Honda Ridgeline (second Generation)

The Honda Ridgeline (YK2/YK3) is the second generation of pickup truck manufactured by Honda under the Ridgeline nameplate. The second generation Ridgeline took a different approach in design from the first generation Ridgeline by using Honda's new "global light truck platform,"2017 Honda Ridgeline Press Kit (complete document)
American Honda Motor Company Inc., dated 9 May 2016, last accessed 18 January 2018 ''(''Note:'' This early press release has been found to have errors when compared to the production version for the vehicle and the options made available to buyers, such as: the turning radius, RT and RTS interior colors, and exterior color names.)'' found in the third generation Honda Pilot as well as other large Honda vehicles,2017-2018 Honda Ridgeline, Honda's pickup for the non-pickup types
TopSpeed.com, by Mark McNabb, dated 24 July 2017, last accessed 2 March 20192019 Honda Passport already rolling off the assembly line in Alabama
c/net, by Andrew Krok, dated 7 December 2018, last accessed 2 March 2019Great Designs in Steel, The 2017 Honda Ridgeline
autosteel.org; by Steve Behm, Principal Underbody Design Engineer, 2017 Honda Ridgeline Body Development Leader, Honda R&D Americas; dated 17 May 2017; last accessed 28 May 2018 and made modifications including:

* Modifying various parts to support hauling, towing, and off-road use2017 Honda Ridgeline Review, the cool stuff with Tips & Tricks
HondaPro Jason YouTube channel, dated 10 May 2016, last accessed 9 September 2018
* Incorporating notable features from the first generation, such as the dual–action tailgate and in–bed trunk2006 Honda Ridgeline Press Kit (complete document), Canadian version
Honda Canada Finance Inc., dated 22 March 2005, last accessed 18 January 2018
* Adding new features, such as Honda's truck bed audio system
Despite these modifications, Honda has stated that 73% of the second generation Ridgeline's components remain common in some way with the third generation Pilot.

With the mixed success of the first generation Ridgeline,Driving Honda: Inside the World's Most Innovative Car Company
by Jeffrey Rothfeder, 1st published 2014, paperback with "afterword" published 2015, , last accessed 16 June 2019 Honda posted "an open letter from the company's head of truck product planning, denying rumors that the Ridgeline would be dropped and insisting that a pickup truck will remain part of the company's portfolio."Driven: 2012 Honda Ridgeline Sport
Automobile Magazine, by Joe Lorio, dated 25 January 2012, last accessed 1 December 2014 With that proclamation, Honda committed to the development of a new Ridgeline. After a one-year hiatus in Ridgeline production, the second generation of the mid-size truck went on sale in June 2016 as a 2017 model year vehicle.Honda 2021 Digital FactBook
Honda Corporate News, dated 6 August 2021, last accessed 30 April 2022 According to Honda, the Ridgeline was not designed to steal sales from the more traditional trucks sold in North America, but was developed to "give the 18% of Honda owners who also own pickups a chance to make their garages a Honda-only parking area."
, Automotive Design & Production, dated 1 April 2005, last accessed 1 December 2014

Design

According to Autoline and Automotive News, Honda's research clinics found that buyers made assumptions about toughness and payload based on the gaps between the tires and the truck's wheel arches, the vehicle's stance, and whether or not it had a tow hitch.Honda's Ridgeline lesson: Looks matter – Research on visual cues led to some 'aha' moments for Ridgeline team
Automotive News, by David Undercoffler, dated 15 May 2016, last accessed 30 April 2022Autoline After Hours #331 – Honda Ridgeline: The Un-Truck, Truck
Autoline, dated 12 May 2016, last accessed 30 April 2022 Jim Loftus—the second generation Ridgeline's Performance Lead Engineer—said, "Those things were honestly kind of 'aha' moments or big surprises to us as a project team..." So the team—lead by Large Project Leader and Chief Engineer Kerry McClure—went back and incorporated all of those messages into their next generation pickup. In November 2015, Honda presented its new Ridgeline Baja Race Truck at the 2015 SEMA Show, giving the public some insight into the design language that would be used in the next-generation Ridgeline. Two months later, at the North American International Auto Show, Honda unveiled the production version of the second generation Ridgeline.

