I drive about 1,500 miles a month; I would pick this car-like truck over any of them because of it's comfort and fuel economy. I really like the new Ridgeline because of it's utility and features; a comfortable ride, roomy interior, great style, decent size bed for home depot trips, good fuel economy, and torque vectoring. I believe it's a great value! It may not be the right deal for people feeling as if they need to prove something, but a great deal for people who want the most for their money.
Agreed. People who need to tow 6,000 pounds or do serious offroading would be better off with a Tacoma, Ranger, or Colorado. But for 95% of suburbanites, they will never be doing those things. Or, if a person can afford only one vehicle, the Ridgeline would be the best all-around truck: very comfortable ride, but some serious towing capability. There are many SUVs and crossovers that can't tow as much as a Ridgeline, and those that do usually need a dedicated towing package that is an extra cost option. On the Ridgeline, it's standard equipment. Even some pickups only offer a towing package as an option and not standard equipment. I'm looking at a Ridgeline to replace my Avalon for going camping as well as being a daily and long-distance commuter.
I owned a Ridgeline 2014 and can't wait for the new 2017 to come out for sale. Much nicer interior and up to par with technologies. Call it a truck, call it a SUV with a bed, don't matter, it does not need to please everybody, it just has to please it's owner. Understand, there are so many cars, suv's and trucks out there just right for you. you just need to figure out your lifestyle and choose the one for you. Toyota, Nissan, Ford, Honda's etc all are good vehicles, just get the right one for you
call it the car all guys that are insecure about their manhood talk shit about. bruh I need a body on frame with a v8 and a lift kit even if i don't need a truck and just do it to look more manly because I'm a tool
They each have their place. No doubt that daily commuting is better with the fwd/and system. Snow driving will be better with the fwd/and system. 4wd with a variable speed transfer case will be better in heavy offroad terrain, more durable for pulling heavy loads with limited traction. They built the ridgeline for what 90% of people actually do with their trucks on a daily basis. No it wont tow 7klbs, it dosent have the ground clearance, or the frame on cab, but it does what it was designed to do better than any other truck in its category. It's not what the other trucks are by design. I'm considering one because it would fit my needs, I need to be able to haul dead deer from where I hunt-to the processors, tow a zero turn, haul small building materials. And the ridgeline can easily handle those tasks with more refinement and more room than any of its direct competition.
I drive around town with with mud on my little daily commuter awd hatchback (that I do a little offroading when I bored and didn't drive my pickup) and 99.9999999999% of the truck owners have never been offroad and the Ridgeline will serve them perfectly. I have no doubt the Ridgeline will perform like a dream on a snow day when you need to get to work, on the days you need stuff for the home, and when you take the family outdoors.
You pretty much summed up the market for the Ridgeline. I don't know how I missed out on this when I was SUV shopping... this actually fits my needs better than a RAV4, Highlander, and such.
Honda would appear to be supplying exactly what 85% of the private buyers of trucks require. Comfort and economy are paramount in this sector, and Honda provides both.
@@princessluna1233 Watch more reviews from different sources. They say otherwise. The Tacoma and Colorado are not even in the same class for comfort as the Ridgeline. What they offer is more serious towing and offroad capability, but for most small truck buyers, the Ridgeline can handle about 90% of what they will ever need, and do it in a nicer package. (FWIW, I have not owned a Honda since the mid-1980s. My current car is a Toyota Avalon. During my military career I've driven my share of Jeeps and Hummers and even HEMMTs, so I'm accustomed to offroading.)
+Powered by Honda That is because all you guys want to hear is this the greatest thing since sliced bread. I think Roman has been extremely fair. FWD, and AWD is not going to impress people looking for a pickup truck, it just won't, sorry. He did say how comfortable it is the entire video, what more do you want? That is Honda's selling point anyway. Oh wait don't forget about the bed exciters.
+Powered by Honda He was a little harsh but I also appreciate an honest perspective. He could have easily sat back and thrown softball questions to the Honda guy and he would have made it seem like the best truck ever. Sometimes you need someone to ask the hard questions, play devils advocate, and be critical or else you're just going to see another review that is little more than a Press Release. There are lots of reviews on UA-cam that are glorified advertisements and I'm glad that TFL Truck is not one of them. They might be biased but you also have to consider that this is TFL Truck and he's looking at it from a traditional truck buyers perspective. I'm sure anyone who is considering a midsize has the Taco and Colorado/Canyon at the top of their list and these are the exact same questions, preconceptions, and notions that Honda will have to answer if they want people to switch over.
+Don Juan True. At the same time, I think Roman was also calling BS (with out blatantly telling the rep that he's full of it) on the Honda rep sitting next to him trying to make Ridgeline sound like a magical off-roading machine. And just to clarify, I think the Ridgeline makes a lot of sense for what it was designed for by Honda. Honda designed this a specific way because they imagined (through their own research and development), this is the type of truck that should sell to and satisfy their clientele. It's just this stupid rep that Roman was assigned to this time that was just BS'ing and misrepresenting what the Ridgeline was intended to be. I see plenty of merit in the Ridgeline, even though I'm more a traditional truck kinda guy when it comes to trucks.
The more of your content I watch, the better I feel I understand this truck. They made a series of capitulations to fuel economy and ride quality. It's still not my bag but I no longer feel like sneering at it, at least.
This is a really good video. The Honda rep really adds to the review. Roman brings up valid differences between the vehicles and the rep helps explain Honda's thought process for those differences.
I would still get a Ridgeline because of comfort. My family currently has a 2007 Ridgeline and a family member has a 2011 Tacoma and the Ridgeline is so much better. Better for family's. The dual action tailgate and the in bed trunk are perfect for trips or vacations. And even just going to the grocery store as a family. Once you get a Ridgeline, you will never want to sell it.
+Tmanthekid Team Scorpion the Ridgeline is for families who don't need to be going off road everyday. I'm sure you have to go into a city or town at least once a week. It's perfect for families who want good fuel economy and don't need a giant V8 engine
+Joel Bruck I agree it has its uses, you just named them. the problem is that these are being marketed as trucks, which they are NOT. it is nothing more than an awd suv, incapable of being lifted, that can take a family to a campsite and that's about all.
I've tried Tacoma. Hate the design, I cannae even fit my 6'2" 215 pound bone, sinew and muscle body into it without painful neck contortions. I take a Ridgeline any day over Tacoma.
I'm 6'7" and agree. However, what I hate about the Taco is that if feels like it could roll over, and the nose dives excessively during moderate braking. I rented a 4x4 Taco for 3-4 days during a house hunting trip, but stayed on paved roads. What I don't like about the Ridgeline is the direct injection engine; it needs more power and it needs port injection to keep the intake valves clean - and a timing chain not belt. However, if my AWD Sienna died tomorrow, I'd buy a Ridgeline to replace it. If Toyota built an AWD Ridgeline-like truck, with all the comfort plus Toyota engineering, I'd buy that.
These videos with other trucks vs the ridgeline dont really feel fair, i mean shouldnt you test the best of what each truck has to offer and not "Lets get the base tacoma and put it against the AWD ridgeline" i mean with hondas system you can almost argue it has lockers in it so when you put an open diffed truck against it off road it almost feels like your giving the honda a free pass like from what i remember the ridgeline will never have 4WD its only going to be 2WD or AWD so if its AWD is the best the ridgeline has to offer off road wise shouldnt you also bring in the bets the tacoma has to offer off road wise to put it against the ridgeline?
+Jane Fox Thanks for the comment. Please note that it is far from easy to get competing trucks to test at the same time but we will test & review apples to apples once we have a chance to get both trucks together in Colorado and up Gold Mine Hill.
The Ridgeline is perfect for those that need a functional truck without needing to haul heavy loads, tow trailers etc. Although it will perform, its highlights are in other areas
I do a fair amount of snow driving in the Sierras. I've owned 3 different 4WD Toyotas. Had a AWD Highlander (Loaner) while my Tundra was in the shop. I couldn't get the Highlander to lose traction, and I really worked at it. Sorry all you Macho guys, it's true. The Ridgeline is perfect for all of us who WANT a pick-up, but don't NEED a pick-up.
So this is pretty much a Pilot with a open cargo bay... Honestly I see nothing wrong with the Ridgeline as long as you're looking for something good on road and can handle light off roading. There are much better choices out there.
They each have their place. No doubt that daily commuting is better with the fwd/awd system. Snow driving will be better with the fwd/awd system. 4wd with a variable speed transfer case will be better in heavy offroad terrain, more durable for pulling heavy loads with limited traction. They built the ridgeline for what 90% of people actually do with their trucks on a daily basis. No it wont tow 7klbs, it dosent have the ground clearance, or the frame on cab, but it does what it was designed to do better than any other truck in its category. It's not what the other trucks are, by design. I'm considering one because it would fit my needs. I need to be able to haul dead deer from where I hunt-to the processors, tow a zero turn or 4 wheeler, and haul small building materials. And the ridgeline can easily handle those tasks with more refinement and more room than any of its direct competition.
That's exactly what I need: a comfortable daily commuter or road trip vehicle that gets good mileage, can tow a small camper, haul stuff to the dump or from a lumber yard, or go on some semi-improved trails.
I find it odd that people bash on the unibody and rear independent suspension like its a negative thing. The toughest vehicle I know of has both of those things!!! I'm talking about the hummer H1
Sounded to me as if Roman came away a bit impressed..... The ridgeline was never intended to be a serious off roader but, it does do quite well in areas where most folks will use it.....Not to mention that on the pavement, the ridgeline is superior to it's competition and handles a heavier payload as well.
+Tmanthekid Team Scorpion Sometime in your future, you're gonna need to put on some big boy pants and not measure your ego by how tough you "THINK" your vehicle is....assuming you're even old enough to drive. Then again, if you listened to Roman's comments....he was impressed with how instant the system sorted out the terrain....So I'll take the words of what he experienced, over your opinion. Tough guy.
+JonP227GT I could run that entire thing in my wife's FWD (that's front, not four) Escape without damaging anything. May need a little extra momentum here and there but it would make it no problem. That "river crossing" was like 2" deep..
