All vehicles have compromises. Need a bigger truck? Trade it in. Honda's hold their value. Ridgelines are medium sized pickup trucks designed for smart people who aren't wrapped up in some daydream about manliness. Lose the running boards if the ground clearance is low. Aftermarket 2" lift kits are available. Love my 08, has 220K miles on it. I wouldn't consider towing more than 3500 lbs. cross country. 5k for short trips only, it's a 6 cylinder after all. Honda has millions of 3.5 engines out there, been doing the oil filter location the same way for decades. The oil filter location is the same with all of them. If changing the location was feasible it would have been done 20 years ago. The tail gate option to use the side hinge is nice despite the negatives. It's not like other trucks, again a compromise. The Ridgeline incorporated front wheel drive first which was finally copied into the Ford Maverick (that only took 15 years). Has a locker rear end when needed, but it's rarely needed because it's front wheel drive. These things are f'n awesome in snow or poor road conditions, no truck in two wheel drive can beat it. It has a full frame that isn't separate from the body. (Have fun changing those body mounts big truck guys). Great ride, get 19 mpg at 80 mph. I hear the Gen 2 gets even better gas mileage. The fiberglass reinforced poly-carbonate bed panels are tough as hell and replaceable if the last owner put some of that crappy bed-liner stuff on. Ever get stuck with a crappy spray on bedliner? Point is that the positives far out weigh the compromises. Bottom line for me is that the utility, quality and value is outstanding.
I agree. I'm not trying to bag on anybody that needs more truck but I don't, this is the right tool for the right job for me. I really like the trunk in the bed. Anybody that I show that to is like, "That is awesome!"
I came here just to like THIS Comment! Not the video, Just THIS Comment, it's a damn sensible 1/2 tonne truck, for reasonable people that need simple use
If the Honda is in ECO mode it will cycle the AC compressor off sooner to reduce fuel consumption. Turn off ECO when temps are above 85~ or when high humidity is present. Detail in the manual; RTFM. hope this helps , nice truck
I think that the Ridgeline doesn't have a lot of aftermarket options available is because it caters to a different demographic than vehicles like the Tacoma, the Gladiator, or the off-road oriented versions of other mid-size trucks. It's geared towards ride comfort, dependability, and the occasional run to Home Depot, and I'm guessing that the average buyer is usually quite a bit older than someone interested in the Taco.
True I left a audi q5 because I fly large model planes that fit perfect in bed .It rides better then the audi.LUV everything about the truck .A/c works great I do wish I had the power folding side mirrors
@@charlesrestivo870 There isn't a lot that I don't like. I might buy one because I'm a bit older, and don't need all of the whiz bang off road hardware, or towing capacity beyond the 5,000 pounds that available.
I'm 73 years old and love my 2022 Ridgeline, for me it will serve my needs perfectly. I didn't buy it to go extreme off road driving like the other 4x4 trucks in mid-size.
I like that the Ridgeline 3.5-liter V-6 which is more likely to last over 250,000 miles compared to the Chevy Colorado which only offers 4-cylinder engines in their 2023 model. I also like the Ridgeline has the greatest width between wheel wells of all midsize pickups. Great for hauling 2 large dog boxes, a sheet of plywood, etc.
And is why we just bought a 2020 Black Edition, For heavier loads My 97 Chevy Silverado will be fine, But that Gas Hog it's nearly as nice to Drive long distances 😁
For it to last you'd need the whole timing belt maintenance deal at 100k and 200k, which costs about $1,500 (x2). There are smoother, quieter, more efficient, more powerful V6s that will last 250k nowadays without that kind of costly maintenance. Honda 3.5 = Y2K technology.
My biggest dislike on my 22 touring edition 🇨🇦 is the delay in the shifting the transmission when I reverse out of my driveway and the. Put it in drive. Second would be the extremely slow power windows in the front. The adaptive cruise control is bad, I refuse to use it anymore. I now have 9,000 kms .