The second-generation Ridgeline is based on what Honda calls its new "global light truck platform." Its unibody frame uses a modified version of the third generation Pilot's "three-bone" spine—vs the four–bone spine of the first generation Ridgeline—composed of aluminum, magnesium, and various composites and steels—such as a laser-welded door ring made of hot-stamped ultra-high strength steel. Honda also developed a new C-pillar that can distribute loads across the unibody frame without buttressing.Mid-Size Trucks Don't Need Frames
Jalopnik, Truck Yeah; by David Tracy, dated 25 August 2016

Despite similarities with the third-generation Pilot, Honda has stated that nearly every major component has been beefed up with a 17% stronger front structure, a 31% sturdier rear,2017 Honda Ridgeline First Drive Review
Car and Driver, by Jared Gall, dated 9 May 2016, last accessed 21 July 2019 and 50% of the chassis' components changed or were strengthened for the second generation Ridgeline.Honda Ridgeline Carries Over for 2019 With 2 Minor Upgrades
TorqueNews, by Parks McCants, dated 5 March 2018, last accessed 9 November 2018

Honda's new global light truck platform, specifically the third generation Pilot and the 2019–present Honda Passport, include many features and capabilities that are shared with the second generation Ridgeline which are uncommon for mid-size pickups, such as:2016 Honda Pilot - Overview
hondanews.com, dated 20 May 2015, last accessed 2 March 20192019 Honda Passport Press Kit
hondanews.com, dated 29 January 2019, last accessed 2 March 2019
* Intelligent traction management—which offers different drive modes 'normal''_and_''snow''_for_front-wheel_drive_(FWD)_and_adds_''mud''_and_''sand''_for_all-wheel_drive.html" ;"title="front-wheel_drive.html" ;"title="'normal'' and ''snow'' for front-wheel drive">'normal'' and ''snow'' for front-wheel drive (FWD) and adds ''mud'' and ''sand'' for all-wheel drive">front-wheel_drive.html" ;"title="'normal'' and ''snow'' for front-wheel drive">'normal'' and ''snow'' for front-wheel drive (FWD) and adds ''mud'' and ''sand'' for all-wheel drive (AWD)] that adjusts throttle mapping, shift points, power distribution, and Honda advanced technology#Vehicle Stability Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) responses—(all models):
*# ''Snow mode:'' Throttle input is made less aggressive to minimize pedal travel and make launching easierHere's How The 2017 Honda Ridgeline's Trick Off-Roading Modes Work
Jalopnik, by Andrew P. Collins, dated 11 May 2016, last accessed 10 March 2018
*# ''Mud mode:'' Throttle input is made more aggressive, torque vectoring is disabled, more power is sent to the rear wheels, the transmission delays upshifts, and traction control allows for more wheel-slip
*# ''Sand mode:'' Similar to ''mud mode'' but with more aggressive setting, maximum rear-wheel bias
* Economy assist—which adjusts engine performance, throttle response, cruise control, and climate control reactionsHow the Econ button works on a new Honda. How it really works!!
YouTube, Honda Guru of Williamsburg, dated 12 October 2015, last accessed 18 November 2018—(all models)
* Hill start assist—which prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when the driver switches from the brake to the accelerator while stopped on a hill—(all models)
* Honda Sensing—which consists of a suite of systems (collision mitigation braking system, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist system, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control)—(select models)
* Blind spot information system with rear cross-traffic monitor—which helps the driver with blind spots around the vehicle—(select models)
* Motion-adaptive electric power steering—which gives the driver steering inputs to correct vehicle direction in turns and in slippery road conditions—(all models)
* MacPherson strut front suspension—but with heavier-duty knuckles, hubs, and bearings—(all models)
* Multi-link rear suspension with tubular stabilizer bar—but with heavier-duty knuckles and control arms—(all models)
* Amplitude reactive dampers—although modified for truck duty, these dampers have two hydraulic circuits, one tuned for ride quality and one for large/harsh undulations—(all models)
* Tire fill assist—which provides audio and visual alerts to users when correct air pressure is reached during inflation—(all models)
* Tri-zone climate control—which provides different climate settings for the driver, front-passenger, and rear-passengers—(select models)

Differences from the First generation Ridgeline

Both automotive journalists have made note that the second generation Ridgeline's new truck bed audio system—where the bed walls are turned into speakers that can be controlled via a Bluetooth enabled smartphone—a bed-mounted 115 volt (V)/150–400 watt (W) alternating current (AC) inverter, and the unique features that carried over from the first generation Ridgeline—such as the in-bed trunk and flat cabin floor—help the truck stand out amongst the other mid-size trucks.