I drove a tacoma for two years and 100,000 kms and now have a ridgeline for the past 2 1/2 years. I am a forest technician working in the field. The Tacoma cannot take any weight without breaking springs (ATV) and the frame rusta away on you. The ridgeline is not good in ruts as ground clearance is an issue. The ridge is far more comfortable, every passenger has said so, and the highway drive is quieter and more stable. I would buy another ridge, mine has 370,000 kms so far with only a shock and a strut replaced. The tacoma had $5400 in repairs in a year, nuff said.
I just cannot get over how feminine the Ridgeline looks. It just doesn't look like a modern, rugged truck. That kills it for me. I know when I get into the Tacoma, I'm going to get a tough truck that can take a beating and keep putting a smile on my face. The Ridgeline... it just looks like it would be easy to own day-to-day, but that's about it. I would be so much more confident in the Tacoma.
+poweredbyeb doesn't matter, our brains recognize inanimate objects as being feminine or masculine all the time. We like cars that look like us - that's a core rule of car design
The fact is most truck owners never go off-road, or if they do, it's something mild like this. This would probably work for 70% of truck owners needs. But I get it, truck guys want a truck, not a crossover truck that might get 2 mpg better.
I had an 06 and loved it. In 2012 things started breaking or not functioning so I pulled into a Jeep Dealer and traded it. When the time comes I will revisit the Ridgeline
Well to all of you who think the Ridgeline isn't good enough offroad, or "tough" enough, I've got a simple challenge for you. Take your offroad truck and take it offroad. Except instead of driving around at 10mph crawling over things, blast through at 50mph. See that dinky little hill climb? Try airing that out. Oh wait, you just destroyed your front end and bent your frame? Newsflash, trucks suck for offroading. Trucks are for hauling dirt bikes, quads, and side by sides which are good at offroading. You might think you're offroading, but what you're really doing is driving around at 10mph in a golf shirt AC on, tip toeing your expensive truck trying not to scratch the paint or rip apart the undercarriage. Is it really offroading when you're sitting behind a windshield and you dont get an ounce of dirt on you?
+John Guan And let's assume you're right... And this Honda rep in the video is trying very hard to make the Ridgeline sound like it's a magic off-road machine... hmmm... but by your definition, trucks should suck for off-roading.. so this Honda rep is just doubly stupid.
well no shit, he's a honda rep, what else is he going to do besides plug his product? Also the magic AWD system. The "special" logic is this: From when you're stopped and you accelerate the computer will send torque to the rear until you are moving at say 15mph, then switch to FWD to save gas. The harder you get on the gas the more torque is sent to the rear up to 50/50 lock. So it is basically shifting from 4 HI rear locker on to fwd from 0-20mph depending on how heavy your foot is. And yes, all trucks suck for offroading including the taco. I used to own a 4runner. It's simple engineering, you take a 5000lb truck offroad it is going to start breaking parts once you go fast. Honestly 4wheeling is kind of idiotic, crawling around obstacles trying not to wreck your vehicle or scrape your underbody.
pininfarina575 yeah exactly my thoughts he was really geting annoying, it's a hipster truck, for people who want to be manly and drive a truck but only in the city cause dirt is gross
Anyone who watched the edmunds video in death valley shows the Tacoma blew out all the factory shocks on washboard where as the ridgeline only had one slightly weeping and the ridgeline shocks were not even off road rated, whats up with that? Main weakness of this vehicle is appearance. It looks pretty lame though still better than older ridgeline generations.The ridgeline looks more lame point blank due to the honda pilot chop job and doesn't have 4 low functionality but it does have awd which is better for inclimate weather and day to day situations. I do think the bed is too short for most practicality and that's sort of a drawback on the ridgeline as well. Honestly with the right tires a small lift and some front bumper work it would do fine in most offroad situations that most people would get involved in. I mean I have done a lot of offroading and usually I stop on a trail because the rollover risk is more of a problem not that the vehicle couldn't get through it. Rarely do you need more unless you intend to abuse it. Thing is there are $2000 old Toyota trucks that are good for abusing & rolling over, so honestly who would do that kind of stuff with a newer vehicle regardless of how capable it is? As far as Toyota goes their shit is sorta dated and use old tech. I think Toyota has made better trucks in the past and some of their stuff has gone downhill in recent years. I think Honda is just stepping into this truck market or with what their perceived idea of what a truck should be. I bet within 5 years Honda will offer an offroad trail rated version of the ridgeline in a few years. Right now its up to yourselves to make that happen.
Credits needto go where credits are due. I think, for what it is, Honda did a good job. Torque vectoring is a relatively simple system, but it works. I still wouldn't call it a truck, but i would call it a pick up.It's got a bed, it's got AWD and seems to do just fine relly. I personally would still take the Tcoma instead, but hey, each to their own.
feels delicate?? you being serious Roman? the Tacoma sounded awful over those humps and the Honda didn't make a noise. Tacoma is a tough truck but there is no reason for him to act like the Ridgeline is delicate
Caleb Ramey really hope Nathan or Andre take it up the Ike and what not else. If I have to hear Roman call it a car 1 more time I might loose it and unsub. So darn annoying haha
+larry Spiller I owned a last gen Ridgeline and now I own a full size 1500. I agree very much with the word 'delicate'. I loved my Ridgeline but I think 'delicate' is really accurate when you're comparing it to a classic style of truck
+Caleb Ramey Not to mention, he had no conclusion at the end of the video. And he misunderstood the body rigidity demonstration by saying, hey the wheel is off the ground by so many inches in the Ridgeline. If the wheel is off the ground, it does not matter by how many inches, it is still not on the ground even with the Tacoma. Also the Tacoma made a very uncomfortable metal squeaking noise when entering that obstacle, which, demonstrated possibly poor body rigidity. Anyhow, none of this means the Ridgeline is better at offloading than the Tacoma, but a reviewer should understand what each test demonstrates and not be biased.
I'm an old fart and I still love the looks of the bad ass Tacoma, BUT the biggest thing for me is with AWD one does not have to guess when to put on, or like in the Tacoma 4wd 4H. The Tocamas don't even have an Auto 4wd like my Chevy does. If 4wd is engaged when it doesn't slip one will destroy the transfer case in time. That's what makes a decision for so many like us in Michigan. With AWD u don't have to wait until u may slide off the freeway.
Wow! Truck guys are out in force on this one. Relax. The Ridgeline customer is a car person that needs a bed and wants to tow small trailers. It looks like Honda has made a better Ridgeline (not truck) and will appeal to small truck shoppers not looking for extreme offroad capability. I just hope Honda offers and offroad version and different body styles.
I like how the mention of the Tacoma's Locking Rear Dif pretty much shut up the spokesmen. I would like to see the ridgeline take on something like a Jeep GC with QD2.
The first thing i noticed when they did there "wheel lift test", the honda sure alot more ridgidity and no noise from the frame twisting up. And i give it to all the negative comments on the body, looks like a mini van. But as far as everything else goes, its alot better than the other mid size out there. I dont expect to do extreme 4x4 in any stock truck, and i dont expect to tow with a midsize truck. So with that, its much more effient and comfortable "truck" than what the others offer in the midsize, and probably more usable in everyday life. The tacoma gets the same damn fuel mileage as my f150 and i got way more power with a 5.0l. Horsepower or gas mileage, thats what look for and not something that has neither.
In Chile we have tougher roads conditions than in the US and it´s funny to read guys talking against the Rdigeline. Guys, let me tell you that the majority of the mining companies in Chile, located at 4000 meters or even 5000 meters high (snow, rain, mud,rocky roads) or even those located in the driest desert of the world (Atacama Desert, where Dakar´s competition used to take place) has chosen Ridgeline as part of their fleet. Of course they have Toyota, but the Hilux (cheaper and very reliable) Mitsubishi and Nissan but Ridgeline has provided an excellent performance even though it is more expensive....but much much more comfortable than any other. Tacoma is an amazing truck, no doubt.
+julioigna71 The truck world has changed elsewhere in the world and life keeps turning (Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi L200, new Ford Ranger). The Ridgeline seems to fit better into the global definition of trucks I see.
Anthony C Brown I totally agree !!!Do we really need a V8 high consumption truck? Well, for those we do outdoor sports, we go skiing and we transport very specific things ocasionally, we don´t really need more than these options.
@@julioigna71 Some people do need the extra power for towing heavy loads or extreme rough offroading. But for 95% of us, the Ridgeline is all we need... and it's comfortable enough (and fuel efficient) to be a daily commuter or road trip vehicle.
you are right Roman, its front wheel drive most of the time which is what the people who this truck is aimed at will want (honda owners that want a light duty truck) if my wife needed all wheel drive this might be a consideration
I've seen Honda Ridgeline with lift kit and BFGoodrich ko2 that I would take over Tacoma if neither one of them had a locking differential I think that the all-wheel drive system in the Honda is just a tad bit better as you can see with the new Honda Pilot
Honda Ridgeline is the future of truck. No one I know uses their brand new truck for construction work and they all wish they had the perks of the ridgeline
Honda would be better served by saying the ridgeline is not trying to be a truck. Its for people that want the space of their crossovers with a pickup bed. But Honda is trying so hard here to pull the wool over peoples eyes on how much better truck it is than real trucks. Im sorry but things like honda magic, ah ja systems, only works for apple fan boys and soccer moms. Also where he said an open diff system would have gotten stuck.... umm no modern open diff 4x4 would have gotten stuck there. In fact ive been in many situations like that in a 2008 Nissan and the ABLS pretty much just has to apply a little brake to the slipping tire and the truck just goes right over which is why the tacoma didnt get stuck either. And if you are really worried both nissan and yota have locking rear diffs in their top of the line 4x4 versions. Which by the way cost what a base awd fridge costs with way way more off road capability.
+Ultimatemxcn I agree, it has unique attributes and Honda should emphasize these instead of trying to compete with the Tacoma at what the Tacoma is good at.
If Honda is pulling the wool over poeples eyes why do they continue to sell? Maybe Ridgeline pushed Dakota and Ranger out of market. front wheel drive pick ups are not new, many in Europe, Africa and Asia.
Harvey Millar For someone to say that the ridgeline pushed the ranger out of market is down right ridiculous. Ford sold more rangers in one year than Honda sold ridgelines during 11 years!!! In fact everyone knows the ranger really had not been updated since 1997 yet even in its worst year the ranger outsold the ridgeline's best year ever. Ford's lack of innovation on the model and maybe the tacoma and frontier pushed the ranger out of the market. Dodge pretty much shot itself in the face with the dakota.
