Honda Ridgeline HPD | A Truck We Love To Hate
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- Опубліковано 8 лип 2024
- We review the 2021 Honda HPD Ridgeline to discuss what HPD is and where the truck exists in the current market. While we look at a lower trim level HPD the $40,000 price of this does not show everything possible here. Those fans of the Honda design will rave about it, yet traditional truck owners will complain it ain't the real deal. Would you choose the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, or Chevy Colorado?
#honda #ridgeline #trucks
Index:
00:00 Intro
00:20 Interior Impressions and Audio Test
2:48 Mechanical Impressions and HPD Talk
6:27 Driving Impressions
10:36 Final Thoughts - Авто та транспорт
In the past two weeks I've been able to sit in a Tacoma, Frontier, Maverick, Santa Cruz, a Bronco (the big one), and a Ridgeline. I only test drove the Ridgeline because each of the other vehicles had a fatal flaw (for my useage). Tacoma had terrible ergonomics, seat is too close to the floor which makes your legs stick out straight when seated + you are so low in the cab you don't have good visibility out of the cab. The Frontier, while the new style looks great, still felt like an 'old' truck. And the interior was rather small. It would work, but I'm looking for 'good', not 'will work'. The Maverick looked nice, had a really cool interior, but was pretty tight on the inside. And while the inside looked cool, it was 100% plastic. The Santa Cruz, man, that bed is tiny. To the point of being useless. The Bronco, what can be said. It's a dam cool SUV. It looked cool, you felt cool just sitting in it, but at the end of the day - no bed, so it was out.
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I have to say, the interior of the Ridgeline blows the competition away, if on nothing else, the shear volume of space. It's just sooooo wide. The seats are roomy, the headroom is to the moon (I'm 6'-4'). Legroom is good. THE TELESCOPING STEERING WHEEL ACTUAL COMES BACK FAR ENOUGH to accommodate my long legs with the seat pushed aaaalll the way back. The armrest, magical. By comparison, all the other vehicles (except the Bronco) felt like I was in a sardine can (not that that are way too small, but BY COMPARISON... they are tiny).
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And what is a pickup truck really all about? The bed. At the end of the day, how functional is the bed? That's really what you get a pickup for. The Ridgeline wins here too*. And the bed is noticeably wider AND the wheel wells DO NOT project up - meaning the WHOLE bed is flat. Then add in the door swing tailgate + the giant lockable trunk... Just wow. Only the Frontier and Tacoma offer something that the Ridgeline doesn't. That's a full 6' bed. To get it on the Frontier, you have to drop down to an extend cab. You can get a 6' bed on a crew cab with the Tacoma, but it's a reeeeally long truck.
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I did not test drive the other trucks so I can't speak to how they drive. But I did drive the Ridgeline. I've been in a Ford Ranger for the past 20 years. So the 'driving dynamic bar was low' for me. Still, super smooth, super quiet, plenty of pep, handled well, smoothed out very rough pavement. I should note, I use my Ranger as a truck on a weekly basis. Mostly for hauling my bicycle to trailheads, but also for Home depot runs, dump runs, grocery store runs, general shopping, etc. I also just seem to need a truck pretty often. This last week I had to move my work office. Two trips, but hauled what I needed. I can say, without a doubt, that the Ridgeline could have done just as well hauling everything I've ever hauled over the last 20 years - but it would have been soooo much more comfortable...
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I had posted a comment here a few months ago about the Ridgeline being too expensive. But after cross shopping, I have found it's actually pretty competitive. The big reason is there is no 'base trim' on the Ridgeline. There are only 3 real trims on the Ridgeline, but really the only difference is a few amenities. The 2nd tier adds leather, a sunroof, and a couple more safety features. The top trim adds a few more 'fancy pants' options. They all have the same engine, transmission, awd system, i.e. they hall have the same bones. Whereas the competition's 'base trim' truly knocks off huge chunk's of what you get. 4x2 instead of 4x4. 4 cylinders instead of 6. Solid plastic interiors. I found when you spec the competition to the same level of features, the Ridgeline is 'right in there'. A little more expensive than some, a little less than others.
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The Ridgeline will be my next truck.
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Too be honest, I wasn't looking for the Ridgeline. I had, like many, discounted it as 'not a real truck'. I had wanted to get a truck with a manual (because I've never not had a stick - yes, my first Ranger had a stick, as does the one I own now). So the Tacoma was the only truck to offer a stick but once I realized the Tacoma was a terrible 'fit', I opened up my search to trucks with an automatic. I looked at the Sants Cruz, because it was 'new' and 'hot'. While it was too small, it did put the thought of 'well, the Ridgeline is a bigger version might as well give it a look'. So glad I did.
Emphatically agree with everything you said!
Word. Take it from a RTL-E HPD owner, you won't regret your decision. The guys reviewing this don't know WTF they are talking about.
@@andrewdwight934 Yeah, they are definitely NOT truck guys. They also didn't seam to notice they were reviewing the "base" model which comes a tad stripped down.
I only have a couple counterpoints that hold me back on the Ridgeline: I hate the dash design. The infotainment is better in my Ram Classic. The wheels look like spare tires. The bed is a good size but it's really shallow and I don't know why they didn't just make the sides taller. It sits so low to the ground that some of the utility of a truck for taking stuff a bit off road feels vulnerable. They are so close to getting it right, but it needs just a couple things.
