The Honda Ridgeline is a sport utility truck (SUT) by Honda and is categorized by some as a lifestyle pickup. The Ridgeline is built using a unibody frame with a transvers-mounted engine, four-wheel independent suspension, flat cabin floor, flat truck bed, dual-action tailgate, an In-Bed Trunk, all-wheel drive --as well as front-wheel drive for select 2017-2018 US models--, and is only offered in a crew-cab/short-box configuration. The first Honda Ridgeline went on sale in March 2005 as a 2006 model. This SUT was initially built by Honda of Canada Manufacturing until 2009 when assembly was relocated to Honda Manufacturing of Alabama. Production of the first generation Honda Ridgeline ended in mid-2014. After a two-year hiatus, a newly redesigned second generation Honda Ridgeline went on sale in late June 2016 as a 2017 model.
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." Despite the first generation Ridgeline's low sales numbers, this SUT was one of the more profitable vehicles for Honda. According to a Bloomberg interview, Honda has sold the Ridgeline in over 20 countries.
Some journalists have reported that the Honda Ridgeline is built on a vehicle platform shared by the Honda Pilot and Honda Odyssey. According to Honda, the first generation Ridgeline was a uniquely engineered vehicle with only 7% of its components shared with Honda's global light truck platform and 5% shared exterior components. Its powertrain resembled that found in the 2006 Acura MDX but was heavily modified for hauling and towing. The second generation Ridgeline took a different approach modeling it after the third generation (2016) Honda Pilot. However, Honda engineers did have to make significant modifications including: extending the wheelbase; modifying components to support heavier hauling, towing, and more aggressive off-road use; incorporating the features that made the first generation popular (such has the dual-action tailgate and In-Bed Trunk); and adding new features that are exclusive to the second generation Ridgeline (such as Honda's new in-bed audio system). Despite these modifications, Honda has stated that 73% of the 2017 Ridgeline's components remain common in some way with the 2016 Pilot.
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First generation
According to the author of The Car Design Yearbook, the Ridgeline was "Honda's first foray into the true heartland of the American automotive way of life." It was designed and engineered by Honda R&D Americas, led by Gary Flint, who took about four years to develop the vehicle. The design was first revealed as the Honda SUT Concept at the 2004 North American International Auto Show. The final production ready version of the Ridgeline was unveiled at the same auto show on January 10, 2005 as a 2006 model year vehicle.
Design
According to Honda, "Engineers started with Honda's Global Light Truck platform and transformed 93% of the components into a mission-specific platform with seven high-strength steel cross members that create a fully boxed ladder frame that was fully integrated into a unique unibody design. Further differentiation included a unique suspension design with custom components, 100% unique sheetmetal and a 95% exclusive interior." The steel-reinforced fully boxed ladder-like unibody frame with its "four-bone" design and four-wheel independent suspension provided space for designers to build unique storage solutions in, around, and on top of the frame. Starting at the front of the Ridgeline, engineers crafted a hood that supported a unique cold air intake system for the engine that draws outside air from above and in front of the radiator to support torque production and deep water fording. This hood design also allowed engineers to build environmentally protected windshield wipers that were also heated to improve winter performance. Honda also incorporated large side-view mirrors to support better visibility while towing; due to the mirrors' size, Honda built small vortex generators on top of the mirrors to help reduce air turbulence. In the crew-cab, the unibody frame allowed engineers to build a cabin with a flat load floor (i.e. no transmission hump) and more passenger space than other mid-size trucks. At the center of the truck, the C-pillar's unique shape was specifically designed to help distribute large loads across the unibody frame and the cab so the truck could achieve its targeted payload and towing figures. Also, the design of the C-pillar, rear roof garnish, and tailgate were built to maintain good aerodynamics and reduce turbulence between the cab and the tailgate while maintaining driver visibility. This aerodynamic design allowed them to create a rear garnish that shields the rear glass window so when it's opened at speed there is no buffeting or rainwater intrusion. The bed is built out of steel-reinforced Sheet Molding Composite (SMC) which is dent resistant, corrosion resistant, and is covered with a non-slip coating. It is supported by high strength steel-reinforced crossmembers (three under the bed and two in the rear cab wall) to safely secure and support loads, even under conditions that would cause the SMC to fail.
Specifications
The first generation Ridgeline has a 5 ft (1.5 m) cargo bed which can be extended to 6.6 ft (2 m) with the tailgate down. The bed's width between the wheel-wells is 4.1 ft (1.2 m) and 4.6 ft (1.4 m) at its widest points. The Ridgeline's drivetrain, frame, and suspension design allowed engineers to build the "industry's first" lockable, watertight, and drainable 8.5 cu ft (240.7 l) In-Bed Trunk at the rear of the bed. The cabin can accommodate five full-size adults with 2.6 cu ft (73.6 l) of under-seat storage in the second row or 41.4 cu ft (1.2 m3) when the rear 60/40 split bench seat's bottom cushions are folded up. It has 8.2 in (20.8 cm) of ground clearance with approach, departure and breakover angles of 24.5º, 22º, and 21º respectively while maintaining a comfortable entry/exit height for passengers.