Thanks for the review! Some random thoughts - GPS: Inaccurate, or more realistic? I my next of the wood, the Google-time are often on the optimistic side of things. - Oil filter: The mess could easily be avoided by putting a large zip-lock bag over the filter... but I'd be a little worried about its location and lack of protection. As in, aren't people worried that a rock will fly-by and hit it? - Lack of tailgate dampener and electric folding mirrors: I think it's kind of a good thing... something less to go wrong as the vehicle ages.
I agree on all points.. My biggest two gripes would be the low clearance height and the lack of tailgate dampener. It's not a big work truck so I don't expect it to tow 7000 lbs. But it does provide a nice balance of daily driver and light work. Which I believe is a totally different demographic. I came from owning a few GMC Sierras and Tundras and hated the daily drive manners. It was not my work truck but a truck I used for fishing, camping, and towing my motorcycles. Hated the drive to the office each day.. very bouncy and unstable at highway speeds. The Ridgeline was a perfect replacement vehicle. Add a small lift kit, and some slightly bigger all terrain tires and you have a winner. Can't wait to see the Ridgeline with the new Pilot interior, engine, and 10 speed tranny. Build it and they will come.
I am in agreement with the two biggest gripes. My wife absolutely loves her 2018 Ridgeline. She is 4'11" and about 100 lbs. However the tailgate needs a dampener. She uses the swing feature almost exclusively because her height and reach makes drop-down tailgates difficult. Also we get some heavy snows in NH and the plow often deposits 2 or more feet in front of the driveway.
Two thoughts. You have one AC vent almost 100% blocked by your phone mount. How is that impacting overall circulation? And did you check your Nav settings for Calculation Mode to “faster time” and the Avoidances setting to see if it is in the default setting? I’ve done many long distance trips and rarely see a noticeable difference between the Honda Nav and Google maps or Apple maps.
Not sure if anyone else mentioned it, but the wireless phone charger is really bad in the '22. I've tried it with an iPhone with case off, every position imaginable, and it's still basically worthless for me. I've seen similar comments in other online Honda boards with other phones as well. Not that it's that critical, but for this trim level, it should work period. As for navigation, I've never really been a fan of onboard navigation. My spouse has a Subaru and it isn't much better. I use the Ridgeline's just because it's in the model, but if push comes to shove, I'll rely on Google or Apple maps--plus they offer real-time updates for traffic, etc. Last...who the hell really needs a sun/moonroof? lol I had one in my CR-V and felt the same way...kind of useless...I live in the northeast, so I just use it..again..because it's there.
I have a quick tip that would avoid spilling oil when removing the oil filter loosen it a bit then put a cup over it like a plastic one bigger that the oil filter then remove and the excess oil will fall in the cup bingo no mess 😊👌👍
That oil filter location is gift from God compared to where it is on a '15 Escape 1.6L Eco-boost. Just stuff a bunch of rags under the filter when you start to spin it off. You're lucky to have the filter hanging straight down, the Escape's filter is horizontal!
You can set the Garmin unit for different modes, shortest distance, shortest time, freeway or not freeway, etc. Might want to get your A/C looked at. We have had over 30 days over 100 degrees. Today I had to run an errand it was 98. Ridgeline was in the shade, dark grey interior. It was cooling down within a few blocks and after another minute of two comfortable. I never use more than the second fan speed unless it has been parked in the sun and I need to cool quicker for a few minutes.
I have all my settings on the map set to best route. I have done a few head to head comparisons against Google maps and Harmon Honda unit has been as bad as 1hr longer route. My AC may just be my truck. Not sure why, but it just doesn’t perform to the level as other vehicles I drive and have driven.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), in my opinion, is too safe of a following distance (even on the lowest setting). I would like it to follow about a truck length closer on the closest setting. ACC may also be why your cruise control isn't always holding the MPH you set it to (it's constantly adjusting based off of distance to car in front). You can also turn ACC off by holding the cruise control button.
Some cruise controls are lazy with shifting and it ran out of torque and waited to downshift which is what looks like happened. My Jeep is extremely aggressive and downshifts quicker in cruise control on the same roads than if I manually hold speed. Which means cruise control actually gives me 2 mpg worse economy.
@@schoc13 no manufacturer is going to let the vehicle be closer than 3 vehicle lengths at highway speeds. The whole thing about safety. My point is even at the closest ‘follow’ setting there is enough of a gap that other drivers will merge into it and then the ACC freaks out, slams the brakes.
