, moon roof, heated seats, keyless entry, push button start, etc. I rented a Nissan Frontier a few months ago. Honestly, there is no comparison. The Nissan not a bad pickup at all but it just doesn't have the same qualities and ride comfort of the Ridgeline. Traveling 1,400 miles in less than 24 hours I can say with confidence that this is very comfortable pickup truck with a 5 star safety rating. Do yourself a favor and make sure it's on your short list.
Trey Drier Just curious, what was your overall mpg for the trip, since it was mostly highway driving?
@@rickybroussard4107 About 25 mpg.
I’m absolutely in love with my 2018 Ridgeline!
Hi. I'm undecided on buying a Honda ridgeline or traditional full size truck. I'm just using it to carry a few machines for my landscaping business. Are they reliable ? Have good mpg ?
@@qualitylandscapeandhauling7942
Yes the Ridgeline is very reliable. I bought a 2019 and man is it nice. The interior is streamlined and plush. I get mid 20's mpg. They also have the highest 5 star rating of any pickup truck. So its also very safe. Bottom line is it's very comfortable and a joy to drive while also strong enough to tow a 5,000 lb rig - should be plenty for landscaping equipment.
@@treydrier3169 oh ok. I just wish they were a bit cheaper. Lol. Here in California they start at $35k and go up to $43k. They are nice though. Love how smooth they ride. Well thanks for replying back .
Love the picture of the Grey Ridgeline you show as the description of this video,can you please tell me what kind of wheels and tires you have on it? Specs on the rims and tires and did you have to lift it at all? Love the black rims you have with the wheels man. 👍
I actually like the look of the front end... part of the reason we bought our 2017 black edition. It looks way more sporty than a blocky looking truck. Got rid of our 2014 silverado for it and haven’t looked back.
As a Ridgeline owner and having to deal with “tough guys” who think the Ridgeline isn’t a truck I’m gonna refer them to this 3 part video series! Great Job!! I love the unbiased yet informative and honest review!
Oliver Burton Dude, it takes a special kind of pathetically insecure individual to mock someone else's ride. I've got mad respect for those who don't follow the herd and simply buy what they want. Enjoy it, that is all that matters.
Change the front of this Honda to something meaner and I'll buy 20 lol
@@jackassoftheweek So you buy your truck based on the looks of the grill. Lol!!
Oliver, perfectly stated!! It's the best mid sized truck on the market as long as you aren't off roading in the Rocky Mountains. If you are then buy a bigger 4 wheel drive monster. Otherwise, the Ridgeline does everything else better.
The micropenis truck guys?
Really appreciate your unbiased and straightforward thoughts. I wouldn't have thought we'd get that, especially from a big truck guy. Thanks.
I have an 2008 Honda Rideline and love it. It’s has 146000 miles and keeps on going. The new model looks great
Jack Bateman I have an 08 with 250,000 runs great
I'll keep it forever
my 2008 with 180000 miles runs great, i like the quirky cool design and find really useful for everyday city use, an electric version with a 500 mile range would sell sell sell..
2006 with 280k miles. Original exhaust, bearings and shocks still. I plow snow and tow car trailers with cars over hours of driving.
I have an 08 with 170 K. Haul past rated capacity a lot. Do some off roading often in my job. No complaints.
I love mine! It's quick, comfortable, and gets great mileage.
David Gupton true but it’s not that quick
Im happy with my 17 Ridgeline AWD
Aaron Repper good luck keeping up with the big v8
If they release a Type R, I would get one
This truck easily keeps up with stock V8’s and gets out of its own way just fine.
I own a 2017 Black Edition and I love it.
Just bought a 2020. Love it
It's good hearing a known heavy truck guy review this platform and touch on some things that other reviewers simply can't because they aren't truck guys and don't think like one. Good information and kudos for pointing out subtle but important things like it's made in the US.
Nice review. The idea for extra space is amazing and a SUV front design is amazing for people who want a less aggressive look but also want a pick up truck to carry stuff for camping .
Functionally, for what I need, this is the truck I should get. I just can't get over the look. It's not bad but compared to the other mid-sized trucks, it doesn't compare for me. It's infinitely better than the previous generation Ridgeline, though.