The first generation Honda Ridgeline has a weight distribution of 52/48 (front/rear) with a total payload capacity ranging from 1,475 lb (669 kg) to 1,559 lb (707 kg), depending on trim level. This SUT's steel-reinforced SMC bed is designed to handle loads of up to 1,100 lb (499 kg). and has six (2006-2008 models) or eight (2009-2014 models) tie down cleats, in a high/low configuration, rated at 350 lb (159 kg) each. The SMC bed has special guides built into its surface to help accommodate multiple off-road motorcycles. The Ridgeline's bed is also equipped with four bed lights that are integrated into its walls providing a minimum of ten lux of illuminance throughout the bed. In addition to built in lights, the forward section (close to the cab) of the SUT's right bed wall has a hidden spare tire mount that can accommodate a compact or full-size spare tire for times when access to the spare tire service tray, via the In-Bed Trunk, is impractical. Inside the In-Bed Trunk are integrated cargo hooks and organizer slots to help manage the up to 300 lb (136 kg) of material that it can securely stowed. The tailgate has a dual-action hinging system that allows it to be opened like a traditional tailgate but can also be swung open either 30º or 80º to the side. When in the down position, the Ridgeline's tailgate can handle dynamic loads of up to 300 lb (136 kg). When equipped with a roof rack, the Ridgeline's roof structure is designed to handle a total load of 165 lb (75 kg) to 110 lb (50 kg), depending on model year.
Honda lists a 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) towing capacity for the Ridgeline while accommodating an additional 510 lb (231 kg) to 594 lb (269 kg) (depending on trim level) of payload. All models came with a heavy-duty radiator, integrated transmission and power steering coolers, dual 160W radiator fans, and were pre-wired for an electric trailer brake controller and a seven-pin or less trailer wiring harness. Also, depending on trim level and model year, a class III tow hitch with a four-pin flat and/or seven-pin blade trailer wiring harness was either standard equipment or dealer installed options.
The Ridgeline has a four-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link trailing arm configuration in the rear. It has a turning diameter of 42.6 ft (13.0 m) using variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. It has four-wheel disk brakes with 13.1 in (33.3 cm) ventilated front disks with floating twin piston calipers and 12.6 in (32 cm) solid rear disks with integrated emergency/parking drum brakes; the rear brakes use floating single piston calipers for the disks and dual opposing brake shoes for the drums. The disk brakes are controlled via a four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist. Although 60 mph (97 km/h) to 0 stopping distances of 117 ft (36 m) to 195 ft (59 m) have been reported, the average appears to be between 140 ft (43 m) and 147 ft (45 m).
Powertrain
According to Gary Flint, the truck's Variable Torque Management Four-Wheel Drive (VTM-4) system --co-developed with BorgWarner-- "provides front-wheel drive for dry-pavement cruising conditions and engages all-wheel drive when needed to improve stability or maneuverability" and supports medium duty off-road use. The electromagnetically driven clutch-operated differential can be manually locked (VTM-4 Lock) to help the truck better handle adverse terrain or become unstuck. It also has a four-channel fully automatic Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system that is designed to enhance control during acceleration, cornering, and collision-avoidance maneuvers and can be manually disabled to prevent undesirable throttle intervention in off-road conditions.
The Ridgeline is powered by a transverse mounted J35A9 (2006-2008) or J35Z5 (2009-2014), 3,471 cc (211.8 cu in) 60º V6 engine equipped with a 22 US gal (83 l) fuel tank; no powertrain variations were offered. Both engines have an aluminum block with exhaust manifolds cast directly into the cylinder heads, a belt driven Single Overhead Camshafts (SOHC), a 24-valve Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) system, 10.0 : 1 compression, a variable-length intake manifold, and Honda's Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI). All work together to respond to the Ridgeline's electronic throttle that's also linked to the VTM-4 and VSA systems. The automatic transmission uses a four-shaft design with a flat lock-up torque converter that's managed by the PGM-FI's central processing unit. A direct-control real-time pressure management system coordinates engine and transmission operation to minimize driveline shocks and a Grade Logic Controller prevents gear hunting when climbing hills or when more engine braking is required.
The aerodynamic and drivetrain design as well as the overall weight of the Ridgeline produced a truck that, according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) testing, can achieve 15 mpg-US (15.7 L/100 km) city, 20 mpg-US (11.8 L/100 km) or 21 mpg-US (11.2 L/100 km) highway (depending on model year), and 17 mpg-US (13.8 L/100 km) combined.