I love how everyone's definition of "truck" is how well it performs off road. Yo, when I buy hay for my horse, I'm using an old 2wd F150. Same truck would be shitty off road. When I think "truck", I think getting work done. The Ridgeline can be loaded up with hay, or a toolbox, or building supplies, just like a regular truck. I'm still weighing my options, but the Ridgeline is on my short list (with a Ranger as well).
Agreed. I was looking for an SUV or crossover to replace my Avalon because my needs have changed for camping and light offroad/improved trail use in addition to my daily commuting and road trip needs. After seeing what the Ridgeline offers, that has moved to the top of my shopping list.
Really can tell the difference in the ride quality when you hear a lot more quiver in their voices in the Tacoma. Love my Tacoma Xrunner but when the time comes a Ridgeline is likely in my future for the 99% driving I normally do. Long distance runs on the highway will be far, far more comfy and enjoyable in the Ridgeline.
Vertically Everyone I know that has a truck uses it to communicate and to communicate in snow to work. I don't think I've seen anyone use their truck outside of going to the dump or helping someone move. I own a 2020 Ridgeline and I love it. All the truck almost everyone needs.
its so funny to watch Roman reviewing Ridgeline, he cant admit to himself that he likes it.. you can see that fight going on inside of him, lol.... Its like you would imagine brutal macho guy first time ever got kissed by another guy. In front of people he saying he is straight and he didn't like it, but there is something inside that never going to be the same anymore ...)))))))))))))))))))
lol ikr. it's funny because it's clearly due to him going through a midlife crisis buying a raptor and a hell cat to feel manly so this not so manly truck drives him nuts cause it ain't to bad but he wants to hate it
The guy brings up a lot of good points with the ridgline, it's not built specifically for off road use as the Tacoma IS. But it's better at everyday comforts and a little bit of off road worthiness. I can see the target buyer they are trying to attract, the tailgaters and the daily commuter who wants/needs a truck.
Why even talk to these company spokesmen? All you get is robotic lies. I like how he spun how the Ridgeline is not front wheel drive first. "It's Honda magic"! haha
+Yippie I completely agree with you. I may though say, it's more this rep than Honda the company themselves... My guess is Honda designed the Ridgeline to be "enough" of a truck and still be refined, not the off-road magic machine this specific rep is trying to make the Ridgeline. This rep should be sacked, at least from ever appearing in public / press days / events..
Not bad, ppl are usually scared to move to new technology and they really shouldn't be. I don't think it will be a truck for those hardcore off roaders but I can see it meeting the needs of many.
That was the market for which the Ridgeline was designed: the city/suburban driver who can only afford one vehicle and wants a comfortable ride for daily commuting or road trips, yet also be capable on occasion of towing a small camper or loading up a bunch of lumber and plywood at the lumber yard/home improvement store.
This "off-road" course Honda has setup is not really off-road, it is a dirt road. I drive my 15 year old front wheel drive Toyota Sienna minivan through roads like that all the time with no issues. To be fair the Honda has to be ordered by Toyota and driven on a course setup by Toyota. You will see how bad the Ridgeline performs on a real off-road course.
+terranborn56 It's not going to need that "stronger" suspension because no Ridgeline owner is actually going to use it how a truck is suppose to be used.
Roman, please don't be so hard on the Ridgeline. We get it, your a Tacoma guy. The Honda is a cool truck for a family that needs space management, and sit in traffic all week, go to a bike trail on the weekend etc. Taco's are cool too. If you are into off-roading get a Wrangler. By the way, it's a TRUCK. Sort of.
A lot of BIASED Opinions here... We have the MACHO doesn't look like a truck to me guy because it doesn´t look MANLY!. We have the I LIVE IN THE FIELDS off roader who cant see outside of the picture guy. We have the DENIERS who say this is a Pilot with a BED completely ignoring the fact it has a complete different suspension guy. We have the TACOMA FANBOY who basically cant picture any other truck in the universe kinda guy. We also have the SUBARU guys who think they have the best AWD in the universe giving them the rights to even compare a Pickup just because it has AWD to their Sedan. Why cant we said there are trucks for anyone? Sure you can buy a Tacoma to go off roading and shit but man does that thing drives like a fucking old school truck? what about the guy who does light off road just to go camping or the guy who just want to go sightseeing not bend the A-ARM doing rock crawling?... These kind of one sided view is what kills the truck community they cant even fathom something different than the Have it All Off Road/Tow and SUCK at Driving Sporty or Not having anything at all. The Ridgeline is a LIGHT DUTY TRUCK not an Off Road vehicle intended to go Rubicon and shit... This thing will out maneuver any truck you have in the same segment period.. You have a Tacoma? this thing will obliterate it in a corner. And at the end of the day if you drive a Tacoma ultimate off roading package just to do off road 2 weeks in a year? why bother? This is what the Ridgeline wants to tackle.. The Light Duty off roader guy that don't want to lose driving dynamics.. In this case there isn't anything out there as the Ridgeline.
+skirmich I agree. People are too narrow minded and should just be happy that we have so many options to choose from. My only gripe is that this thing is not a truck. It doesn't bother me that it is front wheel drive, that it has front and back independent suspension or that it's unibody and looks like the aborted child of Henry Kissinger and Margaret Thatcher. What gets me is that it isn't body-on-frame, which is what makes a truck a truck. It's built on the same platform as their Odyssey minivan. The El Camino isn't a truck, the Ranchero isn't a truck, their Odyssey minivan definitely isn't one, and as impressive off road as a Subaru is, it isn't a truck either. A truck is anything body-on-frame which includes certain SUVs and older full size vans. The Ridgeline is unibody with an integrated frame. It's light duty, handles like their minivan, and can handle itself in light mud and sand, but that still doesn't make it a truck.
+Daniel Bell According to the Dictionary: "Truck"; "a strong horse-drawn or automotive vehicle (as a pickup) for hauling". What you are describing is a TYPE of Truck as in Body on Frame Pickup. But dictionary says "Truck" its an Automotive Vehicle used for Hauling or "a wheeled vehicle for moving heavy articles". This is the same ordeal as when the CUV started to come out.. People saying they weren´t real SUVs and blah blah blah.. The Ridgeline follows the same idea of a Crossover Utility Vehicle but now with a Pickup. Following the same example as the CUV the new Crossover Pickup its Faster, More agile, Better handling and a good compromise between Utility and Handling. The new Ridgeline is basically making history right here. But as far as being a "Truck" there is no argument, It is a truck.. Being more specific it is a new type of Pickup = Crossover Pickup (Waiting till the real name comes up).
+skirmich Wow, you are such a little kid. You actually had to look up the definition? Don't lecture me on what you think a truck is. I've owned them, drove them, worked on them for 30 years, I know what a truck is.
Daniel Bell Also I must point out that doing something for very long does not make you an Einstein in the subject.. You just had a very repetitive life. I have been using PCs for as Long as Bill Gates did when he wrote Windows, Yet I am no Bill Gates.
Holy heck man what you just come write out and tell the young Honda rep that you're older than him and you know more about trucks...you were sort of rude.... the Honda Ridgeline is a superior vehicle.... if you like sitting shoulder to shoulder with your passenger and bouncing around all day by all means go buy one.... The Ridgeline is bigger ,innovative, practical and functional and you can store a heck of a lot more cargo and gear in it than a Tacoma.......most people do not take their trucks off road especially these glamorous pretty boy trucks that cost 60 to 70k. ..their tires will never see dirt.
A problem with the torque vectoring is all the sensors required to keep it working. So go down a trail with mud/clay and once the sensors plug up, the AWD usually stops working and pops up service AWD system.
I'm a fan of body on frame. I will give it credit and say it did great. I know range rovers are unibody as well. They can take a little out of their playbook and have something like VW did with the 1st gen Touareg and have locking diffs and low range. I do say the test was bullshit. An open diff Tacoma vs a Torque vectoring awd system is shady on Honda's part. The equivalent Tacoma is better than the equivalent ridgeline period. I think TFL needs to do a unibody AWD/4WD mashup with unibody SUVs and the Honda Ridgeline.
+Tmanthekid Team Scorpion Well I can't speak on the longevity because for SUVs they aren't many old SUVs i know of that I know of that is unibody. I do say a modern range Rover will not last as long as an old one because they are notoriously unreliable.
+Dale Couture In Australia, there are many versions of cars with beds on them referred to as utes that do very well as trucks. You might want to think outside the box.
Dale Couture They use them as trucks and they do well. There are those who think anything less than a medium duty is not a truck, but a car with a bed.
Donald Weber That may work for vehicles that never leave a paved road. But once you have to tow a real load like a ski boat or something that weight more than a few hundred pounds over long distance or once you have to deal with real off road conditions, these things are simply not capable for those situations.
Dale Couture Yes they are. A Ridgeline is perfectly capable of towing 5000 lbs long distances, dragging a boat out of the water, going what most people consider offroad. It does what it is supposed to do. And to me, offroading is something a stock Tacoma can't do.
The concept of a unibody, full independent suspension pickup is great as a starting point. I really hoped this thing would turn out a little more truck like than its Honda Odyssey mother. If it had 1-2" more ground clearance and a more boxy front end, they would have hit the nail on the head. Hopefully Honda listens to the press and consumers and offers a genuine off road package in a few years.
I really like the Ridgeline with one caveat. I'd be pushing the tow limits sometimes. I'd like a video really pushing the tow limits on this truck. Like towing a large enclosed trailer weighing in at 4,800 or whatever the gcvw allows.
honda likely paid safe with the towing limit and the payload is fairly good so squat shouldn't be awful. that being said, actual proof by demonstration would be nice to see.
Guess what? TFL Trucks did just that. They hooked up a 4,800-pound trailer with a driver and a passenger and took it on the Interstate... up into the Colorado Rockies to the Eisenhower Tunnel (elevation 11,000+ feet). Check it out. They were genuinely surprised by how well the Ridgeline performed.
+ZepG haha. I wish ridgelines were higher from factory... I got mine +4 inches ride height with 10 inches ground clearance (over stock 8). It's great off road, but 2 more inches or so would be ideal
Ridgeline is no match for the Tacoma if this was a REAL OFFROAD COURSE and not a golf course. Tacoma all the way. Always has been and always be tbe offroad monster and king. Trust me i own 8 Tacomas.