@@davids1816 All "looks" are subjective. I do agree the dash is very much on the simple/plain side. But that's a plus to me. I'm not buying a home entertainment center. I do wihe stereo was better. As for the important bits.. The bed is shallow, but you can reach over the sides to access it. Which is huge perk for me. I've never understood the concept of having bed walls so tall that you have to actually climb into the bed to get stuff. And it does not have great ground clearance. I've driven a ford ranger for the past 20 years (sold it yesterday, shed a tear!). In those 20 years I've never even come close to needed big ground clearance. Of course I don't go super off road. Gravel and fire roads all the time, but no rock crawling or the like.
Ive had my Ridgeline for a year now. I live in a metro with around 1 million people, but drive to home to Montana all the time. Its perfect for me. It can carry all my junk, pull a camper with a go kart in it, carry 5 people with 5 mountain bikes, and has one of the best AWD systems I have ever used. Glad I got it.
I’m a truck guy. I have a Ram 1500. I like the Ridgeline and would have no issue owning one. They’re cool.
That’s y u own a ram
@@sebastiansac8219 🤣🤣
I hope you use your truck for more than grocery and mall runs
I have a SVT Lightning and I approve of the Ridgeline.
I drive my brothers eco diesel big horn Ram a few times a month. It’s more nibble around the parking lot and some smaller roads than the Ram.
The Ridgeline becomes cool when you stop trying to compare it to an F-150 and start thinking about it as a utility knife. I like them.
I wish Honda would have called it a ute from the start instead of calling it a truck.
Is a truck, it’s does all that a truck do.
@@GabrielTF106B so do utes
I have a 2nd gen ram, and I actually tow things, haul things, and use my 4wd enough to justify the abysmal gas mileage, but I thoroughly dig the Ridgeline as a vehicle, bc its a ute, not a truck, super cool
@@jacobbenns6090 your ram technically isnt a truck either, its a pickup truck. but essentially we're fighting over genres of rock.
Nothing like a coffee and a empty office to enjoy this.
Hope you have a great day, and an even better weekend sir!
Chill with the fascist imperialism
I'm in the same situation!!
Hell yeah, screw the boss
Just described my Friday!
Your final thoughts were dead balls on target. Honda engineering has so much talent on the racing side, there's no excuse why they couldn't bring more "specialness" and a decent audio system into a platform they're charging $40k for.
I get the sense that this trucks average user is much older. Maybe Honda feels a "cooler-sporty" version wouldn't appeal to the market. I love this vehicles redesign but i have the fashion sense of a 70 year old man.
You can option up and get a better audio system. Most people aren't audiophiles. Standard audio is fine for most people, especially those who don't have special equipment to measure audio quality.
@@allenhooper8532 you're right on the money, this is for a retired person, thats relatively active, or atleast likes to think they are. That "bigger" steering wheel gave it away for me.
There’s not really much better in the world of small trucks for $40K.
A missed opportunity for sure. It's an appearance package that makes it LESS appealing (except for the grille). Some fancier shocks, 1 more inch of ground clearance, and some better looking wheels would have been a better route.
Certainly not worth an extra $2800. I predict they are going to have to discount these below a base Sport trim to even move them.
I love that so many "truck guys" shit on the Ridgeline, but never miss a Ridgeline video.
Right? I don't think they realize people have different tastes in vehicles.
Looking at this objectively - it's a very good and capable truck. But the hate isn't about that. They hate it because it casts doubt on the truck-tough identity.
@@scott8919 or different needs? If you "need" to go rock crawling, don't buy a Ridgeline. If you need to tow your yacht to the harbor, don't buy a Ridgeline. If you can't stand the idea of what you base your personality on being done differently to meet the needs of others, don't buy a Ridgeline. But for fuck's sake, quit gatekeeping, and take your negative bullshit somewhere else
@@scottprewitt4712 Yes. This is exactly it.
@@danhughes1814 Exactly! I probably wouldn't get one but I can still recognize that it's a legitimately good vehicle.
I love that the conclusion of this video is "The problem isn't the Ridgeline, it's the consumer."
Which is true in so many industries. People are more likely to wait longer on fast food or coffee than their prescriptions.
agreed; there's nothing wrong with sedans and wagons, but no, cross-overs and CUVs/SUVs galore...
I just purchased a 2021 and loving it. I test drove all the mid-size trucks and all had there good points and bad of course. For my needs, the Ridgeline is perfect. Comfortable, practical and the build quality is just outstanding. I will say this, the independent all wheel drive is nothing to scoff at. Wow! Pretty incredible system.
Ridgeline is the most "made in USA" truck.
Agreed, I love my 2019 Honda Passport and plan to get a 2021 Ridgeline once I pay the Passport off.
@@tocreatee3585 A hilarious bit of truth lost on most "trugh" drivers.
Save up $1,300 for a new timing belt and water pump ....regular maintenence every 60-100K. Not to mention they have to disassemble the entire engine compartment to change the belt.
@@clarkkent9080 B.S. every vehicle needs regular maint. and I never had any issues with my RL with regular maint. Yes I did the timing belt, water pump, plugs, valve adjustment, engine coolant, oil change, brake oil change for $1,050. at my dealer at 123,000 miles. sold it at 289,000 after 13 years still in great shape. Bought a 2019 RTL E still pull a fishing boat and SXS and travel trailer every weekend depending what Im doing. Going to the bush cabin 200 miles away no trailer im getting 27.5 to 29 mpgs with the box full.