I like that is is lower to the ground, that's the reason I even looked at this truck. It is about the height of a van, so I'm not sure why you would need running boards, unless you are under 5'3" tall. It sounds like you are looking for a full size truck. My a/c works best if I also use the rear air, so I agree that it doesn't cool as quickly or completely if just the front air is used, but the same is true in a van, which was my last vehicle. The towing capacity should have been known to you before you bought it, so not sure why you have an issue. You travel with or just over the towing and didn't expect the engine to complain? Once again not sure why you didnt but a full size truck. The oil filter... what were they thinking on that one, crazy place to put it. Love the slap paddles, they come in handy going down hills, I hope they will slow the wear on my brakes. Maybe because I'm not very tall the backseat area has lots of room. Tipping the seat slightly lower in the front and lowering it, helps me not have issues with my legs going to sleep, or hurting. My biggest grip so far is that the peddles don't adjust for shorter and longer legs, this should be standard on all vehicles.
I'm sorry, did he just compare the Ridgeline to a Jeep Gladiator😅 yes the jeep Gladiator has more accessories than any other truck on the planet. If you can manage to get it out of the repair shop long enough to use them. Joking aside the Ridgeline does have a pretty fair amount of Aftermarket accessories, both OEM and other. For god sakes they even offer a bed tent for camping
Great video. Number 11 should be the cup holders. 43k for my ‘21 RTL-E and the cup holders don’t have the spring loaded fingers or rubber inserts to adapt to different size cup diameters. Such an over site on Honda’s part. My ‘12 RTL had this. My ‘16 Acura TLX has this. Why not the 2nd Gen Ridgeline?
I would absolutely make a oil filter sub locating kit or buy one if they exist. That location is bad but not as bad as many I have seen. At least you dont have to get under the truck to remove it.
Ridgeline Radio Needs to Stay on after you turn engine off and then shuts off after the driver side door is open. Otherwise you have to keep the car running to listen to the radio.
2023 has rain sensing wipers. Don't care about ground clearance as long as it can go down a slightly rough dirt road I am fine. Nav system is worthless. I use my phone. Why would anyone use a Nav system that you have to program everything into? Just one more thing to maintain. I still think the Ridgeline is a 9.5 out of 10. 2023 Black edition with AWD in Sonic Gray. And I like watching your videos even if I don't agree with everything. LOL
My Ram 2500 Cummins had the oil filter in a similar location. I would loosen it a little, then slide a ziplock bag over it, finish loosening it and seal it up. Saved some mess.
the older Honda Ridgeline models are way more reliable, like AC not working ? :| that is literally a Honda specialty, AC always works and it works too well sometimes. I love Honda/Toyota/Nissan etc ... but with anything from 2012 and fwd the quality and reliability has drastically decreased
Fair and thorough video. The A/C part may be your phone mount blocking and/or your truck because my 2018 has always been good on cooling down, though I live quite a bit further north than Georgia. Dang I wish we had those Canada version features.
Transmission cooler, towing capacity, and ground clearance are my gripes as well. I would definitely have your AC system checked, mine will freeze me out and I live in TX. I will say that having 70% tint on the windshield has helped quite a bit. The black dash absorbs a ton of heat.
how often do you tow more than 5000 pounds? 85% of truck owners never utilize the full potential of their truck and statistically, unless you're using your Ridgeline as a work truck you are likely never going to tow more than 5000 pounds.
Yes, have the dealer check some of the gaskets for the AC line in the dash. This happened to my Acura and it was just this O-ring that they had to replace.
You must be a real live princess! I’ve had mine since 2018 and have zero problems with the design or manufacturing of this vehicle! Sell it and go buy a jeep…..
Ive had my 2018 RTL for 4 years. Definitely not the highest trim but I can't honestly say that a single one of these 10 are an issue for me. I don't have Nav so I use my phone. I'm a big girl and put on my big girl britches and clean up the oil that spills from the filter. I rarely use the straight down function on my tailgail. I almost exclusively use the release to open it sideways. I live in Texas where it gets way hotter than Georgia and my truck freezes me out. If you're truly upset about what Honda offers then I hate to say it may not be the truck for what you need.
