Honda Ridgeline: The Un-Truck, Truck - Autoline After Hours 331
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- Опубліковано 6 вер 2024
- UP FOR DISCUSSION: The growing truck market & the new Honda Ridgeline. Guests include members of the Honda Ridgeline team plus News and Truck Talk on location from San Antonio, TX with our hosts & panel.
SPECIAL GUESTS:
Jeff Conrad, SVP & GM Honda Sales
Kerry McClure, Ridgeline Chief Engineer
Jim Loftus, Ridgeline’s Performance Lead
All that and much more with hosts John McElroy of Autoline.tv and Gary Vasilash from Automotive Design & Production along with special guest panelists auto analyst Joe Phillippi from Auto Trends and auto historian Ken Gross.
Get more video everyday at autoline.tv
Watching this in 2018. It's amazing how the critics forget that this is far less truck and more FAV (family activity vehicle). Any newly wed or new homeowner starting a family will swear by how important having the right family vehicle is, and I don't just mean transporting kids in the back. Anything you buy at Home Depot you can take home with this, anything you buy at Ikea you can take home with this. I can throw three heavy full-size ebikes in the bed which are impossible to carry on any hitch-mounted bike carrier. And if it's an airport trip this will haul 5 large suitcases with five people easy.
But the real value of this vehicle is it's versatility with bed extenders, tonneau options, truck caps, a bed tent and the ability to switch between them. I can easily take the tonneau off if I need to transport bikes, slap on the tent when I get to my destination and then reinstall the tonneau at the end of the trip. The bed rails are low enough to get your hands inside to tie stuff down without having to climb inside, the bed height is low enough to easily lift even heavy items in, and the trunk can be used to hide all your every day stuff keeping the entire bed empty for full use.
Did I mention that it drives and handles like a car and not a traditional truck? That's important for drivers who may be intimidated getting behind the wheel of a big vehicle, especially shorter drivers. Lifted trucks are not for everyone.
Honestly my only nitpick would be an extra two inches of leg room in back. But that's it. Honda has hit on a small but important niche market that is growing. It's just a matter of time before the automotive industry catches on and follows.
Well said
Which accessory options did u choose for it? I'm looking at which tonneau cover and truck bed organizer and tent?
Got the black edition, I live in the pacific islands and I tell you this truck is capable of a lot, best truck buy thus far
Love my Ridgeline. I wanted a vehicle to do truck things, but I didn't want a truck. I need to haul a motorcycle, furniture, junk to the dump, home depot runs for mulch and such. I don't tow a trailer. But I need a great commuter vehicle that gets okay fuel mileage and is pleasant to drive and easy to park. And I don't want to have to worry with lining a bed, or buying a tonneau cover if I want to store something in the bed (I can put it in my trunk!). The Ridgeline fits easily in my garage too.
As Tahoe and Silverado owner bought a 2023 RTL Ridgeline over a Taco best decision made love this versatile TRUCK
I bought a 2020 Sport, I think Honda is continually improving their product! I almost bought a Toyota, because I never even knew Honda made a pickup, not alone, such a nice one! After U-tube research, I knew what I needed & wanted. Very happy with my decision, love the truck!
the ridgeline is a state of mind, it's an efficient, organised, functional in all respects yet compact, agile, performance/handling/ comfort/ safety/ economy/ and quality of build vehicle. .the older ones had a rust problem around the rear frame/suspension areas, allways check for that and cover it up if you can before trading it in at a dealer, or when buying one of the excellent older vehicles
A sporty utilitarian!
Bought mine last night. It's a joy to drive. Smooth, quiet, comfortable, solid construction. It has a laundry list of tech features too. Got the RTL-T, which I think hits the sweet spot. It has leather seats w/ the larger screen with the navi, and has carplay/android connectivity. I'm very happy.
Alex ..how much did you end up paying. .I am looking to buy the exact same model
I have been looking at the RTL-T as well, with AWD. Wondering how much you got below Sticker. 9% to 10% or so. Most lots near me don't have many.