This seems like a practical, functional vehicle so long as you need a light duty pickup and not a towing rig. I've never really understood the hate.
Honda called it a truck. If they called it a ute, the "truck" people would be singing it's praises for all that the Ridgeline can do as a "ute".
The hate is from truck enthusiasts. If it doesn't have a Ford, Chevrolet, or Dodge badge, then it's automatically not a "real truck". Not everyone needs a heavy duty gas V8 or a diesel for towing things or hauling loads all the time.
@@tenhundredkills They will all rust before the Ridgeline. Fact
@@saladinyohol1505 Most likely. In my experience, Honda does a much better job at protecting their vehicles against rust than every American brand.
The truck game is about ego. This is the best option for 95% of buyers but they don't want to say that.
Keep up the "regular" car reviews. We Plebes can relate!
They could review a toaster and i'd watch it
Not enough BROWN
“Brian” would like to know your location
C’mon, Mark only owns two $100k cars.
OH NO ITS COMING OUT BROWN AGAIN
I loved the commentary about how this will be revered in 10~20 years by car enthusiast
Much like the Subaru baja is today lol.
ridgeline aint goin nowhere
I just totalled my Baja. Someone offered to buy it almost weekly.
I thought the Santa Cruz might be my next vehicle. I just bought Ridgeline after trying out just about every midsized truck available.
Easily the best handling vehicle that will tow my pontoon, carry an electric tricycle, and get 24mpg. I realize that’s a niche market
the premium audio isn’t much better lol
i already do almost everything with my accord v6, this would just do them that much better, and i agree about the mileage.
My last pontoon had a 32 foot 2 axle trailer.. and was 9000 pounds boat and trailer. So that is not going to be a great combo
@@realdealryan Was really curious about this - the RTLE and Black Editions get an "upgraded" sound system but you're saying in reality it's pretty shitty still?
@@Namesi I wouldn't call it amazing, but certainly a step up from the Sport trim audio. Crutchfield has plug and play speaker upgrades if you are an audiophile. The upgraded audio on the RTL-E is perfectly adequate for 90% of people. It's better than the stock system in the 2009 MDX I had before it.
I owned a 2006 Ridgeline RTL for 6 years. I freaking loved it. I test drove a Tacoma and Frontier as well before buying the Ridgeline. The Honda is a far superior every day driver. I did tournament bass fishing and it could hall a 20 foot Stratos bass boat all day up hills. I took it on some dirt trails and it just left my friends Tacoma in the dust. The suspension handled the bumps and uneven dirt surface way better than a “truck”. All in all, if you want a “truck”, then go get one. If you want something like a truck but way more superior in every day driveability, then get something like the Ridgeline.
Bought the Black Edition couple of months ago, I can tell you that I love driving this truck, it feels like driving SUV, spacious interior and smooth, my brother and I used to own a Tacoma and now we both a proud owners of Honda Ridgeline..
HPD.... all glitz, do we get cha and how.... I hate them wheels... the BE is the WAY to go, 1 had a 2019 then when I saw the IMPROVE... balm, no 2nd thought, got me a WHITE Black Edition.... black is too hard to keep white... ha ha, I mean.... clean.
I absolutely love my Ridgeline. It's all the truck that I will ever need and drives like a luxury car the other 97% of the time. If you get it, you get it. If you don't, then there are other 'real' trucks for you studs.
Don't forget to save up that $1300 for a timing belt/water pump replacement as "ROUTINE" maintenance and if you watch the videos for this service you will see how much of the engine must be disassembled in order to do "ROUTINE" maintenance
@@clarkkent9080 That's easy. All the $$ you save on gas and repairs on your Chev/Ford/Ram easily covers the timing belt & water pump. Hell, other than oil changes it's the only time it'll ever be in the shop.
I hate a truck, but i need one for work. Im looking at a first gen right now. Im done caring about the stigma of them. Its what I need. Real trucks are just too, much effort to fool with. And for what?
The GTA "wasted" sequence killed me 🤣
I really wanted to hear the rest of his sentence about the engine sound compared to the rest of the field 😭
Might as well have been scripted! Perfect way to take a disruption like that and make it into something hilarious.
Needs an Acura version to compete with Lincoln Blackwood.
Didn’t they stop Making the Lincoln Blackwood?
I'll give you a blackwood
God no
Nope, the last one thing we need is more rebadged vehicles.
@@nexushexus4365 Mr Goose prefers the well tuned Acura sound systems for playing concert clips recorded via Snapchat Stories.
The Honda Ridgeline is the truck for someone who needs a truck but doesn't want a truck; it is the best homeowner truck, and the most honest truck in it's segment. The HPD package, to me, feels like Honda executives had a meeting and decided that because every other truck out there has an appearance package that they should have one too, because people will pay for it, and this is an easy way to dip their toes in the water.
Guys, will you have a 500k Livestream? Let's celebrate!
Agreed
You did it. You crazy SOB, you did it.
Congratulations on hitting 500K subs!
Great review! My 72 year old father recently traded a first gen for the new gen and swears by these. He gets a new Super Duty every 2-3 years for his shop, but will only commute in the Ridgeline. As he puts it, I am too old to climb in and out of a big truck and get bounced around unless I need the capacity. The ride is great, you can get a colored match cap and he tows a small fishing boat to Canada a few times a year.