The second generation Ridgeline's new structure gives it an average reduction in weight from the first generation pickup. The C-pillar and rear sub-frame were strengthened giving the second generation 28% more torsional rigidity over the first generation Ridgeline.Mid-Size Trucks Don't Need Frames
Jalopnik, by David Tracy, dated 25 August 2016, last accessed 5 September 2016 In addition to this mid-size truck's new underpinnings, there are noise, vibration, and harshness improvements, such as active noise cancelation, active control engine mounts, and an available acoustic windshield.

Additionally, the second generation Ridgeline AWD models offer the same or improved hauling and towing performance when compared to the first generation Ridgeline, for example:2006 Honda Ridgeline Specifications
hondanews.com, dated 2 February 2005, last accessed 17 January 20182017 Honda Ridgeline, WardsAuto Interiors brief
Honda North America, by Steve Behm (Body and Truck Bed Project Leader), dated 11 May 2016, WebArchive retrieval date 14 June 2016, last accessed 24 February 2018
* Same published weight limits of in the bed, dynamically on the tailgate, on the roof, and towing, but this time it was reportedly built to meet the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J2807 standardSAE J2807 Tow Tests - The Standard, SAE J2807 Tow Tests Will Change The Game
Motor Trend's Truck Trend Network, by Trevor Reed, dated 16 January 2015, last accessed 8 October 2019Second time a charm for Honda's unibody Ridgeline pickup?
SAE International, dated 15 May 2016, 20 August 2018
* An increase in rear seat storage with in under-seat storage and in overall second row storage, a and increase respectively
* A bigger bed at:
** long with tailgate up, an increase of
** long with tailgate down, an increase of
** wide, an increase of
** wide between the wheel wells and D-pillars, an increase of
* A non-painted and textured steel-reinforced sheet molding composite bed—developed by Continental Structural Plastics—SMC + D-LFT: A hybrid box for the Gen 2 Ridgeline
Composites World, by Peggy Malnati, 18 September 2017, last accessed 29 November 2017 that is reportedly stronger than its competitor'sTruck Bed Battle: Ford F-150 vs Chevy Silverado vs… Honda Ridgeline?
YouTube Channel: 4 Wheel Online, dated 17 June 2016, last accessed 20 August 2016

* A similar J-series 3.5 L (212 cu in) 60° aluminum alloy V6 engine design with belt-driven single overhead camshafts, 24-valves, and an aluminum variable-length intake manifold but this version has:
** 11.5 : 1 compression
** Direct injection
** Intelligent variable valve timing & lift electronic control (I-VTEC)
** Variable displacement (from six to three cylinders when not under load)
** Producing and , in increase of and depending on model year
** 87 AKI gasoline for all driving conditions2017 Honda Ridgeline Owner's Manual
owners.honda.com, last accessed 17 January 2018
* A 150 Amperes (A) alternator (up 20 A from the second generation) with a battery management system that optimizes alternator use, extends battery life, and prevents unintended battery drains
* A new transmission with:
** Six versus five forward gears with a 24.5% lower first gear, a 20.2% lower reverse gear, and a 3.3% higher top (overdrive) gear with an overall 20% wider gear spread
** Reduced friction
** new lock-up clutch
* A new AWD system (I-VTM4) that is:
** Hydraulically actuated
** 22% lighter
** Able to handle 20% more torque
** Able to dynamically distribute torque between the left and right rear-wheels
** Capable of overdriving the outside rear wheel by 2.7% (a.k.a. torque vectoring)
* Amplitude reactive dampers—that reportedly hold up better under severe stress2017 Honda Ridgeline Long-Term Road Test
Edmonds, by Dan Edmunds, dated 17 July 2017, last accessed 15 November 2018—as well as stronger and/or larger knuckles, hubs, bearings, and control arms
* Improved brake ventilation with a 23% reduction in drag
* A steering ratio reduction of 15% at 15.95 : 1
* A rear-view camera with wide, normal, and top-down viewing angles with guidelines (guidelines morph based on steering angle on touchscreen models)