Bought the RTL-T AWD yesterday, first impressions all favorable
PLEASE STOP THE DEALERS WITH THERE CRAZY MARK UP THANK YOU JRB
Love, love, love my HONDA Ridgeline!!
The wing is what made it the unique Ridgeline!
Bought a RTL-E four days ago and I absolutely love it. Extremely fun to drive, and the highway ride is smooth as silk. Couldn't be happier with my purchase.
Before I bought my Ridgeline in 2017, I had done much research on several mades of trucks (big and mid-size). Finally I decided to test drive a Ridgeline not once but twice, to confirm this was the truck that really would serve my needs. I loved my Honda Passport (SUV) but it had limitations of transporting certain goods and I needed an open bed.
When I got my Ridgeline, the guys were kinda thought “Why not a Pilot? What is this? Honda has a truck like this?” Now they all like this truck with all the cool features (especially the trunk where you can hide valuables for example).
I have liked my new Ridgeline truck since day one. The drive is smooth and Econ function saves gas on paved, flat roads. It is still a truck. Although some viewers believe Ridgeline is a Pilot with the back cut off, there is a difference between driving a truck and an SUV.
Holding out for the 2021.
Well it's Jan 2024, did you pull the trigger? Was it everything you hoped it'd be? The front end styling update in '21 made it look even more attractive...
I’m getting my new RTLE model 21.. glad I did my homework..
Love my ridgeline 06, but we really need some better colors. That red is so old, let's see more vibrant colors. I will be buying as soon as I can get my hands on one. 148,000 miles on my ridgeline
148 is still young. Change the timing belt and water pump and u are good to go
I want this truck!
Why do the Canadians get the loaded up Ridgeline with ventilated and cooled seats up front and heated seats in the rear along with rear climate control. Also, what is the deal with one less 2.5 charges up front compared to the Pilot?
I know. I just for an RTL-E here in Montana and live in Arizona as well and no vented seats here but they get them in Canada where its mostly cold. Why? Also folding mirrors would be good as the canadians get.
Originally started looking for a small truck last year, mostly to haul yard waste and pick up free mulch at the community recycling center. Ask yourself, unless it's for work, why do you need a small/midsize truck? Most of us will say 'haul stuff', pretty non-specific. Looking at the used market for dealers, auctions, and Craigslist I found the Rangers and S10's either priced too high for their condition or beat to death.
Time to look at a new truck. Sadly there seems to be no new small trucks available for the US market. Not wishing to relocate to Asia, my focus turned to the mid-size truck market.
We test drove Toyota, Chevy, and Honda offerings. The Ford was too big.
My wife, who's owned an Accura and now a CRV Touring was already leaning to the Ridgeline. We putzed around for a week or so to negotiate the best offer before narrowing it down to the Colorado and Ridgeline RTS.
I could have gotten a fully loaded Colorado Z71 Crew Cab short bed for about $750 more than I paid for the Ridgeline. That included the $500 for the spray on bed liner. Which I probably could have negotiated down. But since the humans were undecided, we let our dogs decide. They are our 'kids'. Both the Chevy and Honda dealers were agreeable to let us bring the dogs along for a second test drive. Toyota said no pets allowed...I said no sale. The 'kids' were much more comfortable on the Honda's flat floor with rear seats up. The Chevy's fold down seats sat much higher. Higher seating increases the chances of two 70 pound Labradoodle's becoming projectiles in a sudden deceleration. Everybody loses if we crash. Also, they couldn't seem to get comfortable on Colorado seats in either the up or down position.
The sales reps at both dealers went above and beyond what was need to make the sale. I would have gladly picked the Colorado if the dogs liked it.
The Ridgeline has about as much rear space our CRV after it's packed it up for vacation. We use a roof box for most of the baggage, but my wife always finds other 'stuff' to take. Bet she finds more 'stuff' to take on the next trip.
Other features unique to the Honda are the two way tailgate, composite liner, and the storage space under the bed.
Let's face it. After you make such a big purchase there's always a feeling of buyer's remorse. I got over that about a minute after I drove the Ridgeline out of the showroom.
Seems like this will do well. Congrats to Honda and their team.