Truck people go nuclear when they see this but I wish they’d just cram it. It’s nice to see niche vehicles being sold in this era of ruthless efficiency, even if it isn’t a sports car or wagon.
Yup, just need to call ot a truck 🚛!
Its the modern subaru brat
I live in bro country and the older Ridgeline has become sought after. Maybe the bro demographic in your neck of the woods hasn't caught on yet but Honda and Toyota trucks are huge here, with the FJ cruiser being the equivalent of a Ferrari.
Congrats on 500K! You have the best vehicle content on UA-cam. Thank you for all your hard work.
This thing actually sounds shockingly good for a V6. I wish my SHO sounded like this.
the j35 is a classic
I like the Ridgeline. I want some utility without going whole hog. It's a great vehicle for anyone who actually wants it for something besides showing off.
Also great for someone wanting a truck made in the USA.
Save up $1,300 for a new timing belt and water pump ....regular maintenence every 60-100K. Not to mention they have to disassemble the entire engine compartment to change the belt.
@@clarkkent9080 I change my own timing belt/water pump/ and tensioner pulleys in my 2013 Honda Accord 3.5L v6 and it cost me $200 and was super easy. If your some what mechanically inclined and take your time it’s a weekend job that is cheap. After that you literally have a bullet proof engine that will go over 300k miles before needing anything “major”.
@@BoatsNhoes44 I tip my hat to your mechnical abilities. In my lifetime, I have rebuilt engines and transmissions and everything in between. Even though I have a full workshop, I have aged to the point that after watching what is involved in changing a timing belt (watch any youtube video) it is not something I would do. The labor rate for timing belt/tensioner/water pump is 5 hours for someone that does auto maintenance for a living. I do not intend to spend 5-6 hours doing a routine maintenence item.
My point in making the comment is simple; In my mind, it is ridiculous to pay $40k for a new (this is 2022) vehicle and have the manufacturer list costly and timeconsuming "routine" maintenance items between 60-100K miles. Honda was sued in the 1990s over timing belts that broke long before the recommended 100K. So what did Honda do, they changed the recommendation to 60-100K miles based on driving conditions. So now if it breaks at 65K what do you think the dealer will say? And if you think that they also must have made sure that the belt will last over 100K, then read the recall on the 3.5 V6 for premature timing break issues as late as 2019. Routine should only mean normal wear items: tires, wipers, plugs, fluids, pads but certainly not disassembly of the front of an engine. Today, there is no advantage to a belt over a chain other than Honda does not want to spend the money to redesign their engines (but it is ok for the consumer to spend $$) even though every other major manufacturer has.
I think 3rd gen Ridgeline will be a huge success. They are starting to make it more truck like
??
@@jloutz ??
Not really lol just cause they made a bigger grill and those racing stripes ?😂
@@lc2557 ??
@@lc2557 ???
Could you make a top 10 audio systems list?
It only needs one real entry. Anything not put in one by an OEM.
They seem to really enjoy the Bose audio systems in the Mazda CX-30 and Mazda3. For the price, they punch way above their class and keep up with most luxury vehicles.
The thing with audio systems is that once you get past a certain quality level, personal and subjective tastes take over past objective ones. Its why audiophiles obsess over finding their grail setup. Good news is many car audio systems have probably made it past that level outside of maybe serious audio engineers and enthusiasts so if it gets the Savage seal of approval, it probably passed the bar and its up to you and your preferences at that point.
@@dudeical4schanel As an owner of the new Mazda 3 and the Bose system I can attest to its quality. I recently drove a new Volvo XC90 rental car for a week (Sixt if anyone is interested) with the Harmon Kardon optional stereo and frankly the speaker placement on the Mazda was a bit better and the surround sound optional tuning that Bose does was more seamless then the one Harmon Kardon offers. But the HK does have a 8 band EQ and other settings to tune vs the Bose's treble and bass sliders.
I would say the back seat listening experience is worse in the Volvo then the Mazda, but I could have had settings wrong.
I realize these are two completely different vehicles BUT the fact that the stereo in $28k compact economy car is matching on some levels to a $65k luxury SUV is very impressive for Mazda. I hope that Mazda lets Bose make just as many (if not more) decisions on tuning and speaker placement for the other models as they get updated.
I want to know what the obsession is with the best audio system. Oh wait, never mind, I know why. We need the best system so we can listen to the amazing sounds of fine artists such as Katy Perry and Doja Cat. Right? Face it, most people, myself included, just listen to garbage pop music. You don't need a sophisticated car stereo to enjoy your Ariane Grande and Miley Cyrus tunes. As long as it sounds reasonably clear, it's good enough.
Fix the front fender flares, make HPD mean something performance oriented and they would have a winner with this trim package. 2” lift? More horsepower? Something more off-road ready, skid plates? Anything would have helped seal the deal.
lol, that would require time, money and investment. Ridgeline is dead, slap some clown rims and some "sport" badges and bury it. Oh wait, Honda just did that. lol
Honda doesn’t have the balls to do that.
@@geerstyresoil3136 Time money and investment? There are already lift kits and skid plates out there for the Ridgeline. Honda could just partner with those companies and install them as options.
Yeah something even just as simple as the FX4 package on the F150. It didn’t need to be a lot of extras but definitely more than extra plastic.
Honestly a HPD version of a unibody "truck" even with a lift doesnt make it any more off road capable. You hit one decently sized rock going 15 MPH and you're bending something. If you want to off road get body on frame, if you're keeping it on road and doing light towing then this will do what you need it to.