* A LaneWatch camera that enhances the driver's view along the right side of the vehicle
* An auto-tilting side-view mirror, for close-in visibility when backing up
* A trailer stability assist system
* If equipped, light-emitting diode (LED) projector headlights that add in beam-depth and in beam-width over traditional headlights
* 15 percent lower drag area according to CFD simulations
* Improved fuel economy of:Environmental Protection Agency, Fuel Economy of 2006-2019 Honda Ridgeline
official EPA website, last accessed 19 August 2018Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings search tool – conventional vehicles (2006–2018 Honda Ridgeline)
official NRCan website, last accessed 15 December 2018
** City: 3 to 4 mpg_‑us (EPA) and -2.4 to -3.3 L/100 km (NRCan)
** Highway: 5 to 6 mpg_‑us (EPA) and -1.8 to -2.4 L/100 km (NRCan)
** Combined: 4 mpg_‑us (EPA) and -2.1 to -2.9 L/100 km (NRCan)

Despite these improvements, the second generation Ridgeline does have numerical disadvantages from the first generation, such as:
* AWD and FWD gross combined weight rating of and , a reduction of and respectively
* AWD and FWD gross vehicle weight rating of and , a reduction of and respectively
* Payload capacities of (top trim) to (base trim), a reduction of to respectively
* Passenger volume of , a reduction of
* solid rear disc brakes, a reduction of
* A shallower bed
* Less bed illumination
* A smaller but deeper in–bed trunk at , a reduction of
* Shallower spare tire storage, preventing the storing of a full-size spare; however—like the second generation Ridgeline—there is a hidden auxiliary tire mount integrated into the left-side of the forward bed panel which can accommodate a full-size spare tire
* Less ground clearance
** FWD = with approach, breakover, and departure angles of 19.2°, 18.5°, and 21.4°; a reduction of , 5.3°, 2.5°, and 0.6° respectively
** AWD = with approach, breakover, and departure angles of 20.1°, 19.6°, and 22.1°; a reduction of , 4.4°, 1.4°, and 0° respectively
* A larger turning radius at , an increase of 2017 Honda Ridgeline, Vehicle Specifications
Honda Owners Site, last accessed 4 February 2018. ''(Note: Although the 2017 Honda Ridgeline Press Kit advertises an improved turning diameter over the Gen1 Ridgeline, newer published information from Honda, such as this one, report a larger turning diameter.)''
* A smaller fuel tank at , a reduction of
* No power steering cooler

Equipment

For the ''US market'', the second generation Ridgeline was initially offered in seven different trim levels: RT, RTS, Sport, RTL, RTL-T, RTL-E, and Black Edition.2017 Honda Ridgeline US Brochure
by Honda via auto-brochures.com, dated 2016, last accessed 26 October 2017Functional, Flexible and Fun 2018 Honda Ridgeline Arriving at Dealerships Just in Time for Summer Tailgating Season
hondanews.com, dated 24 July 2017, last accessed 26 July 20172019 Honda Ridgeline Brochure-US
auto-brochures.com, Honda North America, dated 5 March 2018, last accessed 9 March 2019

For the ''Canadian market'', the second generation Ridgeline was initially offered in five trim levels: ''LX, Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Black Edition''.2017 Honda Ridgeline – Technical Specifications
Honda Canada, last accessed 13 August 20162019 Honda Ridgeline Brochure-Canada
Honda of Canada, dated April 2018, last accessed 4 April 2018 Unlike the first generation Ridgelines sold in Canada, the second generation's trim packages are different from those sold in the US. For example, all second-generation Canadian Ridgeline comes standard with AWD, Honda Sensing, and the Clarion audio system with infotainment touchscreen. Additionally, there are unique amenities in the second-generation Ridgeline that can only be found in Canadian models.

For the ''Caribbean and Latin American markets'', the 2017 Ridgeline is being offered in ''RTL and RTL-T trims'', but are equipped differently than the US versions of the same name. In short, the Caribbean and Latin American RTL adds a number of features to what you would normally find in a US RTL.2017–2019 Honda Ridgeline Latin/Caribbean Brochure
Honda-Latin/Caribbean, last accessed 24 May 2019 However, the Caribbean and Latin American RTL lacks the heated front seats of the US RTL trim. The Caribbean and Latin American RTL-T trim takes their RTL and adds navigation and voice recognition. Within each Latin American country, the second generation Ridgeline is sold a little differently, some will offer the RTL and RTL-T while others may only offer one.2017 Honda Ridgeline Chile Brochure
Honda Automobiles via amazonaws.com, last accessed 28 July 20182017 Honda Ridgeline Uruguay Brochure
hondauruguay.com, last accessed 5 July 2019