I hear you. I have one, and I don't love the look. The functionality outweighs the looks for me. I wish they would use bigger wheels a tires and give it a more chiseled look... But even though they didn't, I still love mine!
Install the front lift kit and big tires. Problem solved. I've driven my Tacoma for 5yrs and have hated it the last 4. 16mpg, gutless, rides like a 1975 chevy 3/4 ton, bobs and weaves all over the road. To me, none of the others compare to the Ridgeline.
I think it looks great from the driver's seat!
@@bingham7957 Lol!! I agree! I own one and it has a fantastic ride. Handles extremely well too for a pickup.
Enter 2021 Honda Ridgeline
Well done. I purchased a 2018 RTLE last year, and after 30,000 miles driven (Vermont & NY), I'm very pleased with it.
I bought a 2019 Ridgeline in spring of 2018. I love this truck. I get 23 mpg city and 28 mph Highway. It has the acceleration of a sports car, the ride of a luxury car, and it packs away all of my hunting gear in the spacious trunk under the bed. As far as towing, It can tow a small trailer. But, even living in a rural area if I have a big project I can generally get everything delivered for free. Love this vehicle.
Your comment about the looks of the vehicle not being very truck-like is spot-on.
I believe this is on purpose.
Honda is not making a truck to appeal to truck owners. They are making a truck to appeal to Honda owners. Something to move up to when their Civic hatchback isn't cutting it anymore, but they don't want a minivan. This is not going to appeal to "real" truck owners, but very much might appeal to Honda car owners that feel they need the utility of a light truck. And, yeah, it's a Pilot with a pickup bed. A light, compact, all wheel drive pickup with almost 300 horsepower. I can dig it, but it's not going to replace a one-ton dually diesel for towing a full size RV.
rbstorms it’s not a pilot at all. Most parts on the ridgeline are specific to it.
@@justiceleaguer9108 It was designed to be based on the Pilot (first gen ridgeline) but they had to up engineer aspects of it. It shares a good chunk of the front exterior and interior materials with the pilot and software but I believe the whole drivetrain is unique from engine, transmission, to suspension. Not like being based on the pilot is a bad thing. It is a Honda Accord upscaled to a crossover but it makes a pretty good small SUV -- much better than most crossovers. "The ultimate dad car" ~ RCR. Same story with the Ridgeline. It is a car pretending to be a SUV pretending to be a mid-sized truck. Because of that it should make compromises... right? right? Oh, it only makes mild compromises? Okay.
acephantom903 well the 3.5 is common to the accord, ody and the ridgeline so I’ll buy that to a point.
How many people can afford a $70,000+ dually, have enough left over for a fifth wheel trailer, and still afford fuel, maintenance, insurance - and be able to take off enough time from work to actually use it? I don't know anyone who has the money.
LOL, you kept saying Pilot at certain times. Btw, I have 18 RTL-E, love the truck. I drive a lot of box truck and full size trucks at work, and I'd have to say I love how my baby truck drives even though I rarely drive it. This is a capable utility truck with light duty towing capability. If you live in the city, this is almost a perfect vehicle.
Nice review. Glad to get an open minded person to get a good review. Most people on the internet just roast this truck. I think Honda nailed it with this truck. Great for a person that doesn’t haul/tow anything and in city type of truck. It definitely is very different from all the other mid size trucks.
Not sure if you mentioned that the Ridgeline drives like a fine German AWD SUV, quiet fast and tight, handles great, with torque vectoring AWD, not that clutzy 4WD that most trucks have . This truck is for people who reallly don't like how body-on-frame trucks drive. I own a nice Ford F150 , but except for towing, i wish i had a Ridgeline.
I own a 19 Ridgeline sport, for a daily driver it can’t be beat, it gets good gas mileage, it’s quiet, the ride is really smooth, and I’ve taken it off road, on street tires it will still climb out of quiet a bit with the awd system that also has a locking rear differential. It’s really a great truck that a lot of people over look because they simply don’t know better and refuse to even look at it, everyone I’ve shown my truck to have ended up really liking it, some of them even thought about buying one for their next vehicle
Great video. I was never a Honda fan. I really hated the looks of the new Ridgeline. But then I drove one. Seeing all the features and feeling the quality completely changed my mind. The looks are even growing on me. I will definitely be looking at one for my next vehicle.