Congrats on the 500k!
Big Congrats on reaching 500k subscribers Mr. Goose. 👏👍 🥳
Since we've had the Ridgeline our 2nd car just sits in the garage most of the time, I've owned multiple trucks over the years majority have been full size half ton, only reason I ever needed a full size truck is when I was towing a large camper (which I don't have anymore) the Ridgeline fulfills my truck needs while also satisfying my wife's SUV/Sedan needs, we use it for absolutely everything, commute to work, mall shopping/grocery getter, home depot runs, hauling cargo trailer, transport dirt bike's, cargo rack on top equipped can be used for kayak/cargo, tailgating, hauling bicycle's the rack fits in towing receiver same as SUV, the upper level trims have the better audio system, overall saves us money we don't need to purchase an expensive SUV for a second car when the Ridgeline fulfills that need,
Honda did a great job with the redesign. The Honda dealers in my area can't keep them on the lot, because they're selling so fast.
This is the only truck I'd even consider. AWD, magic seat, 2-way tailgate, trunk and comfortable ride for the win. Not interested in this fruity HPD pkg though.
Congrats on 500k!!!
I purchased my 2023 Ridgeline HPD last month. I did the usual shopping around with Ford, Nissan, and Chevy midsized trucks. Every dealership I visited said the same thing about Ridgeline not being a real truck. I test drove the Ridgeline last, and for my needs, the other real trucks couldn't compare. It also helps that I couldn't care less what other people think about my choice. This may be a deal breaker to the macho crowd trying to impress their buddies.
My family owned this and we used it as a workhorse at the farm. Still had great fuel economy, nice interior, and that good old honda reliability. Sound system sucked and a few other drawbacks but as a workhorse this thing never let us down so much so that my parents want another one.
Nice interior, haha?
@@gurupurkha there's a difference between nice, and flashy. It had the typical honda build. Not luxury, but somewhat industrial, everything worked, buttons were tactile etc. It's more reliable than my mom's 3 series which has had nothing but hardware issues when it comes to the interior etc.
@@jaspreetsidhu5708 Thanks for elaborating on your perspective. I drove a Mazdaspeed3 for over 10 years and recently bought a Ram Rebel truck and love the interior of this truck. Obviously these vehicles are in totally different classes.
@@gurupurkha no way, nice I just bought the latest gen mazda 3 hatch. And congrats on the truck.
@@jaspreetsidhu5708 I drove the hell out of my Mazda and had almost no issues over $225,000 miles. I changed oil and brake pads. I can't believe it still has the original clutch since I drive hard in hilly San Francisco.
My comments are few and far between but I wanted to say congratz on 500k subs mah' dudez =)
Excellent review! Congrats on 500K!
Congrats on 500k!
I have a 2022 Odyssey and now a 2022 Ridgeline also. I love that the interior is like the Odyssey with all the storage pockets and such. This is why this truck is appealing to me. Plus it rides as well with the suspension and has V-Tec power yo
My Ridgeline has a better ride than my CX-5.
Another spot on review. I have a 2013 Ridgeline. The truck rides well, has a lot of room and hauls all kinds of stuff. I have loaded cinder blocks, tree logs/branches, and a bunch of other things that an SUV couldn't and yet at 85k miles she is set to reliably go the long distance. Maybe a true Type R version for a nice cool factor.
Congrats on 500k subscribers! I’ve been with you all the way … since 489k
Always liked these as an around town truck that can occasionally go offroad
I appreciate all the tricks makers are putting into tailgates and beds.
Most people who buy trucks now a days don't really use them well like trucks. Honda realizing this made this truck pretty Smart if you as me
I agree completely
Drive my 21 outback, the radio sounds like it has 1 speaker with a pillow over it.
Can't be worse than a base model Civic I leased.
So it sounds better than a VW XD
Does it have the Harman Kardon?
Lmfao
@@JoshCraver9000 disagree
I think the Ridgeline has had huge impacts on the "me too" so-so truck market. They all might as well have been from China, where they are all the exact same truck made in the same plant with minor cosmetic changes to differentiate them from one another and the badge of the company paying for their manufacture on the front. Since the Ridgeline, you've got the "tailgate wars" now and options besides leaf springs in the back to make the ride more digestible. You've got new unibody contenders entering the market now as well. It's a big shake up, and no one talks about it. Most reviewers still act like the dual tailgate is new or something, which is over 10 years old now. No one ever mentions the lack of fender wells in the bed, or the bed lighting, and so on. The bed also comes sprayed by default, so no painted metal nonsense. I could go on and on but anyone reading gets my point by now. I think your take on the ridgeline was good about 7 or 8 years ago. It's a bit long in the tooth now. Your take on the HPD package is spot on though. It's a big miss by Honda.
Love this always honest review 👍👍
This is a fantastic truck. I'm buying my 4th one next week
I own a ‘21 Sport. The HPD is totally unnecessary, aesthetic only package $2800. I love how smooth and practical it is, good mpg, all-around capability. It does many things well but really enjoy the torque vectoring and AWD modes which is better than most 4x4 in that you can drive it at higher speeds.
Nice! I have a 20 rtl. I agree, for not much more than that $2800 you can get the nicer RTL instead of a bunch of stupid plastic pieces glued on your vehicle.
Honda needs to get this truck to the 30mpg range and redo the interior badly
@@Striker50_ - I like the interior.