Depending on trim level and country, the second generation Ridgeline is offered in four to seven different exterior ''colors'' (black, blue, red, green, two shades of gray, and white) to three interior colors (black, gray, and beige) in fabric (US and Canada) or leather (all countries) upholstery.2018 Honda Ridgeline US Brochure
by Honda via auto-brochures.com, dated 2017, last accessed 26 October 20172017 Honda Ridgeline Canada Brochure
by Honda, dated 2016, last accessed 26 October 2017 Also, US and Canadian buyers can get a special black leather interior with red highlights that is exclusive to their Black Edition trim.2018 Honda Ridgeline Canada Brochure
by Honda, dated 2017, last accessed 26 October 2017 As with the first generation Ridgeline, interior colors were mated to specific exterior colors and trims packages.

Updates

For the ''2018 model year'', the Ridgeline had some minor repackaging of its trim levels. For the US market, Honda removed the AWD option from the base RT trim, removed the RTS trim from the lineup, and expanded the Sport trim by adding two additional exterior colors (Lunar Silver Metallic and White Diamond Pearl) to what was an all-black Ridgeline. This left the RT trim with the Modern Steel Metallic exterior color as the only option remaining in the lineup with two-tone (black and gray) upholstery.Functional, Flexible and Fun 2018 Honda Ridgeline Arriving at Dealerships Just in Time for Summer Tailgating Season
hondanews.com, dated 24 July 2017, last accessed 26 July 2017 The Canadian market saw the removal of their green exterior color (Forest Mist Metallic) and beige interior color from its 2018 lineup.2018 Honda Ridgeline Canada Brochure
by Honda, dated 2017, last accessed 26 October 2017

For the ''2019 model year'', the US version of the Ridgeline received a 2.5 A USB charging port to the bottom three trim levels—increasing the total number to two—and the two middle trims (RTL and RTL-T) received the power moonroof and power sliding rear window that used to be exclusive to the top two trims.Rugged Yet Refined 2019 Honda Ridgeline Arriving at Dealerships
Hondanews.com, 5 March 2019, last accessed 9 March 2019 The Canadian market saw the removal of the Ridgeline's base LX trim from their 2019 lineup, giving them four trim levels to choose from.2019 Honda Ridgeline Brochure-Canada
Honda of Canada, dated April 2018, last accessed 4 April 2018

For the ''2020 model year'', the transmission was replaced with a ZF 9HP nine-speed automatic. Inside the cabin, the traditional gear shifter was changed to a push button style selector. The rear door checks have been extended, improving entry to the second row. Also the Honda Sensing suite, audio touchscreen, and power locking tailgate were made standard equipment on all models. For the US market, the RT, RTS, and RTL-T trim levels were removed, leaving four trim levels to choose from.2020 Honda Ridgeline Arrives at Dealerships with New 9-Speed Transmission, Standard Honda Sensing
Honda Auto News, released 12 December 2019, last accessed 1 May 2022

For the ''2021 model year'', a new front facia was introduced with a squared-off nose and upright grille, a new skid plate, new front fenders with side vents that move air around the front wheels, brighter LED headlights, new rear bumper with dual engine exhaust tips, an increased track width, a volume knob for the audio touchscreen, wireless phone charging, updated upholstery, a new Honda Performance Development (HPD) package—with unique grille, fender flares, bronze-colored rims, and graphics—and a new Radiant Red Metallic exterior paint option was added.2021 Honda Ridgeline Arriving Next Month Ready to Rumble with Rugged New Look
Honda Auto News, dated 14 January 2021, last accessed 1 May 2022

For the ''2022 model year'', the only change was the addition of a Sonic Gray Pearl paint option to the exterior color pallet.2022 Honda Ridgeline On Sale Now
Honda Auto News, dated 24 September 2021, last accessed 1 May 2022

Comparisons

In late 2017, Car and Driver magazine conducted an in-depth review of the 2018 Ridgeline comparing it to the same model year Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, and GM's Colorado/Canyon. The numerical comparison revealed the Ridgeline had the best gasoline fuel economy, best cornering performance, best rear-seat passenger space and volume, lowest sound levels, best seat height, better visibility, and best in class safety features. For the "cons," the 2018 Ridgeline has the lowest tow rating, worst in class braking, lowest ground clearance, and the poorest rated infotainment system. The other criteria used by Car and Driver showed the truck falling in the middle of its competition giving the second generation Ridgeline Car and Driver's best mid-size pickup ranking for 2017.In-Depth Review, 2018 Honda Ridgeline, Proof that a pickup can be practical and comfortable.
Car and Driver via WebArchive.org, by Eric Stafford, dated August 2017, last accessed 10 March 2019