Equipment
In addition to the features described above, the Honda Ridgeline came equipped with other standard equipment not found in many other base model mid-size trucks of its time --including the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Suzuki Equator, Dodge Dakota, Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Ford Ranger, and GM's Colorado/Canyon-- such as:
- Front and rear tow hooks
- Power door locks, side-view mirrors, and windows including rear-glass window, automatic up/down driver's window, and child window lock
- Multi-function center console with telescoping armrest, two-tiered expandable storage, rear-facing air vents, 12V/10A DC outlet, and grocery bag hooks
- Two telescoping sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors
- Overhead console with two map lights and an integrated sunglasses holder
- Large damped and illuminated glove box
- Large dashboard-integrated storage tray (above the glove box)
- Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Cruise control
- Tilt steering wheel
- Pioneer 100W audio system with an AM and stereo FM radio receiver, CD player --PCM, MP3, and WMA capable--, four full-range 6.7 in (17.0 cm) speakers, and two 1.5 in (3.8 cm) tweeters
- Split 60/40 fold-up rear bench seat with fold-down center armrest --that contains two integrated cup holders and activity tray--, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for three child safety seats, and three adjustable head restraints
- Rear-door power window controls and integrated cup holders
- Two overhead rear-passenger map lights
The 2009 model year brought more unusual standard equipment such as a seven-pin blade trailer wiring harness for Canadian models and a class III tow hitch for all models. The 2013 model year brought with it a rearview camera to round out the unusual list of standard equipment for the Honda Ridgeline.
For the US market, it was produced in six different trim levels through its lifetime: RT, RTX, Sport, RTS, RTL, and SE. The short lived RTX trim was a base RT model with a class III tow hitch, four-pin flat and seven-pin blade trailer wiring harness, black grille, and 17 in (43.2 cm) alloy rims. The Sport trim took the RT and added an exterior blackout treatment, fog lights, a saw-tooth style black grille, special 18 in (45.7 cm) alloy rims, as well as some interior enhancements such as a black interior trim package, MP3/auxiliary 3.5mm TRS stereo input jack, and steering-wheel mounted audio system controls. The RTS trim took the base RT and added some different interior and exterior enhancements from those found in the RTX and Sport trims, such as: a ten-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar support, dual-zone climate control, a Pioneer Premium 160W six-CD changer with upgraded speakers and a subwoofer, boddy colored exterior components, and 17 in (43.2 cm) alloy rims. --Power-adjustable lumbar, a MP3/auxiliary input jack, and a seven-pin blade trailer wiring harness were added to the RTS in the 2009 model year.-- For all but the last year of production, the RTL was the highest trim package available and came with both exterior and interior enhancements to the RTS trim. Some of the more noteworthy RTL enhancements were found in the interior such as leather trimmed upholstery and steering wheel, heated front seats and side-view mirrors, a HomeLink Wireless Control System for up to three devices, and the addition of XM Satellite Radio. --Unique 18 in (45.7 cm) alloy rims, fog lights, and a 115V/100W AC inverter were added to the RTL in the 2009 model year.-- Optional on the RTL was a power moonroof, which after 2006 became standard equivalent on all RTLs, and an Alpine Global Positioning System navigation unit. This navigation option replaced the Pioneer Premium audio system with a Clarion 160W XM head unit, a Panasonic 8 in (20.3 cm) infotainment touchscreen, and a hidden multi-format six-disc CD player. --A rearview camera, Bluetooth, Honda's HandsFreeLink, and a multi-data/multilingual (English, French and Spanish) information display were added to navigation equipped RTLs in the 2009 model year.-- The SE trim was the top trim package for the 2014 model year which included every option available for the RTL and added the Sport trim's blackout treatment and grille, unique 18 in (45.7 cm) polished aluminum rims, and a black interior with matching leather upholstery.
For the Canadian market, the Ridgeline was produced in seven different trim levels throughout its production: LX, DX, VP, Sport, Special Edition, EX-L, and Touring. The LX and DX were the base trim packages, similar to the RT. The VP trim was the next in the lineup, sitting somewhere between the RT and RTS. The Canadian Sport was the third fanciest in the lineup and was very similar to the Sport trim sold in the US. The Special Edition was next in the lineup; although it shared the SE's unique rims, grille, badging, and black leather interior, its features put it somewhere between the Sport and RTS trim packages. The EX-L and Touring trims were at the top of the lineup and were similar to the RTL with one exception; until the 2009 model year, a moonroof as well as navigation were part of the EX-L's optional equipment while the Touring package came standard with both. This made the Touring trim the top trim package for Canadian buyers, similar to the SE. Although there were differences between the US and Canadian trim packages, the technical differences were the use of daytime running lights on all trim levels and model years, metric system gauges, and Honda's bilingual (English and French) voice recognition and navigation systems.