Biggest issue I have with a 2022 is the Android Auto \ Apple Car Play audio. No one mention it in the reviews but the would fades in and out. I read somewhere that it is a software issue that has no fix. Radio does not have the issue. Makes streaming music impossible to listen to. Can't put in an after market stereo due to the setup menus.
@@YuriyMotso its not a mid size truck. It's a car chassis with a body that has a cab and a truck bed. And I'm not saying that as a slight against it. I actually love these small trucks that have been coming out. But the ridgeline is not comparable to the chassis components of the gladiator or the Colorado or the tacoma, etc. Those midsized trucks are built on dedicated truck chassis which is constructed differently than a car, crossover, or minivan and is capable in different ways. The Honda ridgeline shares a platform with the Honda crossover and minivan. Like the bronco sport that also shares a platform with the Ford crossovers and minivan. To consider them in the same vehicle category as a truck built on a dedicated platform is not appropriate in my opinion. Review it for what it is. But it's not comparable.
@@adamjohnson9014 I agree. The Ridgeline is more comparable to the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz truck thingy but it's larger and therefore fits into the midsize catagory. Ridgelines are the best choice for someone who loves an SUV but needs a truck bed. My 06 model is still going strong. My gripe with the newer models is the depth of the bed, the clearance, and the rounded front end. The interior space blows all midsize trucks out of the water. The turning radius on my 06 sucks.
@@adamjohnson9014 You're mistaken. The Ridgeline has a full frame. Car chassis are sub frames and unibody. Having a full frame that is welded to the body is smart. Just ask the truck guys how they like paying for rubber body mount replacements. If you have a superior suspension you don't need to isolate the body from the frame with rubber mounts. The Ridgeline is designed for it's purpose and is well thought out.
The oil filter is in a bad spot It could easily get hit with road debris rocks or whatnot causing oil to spew out of the oil filter..... As for removing the oil filter just take a Walmart bag put some paper towels in it and simply put it around the oil filter and screw it off.
Why do you have running boards??? If you want more clearance and to pull more you should have bought a full size truck. Dampened tailgates? I didn't have one of those until I got my 2018 Tundra. Buy a bottle of Growaset and you'll be fine, you're a big boy. I'm 72, grew up on a farm. I'm amazed that all of us kids survived not having an easy open tailgate. I live in Texas, so I'll make sure to do a test drive in the summer. Dude, you're spoiled complaining about what the Canadians have and we don't. If I disliked a truck as much as you seem to I'd be trading it off.
🤷 The Honda Ridgeline is the pickup truck for people that don't really need a pickup truck nor want one..... It's for your 50-year-old plus man that lives in a townhouse in a retirement community or a 25-year-old data analyst or Apple store manager that lives in the city.
I would disagree. The Ridgeline is the truck that people need vs the truck people think they need. Most people will never use a truck more than the capabilities of the Ridgelines capacities.
It’s a unibody not a chassis. Getting to 6000-6400 towing pounds isn’t simple. Rear gear, upgraded trans and oil cooler may not do it b/c of its structural integrity. It is a Bummer
I've had two Ridgelines, including my current 2019 RTL-T. I love my truck, but I have to agree with nearly all of your complaints. I mount my phone in the same location as you, and I think that's an issue for the air circulation. Otherwise, my AC is fine. Maybe that critique should be that they didn't plan a good phone mount location. I agree with the aftermarket parts issue, but that's not truck's fault. I do understand that it's an issue endemic to the ownership experience, so worth pointing out to anyone considering a purchase. I would add a criticism, that the shifter often ends up in the low gear position unintentionally. That's not an issue for new models, because they don't have a shifter. They have buttons that get destroyed by sloshing drinks in the adjacent cup holders. I don't like the heave tailgate either, but I wouldn't trade the trunk for a cushioned tailgate, and nobody else has that trunk!
2019 Honda Ridgeline sport here only gripe I have is wish all models had blind side monitor ing other than that I am happy with this model .still getting 28 mph awd I will never ever buy for again I have had 4 in my lifetime
Interesting you have a problem with the ac, I’ve found that it’s usually blowing cold air by the time I get to the end of my street. I usually keep the fan on the auto setting and the temp at 73° and it does a good job even on 95°+ days.