Perfect truck for most,unless you have unrealistic expectations that eclipse what this truck was designed for.
This is the perfect vehicle for most people that think they need a truck when they just need a sedan with a small open bed - the Ridgeline.
The Ridgeline needs more grounds Clearance. Front tow hooks
I agree - and if I'm not mistaken, those items are on Honda's laundry list for the 2024 model.👍
Honda Sideline does not have a bark controller (Honda does not offered as option)!so technically is illegal to tow 5000 that Honda claims. Additionally the gas tank is small and there is no option to upgrade, when doing the mage range os pretty low.
Wow! What a review. I am thinking and started to plan on buying my first bed hauler and this Ridgeline concept has me all excited about all the great possibilities, capabilities and nice features together on just one vehicle. I love what this truck can do for me a simple need it all “univehicle” in love owner for my only use. Though I want Honda to continue listening to its customers because I want the new two doors tailgate offered by Ram. next year Instead of buying a Ram I will then buy a Ridgeline.
Good show guys
I've seen caps on the old one...and also a roll-up metal tonneau cover that took up too much bed space LOL
There is more than what you are talking about. Trust me. Choosing one is very tough.
Please increase the ground clearance to an additional 2inches and reduce the price &
you will get even more people to buy this truck
I'm not sure about the Transverse mounted V6 / FWD in a truck. That is a really odd configuration for a truck. This "truck" appears to be marketed at Urban dwellers who occasionally need a truck for hauling. Not someone who actually uses it for hauling loads for work everyday.
I believe that is exactly their target market.
Nailed it....utility for the home owner, Like me...
Buying the RTL-E when the shouting is over...
You live in a Freezing State? Come back when your RWD Only is stuck in 20" of Snow and that "Truck" with FWD is moving with ease, Joke aside.
FWD have a lot of Pros, In fact in a Pickup Truck you would ideally pick FWD over RWD, RWD Truck without a Load is a very useless Animal, You are wasting MPGs and Driving Dynamics. With Load is better but a FWD Truck can do the same and be good with MPGs and Driving Dynamics when not loaded.
I can Guarantee you, Nothing in this segment handle like the Ridgeline. Is up to you to live boxed in a old stereotype or just flow with the future.
Yup, it's a perfect progression for people like us.. When we got married I had a 280z, 2+2. Started a family. Traded the Z for the first of a succession of minivans to haul kids. The kids started to drive. We got a SUV for Costco runs. Now, the kids graduated from college, they've moved out on their own, started new jobs, got married, moved into their first house. The truck completes the circle.
HONDA..... if you really listened to your customers you'd bring back the ELEMENT!!
LOVE my RIDGELINE 2017!!
The 2020 Honda Ridgeline has all the technology in it at this very moment to be able to enter what I would call 'Train Mode' where you get on a highway and link up to a 'Train' of other 'Train'-able vehicles to draft off one another substantially increasing gas mileage and reducing accidents. You could literally take a nap as your vehicle drives across the state of Texas and then alerts and prepares you before you get to your 'train' departure point, exit the train and drive on to your final destination. And of course you can always use your onboard computer to exit the 'train' at a restroom, restaurant, scenic overlook, etc.
The technology exists and there is even a desire to play on a phone in the car more than drive a car already. And if you choose to drive the vehicle normally over long distances increasing your gas usage, risk of accidents, and encounters with road-ragers then you can still do that.
The technology is already in the vehicles to do this. A simple software update would make them actually ready and able to do it. A dedicated lane would be nice, but not necessary. WHY don't we do this?
Because the guys on a ranch in Texas talking about the oil market don't want to do it? Because the guys on a ranch in Texas talking about the auto market don't want to? Why? I don't get it. Of course I'm not the kind of guy that makes millions by stifling innovation to increase my earnings from under a shade tree on a ranch in Texas.
18 wheelers should already be required by law to do this if traveling more than 50 miles. The general public and even truckers would probably appreciate it. It would decrease highway deaths significantly. Ohhh, but oil sales would go down. On the plus-side for the oil people, they could increase the speed to 80 or 90 mph increasing tire wear. So there's a plus for the oil guys too. We know it's all about the oil guys.