For the Mexican market, only an RTL trim was available and had a few twists to its packaging that set it apart from its US and Canadian counterparts. The Mexican RTL came equipped very similarly to the Canadian EX-L and retained the optional moonroof of the early EX-L. Unlike the EX-L, navigation was never a factory option. Also, the Mexican RTL came equipped with the 2006 through 2008 EX-L rims until the 2012 model year when it was updated with the US and Canadian Sport's exterior trim pieces.
For the Chilean market, the Ridgeline was sold in two trim levels, RT and RTL. The Chilean RT appears to be a mix between the Canadian DX and VP trims while the Chilean RTL appears to consist of options found in the early model Canadian EX-L trim.
With the exception of the trucks sold in Mexico, the first generation Honda Ridgeline was offered in five to seven different exterior colors each year as well as one to three interior color options. Exterior colors were based on different shades of black, gray, white, silver, blue, and red as well as some short-lived green and brown colors. Most interior color variations were found in the upholstery that varied between olive, beige, gray, dark gray, or black in cloth or leather depending on model year, trim level, and the country where it was sold. Also, the interior colors were often mated to specific exterior colors and trim levels.
In addition to the different features and accessories one could obtain by purchasing certain trim levels, Honda offered many accessories as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) items that could be ordered and installed at the dealership. Additionally, there were numerous Honda accessories that did not come on any trim level which could be purchased and installed at the dealership including brush guards, roof racks (with a variety of accessory mounts), storage organizers, bed extenders, and more.
Updates
For the 2007 model year, the RTX trim package was introduced in the US market as a unique tow-ready version of the Ridgeline. Also for the 2007 model year, Honda made the moonroof standard equipment on the US RTL trim and swapped three of its exterior color options for slightly different shades of the same base colors while adding "Nimbus Gray Metallic" to the color palette as well as "Taffeta White" for the Canadian market.
For the 2008 model year, Honda replaced its two-tone upholsteries for monotone versions and the RTS and RTL trims received more polished versions of their alloy rims. Also for the 2008 model year, Honda removed its last green exterior color option, called "Aberdeen Green Metallic," from its lineup.
For the 2009 model year, the Ridgeline received its most significant updates with over 50 different changes, including exterior and interior updates as well as drivetrain improvements. Some of the more noticeable changes were a new front-end with daytime running lights, new taillights, new rear step-bumper with integrated class III tow hitch, two additional bed cleats, new instrument cluster, a new steering wheel, driver and front-passenger active head restraints, and more. In the US, the RTX trim was removed from the lineup and the RTS trim gained a power-adjustable lumbar, an MP3/auxiliary input jack, and a seven-pin trailer wiring harness. The US RTL trim gained the same seven-pin harness and received new 18 in (45.7 cm) alloy rims and a 115V/100W AC inverter; if equipped with navigation, the US RTL also received a rearview camera, Class 2 Bluetooth with Honda's HandsFreeLink system and a multi-data/multilingual information display. For Canadians, a new lineup of trim levels were introduced that more closely resembled the US lineup. A new V6 engine (the J35Z5) was introduced that produced up to 10 lb·ft (14 N·m) more torque at lower revolutions per minute (rpm) than its predecessor with a slight horsepower (hp) increase of 3 hp (2.2 kW) at the top of its rpm band. The transmission was also revised with the greatest differences found in third and fourth gears providing approximately 5% lower ratios. Also for the 2009 model year, Honda swapped four of its exterior color options in the US and three in Canada for slightly different shades of the same base colors --leaving Canadians with two different black paints to choose from-- while adding a light brown color, called "Mocha Metallic," to the exterior color palette in the US and Canadian markets.
For the 2010 model year, Honda swapped three of its exterior color options in the US and two in Canada for slightly different shades of the same basic colors --including the consolidation of Canada's two black paints into Honda's new global "Crystal Black Pearl"-- and adding "Alabaster Silver Metallic" to the US and Canadian markets.
For the 2011 model year, Honda removed its only brown paint option from the Canadian lineup.
For the 2012 model year, Honda put the Ridgeline through another series of updates and introduced a new Sport trim for the US and Canadian market and Canadians had their EX-L trim replaced with a new Touring package. A new grille was introduced for all but the new Sport model, which was equipped with its own unique grille. Additionally, updated taillights was introduced that combined the best features of the 2006-2008 and 2009-2011 traillights. Also, as was done in the previous year with the Canadian lineup, the only brown paint option available was removed from the US color palette. For Mexico, their RTL trim received the US and Canadian Sport's exterior package while retaining its Canadian EX-L interior. Lastly, aerodynamic improvements were made to the body and friction reduction measures were made to the J35Z5 engine; these improvements helped increase highway fuel economy by 1 mpg-US (2.4 L/km), according to EPA testing.