I know all the electronic whizbang gizmos help people who either don't know what they are doing, or don't care. I still like the manual transmission, manual front hub, trucks. Nothing like being able to have 2wd low range. My 77' Cherokee may not be pretty, or fuel efficient, but it has a better driving experience than a Ridgeline, IMHO. I also feel more secure in it. Not to mention it is far easier and cheaper to fix. I am also starting miss the carburetor experience. My Cherokee is fuel injected, actually SMPI and DIS. My carbs always ran great, even offroad. Just though I would rant.
Yes, the first generation Ridgeline offered HOH off road package. I was very disappointed that the sticker said HOH instead of HOR. It would have been fun to say, ‘I’m driving my HOR”
I get the fact that Roman isn't happy reviewing it under their terms. There's a little insolence that maybe Honda is deserving of for rigging the parameters of the test and its subjects. Way to bite your lip and say "yeah", Roman. ⭐️
Geo Tam agreed. I have a 2012 Tacoma TRD Sport and i go offroading all the time and no other trucks can go where i can go. Offroading has and always will be the Tacoma's home
I'd still chose the Tacoma. If I'm going to have a truck, I'd rather have body on frame. Plus it looks 100x better and the aftermarket parts/accessories are endless. I give props to the 2nd Gen Ridgeline for getting rid of than stupid angled bed design.
You miss the entire point of the market segment to which the Ridgeline is aimed. It's for the city/suburban driver who can't afford both a car and a truck/SUV, but want a vehicle equally capable of being a comfortable ride for daily commuting and road trips, yet can tow a small camper or load up some plywood and 2x4s at the lumber yard/home improvement store. That's not a hipster market.
Wow, Roman and the other guy were getting thrown around a lot in the Tacoma, and Roman had to grip the wheel hard as a result. Marked difference, i.e., much better ride in the Ridgeline, which got over the course just as well.
The big advantage of the ridgeline is the bed width. A full size 48” between the wheel wells. Like a F150 or tundra. Much better than the Tacoma’s 44”.
For most people who don't have to drive through an off-road course covered in boulders in order to go to work, take the kids to school, and pick up groceries (you know, the way most trucks are used for anyway), the Ridgeline is a complete no-brainer. The Tacoma's upper hand in off-road and towing prowess falls short when you take the time to actually consider how the vast majority of consumers are utilizing their mid-size truck. The Ridgeline is the thinking man's truck. It simply makes sense. However, if one actually needs a midsize pickup for work (like for construction use or if you work down in a iron mine) then it's clear that Honda isn't attempting to steal away any potential buyers from GM or Toyota. On the other hand, if you have toys that need to be towed, occasionally drive through snow, love going on camping trips, enjoy the benefits of a refined ride, the feel of quality interior materials, and the dependability that comes with owning a Honda product, then the choice is clear. Put simply, if you're bashing on the legitimacy of the Ridgeline as a truck because it's "not tough" or "manly enough," the real issue is with yourself and the insecurities you have with your own masculinity. A real man doesn't need a vehicle in order to display how manly he is.
flightrulez In my opinion, I kinda like the Ridgeline because of Honda's AWD modes, and that it can kinda drive like a crossover and a truck at the same time. Yes, I know it's not COMPLETELY like a truck, but it does offer characteristics from both worlds that could help increase sales.
I really don't care how a truck performs off-road. For me what is more important is how a vehicle performs in snow and that is why I would prefer the Honda over Tacoma. No need to buy 4wd or put sand bags in the back if one has a 2wd truck.
+MrKeyboardCommando yup i agree with you i had always thought from day one that roman wasnt a good car/truck tester and worst he dont really know too much on specs and so on.
+IDWIE Engineers sometimes aren't the best presenters. I'm glad they got to ride along with the engineer in charge of the AWD system. Its the salespeople that are sometimes clueless.
+MrKeyboardCommando I generally like Roman's reviews but it seems he is FIXATED on those old memes used to differentiate a truck from a REAL truck. If he wants to maintain credibility, acknowledging most truck owners WILL NOT take a new purchased / leased truck off-road or use the truck to haul, tow, and operate the vehicle as they were originally intended. It will be the Home Depot run for mulch, the 60 inch LCD screen purchase, and the new washer and dryer (every 10 years). Trucks have been slowly turned into car-like vehicles because that's how auto manufacturers can turn a $25K truck into a $55K vehicle and make more profit and play to people egos / self-esteem. 'We" drink the marketing koolaid every time. There is no functional reason in 2016 why the Tacoma's seat comfort (from /rear) is so poor. The U.S should have been shifted to the Toyota Hilux years ago with the 4 cylinder high torque diesel. This is an old platform architecture with some updates and reskinning. No one gives the new Tacoma high marks for interior comfort. I'm glad Honda did not try to go head-to-head with the Tacoma and GM Twins. However, they found a good balance of truck-like functionally while providing features (in-bed truck, room, ride comfort, refinement) the others cannot offer.
How ever there is one video where they take the ridgeline , tacoma and titan xd to the salt flat desert, and the 20 mile road in blew out the shocks on the tacoma and titan , and only had one damaged shock on the ridgeline.
I drive about 1,500 miles a month; I would pick this car-like truck over any of them because of it's comfort and fuel economy. I really like the new Ridgeline because of it's utility and features; a comfortable ride, roomy interior, great style, decent size bed for home depot trips, good fuel economy, and torque vectoring. I believe it's a great value! It may not be the right deal for people feeling as if they need to prove something, but a great deal for people who want the most for their money.
Agreed. People who need to tow 6,000 pounds or do serious offroading would be better off with a Tacoma, Ranger, or Colorado. But for 95% of suburbanites, they will never be doing those things. Or, if a person can afford only one vehicle, the Ridgeline would be the best all-around truck: very comfortable ride, but some serious towing capability. There are many SUVs and crossovers that can't tow as much as a Ridgeline, and those that do usually need a dedicated towing package that is an extra cost option. On the Ridgeline, it's standard equipment. Even some pickups only offer a towing package as an option and not standard equipment. I'm looking at a Ridgeline to replace my Avalon for going camping as well as being a daily and long-distance commuter.
I owned a Ridgeline 2014 and can't wait for the new 2017 to come out for sale. Much nicer interior and up to par with technologies. Call it a truck, call it a SUV with a bed, don't matter, it does not need to please everybody, it just has to please it's owner. Understand, there are so many cars, suv's and trucks out there just right for you. you just need to figure out your lifestyle and choose the one for you. Toyota, Nissan, Ford, Honda's etc all are good vehicles, just get the right one for you
+clifton wong Call it a ute.
call it the car all guys that are insecure about their manhood talk shit about. bruh I need a body on frame with a v8 and a lift kit even if i don't need a truck and just do it to look more manly because I'm a tool
+alex garcia sounds like you have a complex. It's ok that you drive a Prius or similiar. Accord chassis body/cab with a small bed is not a truck.
James Miller I drive a 4x4 f150 with 20 inch rims and mud tires. Also have a 600cc motorcycle. and You're a bitch.
+James Miller plus nothing wrong with driving a prius. and it is a truck. and you are still a tool . I'm buying a ridgeline. ;-) .
I like how the Honda guy is trying to argue that the awd is better than 4wd
Give it a few years and it will pass 4x4. 4x4 will always be cheaper and easier to throw around.
They each have their place. No doubt that daily commuting is better with the fwd/and system. Snow driving will be better with the fwd/and system. 4wd with a variable speed transfer case will be better in heavy offroad terrain, more durable for pulling heavy loads with limited traction. They built the ridgeline for what 90% of people actually do with their trucks on a daily basis. No it wont tow 7klbs, it dosent have the ground clearance, or the frame on cab, but it does what it was designed to do better than any other truck in its category. It's not what the other trucks are by design. I'm considering one because it would fit my needs, I need to be able to haul dead deer from where I hunt-to the processors, tow a zero turn, haul small building materials. And the ridgeline can easily handle those tasks with more refinement and more room than any of its direct competition.
Honda guy probably drinks soy milk
I drive around town with with mud on my little daily commuter awd hatchback (that I do a little offroading when I bored and didn't drive my pickup) and 99.9999999999% of the truck owners have never been offroad and the Ridgeline will serve them perfectly. I have no doubt the Ridgeline will perform like a dream on a snow day when you need to get to work, on the days you need stuff for the home, and when you take the family outdoors.
You pretty much summed up the market for the Ridgeline. I don't know how I missed out on this when I was SUV shopping... this actually fits my needs better than a RAV4, Highlander, and such.
Honda would appear to be supplying exactly what 85% of the private buyers of trucks require. Comfort and economy are paramount in this sector, and Honda provides both.
MrKeyboardCommando actually the tacoma and chevy colorado are 2X better than the new ridgeline for both categories.
@@princessluna1233 Watch more reviews from different sources. They say otherwise. The Tacoma and Colorado are not even in the same class for comfort as the Ridgeline. What they offer is more serious towing and offroad capability, but for most small truck buyers, the Ridgeline can handle about 90% of what they will ever need, and do it in a nicer package. (FWIW, I have not owned a Honda since the mid-1980s. My current car is a Toyota Avalon. During my military career I've driven my share of Jeeps and Hummers and even HEMMTs, so I'm accustomed to offroading.)
My uncle has a 2017 ridgeline and tbh yall would be amazed what those trucks can do just on freaking highway tires
Roman didn't seem too impressed lol. I'm guessing they might not invite him to any more Ridgeline press events.
I hope they don't. like the Ridgeline or not, he was doing a terrible job.
+larry Spiller I agree with both of you, Roman on the defensive and seemed disinterested.. maybe even a little bit snobby.
+Powered by Honda That is because all you guys want to hear is this the greatest thing since sliced bread. I think Roman has been extremely fair. FWD, and AWD is not going to impress people looking for a pickup truck, it just won't, sorry. He did say how comfortable it is the entire video, what more do you want? That is Honda's selling point anyway. Oh wait don't forget about the bed exciters.