Seriously. Why don't we already do this, or at least have it as a serious concept with implementation plans; highway design, planning, and construction already occurring?
At the very end of the video, Robert De Niro's big cousin says, "How do I pass?"...a big autonomous trick train? Simple. You put your blinker on and the trucks onboard sensors see you want to merge and they make room for you. After you've merged, you can then take the next highway exit or program your vehicles 'train mode' to joint the convoy and alert you when your destination is approached. It's simple. And they can already do it with existing onboard sensing features. A 2020 Honda Ridgeline would just need a firmware update. And some reasonable legislation written by a partnership of trucking companies, truckers unions, automobile manufactures, GPS navigation designers, civil engineers, and local governments would help.
All vehicles in a convoy would use Wifi to allow the vehicles to communicate with each other. There could even be Wifi based convoy communications so inter-vehicle communications between drivers and passengers could happen to help kill time (like CB radios).
All of this can be done quite simply with existing technology and even on most highways as they're currently designed.
In Texas, deer and feral hogs are really the only thing that I see as a major obstacle to the safe implementation of doing this. Moose and elk would be a concern in other places. But those are existing road hazards, not new problems. There's a likelihood that running in a 'train' would result in lower chances of large wildlife collisions than driving on highways traditionally.
There could even be a driver hierarchy where you have to earn the lead spot based on safe vehicle operation, 'train' history, and some other factors. The lead driver would be required to stay awake and alert at all times. And the lead driver can always drop back in the convoy and nap if needed and be replaced by the next highest ranked driver in the convoy.
There's some social and behavioral things to consider, but ALL of this can be done. Immediately, and with existing technology.
It would help drive new car sales too, because driving on the highway would be like flying in a private plane with autopilot engaged and and a computer as you copilot. Only newer vehicles have the onboard systems capable of doing this safely. Even old classic cars could be retrofit with the sensors and computers to join a convoy if someone chose to do that.
Excellent show - finally some people (honda engineers) with real info on the truck - IE towing engine upgrades such as heavy duty cooling fans, ATF coolers- not sure what ATF stands for? You pay almost $2500 for tow package on the Pilot (I’m guessing this is included in the Ridgeline) - I’m hoping I can put together a deal for this truck in Canada.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Great episode to watch thank you for the in depth interviews.
Autonomous vehicles driving among people is a recipe for chaos and confusion on the roads. Driving involves too many unpredictable variables to be conducted autonomously. For autonomous driving to succeed, they have to establish dedicated streets and highways.
What a thorough review! Thank you.
Loved this show! loving the new Ridgeline too. plus thus is debunking all myths that others are lieing about and not knowledgeable about. good stuff and awesome video job. enjoyed the whole thing.
Hey Honda, here is what customers want, if you have the balls to make It. We want an s2000 successor. Rwd, manual, hydraulic steering wheel.
+Gary Singh AND YOU ARE A BULLSHIT!
Richard Joash Tan Whut?
I vote they keep the steering electric.
Max Diaz Any reason for that horrible choice? Do you like having less steering feel?
+Gary Singh Well having my 06 S2000 for over three years to me the electric steering is quite responsive and gives good feedback to the driver. I think if they would of came out hydraulic it would of taken a little bit away from the car.
Engineering marvel!!
Most American Truck out there. From parts and who builds it.
Wish the bed was a little deeper. Also wish it had a full size spare. Honda, please put a volume knob on your stereo's Looking forward to test driving it.
I drove one. Awesome drive
The models w/o nav, up to RTL, have a volume knob. My iPhone streaming works just fine on my RTS hooked up to the USB port.
my 2016 MDX has a knob, and I haven't even touched it since new. volume should be controlled via steering wheel.
So, would this be called a super-ute?
Say what you want but it is a well made (USA) medium size Truck
sure made in the USA, but developed, designed, and tested in Tokyo Japan.
Hmm, sure sounds similar to U.S. Automakers... Made in Mexico/Canada, BUT developed, designed, and tested in Detroit, Michigan.
nope. design lead by the Honda USA team. Like all other automakers these days ,the engineering team is global.
basically a larger subaru baja.