For the 2013 model year, all Ridgeline trim levels, if not already equipped, were outfitted with rearview cameras using a new rearview mirror that incorporated a hidden rearview monitor with parking guide-lines. The imbedded monitor only appear in the rearview mirror when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. --For trims with navigation, the infotainment touchscreen continued to be used as the rearview camera monitor.-- Pictorial evidence suggest the Chilean market received the 2012 updated taillights as well as the 2009 18 in (45.7 cm) alloy rims for their RTL trim. Lastly, Honda swapped its "Bali Blue Pearl" paint for a slightly lighter blue, called "Obsidian Blue Pearl."
For the 2014 model year, Honda removed the VP trim from the Canadian lineup and added a new Special Edition package. In the US, the SE trim was introduced surpassing the RTL as the new top-of-the-line model. Also, Honda replaced its "Polished Metal Metallic" paint for a slightly lighter gray, called "Modern Steel Metallic."
Changes in exterior colors to United States' and Canada's first generation Honda Ridgelines over time
Comparisons
When attempting to compare one vehicle to another, one can look at the manufacturer's numbers as well as independent testing. Given that environmental conditions can change a vehicle's performance, looking at real-world tests that were performed at the same time, at the same location, with like configured vehicles should yield the fairest results. All comparisons referenced below are made with four-wheel drive, crew-cab (where possible), short box versions of the same model year mid-size trucks that were sold in North America.
When one compares the Ridgeline's advertised interior/passenger volume and total payload with the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Suzuki Equator, Dodge Dakota, Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Ford Ranger, and GM's Colorado/Canyon, the Ridgeline has greater interior space and hauling capacity than its competition. However, when comparing the manufacturers' tow ratings, --even when performing a towing, curb weight and GCWR calculation-- the Ridgeline is at the bottom of its class for towing. Otherwise, the Ridgeline falls in the middle of these mid-size trucks' other published specifications.
The Ridgeline is the first four-door pickup truck to win the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) five-star safety rating for both front and side impact crash test performance and it had the highest rollover resistance of any pickup NHTSA ever tested. Also, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Ridgeline with its highest crash safety scores giving it the "Top Safety Pick" designation while the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Suzuki Equator, Dodge Dakota, Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Ford Ranger, and GM's Colorado/Canyon had one or more less than good rating(s).
In 2012, PickupTrucks.com conducted a mid-size truck challenge with six of the eight trucks listed above (minus the Dakota and Sport Trac) and the Honda Ridgeline. With the exception of a 2011 super-cab Ford Ranger, all test vehicles were 2012 models and all but one had V6 engines (the Colorado was equipped with the LH8). The head-to-head comparisons focused on numerous attributes including objective tests on 0-60 mph (97 km/h), 60-0, and quarter-mile (0.4 km) times with maximum payloads as well as empty beds; dynamometer tests; and real-world fuel economy tests. Subjective tests included expert driver impressions, best value estimates, and an off-road course. Of the seven mid-size trucks tested, the Ridgeline ranked third overall. Of the objective tests, the Ridgeline had the highest scores for payload and real-world fuel economy while ranking lowest in torque delivery at the wheels; otherwise, the Ridgeline ranked in the middle of the other objective tests. Of the subjective tests, the Ridgeline was judged second in expert impressions, third in best value, and last in the off-road course.
Marketing and sales
According to Automotive Design & Production, Honda was slow to enter the minivan market as well as the SUV market, so "given that track record it is no surprise that Honda has just now [2005] gotten around to building a pickup truck.". The Ridgeline is more aptly classified as a sport utility truck with the only direct rivals being the full-size Chevrolet Avalanche and the smaller Ford Explorer Sport Trac.
According to Bloomberg, Honda hoped buyers would find it an attractive alternative to large SUVs, and conventional pickup trucks. Some in the press that have evaluated the Ridgeline, such as PickupTrucks.com, consider it "one of those odd vehicles." They wrote, "The Ridgeline can't really do what most people who like trucks need it to do." While AutoTrader.com wrote, "Sure, some homeowners and weekend warriors may actually need a 10,000-lb towing capacity, but the Honda Ridgeline is probably just right for most." Others in the automotive press, such as The Driver's Seat TV, call the Ridgeline, "the Swiss Army knife of trucks," due to its functionality, and "the anti-truck," due to Honda's lack of following the rules when it comes to truck design; they summarized the truck as scoring "high on practicality but very low on image."
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, "Since its March [2005] debut, Honda's first pickup for the US market is slow to gain traction. Nissan's full-size Titan pickup also has fallen short of sales targets in this all-American segment, which ... is proving tough for outsiders to crack." According to Bloomberg Business, early slow sales can partly be attributed to the expense of the vehicle, which some considered "over-priced." Consequently, dealers began to discount the truck and sales increased. Regardless, sales were still slow compared to other Honda vehicles Honda gave the Ridgeline a facelift for 2009 and added a lower-priced Sport model for 2012, but sales remained "lackluster," according to AutoBlog.com.