+Powered by Honda He was a little harsh but I also appreciate an honest perspective. He could have easily sat back and thrown softball questions to the Honda guy and he would have made it seem like the best truck ever. Sometimes you need someone to ask the hard questions, play devils advocate, and be critical or else you're just going to see another review that is little more than a Press Release. There are lots of reviews on UA-cam that are glorified advertisements and I'm glad that TFL Truck is not one of them. They might be biased but you also have to consider that this is TFL Truck and he's looking at it from a traditional truck buyers perspective. I'm sure anyone who is considering a midsize has the Taco and Colorado/Canyon at the top of their list and these are the exact same questions, preconceptions, and notions that Honda will have to answer if they want people to switch over.
+Don Juan True. At the same time, I think Roman was also calling BS (with out blatantly telling the rep that he's full of it) on the Honda rep sitting next to him trying to make Ridgeline sound like a magical off-roading machine.
And just to clarify, I think the Ridgeline makes a lot of sense for what it was designed for by Honda. Honda designed this a specific way because they imagined (through their own research and development), this is the type of truck that should sell to and satisfy their clientele. It's just this stupid rep that Roman was assigned to this time that was just BS'ing and misrepresenting what the Ridgeline was intended to be. I see plenty of merit in the Ridgeline, even though I'm more a traditional truck kinda guy when it comes to trucks.
Ridgeline: Trunk, great ride, huge comfortable interior, AWD, and please remember it won the Baja 1000 twice - with limited mods.
I hope they find a small but profitable niche. I also hope most other manufacturers keep building and selling real Trucks.
The more of your content I watch, the better I feel I understand this truck. They made a series of capitulations to fuel economy and ride quality. It's still not my bag but I no longer feel like sneering at it, at least.
This is a really good video. The Honda rep really adds to the review. Roman brings up valid differences between the vehicles and the rep helps explain Honda's thought process for those differences.
A lot of commenters have been bashing on the guy, but I agree with you. He does provide insight into the Honda design and engineering process.
I bought the 2016 Chevy Colorado myself, best truck ive ever owned. I, however, do not understand all of the hate on this Honda.
I would still get a Ridgeline because of comfort. My family currently has a 2007 Ridgeline and a family member has a 2011 Tacoma and the Ridgeline is so much better. Better for family's. The dual action tailgate and the in bed trunk are perfect for trips or vacations. And even just going to the grocery store as a family. Once you get a Ridgeline, you will never want to sell it.
Ridgeline is for people who think they can be tough. My 02 ram has lasted my family for years of off roading and towing and comfortably driving
+Tmanthekid Team Scorpion the Ridgeline is for families who don't need to be going off road everyday. I'm sure you have to go into a city or town at least once a week. It's perfect for families who want good fuel economy and don't need a giant V8 engine
+freakout247 because sometimes you need a open bed. This is an option that gives you best of both worlds
+Joel Bruck I agree it has its uses, you just named them. the problem is that these are being marketed as trucks, which they are NOT. it is nothing more than an awd suv, incapable of being lifted, that can take a family to a campsite and that's about all.
I agree, I'd get the Ridgeline for the comfort.
When Roman said "for an offroad vehicle..." he just about burst out laughing. you can see him start to smile and then he holds himself back. hahaha
what a cute adorable lil truck. look how well it navigates that golf course.
lol but the tacoma can do much more
Ik I can do this trail in a fiat 500c
+chris ward yes,the old one :P
+chris ward and I can probably do this trail in my dying mk4 Jetta. It may not like it and clunk and clank a few times, but it will get through it.
How much more do 99% of truck buyers do than that. Don't be such a dick.
Awesome truck for a normal person who doesn't want truck compromises.
I've tried Tacoma. Hate the design, I cannae even fit my 6'2" 215 pound bone, sinew and muscle body into it without painful neck contortions. I take a Ridgeline any day over Tacoma.
I'm 6'7" and agree. However, what I hate about the Taco is that if feels like it could roll over, and the nose dives excessively during moderate braking. I rented a 4x4 Taco for 3-4 days during a house hunting trip, but stayed on paved roads. What I don't like about the Ridgeline is the direct injection engine; it needs more power and it needs port injection to keep the intake valves clean - and a timing chain not belt. However, if my AWD Sienna died tomorrow, I'd buy a Ridgeline to replace it. If Toyota built an AWD Ridgeline-like truck, with all the comfort plus Toyota engineering, I'd buy that.
These videos with other trucks vs the ridgeline dont really feel fair, i mean shouldnt you test the best of what each truck has to offer and not "Lets get the base tacoma and put it against the AWD ridgeline" i mean with hondas system you can almost argue it has lockers in it so when you put an open diffed truck against it off road it almost feels like your giving the honda a free pass like from what i remember the ridgeline will never have 4WD its only going to be 2WD or AWD so if its AWD is the best the ridgeline has to offer off road wise shouldnt you also bring in the bets the tacoma has to offer off road wise to put it against the ridgeline?
agreed
+Jane Fox Thanks for the comment. Please note that it is far from easy to get competing trucks to test at the same time but we will test & review apples to apples once we have a chance to get both trucks together in Colorado and up Gold Mine Hill.
+The Fast Lane Truck Good point i forgot about he difficulties of getting those trucks, And cant wait for that video
Honda sucks give it anything, big tires, whatever. It will never beat my ram
+Tmanthekid Team Scorpion No doubt about that rams are pretty good~
The Ridgeline is perfect for those that need a functional truck without needing to haul heavy loads, tow trailers etc. Although it will perform, its highlights are in other areas
You just described the Ridgeline's market in a nutshell.
I do a fair amount of snow driving in the Sierras. I've owned 3 different 4WD Toyotas. Had a AWD Highlander (Loaner) while my Tundra was in the shop.
I couldn't get the Highlander to lose traction, and I really worked at it. Sorry all you Macho guys, it's true.
The Ridgeline is perfect for all of us who WANT a pick-up, but don't NEED a pick-up.
So this is pretty much a Pilot with a open cargo bay...
Honestly I see nothing wrong with the Ridgeline as long as you're looking for something good on road and can handle light off roading. There are much better choices out there.
like?
+Hiram Rosa Jr literally anything
Subaru forester with a trailer. Or if you actually want to use a light work truck a subaru Baja.
+Noel Ebbert The Forester has +.9 inches more ground clearance.
***** theres a somewhat of a differnce
They each have their place. No doubt that daily commuting is better with the fwd/awd system. Snow driving will be better with the fwd/awd system. 4wd with a variable speed transfer case will be better in heavy offroad terrain, more durable for pulling heavy loads with limited traction. They built the ridgeline for what 90% of people actually do with their trucks on a daily basis. No it wont tow 7klbs, it dosent have the ground clearance, or the frame on cab, but it does what it was designed to do better than any other truck in its category. It's not what the other trucks are, by design. I'm considering one because it would fit my needs. I need to be able to haul dead deer from where I hunt-to the processors, tow a zero turn or 4 wheeler, and haul small building materials. And the ridgeline can easily handle those tasks with more refinement and more room than any of its direct competition.
That's exactly what I need: a comfortable daily commuter or road trip vehicle that gets good mileage, can tow a small camper, haul stuff to the dump or from a lumber yard, or go on some semi-improved trails.
I find it odd that people bash on the unibody and rear independent suspension like its a negative thing. The toughest vehicle I know of has both of those things!!! I'm talking about the hummer H1
The Ridgeline unibody is actually a hybrid of a typical unibody and some box-like frame elements.
Sounded to me as if Roman came away a bit impressed.....
The ridgeline was never intended to be a serious off roader but, it does do quite well in areas where most folks will use it.....Not to mention that on the pavement, the ridgeline is superior to it's competition and handles a heavier payload as well.
It is ugly, has no ground clearance, sounds terrible, a v6, and can only tow 5000lbs
It is for a soccer dad that wants to feel tough
+Tmanthekid Team Scorpion Sometime in your future, you're gonna need to put on some big boy pants and not measure your ego by how tough you "THINK" your vehicle is....assuming you're even old enough to drive.
Then again, if you listened to Roman's comments....he was impressed with how instant the system sorted out the terrain....So I'll take the words of what he experienced, over your opinion. Tough guy.
+Tmanthekid Team Scorpion You couldn't be more wrong. It's for a soccer dad that doesn't give a fuck about feeling tough.
+Tony Iacona Careful Tony. He's got an 02 Ram. He sounds pretty tough...
+Todd Wilson he sounds like a knuckle dragger......They always start their comments with grunts and groans.
a car could have made it though that "off-road" track......
+JonP227GT i was about to say that lol, i'd take my sport bike on that, wouldn't even need a dirt bike.
+JonP227GT I could run that entire thing in my wife's FWD (that's front, not four) Escape without damaging anything. May need a little extra momentum here and there but it would make it no problem. That "river crossing" was like 2" deep..
+ummduhgmail I could run that trail in a stolen wheelchair.
Hate to say it but I could probably run that trail in my 04 Mits rally car.
dchawk81
You could run it in your own wheelchair.. it's not like there is any danger of damaging it, no need to steal a sacrificial chair.
I drove a tacoma for two years and 100,000 kms and now have a ridgeline for the past 2 1/2 years. I am a forest technician working in the field. The Tacoma cannot take any weight without breaking springs (ATV) and the frame rusta away on you. The ridgeline is not good in ruts as ground clearance is an issue. The ridge is far more comfortable, every passenger has said so, and the highway drive is quieter and more stable. I would buy another ridge, mine has 370,000 kms so far with only a shock and a strut replaced. The tacoma had $5400 in repairs in a year, nuff said.
I just cannot get over how feminine the Ridgeline looks. It just doesn't look like a modern, rugged truck. That kills it for me. I know when I get into the Tacoma, I'm going to get a tough truck that can take a beating and keep putting a smile on my face. The Ridgeline... it just looks like it would be easy to own day-to-day, but that's about it. I would be so much more confident in the Tacoma.
the front half of the ridgeline needs a major redesign
+Mad Pistol, How on earth is a inanimate object feminine or masculine?
+poweredbyeb You ever study art? it's more than possible
We are talking act a truck not art.
+poweredbyeb doesn't matter, our brains recognize inanimate objects as being feminine or masculine all the time. We like cars that look like us - that's a core rule of car design
The fact is most truck owners never go off-road, or if they do, it's something mild like this. This would probably work for 70% of truck owners needs. But I get it, truck guys want a truck, not a crossover truck that might get 2 mpg better.
Love my Ridgeline ! Quick and fun.