Great, honest, review. I don't tow. I don't even need a truck more than a half dozen times a year. So the Ridgeline rides and drives like a car but has the bed in the back just in case I need it.
True is good
It seems like Honda's answer to the Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The biggest problem I have with mid-sized trucks is that their MPG is about the same as the best full size 1/2 ton trucks but they are less capable. To me the main reason to own one would be parking. That said, I do love the fact that the Honda has a versatile bed and tail gate as well as the excellent suite of driver assistance features.
Agree with MPG comment. My dad owns a pilot, went on a road trip with him through Montana, I drove my GMC Sierra w/6.2l, we had about the same cargo weight, drove the same speed, didn't draft and was doing about 13 mpg. My truck was doing 17-18 depending upon terrain. He had a cargo carrier on the roof rack, which contributed.
Last guy must have an older style Pilot. I can easily get 27mpg with our 2016. Gotten over 30 with it on road trips. I got 27mpg on 170 mile trip hauling 7 people and luggage from a week long vacation with the cruise set at 72mph.
S Patoine my 2015 loves gas ;-). I wish I could have its look with the new model’s mpg.
I have a 2014 Ridgeline. For a senior who wants a truck and an SUV and the comforts of a car this is it. Multifunctional, highly adaptable, easy to drive, it does it all. The prices in Canada are higher for the Ridgeline Touring and the equipment is so vast they should offer training courses. This is the ultimate winter beater! Every time I drive it, its a wow experience. Every new passenger is stunned by the creature features and the comfort. If their is a flaw its Honda themselves, their marketing of this vehicle is wrong. This is the ultimate utilitarian vehicle, a Swiss Army Knife for anyone who owns a house and has a family and a dog.
An excellent review and just tipped me over the edge to purchase a Honda Ridgeline! Incredible value for the money. I can tow my 5x10 Enclosed Aluminum trailer with my Dirt Bike easily and do all of the other things I daily and weekly! Thanks again for such a thorough review! I would love to see a video of how the older Ridgelines are doing from a Body and Drivetrain point of view. From my research to date, they are doing very well!
Thank you for doing this in-depth review. Opening my eyes to other vehicle brands while I used to be a very biased ford fan. After seeing this would really consider a ridgeline in my search for a newer vehicle.
I used to have a Nissan truck. Not once did I ever have a need to tow anything, or go anywhere remotely off-road beyond the challenges of a dirt parking lot. This truck might be what I need.
U kept saying Pilot at the end. No problem. I only owned a Sierra for 14 years and now on my 2nd Silverado lease and my last!
Yes people don’t realize that Toyota and Honda trucks at least are far more AMERICAN MADE than Gm Ford and Fiat/Chrysler!!!!
Ridgeline, Tacoma or Tundra here I come in less than 2 years! Keep up the good work!! Thanks!
I come to you from the FUTURE!!! They fixed the front end in 2021. Just picked up a 2022. Sonic Grey Pearl... It's a great truck...
I’m driving my second Ridgeline, ‘06, now ‘11. I’m thinking I’ll go for the third soon. It’s just the right size for my needs and I can do almost all I need for my ride to do while I don’t have to suffer from burning up more fuel
Most people don’t realized that Honda’s roots are in 0FF Road. They have history in moto x dirt bikes and quads and most things all terrain.
What’s gets me is that the Odyssey has a 10 speed with the V6 plus the instrument cluster and dash are way ahead. You can do the same and more with the van version with a rubber mat in the back.
Steven Ruble the Odyssey has always been an underrated workhorse.
The odyssey just got the 10 spd this year, and this was redone the year before. I am sure this will get it eventually... love my odyssey though, does everything I need it to.
The 6-speed is bullet-proof. The 10-speed is new, and doesn't offer much more in fuel economy. The odyssey Tows 500lbs less than the FWD and 2000 lbs less than the 4wd. As good as this review is, he didn't show you how much cargo the ridgeline swallows with the back seats up and the trunk used before you need to put anything in the bed. The odyssey is great, my family owned one for years, but this is a different vehicle.
My 2002 odyssey can easily haul more than any truck without an extra long bed - but the point here is that if you are doing a lot then you wouldn't want it in your interior. Of course vans will always win the hauling argument even against most full size pickups. Towing and off-road are different stories...