Automobile Magazine wrote, "The reaction among pickup buyers has been a collective yawn. ... Volume dropped by half from 2008 to 2010 and then fell another 40 percent last year [2011]." Soon after, 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." According to Automobile Magazine, parts shortages, due to the 2011 T?hoku earthquake and tsunami, put production on hold and "this setback likely impacted sales."
The first generation Honda Ridgeline ended production in mid-2014. According to Auto Trader, the automaker planned to continue production until the second generation Ridgeline was introduced; however, "slow sales of the truck have prompted the automaker to pull it sooner than expected." Despite this, the Ridgeline was one of Honda's more profitable vehicles due to the company's frugal nature that allowed them to develop the Ridgeline for under $250 million US dollars --half of what General Motors would normally pay--, maximizing Honda's profit margin.
2014 Honda Ridgeline Review Video
Second generation
On January 11, 2016 at the North American International Auto Show, Honda unveiled the second generation Honda Ridgeline to the North American market, two months after the public got a glimpse of what the new truck would look like when Honda showed off its new Ridgeline Baja Race Truck at the 2015 Specialty Equipment Market Association Show.
Design
The second generation Honda Ridgeline retains the features and capabilities from the first generation --such as: a similar payload capacity (between 1,447 lb (656 kg) and 1,584 lb (718 kg) depending on trim), the same towing capability, the In-Bed Trunk, the dual-action tailgate, the flat bed, and the rear 60/40 split bench seat with flat load floor-- but with more traditional truck styling, advanced safety features, modern electronic amenities, and is now offered in front-wheel drive (FWD) (US market only) as well as all-wheel drive (AWD). Like before, the second generation Honda Ridgeline is a unibody vehicle but this frame uses a new "three-bone" spine with Honda's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure and optimized material grades composed of various undisclosed composites, aluminum, magnesium, and varying steels --such as a laser welded door ring made of hot-stamped ultra-high strength steel varying from 1,300 to 1,500 megapascals-- providing improved strength and award winning protection. In addition to the new underpinnings of this new mid-size truck, noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) improvements and a new acoustic windshield (on select models) help make the second generation Ridgeline one of the smoothest and quietest mid-size trucks on the market. The front-half of this new truck comes with many of the same components and features as the 2016 Honda Pilot, such as:
- Earth Dreams V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management
- Intelligent VTM-4 (I-VTM4)
- Intelligent Traction Management
- Agile Handling Assist
- Eco Assist System
- Honda Sensing with:
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keeping assist
- Road departure mitigation
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning with collision mitigation braking
- LaneWatch or a blind spot information system with rear cross-traffic monitor
- Amplitude Reactive Dampers, but with a modified design to support heavier payloads
- TPMS with Tire Fill Assist
- Similar front fascia
- Front doors and mirrors
- Dashboard and instrument cluster
- 8 in (20.3 cm) infotainment touchscreen system with:
- Garmin based navigation
- Honda HD Digital Traffic
- HD Radio
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio
- Pandora Radio
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- HondaLink with HondaLink Assist
- Front seats
- Center console
- Tri-zone climate control and more...
Despite these similarities, a spokesman from Honda R&D Americas stated that 50% of the Honda Pilot's chassis components had to be changed or strengthened for use in the second generation Ridgeline. The C-pillar and rear sub-frame mounts had to be strengthened as well giving the second generation Ridgeline 28% more torsional rigidity over the first generation Ridgeline. According to one of the Ridgeline's body development engineers, "Utilizing fully boxed frame members for the body sides and rear tailgate frame, the truss-style rear inner construction contributes to the new Ridgeline's more conventional three-box design profile allowing for the elimination of the buttress-style body structure" of the first generation Ridgeline.
Specifications and Powertrain Differences
Some of the 2017 Ridgeline's features being highlighted by Honda as improvements over their first generation Ridgeline include: a greater use of technology and electronic driver's aids; a wider, longer, and tougher bed; an in-bed audio system --where the bed walls are turned into speakers that can be controlled with a smartphone--; a bed-mounted 115V/150W-400W AC inverter; and its best in class gasoline V6 fuel economy rating at 19 mpg-US (12.4 L/100 km) city, 26 mpg-US (9.0 L/100 km) highway, and 22 mpg-US (10.7 L/100 km) combined for FWD models.