After running through IIHS's new test procedures, the 2017 Ridgeline was given their new top honor, the Top Safety Pick-Plus. —As of September 2019, the 2017 Ridgeline remains the first and only Top Safety Pick-Plus mid-size pickup truck in IIHS's history.2017 Top Safety Picks
IIHS, last accessed 30 June 20192019 Top Safety Picks
IIHS, last accessed 14 September 2019— Additionally, IIHS reported that the 2017 Ridgeline was the only pickup that received top marks at their new headlight performance test; however, these high marks only applied to the top trim levels of the Ridgeline that were equipped with LED projector headlights.Most pickup trucks have poor headlights, IIHS tests show
IIHS News, dated 25 October 2016, last accessed 30 June 2019 Also, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2017–2019 Ridgelines its top mark, a five-star safety rating. NHTSA testing showed that the 2017–2019 Ridgelines have the best rollover resistance of any truck (full-size or mid-size) currently produced for the US market at 16.4% for FWD and 16.9% for AWD.NHTSA, 2017 Honda Ridgeline, Safety Ratings
United States Department of Transportation, dated 26 January 2017, last accessed 26 August 2018NHTSA, 2018 Honda Ridgeline, Safety Ratings
United States Department of Transportation, last accessed 26 August 2018NHTSA, 2019 Honda Ridgeline, Safety Ratings
United States Department of Transportation, last accessed 26 August 2018

As in 2012, PickupTrucks.com performed another mid-size truck challenge but with 2016 and 2017 model year vehicles sold in the US. Through a battery of objective and subjective test—many similar and some different from the 2012 challenge—the 2017 Ridgeline came in second overall "by one of the slimmest margins in any test" PickupTrucks.com has conducted, winning half of the objective tests. PickupTrucks.com said, "There's no question the Ridgeline was the surprise of this challenge... Our biggest surprise came at our daylong romp at the Bundy Hill Offroad Park where we found the Honda Intelligent Traction Management system to be shrewd and smooth during our sand drags and steep hill climbs. However, as well as it performed, it still had a few problems;" such as how "much sag occurs while carrying payload," mushy and unpredictable brakes, and a hard to use with bad Sun glare infotainment touchscreen. "Still, if you need your pickup to be a Swiss Army knife and you don't need to carry a lot of gear, there isn't anything else in the Ridgeline's league."What's the Best Midsize Pickup for 2016?
PickupTrucks.com, by Mark Williams, dated 24 August 2016, last accessed 26 August 2016