@@e5m956 Looks the same as my 2013 Accord
I have a 2007 (2nd model year) Ridgeline RTS. Bought it in 2009 and have put 150,000 of it's 175,000 miles on the original powertrain. I use the trunk DAILY. I drive it like I stole it DAILY. I work construction, aside from regular commuting, it has hauled more than it's fair share of rocks, concrete, plywood, drywall, and debris. It has hauled toys to the desert, flat-towed my Ford Ranger around town, and helped people move with my 16' trailer. I've driven it on the beach, in mud, snow, and on rocky mountain trails that tested the VTM-4. At 6'1", I'm extremely comfortable in it and had no problem with 2 car seats in the back or 5 full-grown adults.
For all of the sneers, insults, and surprised looks I get from "truck" people (that thing has a trunk?!), my "not-a-real-truck" does more real truck duties than most, but does it without destroying my kidneys or refusing to fit in my garage. If I want to haul 10,000 lbs, I'll buy an F250. If I need a 40-degree approach & departure angle with front and rear lockers I can build something to do that. For my daily driver that hits harpin turns well above the rated speed and parks at Home Depot every couple of days but also drives to my kids' school and the dog park, it's hard to justify anything other than the Ridgeline.
That said, the Ridgeline has always been the black sheep of Honda. They aren't building it to make tons of money or tackle the segment. They build it with systems and powertrains that they already have in place (low investment cost) for the main purpose of retaining current owners in the Honda family when they *need* a truck. They don't market or support the Ridgeline well. It is a placeholder to keep people like me from jumping to Ford or Toyota while their spouse drives an Accord or Pilot.
I picked up one this year. I needed to do truck things, but nothing overly crazy. I don't go offroading in my free time, but I do go camping, multi-day hikes, mountain biking, motorcycle riding, paintballing, and regularly do housing projects. The bed size, tow rating, and interior space is pretty perfect for me. At most I'm going in some muddy fields/trails, but places people are trying to take their cars and where my Subaru is usually more than capable.
I really needed the bed so I can stop tearing up the inside of my cars with a lot of these trips to the hardware store, plus the additional space for those projects. I still find the bed more convenient for biking and what not compared to something like an SUV.
Always loved these. With the new Ford Maverick coming out too, I look forward to your review of that. Theres too many people who want truck utility without the truck harshness and size.
“An SUV car experience.” That’s called *A WAGON* and they are awesome. Hoping you fellas do a review of a Buick TourX.
GM hit the delete button on that because they sold Opel, sad too because it is a cool car. I read somewhere that that car had the highest average owner income of any Buick product. Kind of like an E class wagon. My dad's friend is loaded and that's his car. Missed opportunity for high trim editions, they could have printed money.
I bet they meant to review the TourX when they did the Encore GX review since Jack said he thought he was requesting a different Buick and didn't intend to get that one.
@@LLG47last month my wife asked me to handle choosing her next car (our first family car). Came down to an AllTrack or TourX. She went with a TourX loaded with every option available here. It’s an awesome car. GM being GM, they made some stupid decisions by not marketing it and leaving out a few important features that probably turned off those who were interested. Namely, removing Sport mode & not offering paddle shifters which are available on the Holden Commodore. There are some features I would have liked such as rain sensing wipers and HUD but the transmission is a dull spot in an otherwise perfect car. It needs juuuuussst a bit more sport to its character. Most people wouldn’t notice that though.
People are just starting to realize how good the car is now they can’t buy a new one.
GM missed the boat on that one. No one even knew it was for sale in America until after they canceled it. Maybe a little advertisement here or there might have helped them sell a few.
@@kevinthomson6324 the upside is I never see another car like ours on the streets (OK, 2 people close by us have TourXs but this is an unusual area). 911 Turbos & Ferrari 458s are more common here. Unlike her former car, a grey Prius
Buick made an ad and it’s actually a pretty good one.
ua-cam.com/video/rD3J6Fp3FuI/v-deo.html
Congrats on 500K, guys
I'm driving my 2nd Ridgeline.
Currently, I have a 23 Black Edition, and I absolutely enjoy it!
Then again, I don't off-road, but I still need a pick-up truck for various reasons.
When I don't need a pick-up, the Ridgeline is an absolute pleasure to drive!
I'm pushing 60 years, so the "Macho Factor" doesn't apply anymore, although I must admit, it once did.
If that's still a thing in one's life, so be it, buy something else.
And, when that has run it's course,
Welcome to Ridgeline!
I agree with you on the HPD badging, it's like the 1967 Mercury Cougar "Dan Gurney Special Edition ". It had no special performance upgrades, no suspension updates, just some wheels and decals. Honda definitely missed out with the HPD Ridgeline.
Agree, if it had bigger wheels and a 2 inch lift people would fight over them.
Ah yes, the Honda Element. Had one for 10 years sold it to my son who drove it another 3 until the engine died. Honda screwed up majorly getting rid of that car.
Element is pretty much the only product Honda could lure me back to their showroom to see. Nothing else they make now speaks to me. Ridgeline, not bad, but I'm not paying $30-40k for a Honda that doesn't really do it for me and THEN have to deal with an open cargo area that needs a tonneau or camper shell to be secure. I don't haul dirty cargo enough to make that an asset, anyway. The Element had all the utilitarian charm with maximized interior passenger space (as long as you never needed to haul 5 or more people) and was reasonably economical to buy and own long-term.