The second generation Honda Ridgeline AWD models do enhance their hauling and towing performance when compared to the first generation through the following enhancements:
- An increase in interior volume (depending on trim level), such as a 518 cu in (8.5 l) increase in under-seat storage in the second row
- A bigger bed that's:
- 0.25 in (6 mm) wider between the wheel wells
- 5.5 in (14 cm) wider overall
- 3.9 in (10 cm) longer with the tailgate up
- 5.5 in (14 cm) longer with the tailgate down
- A more durable SMC bed, that's reportedly stronger than its competitor's
- A redesigned 3,471 cc (211.8 cu in) V6 engine (the J35Y6) with:
- 11.5 : 1 compression
- direct injection
- Intelligent VTEC
- producing 30 hp (22 kW) and 15 lb·ft (20 N·m) more at the top of the rpm band
- An improved transmission with:
- Six versus five forward gears with a 20% wider gear spread
- Including a 24.5% lower first-gear, a 20.2% lower reverse gear, and a 3.3% higher top (overdrive) gear
- reduced friction
- an improved lock-up clutch
- Six versus five forward gears with a 20% wider gear spread
- An improved AWD system (I-VTM4) that's:
- 22% lighter
- with a 20% increase in torque capacity
- now able to dynamically distribute torque between left and right rear-wheels
- now capable of overdriving the outside rear-wheel by 2.7% for improved cornering performance
- Improved brake ventilation with 23% reduction in drag
- A multi-view rear camera
- An auto-tilting side-view mirror, for close-in visibility when backing up
- Trailer Stability Assist
- Hill Start Assist
- Better fuel economy, with EPA estimated AWD improvements of:
- 3 mpg-US (78.4 L/100 km) city
- 5 mpg-US (47.0 L/100 km) highway
- 4 mpg-US (58.8 L/100 km) combined
Despite these improvements, the second generation Honda Ridgeline does have some numerical decreases from the first generation Ridgeline, such as:
- less passenger volume
- a shallower bed
- less bed illumination
- less ground clearance
- FWD = 7.3 in (19 cm) with approach, breakover, and departure angles of 19.2°, 18.5°, and 21.4°
- AWD = 7.9 in (20 cm) with approach, breakover, and departure angles of 20.1°, 19.6°, and 22.1°
- a smaller fuel tank at 19.5 US gal (74 l)
- a smaller but deeper In-Bed Trunk at 7.3 cu ft (206.7 l)
- a shallower spare tire service tray, making it no longer capable of accommodating a full-size spare
- However, just like the first generation Ridgeline, there's a hidden tire mount in the bed --integrated in the left-side of the forward bed panel-- that can accommodate a compact or full-size spare tire.
Equipment
The second generation Honda Ridgeline comes with many of the standard equipment found with its competitors base trim level --including the 2017 Toyota Tacoma, 2017 Nissan Frontier, and GM's 2017 Colorado/Canyon-- but does have some unusual standard features, such as:
- 18 in (45.7 cm) alloy rims
- TPMS with Tire Fill Assist
- Capless fuel system
- Security system
- Multi-angle rearview camera (with guidelines)
- Class III tow hitch
- Pre-wired for electric trailer brake controller and seven-pin trailer wiring harness
- Trailer Stability Assist
- Hill Start Assist
- Intelligent Traction Management
- Agile Handling Assist
- Cruise control
- Push button start
- Second-row passenger air vents
- 200W seven-speaker audio system with subwoofer
- 4.2 in (10.7 cm) multi-information display
For the US market, the second generation Honda Ridgeline was initially offered in seven different trim levels: RT, RTS, Sport, RTL, RTL-T, RTL-E, and Black Edition until the 2018 model year when Honda removed the RTS trim from the lineup. In addition to the standard equipment found in the RT trim, it could also be ordered in FWD or AWD until the 2018 model year which removed the AWD option. The 2017 RTS trim added remote engine start, smart entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, and fog lights as well as an AWD option. The Sport trim takes the 2017 RTS and adds gray painted alloy rims, black painted exterior trim, and sport badging. The RTL trim takes a different approach with the 2017 RTS by adding a leather-trimmed interior, heated front seats, ten-way power driver's seat, and an acoustic windshield. The RTL-T trim takes the RTL and adds the 8 in (20.3 cm) infotainment touchscreen system, LaneWatch, additional front and rear Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 outlets, automatic dimming rearview mirror, and a few other features. RTL-E trim takes the RTL-T and replaces LaneWatch with blind spot monitoring and adds Honda Sensing, a 540W audio system with truck bed audio, the bed-mounted 115V/150W-to-400W AC inverter, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, heated steering wheel, conversation mirror, additional interior and exterior illumination, and a few other features as well as making AWD standard. The top trim, known as the Black Edition, adds a unique blackout treatment to the RTL-E trim.
For the Canadian market, the 2017 and 2018 Honda Ridgelines are offered in five trim levels: LX, Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Black Edition. These trim levels are fairly different from the ones offered in the US until you reach the top trim levels. However, there are unique amenities that can only be found in Canadian Ridgelines, such as: a CD player (all trims), heated windshield wipers (all trims) with rain-sensing (Touring trim and up), ventilated front seats (Touring trim and up), power folding side-view mirrors (Touring trim and up) with integrated turning signal indicators (Sport trim and up), and heated rear-seats with a rear-passenger climate control interface (EX-L trim and up).