In my opinion, all those gears is not necessarily a good thing. I test drove a 2018 Acura MDX with a 9 speed transmission.....it was searching the whole time, not smooth feel and made for a terrible test drive. I know it's not exactly the same as the Odyssey, but I'm sure they're using similar technology. The 6 speed in my Ridgeline is great.
I'll recommend this truck to my sister. AWD for the Colorado winters and a bed to haul kayak and bikes. Plus, with four doors, she still can haul her kids and can park this in any parking garage.
Daniel C Why wouldn’t an SUV, crossover or wagon with AWD work just as well? More internal load carrying space for the more frequent times carrying luggage or groceries.
@@cjeam9199 The back seats fold up and you can put a lot of groceries back there. Although you can't really carry people and luggage at the same time. Not unless you want to chuck them in the trunk and bed.
I LOVE the non-trucky look of the Ridgeline.
I think it’s a good truck for some one who doesn’t haul a lot only on occasion very reliable truck my buddy has first generation and he does a lot of outdoor sports biking camping
Christopher Brown realistically, that's about 90% of pickup owners.
Taylor St. Pierre very true
Exactly.
I’m just waiting for the Type R version to come out...🤣
A Ridgeline to keep up with the GMc Syclone or Dodge Ram srt10 would be sick. The Ridgeline itself is already fast and I drive a v8
My wife ownes a Honda Pilot as I understand it the Ridgeline is on the same platform with a stronger suspension. I have a Ram 1500 crew cab with the 5.7 Hemi i really like it but when I replace it I am so impressed with our Pilot I am getting a AWD Ridgline it will do everything I need in a truck It drives great and has great fuel mileage.
Have a 2012 Ridgeline and when I answered Honda's ownership survey, I gave it low marks for looks and status. It's really like marrying a somewhat homely looking woman that is great in every other way. It (truck) rides great, handles well, very comfortable, easy to live with, unbelievably dependable (nothing ever goes wrong). The in bed trunk comes in very handy to hold luggage on trips. They've fixed the odd looking bed - now, if only they'd fix the grill for a more masculine, aggressive look. If that happens, odds are, I'll buy another.
Homely looking woman.......LOL
Bang on review 👍
I am still driving my 2006 Ridgeline trouble free. And love it .
I really appreciate how you give props to even the Honda and how even though it's not a 1 ton dually that it does give big bang for the buck.
When the biggest complaint you have about a vehicle that claims to do what the Ridgeline can do is that its front looks like an SUV you know the Ridgeline is something seriously good.
I love my 1st gen ridgeline... It looks more like a truck than the 2nd gen
Daniel j Corica i do like the 1st gen as well as the 2nd gen. My only gripe about the 1st gen is how the sides of the bed pillar upward towards the cab, which looks a little weird, but other than that I've test driven one and they are pretty nice
@@coytus94 are you speaking of the baby Chevy Avalanche look about the sides of the bed pillar towards the cab? If so, I actually love that styling point!
Well get ready for the 3rd gen because that’s gonna actually look like a truck again
Ok "truck" guys...so I bought a 06 Ridgeline. And I can confidently say that I love my "car" MUCH more than the other midsized trucks, it there. The Frontier was the closest as far as functionality "for me" but still a distant 2nd. For family, there's nothing better, safer, more comfy, or funner! The tailgate/bed combo is unbelievable!
I just bought a 2018 Ridgeline RTL-T AWD, my first truck, and I have been getting great gas mileage as well. I don't do very much city driving, or highway, and I am averaging 23.6 mpg. My first mostly highway trip I got 27 mpg. It has an eco mode, but the kicker is, i don't use it. I like the power when I need it. I was driving a 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid before this, so perhaps I drive different, but I liked the 255 HP of my old Accord, and took advantage of it too often. This truck handles great, much better than I expected. It holds the turns on the back roads. I even bought a Leer cap for it.
Bottom line, I love the truck, especially the in-bed trunk, it's huge.
If you dont go on trails and only need to tow say a boat or other object within its rating, its a great choice. Its comfy, quiet, AWD for weather on the road, and is just nice to live with. I seriously considered one but at the time I knew going offroad was a big thing for me. I would've gotten one otherwise.