I had an 06 and loved it. In 2012 things started breaking or not functioning so I pulled into a Jeep Dealer and traded it. When the time comes I will revisit the Ridgeline
I was lucky to film this awesome vehicle (Ridgeline) recently and I really liked it… I might even replace my RSX with it! :)
Well to all of you who think the Ridgeline isn't good enough offroad, or "tough" enough, I've got a simple challenge for you. Take your offroad truck and take it offroad. Except instead of driving around at 10mph crawling over things, blast through at 50mph. See that dinky little hill climb? Try airing that out. Oh wait, you just destroyed your front end and bent your frame? Newsflash, trucks suck for offroading. Trucks are for hauling dirt bikes, quads, and side by sides which are good at offroading. You might think you're offroading, but what you're really doing is driving around at 10mph in a golf shirt AC on, tip toeing your expensive truck trying not to scratch the paint or rip apart the undercarriage. Is it really offroading when you're sitting behind a windshield and you dont get an ounce of dirt on you?
Love it
+John Guan Sounds like it's someone's time of the month.
You're a moron
+John Guan And let's assume you're right... And this Honda rep in the video is trying very hard to make the Ridgeline sound like it's a magic off-road machine... hmmm... but by your definition, trucks should suck for off-roading.. so this Honda rep is just doubly stupid.
well no shit, he's a honda rep, what else is he going to do besides plug his product? Also the magic AWD system. The "special" logic is this: From when you're stopped and you accelerate the computer will send torque to the rear until you are moving at say 15mph, then switch to FWD to save gas. The harder you get on the gas the more torque is sent to the rear up to 50/50 lock. So it is basically shifting from 4 HI rear locker on to fwd from 0-20mph depending on how heavy your foot is. And yes, all trucks suck for offroading including the taco. I used to own a 4runner. It's simple engineering, you take a 5000lb truck offroad it is going to start breaking parts once you go fast. Honestly 4wheeling is kind of idiotic, crawling around obstacles trying not to wreck your vehicle or scrape your underbody.
now take the ridgeline to Toyotas proving ground...
Same I don't even like Toyota but thank god that it is a TRUCK not a mini van
+adam reiner it looked like a pilot in the thumbnail
pininfarina575 yeah exactly my thoughts he was really geting annoying, it's a hipster truck, for people who want to be manly and drive a truck but only in the city cause dirt is gross
I know Toyota’s proving ground is not the highways or streets around your house. Honda would dominate there.
Anyone who watched the edmunds video in death valley shows the Tacoma blew out all the factory shocks on washboard where as the ridgeline only had one slightly weeping and the ridgeline shocks were not even off road rated, whats up with that? Main weakness of this vehicle is appearance. It looks pretty lame though still better than older ridgeline generations.The ridgeline looks more lame point blank due to the honda pilot chop job and doesn't have 4 low functionality but it does have awd which is better for inclimate weather and day to day situations. I do think the bed is too short for most practicality and that's sort of a drawback on the ridgeline as well. Honestly with the right tires a small lift and some front bumper work it would do fine in most offroad situations that most people would get involved in. I mean I have done a lot of offroading and usually I stop on a trail because the rollover risk is more of a problem not that the vehicle couldn't get through it. Rarely do you need more unless you intend to abuse it. Thing is there are $2000 old Toyota trucks that are good for abusing & rolling over, so honestly who would do that kind of stuff with a newer vehicle regardless of how capable it is? As far as Toyota goes their shit is sorta dated and use old tech. I think Toyota has made better trucks in the past and some of their stuff has gone downhill in recent years. I think Honda is just stepping into this truck market or with what their perceived idea of what a truck should be. I bet within 5 years Honda will offer an offroad trail rated version of the ridgeline in a few years. Right now its up to yourselves to make that happen.
Credits needto go where credits are due. I think, for what it is, Honda did a good job. Torque vectoring is a relatively simple system, but it works. I still wouldn't call it a truck, but i would call it a pick up.It's got a bed, it's got AWD and seems to do just fine relly. I personally would still take the Tcoma instead, but hey, each to their own.
Lol... There's not even subtle bias by Roman... Trying everything to downplay the Ridgeline.
feels delicate?? you being serious Roman? the Tacoma sounded awful over those humps and the Honda didn't make a noise. Tacoma is a tough truck but there is no reason for him to act like the Ridgeline is delicate
+larry Spiller yeah, in every video they have made of the Ridgeline it's like Roman is making fun of it.
Caleb Ramey really hope Nathan or Andre take it up the Ike and what not else. If I have to hear Roman call it a car 1 more time I might loose it and unsub. So darn annoying haha
+larry Spiller I owned a last gen Ridgeline and now I own a full size 1500. I agree very much with the word 'delicate'. I loved my Ridgeline but I think 'delicate' is really accurate when you're comparing it to a classic style of truck
+Caleb Ramey
Not to mention, he had no conclusion at the end of the video. And he misunderstood the body rigidity demonstration by saying, hey the wheel is off the ground by so many inches in the Ridgeline. If the wheel is off the ground, it does not matter by how many inches, it is still not on the ground even with the Tacoma. Also the Tacoma made a very uncomfortable metal squeaking noise when entering that obstacle, which, demonstrated possibly poor body rigidity. Anyhow, none of this means the Ridgeline is better at offloading than the Tacoma, but a reviewer should understand what each test demonstrates and not be biased.
I'm an old fart and I still love the looks of the bad ass Tacoma, BUT the biggest thing for me is with AWD one does not have to guess when to put on, or like in the Tacoma 4wd 4H. The Tocamas don't even have an Auto 4wd like my Chevy does. If 4wd is engaged when it doesn't slip one will destroy the transfer case in time. That's what makes a decision for so many like us in Michigan. With AWD u don't have to wait until u may slide off the freeway.
Wow! Truck guys are out in force on this one. Relax. The Ridgeline customer is a car person that needs a bed and wants to tow small trailers. It looks like Honda has made a better Ridgeline (not truck) and will appeal to small truck shoppers not looking for extreme offroad capability. I just hope Honda offers and offroad version and different body styles.
I like how the mention of the Tacoma's Locking Rear Dif pretty much shut up the spokesmen.
I would like to see the ridgeline take on something like a Jeep GC with QD2.
Toyota is the best off-roader
and it's the only thing it's best at....................
The first thing i noticed when they did there "wheel lift test", the honda sure alot more ridgidity and no noise from the frame twisting up. And i give it to all the negative comments on the body, looks like a mini van. But as far as everything else goes, its alot better than the other mid size out there. I dont expect to do extreme 4x4 in any stock truck, and i dont expect to tow with a midsize truck. So with that, its much more effient and comfortable "truck" than what the others offer in the midsize, and probably more usable in everyday life. The tacoma gets the same damn fuel mileage as my f150 and i got way more power with a 5.0l. Horsepower or gas mileage, thats what look for and not something that has neither.
In Chile we have tougher roads conditions than in the US and it´s funny to read guys talking against the Rdigeline. Guys, let me tell you that the majority of the mining companies in Chile, located at 4000 meters or even 5000 meters high (snow, rain, mud,rocky roads) or even those located in the driest desert of the world (Atacama Desert, where Dakar´s competition used to take place) has chosen Ridgeline as part of their fleet. Of course they have Toyota, but the Hilux (cheaper and very reliable) Mitsubishi and Nissan but Ridgeline has provided an excellent performance even though it is more expensive....but much much more comfortable than any other. Tacoma is an amazing truck, no doubt.
+julioigna71 The truck world has changed elsewhere in the world and life keeps turning (Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi L200, new Ford Ranger). The Ridgeline seems to fit better into the global definition of trucks I see.
Anthony C Brown I totally agree !!!Do we really need a V8 high consumption truck? Well, for those we do outdoor sports, we go skiing and we transport very specific things ocasionally, we don´t really need more than these options.
@@julioigna71 Some people do need the extra power for towing heavy loads or extreme rough offroading. But for 95% of us, the Ridgeline is all we need... and it's comfortable enough (and fuel efficient) to be a daily commuter or road trip vehicle.
We love our 2009 and 2017 Sport, they fulfill our needs.
what does all rally car have in common... AWD independent suspension
you are right Roman, its front wheel drive most of the time which is what the people who this truck is aimed at will want (honda owners that want a light duty truck) if my wife needed all wheel drive this might be a consideration
I've seen Honda Ridgeline with lift kit and BFGoodrich ko2 that I would take over Tacoma if neither one of them had a locking differential I think that the all-wheel drive system in the Honda is just a tad bit better as you can see with the new Honda Pilot
Honda Ridgeline is the future of truck. No one I know uses their brand new truck for construction work and they all wish they had the perks of the ridgeline
Honda would be better served by saying the ridgeline is not trying to be a truck. Its for people that want the space of their crossovers with a pickup bed. But Honda is trying so hard here to pull the wool over peoples eyes on how much better truck it is than real trucks. Im sorry but things like honda magic, ah ja systems, only works for apple fan boys and soccer moms. Also where he said an open diff system would have gotten stuck.... umm no modern open diff 4x4 would have gotten stuck there. In fact ive been in many situations like that in a 2008 Nissan and the ABLS pretty much just has to apply a little brake to the slipping tire and the truck just goes right over which is why the tacoma didnt get stuck either. And if you are really worried both nissan and yota have locking rear diffs in their top of the line 4x4 versions. Which by the way cost what a base awd fridge costs with way way more off road capability.
+Ultimatemxcn
I agree, it has unique attributes and Honda should emphasize these instead of trying to compete with the Tacoma at what the Tacoma is good at.
+Ultimatemxcn Never had an awd fridge. Sounds cool.
If Honda is pulling the wool over poeples eyes why do they continue to sell? Maybe Ridgeline pushed Dakota and Ranger out of market. front wheel drive pick ups are not new, many in Europe, Africa and Asia.
Harvey Millar For someone to say that the ridgeline pushed the ranger out of market is down right ridiculous. Ford sold more rangers in one year than Honda sold ridgelines during 11 years!!! In fact everyone knows the ranger really had not been updated since 1997 yet even in its worst year the ranger outsold the ridgeline's best year ever. Ford's lack of innovation on the model and maybe the tacoma and frontier pushed the ranger out of the market. Dodge pretty much shot itself in the face with the dakota.
Ford's lack of innovation when they have Mazda helping? Now that's down right ridiculous. Ridgeline created a niche in the market, get it?