For the Caribbean and Latin American markets, the 2017 Ridgeline is being offered in two trims, RTL and RTL-T, 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, such as rain-sensing wipers, 540W premium audio system, 8 in (20.3 cm) infotainment touchscreen, LaneWatch, multi-angle rearview camera, side-view mirrors with integrated turning signal indicators, conversation mirror, power moonroof, and power-sliding rear-glass window. --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 adds navigation to what is an already well equipped base mode RTL.
Depending on trim level, the second generation Honda Ridgeline is offered in seven exterior colors with black, gray, or beige interiors in either fabric or leather upholstery, including a special black leather interior with red highlights that's exclusive to the Black Edition trim.
As before, Honda is offering many OEM accessories that are specifically designed for the 2017 Ridgeline. The types of accessories being sold are much the same as those offered for the first generation Ridgeline with three exceptions: an OEM skid plate, extended view mirror and the Honda Bed Tent.
Updates
For the 2018 model year, the second generation Honda Ridgeline had some minor repackaging of its lower 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 Sport in 2017.
For the Canadian market, no changes were made to the 2018 model year. Although not yet known, 2018 Ridgelines for the Caribbean and Latin American markets will probably remain the same as well.
Comparisons
Comparing the second generation Honda Ridgeline's published specifications and performance numbers with other US mid-size truck offering for 2016 through 2018, the new Ridgeline has its pros and cons. Car and Driver magazine conducted an in-depth review of the 2017/2018 Ridgeline comparing it to the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, and GM's Colorado/Canyon of the same model years. The numerical comparison revealed the Ridgeline has best in class 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 2017/2018 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 to compare the Ridgeline showed the truck falling in the middle of its mid-size truck competition.
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."
After running through IIHS's new test procedures, the 2017 Ridgeline was given their new top honor, the "Top Safety Pick-Plus." As of August 2017, the second generation Ridgeline remains the only Top Safety Pick-Plus vehicle in IIHS's large pickup category. 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 HID headlights. Also, the NHTSA gave the 2017 Honda Ridgeline its top mark with a five-star safety rating. No other truck in its class has received a five-star rating in NHTSA history. NHTSA testing showed that the 2017 Ridgeline has the best rollover resistance of any truck (full-size or mid-size) currently produced for the US market at 16.9%.
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." A New York Daily News reporter said, "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." That being said, Car and Driver magazine proclaimed, "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..." 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.
With the introduction of the 2018 model year, media criticism of Honda's pricing of its second generation Honda Ridgeline expand. With the removal of the AWD option from the US Ridgeline's base RT trim, woodby US owners have to step up to the Sport trim to get an AWD equipped mid-size truck. The Truth About Cars (TTAC) wrote, "Making the AWD Ridgeline more expensive to get into doesn't sound like a recipe for greater marketplace success." According to Honda's Public Relations Manager James Jenkins, Honda's streamlining of the 2018 Ridgeline lineup will "better suit the needs of midsize truck buyers." TTAC asks the question, "...what'll it do for midsize truck buyers who want an affordable Honda with all-wheel drive?" According to TTAC, "Pricing was considered a problem with the first-generation Honda Ridgeline... 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 2017 Ridgeline, TorqueNews wrote, "...it looks as if American Honda Motors has yet another sales success in its ever expanding lineup." According to Reuters, sales demand for the new Ridgeline has outpaced production. --Twelve full months of production have yielded 47,464 Ridgelines sold, exceeding Honda's goal to sell 40,000 Ridgelines per year.-- To help address demand, Honda moved production of its Acura MDX to its East Liberty Auto Plant in order to increase production of Honda's larger vehicles; the Ridgeline, Pilot, and Odyssey.
Awards and accolades
- North American Car of the Year for the truck category in 2006 and 2017
- Canadian Car of the Year for the truck category in 2006 and best new pickup category for 2006
- Motor Trend's 2006 Truck of the Year
- Car and Driver magazine's #1 mid-size truck for 2005 and 2016
- Autobytel's 2006 Truck of the Year
- Sobre Ruedas ("On Wheels," a Latin American automotive magazine) 2005 Best Pick-up Truck
- U.S. News & World Report's #1 compact pickup truck for 2016
- J.D. Power and Associates' Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Customer Satisfaction Award for 2006, 2007, and 2008
- Popular Mechanics' 2006 Automotive Excellence Award for functionality
- Society of Plastics Engineers 2006 Grand Award for Honda Ridgeline's composite In-Bed Trunk
- NHTSA's first four-door pickup to earn five-star safety rating
- IIHS's "Top Safety Pick" for the pickup category in 2009, 2012 2013, and "Top Safety Pick-Plus" for 2017
- SCORE Baja 1000 winner for the stock mini-truck class in 2008 and 2010 as well as the unlimited open wheel class in 2015
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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