It can go off road and on trails, lots of vids to prove its great at that. I wouldn't take it rock-crawling though, and you can't lift it (I think a Honda kit just came out though). If you're into off roading (like serious, tear-your-transmission-out, watch your 40K truck get swept away when you learn the river was just a bit too deep kind of stuff), yeah get a Tacoma or the Frontier Pro.
Stem Nozzel Im sure it could do dirt trails and such. TFL did a video with it and it overheated the trans.
Ive taken it offroading. The only problem is the air dam will scrape on huge bumps. Other than that, it flies down trails
You should check out the videos on UA-cam, Ridgelines will out climb most anything. I considered a Jeep Wrangler but the short wheel base and jerky ride along with few creature features made it the wrong choice for me. Ridgelines are Swiss Army Knives, from groceries to home construction they do it all and have a hidden trunk.
@John Yeah, its all-wheel drive system is kind-of amazing. It has an inch or so less clearance than its competitors, and the Tacoma alone has hundreds of different 3rd party lift and wheel options where the ridgeline now has exactly one. Maybe Honda will do a dedicated off-road option, but I kind of hope they don't. The other midsize trucks basically get more expensive with off-road options and packages above about $35K; the ridgeline veers the other direction with more driving/comfort features. I prefer its current balance - but if Honda wants to it certainly could lift it a couple of inches, throw on a light bar and call it an off-road edition.
I have a 2017 Ridgeline AWD Touring and I love it. I have to agree with your on your review about the front look, I wish they could have made it a big more aggressive and that would be perfect. It looks too similar to a Pilot or CRV. Oh well... reading some other comments, after so many years people are still arguing about RL is not a truck, it's an SUV with a bed? LOL... Well, but that's exactly what I want, believe it or not!!! I have a full time I.T. job 9-5 but on weekend and after work, I do a lot of home renovation. The bed is so perfect for 4x8 plywood and drywall, with the hitch extender I was able to get 2x12x16 without problem. I don't really care about it's a body-on-frame or unibody, I don't go offroad and I don't tow any trailer. The last thing I towed was a Toro Dingo I rented from Home Depot. The fact is that, I cannot find the same features and level of comfort from other manufacturers in the mid size category pickup. Your video said it already, it's what you are looking for, RL isn't for everyone but Honda nailed this market - I am one of the weekend warriors :)
The Ridgeline is a great vehicle I won't deny that, but what exactly can I do with a 5' box? Drive around with the tailgate down to fit a push broom or fishing rod? The 5' box is the issue that makes this truck not exactly that useful for me
I had a 2006 Ridgeline for 8 years it was an awesome vehicle... in the new generation I absolutely dislike the armrest, it seems very trivial but it keeps me from buying the Ridgeline and the Pilot. Once they change that I can see getting another Ridgeline... Great video!!!
Very good points. Appreciate ur objectivity, thx.
I have 2006 with 168k in the clock and it runs great. One thing I think Honda does better than any other truck builder is wet weather handing. As many know Houston is notorious for flash flooding and I have driven many trucks that hydroplane easily on wet roads. I have never Hydroplaned in my ridge line. I think having a fully independent suspension with excellent brakes is something that helps make this such a safe truck.
I couldn't go back to a regular truck now that I've had my Ridgline. I use the unique features on a regular basis - like the wider width bed area, in-bed trunk, swing-open tailgate, under-seat storage, etc. I don't use the in-bed audio as much as I thought I would, perhaps once/month. I use it to tow frequently. Up to the rated limit, it works great. I wouldn't want to go far over the rated tow capacity, but properly configured overloading with low speeds and short distances... it does OK. I also love the fuel economy, although that isn't that much better than 1/2 ton pickup trucks.
I understand that not every one needs a 4WD truck with the torque multiplication of a low range equipped transfer case (never mind the optional locking differential/s) like on a Tacoma or Colorado (apples), but with out it the Ridgline (an orange) is just a big very strong AWD car in truck clothing and that's OK (I like oranges), but it lacks the versatility of the aforementioned Trucks ! With out low range the Ridgeline will never do the snow plowing, pulling stuck vehicles, dragging trees that weigh as much as a car that my 2010 Tocoma does ! So the Ridgline is grate, and the perfect big very strong AWD car with a bed for a lot of people, but it could be a real bummer to find out the hard way that the orange you've got just ain't the apple you though you had ! Hopefully Subaru will come up with something to compete with the Ridgline, then you can do an oranges to oranges thing.