How he hell did he kill a k24? Did he drop a grenade under he hood?
@@ak2112 right lmao
@@ak2112 They run lean when they get some miles on them . Maybe its dirty fuel injectors. I dunno.
The only problem with the Element was that it was a 4 seater. Add to that that it was marketed to woman with short pink hair and 2 dogs. And both dogs would be female.
Exactly what I need.
Put 20k on my new 2019 Ridgeline Sport.
I'm 95% Satisfied.
Comfy enough, safe to drive, economical, good interior storage, and easy to park.
Deficits:
I prefer an 8' bed,
better radio sound,
a heated driver seat,
and heated mirrors.
Congrats of 500k :)
This model would have looked good with a Honda-approved lift kit.
Truth bomb! Honda is missing the point of the HPD badging by not doing at least that. A skid plate would be good too.
Just FYI. The audio system in the sport model they reviewed is not the same system that is in the upgraded models. I drove both. I own a RTL-E. Sound system is great.
Same like others reviews. Always got the base trim.
Yup, I picked up a 2021 RTL-E a few months ago and the sound system is actually pretty good. Never drove one of the lower models to compare, but I have no complaints with this one.
CONGRATULATIONS FOR 500K SUBSCRIBERS
Congrats on 500K subs guys!
Ridgeline HPV, now with more fender flares.
The thing looks diseased.
My ridgeline HPV is flaring up again doctor
Now comes with throat cancer
Poor little Honda. I heard Pfizer is working on a vaccine for it.
I'm not a fan of those fender flares at all and to me the black plastic color is off and does not match the other black trim.
2021 Ridgeland Sport here: love it. Everything I need nothing I don't. When I start haulin my lunch box to work with a 5th wheel I'll buy body on frame. Also the bed trunk stows all my funko pops and reddit silver.
That said HPD badges are cheaper than 3k on etsy
😄👍🏼
Do cupholders accomodate extra large soy drinks?
That roaring V6 just sounds so good. Love it
I had the original model year Ridgeline (2006) for several years and really liked it. Everything said here is right on target: steering, ride and handling are solid, incredibly versatile in terms of interior space and storage, and just a very good option for folks who don't want or need body-on-frame truck performance. The whole argument that "this ain't no truck!" really shouldn't enter into the conversation because Honda filled a niche by building a more urban-focused SUV-type vehicle with a bed. There are plenty of great trucks out there for the crowd that needs them, but I swear I see plenty of F-150s, Rams, Silverados, etc. that look like they never pulled a trailer or hauled a payload.
One thing I don't get here is the HPD package - it doesn't seem to do anything but throw a few badges, cool wheels and different paint job on a regular Ridgeline for an extra $3K.
I really like my Ridgeline drove a Chevy Z71 4x4 for years and hands down would pick the Ridgeline over the Chevy in almost every category except ground clearance... The thing I like most about it is that it's a lot more agile sporty and fun to drive than the traditional pickup the other thing that's awesome is when I do 4 hours of driving my back doesn't hurt at the end of the day from truck bumps... The handling is stellar of course a couple of twin turbos would be nice for performance... but I have no problem getting ahead of bigger trucks especially on the highway..
I stopped laughing at the Ridgeline after the Ridgeline vs TRD Tacoma videos, where washboard destroyed the Tacoma and Ridgeline was fine.
That changed my opinion too. I was cross shipping both trucks and my main usage is family ski and camping trips. With the SH-AWD and IRS I think the Ridgeline will be the way to go.
Can you link that video.
@@tainoblanco1671 ua-cam.com/video/CWYqEinNGUM/v-deo.html
There's a second test too with the same trucks
Congrats on 500k
My only issue with the Ridgeline is pricing and package. To me, a truck is a vehicle with a bed and has useful practicality. I’ve said it before, and will say it again, this is much more of a truck than people who flash around in their GMC Denali, Ford King Ranch etc. It’s not the most off roader nor is it the largest towing, but it’s so useful.
It’s a great “truck” I just wish it has a transfer case and another 1-2k towing like every other mid sized truck in the mid sized segment. Then it would actually be a truck. The interior space and the trunk are amazing.
@@vitaly6312 I'm not sure how much more a unibody construction truck can tow. The largest I've heard is a Nissan SUV having 6,000 pounds of towing. Truthfully though, if you're towing 6,000 pounds often it would make sense to get a full size truck.
The Dodge Durango can tow up to 8700lbs
@@seantaylor2683 Fair point. Forget that even existed.
Sarah-n-Tuned said it best... If you see it as a ''ute'' and not a pick-up, it's amazing.
Pretty much spot on about being a truck for people who don’t want a “truck.” That’s why I bought it. I just needed a comfortable highway cruiser that could also tow a boat and be handy for trips to Home Depot. Pretty much what this thing excels at. They should’ve at least offered the Canadian sport model as the HPD version in the US, many more standard features on our base sport version than yours.
excellent video, thanks. I have the 2019 RTL, and it exactly suits me for the reasons you named. I can carry a full load of mulch, firewood, tools, put boats up on the racks I installed, carry big stuff, and it drives great and IS QUIET inside... comfy back seat, too...