I love how everyone's definition of "truck" is how well it performs off road. Yo, when I buy hay for my horse, I'm using an old 2wd F150. Same truck would be shitty off road. When I think "truck", I think getting work done. The Ridgeline can be loaded up with hay, or a toolbox, or building supplies, just like a regular truck. I'm still weighing my options, but the Ridgeline is on my short list (with a Ranger as well).
Agreed. I was looking for an SUV or crossover to replace my Avalon because my needs have changed for camping and light offroad/improved trail use in addition to my daily commuting and road trip needs. After seeing what the Ridgeline offers, that has moved to the top of my shopping list.
return of the el camino !
That was if they made a dodge magnum truck
Really can tell the difference in the ride quality when you hear a lot more quiver in their voices in the Tacoma. Love my Tacoma Xrunner but when the time comes a Ridgeline is likely in my future for the 99% driving I normally do. Long distance runs on the highway will be far, far more comfy and enjoyable in the Ridgeline.
That's the market for the Ridgeline: the 99% of driving most people do. It does it so well.
Two nice trucks would love to see the comparison on snow 👍🔧🔧
The Tacoma would be pulling the Honda with a tow strap most the way.
@@mattyee9369 I remember pulling a Toyota out of the snow this winter with my Honda Element. 😂
Vertically Everyone I know that has a truck uses it to communicate and to communicate in snow to work. I don't think I've seen anyone use their truck outside of going to the dump or helping someone move. I own a 2020 Ridgeline and I love it. All the truck almost everyone needs.
its so funny to watch Roman reviewing Ridgeline, he cant admit to himself that he likes it.. you can see that fight going on inside of him, lol....
Its like you would imagine brutal macho guy first time ever got kissed by another guy. In front of people he saying he is straight and he didn't like it, but there is something inside that never going to be the same anymore ...)))))))))))))))))))
lol ikr. it's funny because it's clearly due to him going through a midlife crisis buying a raptor and a hell cat to feel manly so this not so manly truck drives him nuts cause it ain't to bad but he wants to hate it
The other TFL Truck reviewers like the Ridgeline and appreciate it for what it is.
The guy brings up a lot of good points with the ridgline, it's not built specifically for off road use as the Tacoma IS. But it's better at everyday comforts and a little bit of off road worthiness. I can see the target buyer they are trying to attract, the tailgaters and the daily commuter who wants/needs a truck.
Exactly!
Why even talk to these company spokesmen? All you get is robotic lies. I like how he spun how the Ridgeline is not front wheel drive first. "It's Honda magic"! haha
Spot on!
+Yippie He was trying hard to sell that one, wasn't he?
1guyin10 He sure was :)
Ya this guy was a real d bag
+Yippie I completely agree with you. I may though say, it's more this rep than Honda the company themselves... My guess is Honda designed the Ridgeline to be "enough" of a truck and still be refined, not the off-road magic machine this specific rep is trying to make the Ridgeline. This rep should be sacked, at least from ever appearing in public / press days / events..
Not bad, ppl are usually scared to move to new technology and they really shouldn't be. I don't think it will be a truck for those hardcore off roaders but I can see it meeting the needs of many.
That was the market for which the Ridgeline was designed: the city/suburban driver who can only afford one vehicle and wants a comfortable ride for daily commuting or road trips, yet also be capable on occasion of towing a small camper or loading up a bunch of lumber and plywood at the lumber yard/home improvement store.
Tacoma is a beast
Not compared to a real truck
+Tmanthekid Team Scorpion what kind of "real truck"
+Tmanthekid Team Scorpion Tacoma is a "real truck" unless you're talking about a "full-sized".
+austin christopher (spacespackle) It's not bad for a girly truck.
+Kyle Hurling 3/4 ton is where it's at
Drove a Ridgeline yesterday. Really like it.
This "off-road" course Honda has setup is not really off-road, it is a dirt road. I drive my 15 year old front wheel drive Toyota Sienna minivan through roads like that all the time with no issues. To be fair the Honda has to be ordered by Toyota and driven on a course setup by Toyota. You will see how bad the Ridgeline performs on a real off-road course.
the honda guy has a good point, u don't off-road everyday, I know I wouldn't, waste gas and risk damage my new truck/car
The Ridgeline is not a truck. It's a Honda Pilot with the back cut off.
+Abandoned TN No it's not. Has stronger suspension parts. Not being a fan boy, just keeping the record straight.
+terranborn56 a stronger suspension doesn't give it the title of a truck.... #justsaying
+terranborn56 It's not going to need that "stronger" suspension because no Ridgeline owner is actually going to use it how a truck is suppose to be used.
+John Guan Yeah keep telling yourself that.
+John Guan Bud, I don't need an argument. It's obviously not a truck.
I like my Tacoma's traditional 4WD. The RL makes it too easy lol
favoring the Tacoma
ScoobyDigits as he should lol Tacoma >>>>> Ridgeline all day Off Road
Roman, please don't be so hard on the Ridgeline. We get it, your a Tacoma guy. The Honda is a cool truck for a family that needs space management, and sit in traffic all week, go to a bike trail on the weekend etc. Taco's are cool too. If you are into off-roading get a Wrangler. By the way, it's a TRUCK. Sort of.
A lot of BIASED Opinions here...
We have the MACHO doesn't look like a truck to me guy because it doesn´t look MANLY!.
We have the I LIVE IN THE FIELDS off roader who cant see outside of the picture guy.
We have the DENIERS who say this is a Pilot with a BED completely ignoring the fact it has a complete different suspension guy.
We have the TACOMA FANBOY who basically cant picture any other truck in the universe kinda guy.
We also have the SUBARU guys who think they have the best AWD in the universe giving them the rights to even compare a Pickup just because it has AWD to their Sedan.
Why cant we said there are trucks for anyone? Sure you can buy a Tacoma to go off roading and shit but man does that thing drives like a fucking old school truck? what about the guy who does light off road just to go camping or the guy who just want to go sightseeing not bend the A-ARM doing rock crawling?... These kind of one sided view is what kills the truck community they cant even fathom something different than the Have it All Off Road/Tow and SUCK at Driving Sporty or Not having anything at all.
The Ridgeline is a LIGHT DUTY TRUCK not an Off Road vehicle intended to go Rubicon and shit... This thing will out maneuver any truck you have in the same segment period.. You have a Tacoma? this thing will obliterate it in a corner. And at the end of the day if you drive a Tacoma ultimate off roading package just to do off road 2 weeks in a year? why bother? This is what the Ridgeline wants to tackle.. The Light Duty off roader guy that don't want to lose driving dynamics.. In this case there isn't anything out there as the Ridgeline.
+skirmich I agree. People are too narrow minded and should just be happy that we have so many options to choose from. My only gripe is that this thing is not a truck. It doesn't bother me that it is front wheel drive, that it has front and back independent suspension or that it's unibody and looks like the aborted child of Henry Kissinger and Margaret Thatcher. What gets me is that it isn't body-on-frame, which is what makes a truck a truck. It's built on the same platform as their Odyssey minivan. The El Camino isn't a truck, the Ranchero isn't a truck, their Odyssey minivan definitely isn't one, and as impressive off road as a Subaru is, it isn't a truck either. A truck is anything body-on-frame which includes certain SUVs and older full size vans. The Ridgeline is unibody with an integrated frame. It's light duty, handles like their minivan, and can handle itself in light mud and sand, but that still doesn't make it a truck.
+Daniel Bell
According to the Dictionary: "Truck"; "a strong horse-drawn or automotive vehicle (as a pickup) for hauling". What you are describing is a TYPE of Truck as in Body on Frame Pickup. But dictionary says "Truck" its an Automotive Vehicle used for Hauling or "a wheeled vehicle for moving heavy articles".
This is the same ordeal as when the CUV started to come out.. People saying they weren´t real SUVs and blah blah blah.. The Ridgeline follows the same idea of a Crossover Utility Vehicle but now with a Pickup. Following the same example as the CUV the new Crossover Pickup its Faster, More agile, Better handling and a good compromise between Utility and Handling.
The new Ridgeline is basically making history right here.
But as far as being a "Truck" there is no argument, It is a truck.. Being more specific it is a new type of Pickup = Crossover Pickup (Waiting till the real name comes up).
+skirmich Wow, you are such a little kid. You actually had to look up the definition? Don't lecture me on what you think a truck is. I've owned them, drove them, worked on them for 30 years, I know what a truck is.
Daniel Bell Well yes I have to look it up because you Mr Senior are saying something dumb.. It is a truck no questions asked.
Daniel Bell Also I must point out that doing something for very long does not make you an Einstein in the subject.. You just had a very repetitive life. I have been using PCs for as Long as Bill Gates did when he wrote Windows, Yet I am no Bill Gates.
Holy heck man what you just come write out and tell the young Honda rep that you're older than him and you know more about trucks...you were sort of rude.... the Honda Ridgeline is a superior vehicle.... if you like sitting shoulder to shoulder with your passenger and bouncing around all day by all means go buy one.... The Ridgeline is bigger ,innovative, practical and functional and you can store a heck of a lot more cargo and gear in it than a Tacoma.......most people do not take their trucks off road especially these glamorous pretty boy trucks that cost 60 to 70k. ..their tires will never see dirt.
I only saw one truck in this video
Amen
+omar nasser In future would you please keep such thoughts between yourself and your psychiatrist‼️🤐🤐🤐
+Matthew St. Onge Tell your optician you'd like to see them‼️ And, yes, I do love old jokes‼️😂😂😂
***** Life must be a nightmare for you.
Yes! Hahahahaha!
A problem with the torque vectoring is all the sensors required to keep it working. So go down a trail with mud/clay and once the sensors plug up, the AWD usually stops working and pops up service AWD system.
Still waiting for a real off road course, not these bullshit staged courses you could do in a civic
Lol
+NoQuarterNoMercy1 You can't do it in a Civic.
You underestimate Civics...
Civics just can't do it. Simple as that. No compact car can do it.
With the exception maybe the tipping area, my old 98 Corolla DID do that course and survived...
Wow too many auto designer, engineer and marketing specialists in the comments sections.
could've done that course in a 2wd s10 come on!
Amazing how the Tacoma changes color from tan to black. Is that standard?
It's a new paint called "Chameleon."