Without the unreliability of a Subaru.
i have an 08 rtl , i just cant see myself in the new one. i love the interior, they way it drives but the looks.....i just cant get by how girly it looks. i want to like it so bad.
It will grow on you. Trust me I thought the same way. Until my brakes automatically braked for me and saved a crash. Thanks to Honda s engineers
thats what i wanted one for my motorcyle
Nice
Great review of the Ridgeline!!
The thumbnail looked like a CRV until I noticed the bed
How could a fwd only not be better than a rwd only?????? That is stupid. Fwd is much better in the snow and in the sand and in rain. And it has a lot less rotating mass so you get such good mpg with good power. How on earth is a fwd bad and rwd is ok??? How is they in anyway different???
Engine is in the front so more weight is in the front.
Easy on the fuel too. Can't go wrong.
How exactly is this vehicle set up for "secure towing" without a tow haul mode which adjusts the shift points to handle a trailer and without the option to include a trailer brake controller. Also I think the comment of other trucks beating you up is another unjustified statement as most modern day trucks are extremely well behaved and very luxurious. Additionally the touting of the incredible best in class fuel mileage is kind ridiculous as well...Even many modern half ton pickups get pretty decent mileage that approach and in some cases exceed the honda (when you throw in the eco-diesels). The extreme stereotyping of full size pickup owners is ridiculous as well. My final point is the huge savings in buying a mid-size is overstated as well...yes the sticker is about 10K less than a comparably equipped traditional full size truck, but the final negotiated price is typically 8-10K less than sticker on the full size trucks, whereas the honda isn't budging...maybe over time yes, and probably because it's very new. The ridgeline may have it's target customer (ex-subaru brat/baja owners and honda loyalist).
fronts seats forward looks like a minivan.
Umm, comfy..Captain chairs with armrests...
The only way I'll ever get an exciter in my bed...
Shawn L
Lmao!😂
Everyone trying to convince folks it's a truck. You shouldn't have to try if it was indeed a quality, strong, durable truck. This is a SUV with a bed. I like the Ridgeline, but sick of folks trying to prove it's a truck.
Its a truck kid... maybe not your typical run in the mill truck... but still classified as a truck.
Shouldn't call grown people "kid," it's disrespectful... unless that's what you were trying to be. You're free to express your opinion, just like me and everyone else. You should know that if you are indeed a fellow Veteran.
AdventuRide
If you are under fifty... You're a kid to me.
So now I know who is responsible for omitting a locking tailgate on my new Ridgeline. How do you miss that? You put a 800 dollar rigid tonneau cover on and you can't lock the tailgate?
There is a dealership option for adding the lock
That's some chutzpah, launching directly in Toyota's backyard.
el camino
too much plastic for something around 40k. Went to look at one and Honda was so high pressure, walked away with out a test drive. Sat in one, felt cheap and hard to see out of.
Anything in the Ridgeline segment is FULL of PLASTIC but at least in this Segment is the better built Truck. If you thought it felt cheap you should ride a Tacoma with its ridiculous high seating as a Bonus.
I was just looking at a Tacoma and did not have much cheap looking plastic. The base Tacoma is way cheaper the Ridgeline, and the Tacoma get a higher reliability ratting from consumer reports.
Coastal Gardener Tacoma has a horrible dashboard layout and clunky steering controls, It also uses fake soft plastic Which the Ridgeline uses and reliability wise do not even compare Honda Reliability vs Toyota both are super Reliable so both are equally reliable. Also the high seating of the Tacoma is terrible for highway driving and turning, Makes it feel wobbly.
The Ridgeline has better handling, better MPGs and lots of utility.
The Tacoma has better off road capabilities. Better 0 to 60 in the Manual Trim.
The Ridgeline is by far better built, better equipped tech wise.
The Tacoma has better off road capabilities tech wise.
besides taking the trucks off roading Tacoma has nothing on the Ridgeline. ride quality and comfort, noise less, road handling, cabin size, leather adjustable seats... and it goes on. even the crash test
Ridge line is the worst selling puck up on the market. no one is buying your sells pitch.
want see your real off road
Wish Honda would buy FCA.