Maybe you got really small kids, but if you don't what is the point of having running boards on a truck that is already low to the ground? Those are supposed to allow you to step up into a seat.
I Love my Ridgeline, never a disappointment at all. If he wanted to go off road driving should have gotten a bigger truck like duh!! 🤦 also it's hot & you can't expect any vehicle to cool the inside down in seconds unless it's been sitting in a Garage that's insulated & cooled it just doesn't happen so it takes little time to cool off on the inside another issue you may have is the tailgate slamming down get over yourself ever Trk does that if not then it's already equipped with a hydraulic piston for ease on the lowering of the tailgate 'that's a no brainer' best Trk I've ever owned & I have had different yr models to different types for the past 33yrs.
You bought the wrong truck from the beginning. If you have something to tow. You should have bought a 1/2 ton truck. My Tacoma has a hard time towing 5,000 pounds. I'm looking into 2024 Ridgeline. 2024 Tacoma is becoming a midsized truck with full sized price. I still don't like the idea of having a timing belt.
Dude.. it looks like a truck but has a car drivetrain.. not an off-road vehicle .. AWD is not a 4x4.. light off-road is ok. It doesn't compare to other 4x4's but I'll agree with the oil filter and A/C .. we have the Canadian version
I don't quite follow all of the fuss about the "mere" 5000 lb. towing capacity limitation on the Honda, as most of the other players in the mid-size truck field are still in the 6,500-7000 lb. range for towing. I guess that 2000 pounds seems like a lot, but realistically, how many types of trailers/towing configurations does that difference keep a Ridgeline owner from being able to haul? I don't see (at least on a quick internet search) a lot of trailers that fall just on the high side of the 4,500-5,500 lb. cusp, thereby keeping them just out of the capability of the Honda truck; therefore, if someone needs a truck to pull a load that's around 6,000-7000 lbs., I would think that upgrading to a full-sized pickup truck is the way to go. Just because the Nissan Frontier, for instance, can tow around 6,500 pounds doesn't mean that a trailer that weights 6,499 lbs. is perfectly acceptable for that truck and others on the market. I feel as though if someone is in the mid-sized truck market, then they are able to tow most "toys", but if one is going to trailer their livelihood, like a landscaping enclosure, or if someone is pulling horses/livestock, then none of the middle-sized offerings are for them anyhow, regardless of an average 1,750 lb. towing capacity shortfall.
Take your phone holder off your vent ... it's blocking air flow...that's the main vent for the vehicle ... use industrial strength velcro instead ... you'll only need a small piece and can stick it anywhere you need.
You don't need running boards, Frodo Baggins wouldn't have any problems getting into a Ridgeline. A ridgeline is NOT FOR OFFROAD it is a rpad only vehicle. If you are buying a ridgeline as a tow machine you have bought the wrong truck mate! Maxing the towing to 5000lbs and then complaining about the transmission cooling is very odd. On any truck it is recommended to never tow at maximum. This begs the question of why in the hell would you have a ridgeline when infact you need a half ton truck. Get a tundra mate. That's what your usage needs. You need a real truck for your usage.
I had a 2019. It tows like shit, the transmission is garbage and wont't shift to 6th when towing and will stay in 5th at 5k rpms at 70mph, and its got a timing belt that costs $1500 to replace at 100k. The newer 9 spd is junk, google it...I traded my 19 in due to a transmission problem and my wife had a 2109 passport with the "new" 9 spd you see now in the current ridgeline that had to be replaced under warranty at 50k. I'd say the $1500 timing belt job and the garbage transmissions are enough for a hard pass for anyone who wants to carry more than mulch from home depot. Unless you buy the 4k warranty...hard pass.
My understanding is the spare tire is not full size - that would be an issue if you get a flat while towing! I was totally interested in this vehicle but now have 2nd thoughts - sadly Honda’s redesigns often don’t address these short comings - I know this from my Honda Goldwing!