I'm a fan of body on frame. I will give it credit and say it did great. I know range rovers are unibody as well. They can take a little out of their playbook and have something like VW did with the 1st gen Touareg and have locking diffs and low range. I do say the test was bullshit. An open diff Tacoma vs a Torque vectoring awd system is shady on Honda's part. The equivalent Tacoma is better than the equivalent ridgeline period. I think TFL needs to do a unibody AWD/4WD mashup with unibody SUVs and the Honda Ridgeline.
Yes but range rovers and the like don't last 20-40 years like real body on frame trucks and SUVs
+Tmanthekid Team Scorpion Have you any evidence to back up your comment, or are you just presenting your own unsubstantiated opinion⁉️
+Tmanthekid Team Scorpion Well I can't speak on the longevity because for SUVs they aren't many old SUVs i know of that I know of that is unibody. I do say a modern range Rover will not last as long as an old one because they are notoriously unreliable.
+MrKeyboardCommando my friend's 100 year old body on frame ford is proof
Tmanthekid Team Scorpion No, it's not. It's just you writing nonsense.
The Ridgeline will never be a Tacoma, not even close. The Tacoma can do a lot more
It is funny how this guy thinks this car with a bed actually can compete as a truck. May as well be a El Camino with a backseat.
+Dale Couture In Australia, there are many versions of cars with beds on them referred to as utes that do very well as trucks. You might want to think outside the box.
Donald Weber Those are utility vehicles. Not real trucks.
Dale Couture
They use them as trucks and they do well. There are those who think anything less than a medium duty is not a truck, but a car with a bed.
Donald Weber That may work for vehicles that never leave a paved road. But once you have to tow a real load like a ski boat or something that weight more than a few hundred pounds over long distance or once you have to deal with real off road conditions, these things are simply not capable for those situations.
Dale Couture
Yes they are. A Ridgeline is perfectly capable of towing 5000 lbs long distances, dragging a boat out of the water, going what most people consider offroad. It does what it is supposed to do.
And to me, offroading is something a stock Tacoma can't do.
The concept of a unibody, full independent suspension pickup is great as a starting point. I really hoped this thing would turn out a little more truck like than its Honda Odyssey mother. If it had 1-2" more ground clearance and a more boxy front end, they would have hit the nail on the head. Hopefully Honda listens to the press and consumers and offers a genuine off road package in a few years.
The subaru baja might come back cuz of this ridgeline
Lol
I really like the Ridgeline with one caveat. I'd be pushing the tow limits sometimes. I'd like a video really pushing the tow limits on this truck. Like towing a large enclosed trailer weighing in at 4,800 or whatever the gcvw allows.
honda likely paid safe with the towing limit and the payload is fairly good so squat shouldn't be awful. that being said, actual proof by demonstration would be nice to see.
I also wonder if they are allowing weight distribution systems this time around. They didn't recommend them in the last model.
Guess what? TFL Trucks did just that. They hooked up a 4,800-pound trailer with a driver and a passenger and took it on the Interstate... up into the Colorado Rockies to the Eisenhower Tunnel (elevation 11,000+ feet). Check it out. They were genuinely surprised by how well the Ridgeline performed.
The Ridgeline is the perfect offroad competitor for the GM twins
Yeah - it even kind of looks like the colorado
Yup, low to the ground and worthless offroad.
+ZepG haha. I wish ridgelines were higher from factory... I got mine +4 inches ride height with 10 inches ground clearance (over stock 8). It's great off road, but 2 more inches or so would be ideal
Ridgeline is no match for the Tacoma if this was a REAL OFFROAD COURSE and not a golf course. Tacoma all the way. Always has been and always be tbe offroad monster and king. Trust me i own 8 Tacomas.
I know all the electronic whizbang gizmos help people who either don't know what they are doing, or don't care. I still like the manual transmission, manual front hub, trucks. Nothing like being able to have 2wd low range. My 77' Cherokee may not be pretty, or fuel efficient, but it has a better driving experience than a Ridgeline, IMHO. I also feel more secure in it. Not to mention it is far easier and cheaper to fix. I am also starting miss the carburetor experience. My Cherokee is fuel injected, actually SMPI and DIS. My carbs always ran great, even offroad.
Just though I would rant.
"Yeah"..."Yeah"..."Yeah"..."Yeah" Get him out of here, get'em out!
Yes, the first generation Ridgeline offered HOH off road package. I was very disappointed that the sticker said HOH instead of HOR. It would have been fun to say, ‘I’m driving my HOR”
I get the fact that Roman isn't happy reviewing it under their terms. There's a little insolence that maybe Honda is deserving of for rigging the parameters of the test and its subjects. Way to bite your lip and say "yeah", Roman. ⭐️
This is a better AWD/4WD comparison than the Frontier vs the Outlander.
Tacoma for the WIN, I don't even have to watch.
Geo Tam agreed. I have a 2012 Tacoma TRD Sport and i go offroading all the time and no other trucks can go where i can go. Offroading has and always will be the Tacoma's home
Hey, TFL, is this another of those races where Roman's horse isn't running, but he's playing devil's advocate⁉️😈😈😈
Ok, now let's see how the Ridgeline does on a course that wasn't "designed" to make it shine.
I'd still chose the Tacoma. If I'm going to have a truck, I'd rather have body on frame. Plus it looks 100x better and the aftermarket parts/accessories are endless.
I give props to the 2nd Gen Ridgeline for getting rid of than stupid angled bed design.
this is what happens when hipsters design trucks.
+MrApplesaucestuff There was a fucking Honda hipster in charge sitting in the passenger seat during the video.
You are right my friend, the new tacomas front looks like a nerd with braces! LMMFAO!!
u do realise nerds rule the world now, right? lol
+pink floydmatic they do but, most are ugly as I'll get out!
You miss the entire point of the market segment to which the Ridgeline is aimed. It's for the city/suburban driver who can't afford both a car and a truck/SUV, but want a vehicle equally capable of being a comfortable ride for daily commuting and road trips, yet can tow a small camper or load up some plywood and 2x4s at the lumber yard/home improvement store. That's not a hipster market.
Wow, Roman and the other guy were getting thrown around a lot in the Tacoma, and Roman had to grip the wheel hard as a result. Marked difference, i.e., much better ride in the Ridgeline, which got over the course just as well.
I actually liked how the old ridgelines looked and thought they were pretty cool but this new one looks like ass
The big advantage of the ridgeline is the bed width. A full size 48” between the wheel wells. Like a F150 or tundra. Much better than the Tacoma’s 44”.
"Honda Magic" ...lol?!?! And you could run my grandmother's rascal over that pathetic "off road" course...
For most people who don't have to drive through an off-road course covered in boulders in order to go to work, take the kids to school, and pick up groceries (you know, the way most trucks are used for anyway), the Ridgeline is a complete no-brainer. The Tacoma's upper hand in off-road and towing prowess falls short when you take the time to actually consider how the vast majority of consumers are utilizing their mid-size truck. The Ridgeline is the thinking man's truck. It simply makes sense. However, if one actually needs a midsize pickup for work (like for construction use or if you work down in a iron mine) then it's clear that Honda isn't attempting to steal away any potential buyers from GM or Toyota. On the other hand, if you have toys that need to be towed, occasionally drive through snow, love going on camping trips, enjoy the benefits of a refined ride, the feel of quality interior materials, and the dependability that comes with owning a Honda product, then the choice is clear.
Put simply, if you're bashing on the legitimacy of the Ridgeline as a truck because it's "not tough" or "manly enough," the real issue is with yourself and the insecurities you have with your own masculinity.
A real man doesn't need a vehicle in order to display how manly he is.
I really hate the ridge line, it's essentially a Honda Odyssey with a truck bed
Roman is such a hater on the Honda 🤣
I'd pick Ridgeline.
So you want the crossover? Because it's far from being a truck in my opinion.
flightrulez
In my opinion, I kinda like the Ridgeline because of Honda's AWD modes, and that it can kinda drive like a crossover and a truck at the same time. Yes, I know it's not COMPLETELY like a truck, but it does offer characteristics from both worlds that could help increase sales.
+flightrulez what makes this not a truck?
+Hiram Rosa Jr Its not a body on frame, and it doesn't have a true 4x4. aka limited slip difs or locking difs
+flightrulez he has his opinion so just respect it
I really don't care how a truck performs off-road. For me what is more important is how a vehicle performs in snow and that is why I would prefer the Honda over Tacoma. No need to buy 4wd or put sand bags in the back if one has a 2wd truck.
Honda rep isn't a good salesman at all
+IDWIE That's O.K., because Roman isn't a good tester. I thought they made a great couple‼️🤓🤓🤓
+MrKeyboardCommando yup i agree with you i had always thought from day one that roman wasnt a good car/truck tester and worst he dont really know too much on specs and so on.
+IDWIE Engineers sometimes aren't the best presenters. I'm glad they got to ride along with the engineer in charge of the AWD system. Its the salespeople that are sometimes clueless.
Jorge Lopez Roman has a great many limitations. It makes one wonder why Nathan isn't doing more testing⁉️🤔🤔🤔
+MrKeyboardCommando I generally like Roman's reviews but it seems he is FIXATED on those old memes used to differentiate a truck from a REAL truck. If he wants to maintain credibility, acknowledging most truck owners WILL NOT take a new purchased / leased truck off-road or use the truck to haul, tow, and operate the vehicle as they were originally intended. It will be the Home Depot run for mulch, the 60 inch LCD screen purchase, and the new washer and dryer (every 10 years).
Trucks have been slowly turned into car-like vehicles because that's how auto manufacturers can turn a $25K truck into a $55K vehicle and make more profit and play to people egos / self-esteem. 'We" drink the marketing koolaid every time.
There is no functional reason in 2016 why the Tacoma's seat comfort (from /rear) is so poor. The U.S should have been shifted to the Toyota Hilux years ago with the 4 cylinder high torque diesel. This is an old platform architecture with some updates and reskinning. No one gives the new Tacoma high marks for interior comfort.
I'm glad Honda did not try to go head-to-head with the Tacoma and GM Twins. However, they found a good balance of truck-like functionally while providing features (in-bed truck, room, ride comfort, refinement) the others cannot offer.
How ever there is one video where they take the ridgeline , tacoma and titan xd to the salt flat desert, and the 20 mile road in blew out the shocks on the tacoma and titan , and only had one damaged shock on the ridgeline.