FCA is a much bigger company. Also, Honda has nothing to bring to the table. They have no solid Luxury line( The tier 2 everything based on the Accord Acura line is only a Buick, Lincoln competitor ). FCA has more know how, engineering. Everyone has been approaching Toyota. However, Chrysler was a mess before Fiat took it over. It's going to take years before anything happens. They have done a lot to improve it but I think they might run out of money before we see anything. That's how Cerberus and Diamler left Chrysler.
Great you can rice a 2017 Honda Ridgeline..Fast and Furious truck..All the rage in Japan...
still looks like a minivan from the front.
😱 Honda, Ridgeline is A Pilot with back cut off, my Pilot has been a non-stop headache ! NOT towing anything this Pilot avgs in the teens, city & highway.
If anything goes wrong Honda doesn't stand by their product in my experience.
Check out my channel & Honda playlist, they have changed, Heads Up.
thats why i disnt buy the first one
No aluminum body
no 4 wheel drive
no locking differential
no it does not push the pickup truck segment.
Honda could have pushed he envelop with aluminum but decided to flint out
Not having an aluminum body is hardly a handicap at this point in time. Ford did not go down that road because it represented some sort of structural strength advantage over steel. They so in an effort to comply with the government's increasingly unreasonable MPG standards for trucks, without having to resort to a diesel engine which adds considerable cost. Unfortunately, only 10% of body shops in the U.S. have been trained to repair aluminum by Ford. Try and repair an aluminum truck the way you would steel, and you're going to have a very very high bill or a totaled truck. As far as the locking differential, the 1st generation Ridgeline did indeed have a button to lock the rear, but it only did so at full power at speeds up to 10 mph and reduced the power thereafter, shutting off completely at 18mph and above. Customer feedback to Honda told them their buyers wanted something simpler. The rear differential will lock up when the advanced computer system controlling the new AWD system indicates the lockup is needed. The addition of 4 different drive modes more than makes up for the lack of the switch controlled locking rear differential.
all wheel drive is 2x better on the road than 4x4 will ever. most of performance cars and suv are all wheel drive
Quyen Le
4wd with lockers is better on the road than awd when there' s 2 feet of snow
4x4 with lockers is only better on a straight snow road, not on a curvy mountain snow road
as long as the vehicle stays on concrete and asphalt, all wheel drive will be always be better than 4x4
honda pilot with a bed
and Pilot is AWESOME
its not a truck
what is it then mr I know what trucks are?
it should be a SUT, sport utility truck
So I went and took one for the day and first we wanted to see if it could tow. Any Man that owns a real truck wants it to tow. It would not even tow my sons small pop up camper up the hill it bogged down and would not go over 43MPH and had everyone mad holdind up everyone else. TOWING FAILED>>> Next we took it off road and to make it fair we had my son take his Tacoma in front to not have it do anything that the Tacoma could not do, what we found out was amazing we got stuck with the Honda ridgeline in the first 100 yards. We towed it out with the Tacoma and off we go again then it sits so low it high centered and we pushed & pushed but could not get it out so once again we towed it out with the Tacoma. We said that was enough and headed back and got stuck turning around and yes you guessed it we had to tow it again. So test 2 OFF ROAD FAILED 100%. I love Honda but this is in no way a truck. ANYMAN CAUGHT IN ONE OF THESE SHOULD HAVE TO HAND IN HIS MAN CARD.
How do you just "take one for the day"? Was it from the dealer or a rental place? Normally dealers don't let you do anything besides test drive it if your seriously considering buying it. And back up your statement with proof so people on here don't think your just bad mouthing the truck because you can. Maybe upload a video to UA-cam so we can all see instead of just us taking YOUR word for it.
+mike tibs AND YOU ARE A BULLSHIT!
mike tibs So much bullshit.
This is all bull. I tow a Huge boat with no issues.you should maybe hand in that man card for the pic in your profile.
please stop calling it a truck
No
yawn!