2019 Honda Ridgeline

Honda re-launched the second-generation Ridgeline pickup truck in 2017 after a yearlong hiatus of the first iteration that initially debuted in 2006. Though its look has been overhauled for more mainstream appeal, the Ridgeline still offers consumers an SUV-like alternative to other body-on-frame pickups such as the perennially popular Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado and newly resurrected Ford Ranger. 

There is only one engine option for the Ridgeline: a 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission that provides more than adequate acceleration. A front-wheel drivetrain is standard, but higher trims get standard all-wheel-drive–another personality trait borrowed from its SUV siblings. The near top RTL-E tester truck sported AWD.

Under heavy throttle the engine sounds menacing, but its seven-second zero to 60 mph is nowhere near fast (although its faster than anyone really needs in a compact pickup). Towing maxes out at 5,000 pounds, which is well below the capability of competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado, which can pull 7,000 pounds.

While other trucks offer a stiffer, bumpier ride, the Ridgeline’s drive quality is softer and more compliant—a bonus for those seeking a daily driver that can haul light cargo on the weekends. But nothing comes without a cost: where the Ridgeline excels in comfort it lacks in the towing and payload capacity of its peers. But for its buyers, the Honda is still more truck than most will ever use.

On the road, the Ridgeline behaves much like a car or midsize SUV, soaking up bumps and handling curves with ease. There’s less bounce and shake over rough roads, making it feel planted through tight turns and over curvy roads. All these characteristics make it feel at home on long drives.

The Ridgeline’s interior is big enough for five adults and feels similar to–not surprising–the Honda Pilot three-row SUV. The front seats are wide, flat and cushioned with enough adjustments for most people to feel comfortable. The rear seats handily beat the Ridgeline’s rivals like the Tacoma, thanks to the spacious layout of the cabin. There’s a head and legroom aplenty, and the rear seat folds away to free space for larger cargo that might be too delicate to whether exposure to outside elements.

The five-foot-long bed is shorter and narrower (50 inches between the wheels) compared with rivals, but its usable for certain light-duty tasks. The Ridgeline’s versatile bed boasts a storage trunk that can hold an 82-quart cooler as well as a tailgate that can swing open or lower down. Rather than hauling lumber, the Ridgeline best serves the weekend do-it-yourselfer or tailgating connoisseur. Several available tie-downs help maximize storage and increase flexibility.

The well-optioned RTL-E has an 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The RTL-T trim (just below the RTL-E) and up include navigation. The RTL-E trim also features a 540-watt stereo with eight speakers and a subwoofer, which seems like complete overkill but for those tailgating extraordinaires. It’s more than loud enough and the subwoofer’s bass is overwhelming. But it’s perfect for windows-down cruising in the summertime.

One downside to the Ridgeline the exclusion of Honda’s Sensing suite of advanced safety tech from all but the top two trims–the RTL-E and Black Edition. This is unlike many of the other vehicles in Honda’s lineup. The package includes forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation and adaptive cruise control.

The Ridgeline was awarded a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, and was given “Good” ratings in most areas, with the exception of small overlap passenger-side crashworthiness, which got an “Acceptable” score. The headlights were rated “Poor” for some configurations and “Good” for the top trims. The Ridgeline was given a “Superior” rating for front crash prevention when Honda Sensing is equipped.