The reason Honda doesn't have the dampener the tailgate is because it swings both ways. But that's okay because there's plenty of room in the bed trunk for a couple cases of Bud Light
DURING Towing capacity TESTING the ridgeline pulled 5000 Ibs much faster than any other midsized gasoline truck with good mpg. Although Other trucks like like tacoma and Frontier rated to pull more. So wouldn't worry about towing. Ive looked at the real world test. And it tows 5000 with ease 🤷🏽♂️
little behind on this post but I just got a new rtl and would like to add to your list...no "flat four" towing receptacle I had to buy an adaptor...no settable "Speed Warning"...not crazy about the Arm Rests I would welcome the extra storage a higher console with the built in rest would provide...lane mitigation and lane keeping assist, confusing, don't like either especially when the wheel shakes...smallish tire/wheel combo look out of place...both Front & Rear Parking alarms are sporadic and unreliable. Tailgate, Cruise Control, Rain Sense wipers agree with all
Bed length! It needs just 6 more inches and you could drop a L mountain bike inside the bed with the gate up. Now need to run the stupid bed extender which then blocks the bed trunk. 😞
The only thing wrong with this truck is the front wheel drive architecture! Earlier models were front wheel drive. That's is so stupid! Honda needs to lose their stubborn love of fwd!
Definitely do NOT buy the Honda, piece of junk and the dealer does not even know how to maintain. If I stop one person from buying a Ridgeline I have helped somebody.
Who uses stock Navi when the vehicle comes with Apple car okay and android auto. Also the cruise control issue is a newer honda thing it let's the vehicles deviate 3mph. I think that's a 2017+ thing
I dont like that the timing belt has to be changed every 80k-100k miles a chain would have eliminated that issue and also i feel the acceleration or lack there of an issue,stereo system is low quality, I dont mind the low clearance, and ride is ok, but this will be the one and only ridgline I buy, i feel toyota makes a better midsize truck
Ridgeline is a softroader not an off-roader. If you want more capable off road then buy the right vehicle. Complaining about clearance and you have running boards?
You have real truck goals for a Ridgeline. You should be more realistic as to who and what this vehicle is designed to do. After watching everything this is not the truck fot you. You should consider a tundra or something
I hate that Honda sent me a recall notice, for a defective fuel pump, and they don't have new fuel pumps to repair my truck. 👎 The dealer has no anticipated date for the parts.
Your #10 is definitely unfortunate for the US market,. I'm from Canada and those were pretty key in my decision to get the Ridgeline and I lucked out with the Touring model fully loaded features
great channel…I have 2019 Ridgeline, no issues with my AC, it gets really cold inside when boiling hot outside (Texas or Florida hot). Low clearance actually works for me since I don’t take it off-road, which means lower clearance better gas mileage. Agreed on towing capacity, folding mirrors. Those are just my pet peeves, I love this truck
@@YuriyMotso I owned Mercedes, BMW, Toyota, Subaru... I am not a car guy, but I do take care of my cars. Ridgeline is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have 2019 RTL-T with 29 K miles, mostly highway. It drives the same today as it did when I bought it. I live in Chicago in the city...this thing is so versitle, perfect. It is also very reliable..few years ago I was in WI, winter, 20 below. Remote start worked no issues. The only issue is Honda is horrible at marketing Ridgeline, which is a perfect vehicle as far as I can tell
Dude this is not a truck! It’s beautiful don’t get me wrong but it’s actually a car with an oversized trunk without a top. Hence its ground clearance and driving it’s like a car. Now it can do some “truck” things, but you can buy some lift kits to get more ground clearance. This vehicle it’s not meant for off-roading. I have seen videos of some mild off roading but it just can’t compare to the other true pick up trucks. If Honda wanted to make a real truck it would have and it would probably be a good one. The ridge line it’s mainly for city driving and stayin on the road. Can it go above and beyond certain limits? Sure it can. But other than that, it just a good looking vehicle to haul light cargo and have some fun in comfort/
nice review, thanks... I have a 2019 Ridgeline RTL. I love the truck, but my biggest peeve is that the back door behind the driver's seat does not auto unlock when I approach the truck WITH ARMS FULL OF STUFF TO PUT IN THE BACK SEAT! I wonder if the newer ones are the same way. Also, the back doors did not open very wide until I did that mod and replaced the door catches with the ones for the front doors. never understood that...