Marketing and sales

Compared to the first generation Ridgeline, Honda's second attempt at a mid-size truck for the North American market has the automotive press changing its tune, yet it still has an image problem. Gearheads.org wrote the "2017 Honda Ridgeline still won't get respect but should" stating, its "downside is going to be looks" with its "soft rounded pudgy panda look rather than a sharp chiseled warhorse."2017 Honda Ridgeline Still Won't Get Respect But Should
Gearheads.org, last accessed 7 October 2016 A New York Daily News reporter wrote, "You'd think that the most utilitarian of passenger vehicle styles—the pickup truck—would be a completely logical purchase. If that were the case, the Ridgeline would outsell all of the other midsize trucks by a landslide, boasting the best combination of safety, utility and drivability in the class. But the Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado both have something that the Ridgeline almost completely lacks: ...bravado."Ratings and Review: 2017 Honda Ridgeline is the perfect truck for non-truck people
New York Daily News – Autos, by Brian Leon, dated 16 September 2016, last accessed 7 October 2016 Car and Driver wrote, "The company ondareadily admits that the problem with the first generation pickup was that the styling was off-putting, but then it went ahead and made the next iteration of the truck just as unconventional as before. It's a shame, because for all its minivan-with-a-bed looks, the Ridgeline is a comfortable, capable thing for people who don't regularly tow 10,000 pounds."2019 Ford Ranger vs. 2020 Jeep Gladiator vs. 2019 Chevrolet Colorado vs. 2019 Honda Ridgeline
Car and Driver, by Jared Gall, dated 1 May 2019, last accessed 24 August 2019 "The Ridgeline's roomy cabin, ample storage, smooth ride, and innovative touches make its rivals seem outdated. ...it not only has cargo space, but also the makings of a great tailgate party..."Medium Done Well: Mid-Size Pickups Ranked-#1 Honda Ridgeline
Car and Driver, last accessed 15 August 2016 with one of their editor's proclaiming, "What a great truck (and, yes, it's a truck, to all the haters out there). It's seriously practical without being unparkably huge."Over 40,000 Miles, the 2019 Honda Ridgeline Proves It's a Real Truck, Seriously, drop the nonsense that the Ridgeline is a weenie pickup
Car and Driver, by Alexander Stoklosa, dated 4 June 2019, last accessed 4 June 2018 Autoblog published a short list of pros and cons after wrapping up their long-term road test of the second generation Ridgeline writing its size, the in–bed trunk, and its comfort were pros while the "OK" fuel economy, lack of paddle shifters, and a rear-door opening that was too small for comfortable ingress/egress were cons.2018 Honda Ridgeline: What I love, what I loathe Pros and cons of our long-term test pickup
Autoblog.com, by Joel Stocksdale, dated 28 February 2018, last accessed 20 March 2018 Motor Trend magazine summed up their view by says they liked "its smooth ride and sharp handling," disliked "the high price, clumsy infotainment system, and plain design," and nominated the new Ridgeline as one of its finalist for their 2017 Truck of the Year competition.Honda Ridgeline: 2017 Motor Trend Truck of the Year Finalist
Motor Trend magazine, dated 1 November 2016, last accessed 5 November 2016

With the introduction of the 2018 model year, media criticism of Honda's pricing for its Ridgeline expand.Honda Ridgeline AWD Takes a Huge Price Jump for 2018 – Is Honda Shooting It in the Foot Again?
The Truth About Cars, by Timothy Cain, dated 25 July 2017, last accessed 26 August 20172018 Honda Ridgeline Sees Fewer Choices, Higher Prices
Car and Driver, by Joseph Capparella, 24 July 2017, last accessed 13 August 2017 With the removal of the AWD option from the Ridgeline's base RT trim and the removal of the RTS trim, would-be US owners have to step up to the Sport trim to get an AWD equipped mid-size truck. According to Bloomberg Business and The Truth About Cars (TTAC), pricing was considered a problem with the first generation RidgelineRidgeline's Uphill Climb
Bloomberg, by Thane Peterson, dated 25 April 2006, last accessed 12 November 2016 with TTAC writing, "It's not difficult to see that Honda is once again positioning the Ridgeline in what many conventional pickup truck buyers will consider an uncomfortable price bracket."

Examining the sales figures for the second generation Ridgeline, TorqueNews wrote, "...it looks as if American Honda Motors has yet another sales success in its ever expanding lineup."2017 Honda Ridgeline sales show good momentum for August
TorqueNews.com, by Parks McCants, dated 1 September 2016, last accessed 3 September 2016 With Honda targeting sales of up to 40,000 Ridgelines per year,
Edmunds, by Rick Kranz, dated 5 August 2016, last accessed 8 July 2017 initial sales demand for the new Ridgeline outpaced production.Honda shifts N.A. output mix to make more crossovers and pickups
Reuters (hosted by Automotive News), by Maki Shiraki, dated 10 November 2016, last accessed 13 November 2016 To help address demand for its larger vehicles, Honda moved production of its Acura MDX to its East Liberty Auto Plant in order to increase production of the Odyssey, Pilot, and Ridgeline.Honda shifting production ahead of new Odyssey debut
The Business Journals, Columbus Business First, by Dan Eaton, dated 10 January 2017, last accessed 29 April 2017