Great vehicle for folks that prefer a more car like sporty driving experience than a pickup, adding tow heavy weights frequently. With that said many owners tow quite a bit and are happy. For me it is a niche vehicle who's time has come for many users
Finally, the truth and reality is setting in for me about how good the Honda Ridgeline actually is.
All wheel drive vs 4 wheel drive, is so much better - nobody compares to this vehicle in its market space Love it!
The ridgeline reminds me of a ranchero or el Camino. I believe the el Camino had an underbed storage as well....
Hey Big truck,
I was looking at your Amazon page. Can you do a review on your dash cam? I was recently looking at the same one. Curious on your thoughts on it.
Thanks again!
I 100% agree with you about the looks, (former Honda seller) Honda made a great truck, where they missed was the looks. They should have gone more aggressive. Honda has always played it safe, one year they made a great accord say, then the next years model would be a total disaster, missing the mark then the next model would pick up the slack they missed previously.... They seem to do this on all their product model line. With them it's a rinse repeat problem Honda especially has. just my opinion. Most people who drive pickups, could get away with this truck, myself included for 90% of what i do with it, where it would not be much fun is pulling my rv and all the gear around. Lastly, I am surprised the tailgate has not caught on to other manufacturers its bloody genius.
What’s the suspension, wheel, tire set up in the picture?
I LOVE my Ridgeline. Yes it's not going to tow a mountain and the styling is subjective and is only superficial. But I think it looks awesome!
Spot on with the front end look. This truck doesnt scream pick up truck. However, it does measures up to the competition in my opinion. Great truck and Review
If Honda changed the front to something just 25% more aggressive they’d sell a lot more. Imo
So does this thing basically have a front wheel drive engine and transmission with a drive shaft to the rear wheels? In other words which way is the engine setting in the engine bay? Sideways? You didn't show us under the hood.
Mechanic Steve yes it is a front wheel drive based vehicle but it has a torque vectoring rear end in the AWD models. Yes the engine is transversely mounted. Although I have not tried it myself I have heard that it is quite capable in light duty off roads conditions. Biggest limitation is the ground clearance.
John Huff If its a transverse mounted engine and transmission in it then expect to have a lot of engine and transmission mount problems if your planning on towing with it. Also expect to have transmission problems in general especially if its using a variant of the minivan transmission they use in their small vans.
Oh I don’t own one I drive an F150. I think it would probably work for my particular situation because I rarely if ever tow anything. I don’t think that it is really intended as a regular towing machine. It’s all about choosing the correct tool for the job. My truck is probably overkill for my needs but I like the large size and I like sitting up high.
I though all the higher trim levels have push button gear selection?
I just trade my 2013 BMW x5 Mpackage in for this truck. Sad to see my X5 go but it took me 10 minutes of driving this truck and i dont missed the X5 anymore. It’s so smooth and relaxing when driving this truck, on the other hand the X5 is more aggressive and you really need to hand on your steering at all time. I really don’t feel like I’m driving a truck with the Ridgeline, it’s more like a car, feel so light and easy handle. Lots of room and still able to fit 5 people comfortably. Love it.
I got a 2014 Special Edition. It came with everything including a black grill. One reason I won't trade it in is because I have a full size spare in the trunk, and it won't fit in 2nd gen.
Great review. You take the correct perspective on this vehicle. I’m tired of truck guys dumping on the Honda. I think it’s a better vehicle and value than any of the other mid size trucks. It’s not meant to be a half ton pickup and it’s not made to be an off-road beast.
I love everything about my 2017 rigeline But I don’t think the rigeline can handle up mountain off road or driving on the sand beaches because my is in the shop now for transmission problem with 3rd gear slipping after 2nd trip on sand beach. This truck great for city guys do little camping & Home Depot stuffs but Not for off road. Hope it helps.
This was a great review Big Truck. I completely agree with what you said about the front end. The front of the first generation was more aggressive looking than the current ridgeline. Even if Honda had just kept the same front end styling from the first generation, I think the current truck would be way more popular as it offers a lot of features that customers are looking for. Hopefully Honda does not get discouraged by the poor sales numbers and they work to produce another ridgeline down the road. Good work big truck!