"The big problem is, this doesn't have the cool factor of a truck." ....the cab has more room than a Tacoma, Ranger, Colorado and Frontier. It can tow 5,000 pounds and has a pay load of 1,600. Drives smoother than any other midsized truck and has the quality of a Honda. This truck is exactly what 90% of truck buyers actually need. If someone is willing to sacrifice that , while most likely paying more, because it's not "cool" than they are the ones with the problem, not the Ridgeline. Too many people driving big "cool" trucks just to make them selves look like a badass. Two neighbors of mine each own full size pickups yet they don't tow anything or haul anything except their kids to daycare every morning. I own an 08 Ridgeline with 190k miles. Best vehicle I have ever owned. Of course I get the comments from the neighbors "that's not a real truck" while I'm actually getting more use out of mine than they are out of theirs. Looking for something new soon and I'm going with a Ridgeline. Keep hating
I saw one of those exact spec Ridglines here in Maui and I thought it was an auto zone special 😂 I totally thought the stickers and gold wheels were just tasteless mods lol! I never would’ve guessed it came like that from factory🤦♂️
Agreed, I don’t mind the ridge line as a truck guy but that HPD package is an abomination.
Isn't ENKEI a Honda/Acura exclusive supplyer?
Agreed 100%. I got a 2006 Ridgeline with 81,000 miles on it to keep miles off my Civic Type R. It definitely sounds better (with a short ram intake especially) than my Type R.
I bought my first “SUV” when the lady at the license branch didn’t even know what a UV was and apologized for it appearing on my vehicle registration. Things have changed a lot in those 30+ years. I actually think a Honda Ridgeline with a canopy could be the absolutely pinnacle of an SUV. We see Hyundai referring to their Santa Cruz as a Sport Activity Vehicle. For people like me who ride, paddle, camp, DIY all in a daily driver, the Ridgeline has the potential to be the best solution. Which MAY be why now others like Ford and Hyundai are creating their own versions.
Look forward to you guys getting a review on the santa cruz.
Me too.
Can't wait SG's take on Maverik. "Who's responsible for this".
I had a 19 Sport as a company car (cheap to me). I absolutely want to admit... prior to having one I was unimpressed and never would have considered one. But after 3yrs and 50k miles it was about the best vehicle I've ever had. We miss it so much that we just ordered a 23 RTL-E as our next family vehicle.
That 19 Sport got 31.7mpg on 1000+ mile road trips, was flawless in the snow, had cold AC, the trunk was awesome (used daily), and in general it was just excellent to live with.
The cons....
It didn't look like a traditional truck.
I wish it had some 31" BFG's on it just for looks.. (even though it was ok as-is)
I had a sport model which was a base model, so it was missing some features like power seats, tilt down mirrors, heated mirrors, ect...
The cloth seats got dirty and had to be cleaned several times a yr
We had zero problems with it and I actually miss that truck.
Overall I must say I miss that truck a lot. And so does my wife. So this time I'm getting a loaded version and expect it to be a 10+ yr keeper.
congrats on 500k
The problem here is the Active Cylinder Management. That is 100% trouble.
can that be turned off?
@@jaimehernandez4962 as far as I know, only using third party devices.
The Honda VCM on newer vehicles is more reliable. I have it on my 16 Accord Touring Coupe V6. I get awesome gas mileage, and don’t burn ANY oil. Like at all. That’s why I think this generation is better.
But you can disable it with VCM Muzzler or KTuner.
We were a Honda family until my 16' Odyssey needed $4800 of engine work due to the Active Cylinder Management. Just bought a 21' Highlander and a 21' Rav4
Yea that's a deal breaker
love my NART. I dont offroad nor do I go batshit everytime it snows. works perfect for me.
I got a RTL and does off-road just fine.
Nice review.
Nice content And noted some very intelligent insights from your audience
Honestly I would've looked at one if there was a manual available and with awd.
I love everything Honda does.
Even the questionable automatic transmissions in early 2000s Odyssey vans and 2nd gen Acura TLs? As much as I like Honda/Acura products, not everything they do is worthy of love!
Congrats on ½ million subs!!!
Finally! someone mentioning the audio issue! fortunately its fixable thru some aftermarket ways.
HPD as in Honolulu Police Department? I thought 4Runners and Tacomas were standard issue. You can't be a Hawaii cop unless you own one or both of those.
Lol!1st thing I thought of when I saw HPD on side.Book 'em Danno!
Remember this is the base model, don’t expect too much with the audio system
Near future: _'This is the base version. Don't expect four wheels.'_
(Three wheels means less fuel consumption. - Fancier models will have wheel deactivation.)
@@Dowlphin lmaooooooo
Upgraded audio package sucks too.
Right. Because it's unreasonable to have basic expectations for a $37.7K base price. /sarc
@@littlestinker9716 good point
Best review team on the web
I never wanted or needed a truck, but I would really like owning a Ridgeline. Great review again 👍
Me: Sits in toilet
Savagegeese: Release video
Me: “looks like im gonna be late”
you'll have to let us know later how sitting IN the toilet went lolol
when Holden put IRS in their commodore utes people thought they would be useless (compared to Falcons with solid diffs) but they turned out to be good and sold well, the way I think of this is more like a 4 door ute than a full size truck
I like to refer to it as the illegitimate love child of a crossover and a ute
I got one last Saturday and I love it. Almost as nimble as my Mk6 GTI.
Almost every Ford vehicle I've owned (I've owned a lot) had the same situation with the audio system. Any Bass at high volume would cut volume and treble, drive me crazy, changed it the system in most. The only two I owned that didn't do this were an old Eddie Bauer Explorer and a Mustang with the shaker system