Although Honda claims not to be in competition with other mid-size truck manufacturers, in 2017 the Toyota Tacoma outsold the Honda Ridgeline 5 : 1 despite the Ridgeline's slight edge in sales over the GMC Canyon that year.Midsize Trucks Are Not Increasing Sales the Way Fullsize Trucks Are (October 2017 Sales Report)
TFLTruck.com, by Andre Smirnov, dated 1 November 2017, last accessed 3 December 2017 Yet, Kelley Blue Book has consistently ranked the second generation Ridgeline in its top ten best resale value vehicles in the US2017 Best Resale Value Awards: Top Ten Cars
Kelley Blue Book, last accessed 23 January 20192018 Best Resale Value Awards: Top Ten Cars
Kelley Blue Book, last accessed 23 January 20192019 Best Resale Value Awards: Top Ten Cars
Kelley Blue Book, last accessed 23 January 2019 with the 2019 model year having an estimated resale value of 63.2% at 36 months and 51.3% at 60 months, just under their top ranked mid-size truck, the Toyota Tacoma. However, a 2018 Autoline Daily report stated the Ridgeline is the only mid-size truck in North America whose sales are down in a market that "suggests there's room for more players."AD #2493 – FCA Retools Engine Plant for Jeeps, Mid-Size Pickup Segment Soars, How the Jeep Gladiator Got Its Name
Autoline TV, dated 7 December 2018, last accessed 28 December 2018

Gallery

Awards

* North American Car of the Year 2017.Honda 2017 Digital FactBook
Hondanews.com, dated 22 May 2017, last accessed 5 January 2019
* Car and Driver's #1 mid-size truck for 2017–2019Unique and Highly Capable Honda Ridgeline Named to Car and Driver Magazine List of the 2018 10Best Trucks and SUVs
Hondanews.com, dated 10 January 2018, last accessed 5 March 2018Honda Ridgeline Named to Car and Driver Magazine List of the 2019 10Best Trucks and SUVs
Hondanews.com, dated 16 January 2019, last accessed 19 January 2019
* Auto123.com's 2017 Pickup of the Year2017 AUTO123.COM AWARDS: MEET THE WINNERS!
Auto123.com, dated 23 November 2016, last accessed 7 January 2018
* J.D. Power and Associates' Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Award for 2017Honda CR-V and Ridgeline J.D. Power & Associates "2017 APEAL Award" Winners; Honda Brand Places Highly in APEAL Study Rankings
Honda Media Newsroom, dated 23 August 2017, last accessed 26 August 2017 and 2018Honda Accord and Ridgeline Named as J.D. Power & Associates "2018 APEAL Award" Winners with CR-V and Odyssey Also Highly Ranked
hondanews.com, dated 27 July 2018, last accessed 1 August 2018
* Green Car Journal's 2017 Green Truck of the YearSan Antonio Auto Show Green Car Awards
Green Car Journal, dated 15 November 2016, last accessed 28 July 2018
* Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy Award for 2017–20192018 Honda Ridgeline Best Buy Review
Consumer Guide Automotive, last accessed 18 January 20182019 Honda Ridgeline Best Buy Review
Consumer Guide Automotive, last accessed 8 December 2018
* Kelley Blue Book's Top Ten Best Resale Value Award for 2017–2019
* The Car Connection's Best Pickup to Buy for 20182018 Honda Ridgeline Named as The Car Connection Best Pickup to Buy
Hondanews.com, dated 20 November 2017, last accessed 5 March 2018
* Women's Choice Awards in the Eco-Friendly and Safety categories for 2018Seven Honda Vehicles Earn Multiple Women's Choice Awards
hondanews.com, dated 29 November 2017, last accessed 15 July 2018
* IIHS's first pickup to earn "Top Safety Pick-Plus" award (2017) and the only pickup to earned "Top Safety Pick" for 20182018 Top Safety Picks
IIHS, last accessed 30 June 2019 and 2019
* SCORE Baja off-road race winner in Class 7 in 2015,Honda Ridgeline Baja Race Truck Conquers Baja 1000
Hondanews.com, dated 22 November 2015, last accessed 27 November 2015 2016,Honda Ridgeline Baja Race Truck Takes Class Victory at Baja 500
hondanews.com, dated 7 June 2016, last accessed 5 November 2017 2018,
PickupTrucks.com, by Mark Williams, dated 15 June 2018, last accessed 23 June 2018 and 2019New Ridgeline Baja Race Truck Debuts With Baja 500 Victory
hondanews.com, dated 2 June 2019
* iSeeCars.com's longest-lasting truck most likely to reach 200,000 milesThe Longest-Lasting Cars to Reach 200,000 Miles and Beyond
iSeeCars.com, by Julie Blackley, last accessed 8 March 2019

References

External links

Honda Ridgeline Owners Club (ROC) forum

{{DEFAULTSORT:Honda Ridgeline (2017-present)
Ridgeline
Pickup trucks
All-wheel-drive vehicles
Sport utility trucks
Motor vehicles manufactured in the United States