Never mind your video just answered my question. Would the bed be able to accommodate a cap put on it due to it's different design?
Loving my 2019 Ridgeline Sport. It's the perfect size and it's very comfortable.
“Customer who wants utility of a SUV and truck in one package” that’s me all the way. All I need to tow is a 4wheeler or a kayak on a trailer. Don’t need a full size bed but when you need some room, it’s there. Love the style inside for family trips. I always thought I’d buy a Tacoma until I sat in one and realize it felt like sitting in a race car. Didn’t like it at all. This feels like sitting in a semi luxury suv.
One of the most honest videos i seen thus far
Nailed it about the look of the front end.
Cross shopped a ridgeline vs a tacoma and ultimately I wanted more off road capability since I love the out doors and camp year round in remote locations.
I do like the way the ridgeline looks and it drives very well. If the Honda had more ground clearance I would have bought one.
Jordan Yang I think it was Motor Trend that did an overland year through Death Valley in the summer with this, and the Nissan and Toyota off-toad models. They all came out a bit broken, but the Ridgeline was the best of the lot. Author theorized that the live axels on everything but the Honda meant that on extended washboard, the shocks were doing twice the work, and slinging more weight besides. If you’re literally off-road, maybe the Ridgeline wouldn’t work, but if you just handle bad roads, I’m thinking it’s perfect.
I am seriously considering this truck. However, did I understand you to say it is not suited to pull a small travel trailer? That would be a deal breaker for me. I want one of those also
So long as you stay under 4000ish lbs you should be fine. There is no trailer brake controller so anything larger would be a challenge to stop under some conditions.
Thank you. Since this is new to me, I gather that I can conclude from your response that bigger trucks are equipped with a trailer brake controller from the manufacturer. Can this be added after market? I apologize if my inquiries are too elementary.
That trunk doesn’t take up “typically dead space”. My truck has a full size spare there that I actually need when I’m driving out on the beach. Not a Ridgeline hater by any means, but it’s not for everyone if you’re going to actually go off road or use it like a truck. Great city truck though.
I had the first gen Ridgeline a 2010 rtl, anyways it was the best truck I've ever owned. The only reason I got rid of it was towing. It can't tow a reasonable size trailer to my satisfaction.
Excellent review! Thank you for being open minded and unbiased in your opinion in Ridgeline!
You keep calling it a Pilot instead of Ridgeline
David Denkers: I few times. It feels like a pilot from inside.
It basically is a Pilot with a bed. I know there has been some reinforcements in the chassis but it basically is a Pilot with a bed.
It has a different suspension, and its beefed up substantially. A Silverado is a Suburban with a bed too by that measure.
Stem Nozzel actually, your wrong. It is a different chassis. The Honda ridgeline is a great car however.
I was set on buying a Tacoma, but decided to test drive a 2019 RIdgeline yesterday as an afterthought. I do not like the appearance of the front end, so I figured it wouldn’t impress. I couldn’t have been more wrong. It blew me and the wife away. You get so much for your money here. Left the Honda dealer and test drove the Tacoma next, which was a huge letdown. The Taco wins in looks and off-road capabilities only, but beyond that, the RL is simply a far better vehicle.
My Ridgeline is a 2007 with 150,000 miles on her and no problems. My only complaint is towing capability. I do have a camper at 4700 lbs and it does struggle but does do it. I was hoping that Honda was going to come out with a eight banger or a diesel but nothing so off I go to a Tundra. Sorry Honda but I love my camper.
Would this work for a 6’6 guy?
Great review and video, Very nice scenery too! Where was this recorded, South Florida?
6000km on a 2018 Ridgeline... it has been a great truck for what I need. I work in industrial sales so 50/50 city/ rural driving. Great ride, great tech. I agree with the front end comments but Im more concerned about the function then the look.
What’s your opinion on build quality of Honda vs your ford? I always wondered that because, I noticed some manufacturers put more emphasis on quality dollar per dollar.
Honda will usually have higher quality per dollar but at the cost of more expensive if it needs to be replaced. My 9 year old Honda Insight needs new headlights but each one is still $250. They were $500 each when I first needed them a couple years ago. Just.Keep.Polishing.
That being said, Honda electronics are some of the more reliable in the industry. Hondas age very well if you don't abuse them and do regular maintenance. I honestly can't speak much for newer Fords when Ford made them harder to fix for more labor hours. Older ones are very good but they have lots of little things designed to break so other more expensive things don't break and it seems like you're always fixing. Fix Or Repair Daily. On the bright side if you can do it yourself it would only cost you $10-50 to fix things on old fords and maybe an hour of your time. New ones it might be $20-80 for the parts and 2 hours billable labor in a shop. Hopefully they hold together longer now because of the increased cost.
Here's the trouble with the ridgeline - its a rational vehicle for rational people. Which is good if you buy your truck rationally. Most don't.
love the ridgeline sounds rational I do
Thanks for the in-depth review. I think the Ridgeline is pretty nice and would be a great choice for an everyday truck. I always enjoy your full reviews, and you really don't come off as biased.
Now one unpopular point I would like to make in regards to the "It's made in the USA" portion of not just your video but everyone trying to sell foreign cars. Yes, it is made here, and a lot of folks are employed here by these foreign companies. But the profits go back to a foreign country where a foreign government that may or may not have our best interests at heart take a sizable chunk in taxes. Yes we live in a global economy, but never forget where your first loyalty should reside.
But seriously, why can't the big three produce this type of vehicle? Where is the 2018 Ranchero or El Camino or even a 2018 Rampage? Updated to 4 doors of course because no one drives 2 doors anymore.
I agree but disagree. Why so loyal when they (the BIG 3 lol) not loyal to you(Trust me they aren't). Something to think about. :)
The profits go back to whomever in the world has a share of stock in this publicly traded company... just like The big three. Difference being this foreign company employs many more Americans - its a no brainer, better products, better for our economy.
Jo Mama It's really not a no brainer.
Remember that when you buy a Chevy made in Mexico; and ask yourself who was helped by that - the guys in an American factory, or a guy in a boardroom.
I love mine. We don't haul allot. Having a more expensive pick-up just to have towing capabilities that I'm never going to need is pointless. I have a 17 RTLE and for the price it's fully loaded. My 60,000 ram didn't even have half of these features yet alone leather seats and it was constantly getting towed. This by far is the best purchase I've ever made. I was never a Honda fan and it took a lot to get over the front end not looking like a truck and the fact that it was a Honda.
What city are you driving around? Awesome review by the way!
Corpus Christi Tx
Beautiful city! Thanks
@@BTBRVReviews nice do you live in there I heard is good I'm in Houston Tx I probably be going over there soon
How can this compare to the Taco? I doubt this can go where the Taco can go.
You're right, it's not as capable off-road. It doesn't have the ground clearance or low enough gearing. On the plus side however, the Ridgeline gets better gas mileage, has more interior space, a quieter interior, better ride and handling on the road, it's also quicker 0-60 and 1/4 mile, and it's the only midsize pickup with:
1 - a bed that is wide enough to allow a full size sheet of plywood to lay flat
2 - the in-bed trunk
3 - dual action tailgate
4 - in-bed "speakers"
manifest 73 yeah I mean your average pickup owner has to cross what, 4 or 5 mud bogs on the way to work each day?
I love my 2020 Ridgeline, it really does all the truck stuff I'll ever really need in comfort and with Honda reliability. FYI, most import trucks have to be made or assembled in North America due the "Chicken Tax" imposed in 1964 or import light duty trucks would all cost 25% more.
Complete agreement. Have since new 17 rte pushing 38k miles. Also own a 99 f350 pwrstrk. With only 150k had since 01. Live in Western New York. The Ridgeline is our DD. 24.9 mpg. The Ford is our tow truck and by the mileage you can tell the Ridgeline had much more need and desire. Honda to me had always had great bodylines. The Ridgeline carries it like all Honda wonderfully. The body lines even continue inside. This is detail that most never pay attention to. The Ford was just put together ready to tow 15k. I could keep going on my own. I wish people really would reconsider it. This thing handles like most Honda should. From Civic to prelude to s2k(still own). This is Honda 280 hp awd. Oh did I mention the bed speakers amazing at drive ins. The Ford terrible.
Can you please do a similar review with the Nissan Titan XD?