I have the 2023 Ridgeline RTL and all the doors can be set to auto-unlock with the driver's door. Settings/Vehicle/Keyless Access Setup/Door Unlock Mode/All Doors
@@josephmerritt1411 thanks for the reply... The 2019 has no such settings, but glad to hear the later models do. really the only thing I don't like about the truck. I do wish there was a 12 V plug in the trunk area...
@@padlnjones On my 2023 Ridgeline RTL on the rear passenger side there is an access panel to a 115VAC outlet with a max 400-watt capacity. The truck must have the accessory mode on to get power. This is my first pickup truck and I plan to use it on my home-building project.
With all due respect, it seems most of the issues presented here are either minor or could have been avoided by doing some better research before buying.
You comment about the ground clearance is spot on. I just bought a 2023, and I got it home, and immediately thought, it needs a lift. They do make some bolt 1.5 inch lift kits, and honestly, I think that would suffice. But here in Washington, I will go off road just a bit, very slowing to get to fishing holes and such, so I don't need/want a Tacoma, but I do want my Ridgeline to get me there.
I’m pretty sure my Dad never worried that the rusty a$$ 8,000lb tale gate on the back of our Chevy Scottsdale “farm truck” was going to “injure” (smash me into tiny pieces) me when He said to me as a kid, “Hey…go open the tale gate for me…”. Your son will survive. Besides, doesn’t the Ridgeline have the swing open tailgate? You have the advantage over my Dad. You can say, “Hey son…go swing open the tailgate for me…” There, now you have a list of 9 things. One less thing for you to worry about. Also, that oil filter is in a bad spot. Good call on that one. But I have suggestion for you when you have to change the oil. I learned this from my Dad. Say, “Hey Son…crawl up under there and pull that oil filter off. And clean up any mess you make, too.” 😂😊 I miss my Dad more than anything. 🙏❤️
Both my sons have now been victims of the swinging tailgate. 😂 they have been close lined looking down while walking around the truck. 🥹 At 4 years old the tailgate weighs more than my oldest so it would seriously injure him. It’s a real concern as they just genuinely want to help by opening the tailgate not realizing how dangerous it is to them. However I love my truck. Best truck I ever owned. Have had 4 now. And I am Sorry for your loss. I love my dad too.
@@YuriyMotso Thanks. 🙏 I have a 2023 and I really really like it. It the best truck for most people. Period. Like an F-250 that can haul 30,000lbs being driven as a daily driver. Lol. Probably won't really need that.
22' RTLE, 10 days of ownership.. infotainment system sucks compared to chevy & toyota, gutless acceleration (I fixed that with a sprintbooster), front struts have that annoying hissing sound over sharp bumps, normal tailgate opening/closing should have some strut assist.. other than that pretty happy so far. Came from 3 years in a 19 Silverado RST 5.3L Z71, and a 17 Tacoma TRD sport 6 speed manual before that.
If its brand new, allow some time for break in. Every time after starting the Ridgeline, you have push the button to exit eco mode (the green leaf in the guages will go out) then you can get the 280hp from the engine. Only my 2008 GMC chipped up Duramax pulls off from a stop better than my 2020 Ridgeline!
I come from owning 3 generations of tacomas. The Ridgeline is by far the best and I’m glad with my purchase. Any negative is outweighed by the amount of benefits it provides.
I've go a 1st gen. The tranny has got to be the worst part of the truck. It's a gear sniffer for 5th gear. Shift too soon then down shifts. I hate they put the tow mode in 4rd. It'd be great where I live in the mountains to just lock it out of 5th. It is kinda gutless, but I heard they are 600lbs heavier than an equal Taco. I've owned and '07 Taco. Wish I still had it. Only bad part......not really, it was a stick "anti-theft"....haha!!
Have you given any thought to getting one of the 1.5" front lift kits installed ? I want a front skid plate, and also one for the gas tank. For protection from road debris. I also suspect they might help with fuel economy. I've not observed the issues you've mentioned with the cruise control, or the a/c on my 2023. I've watched just about all of your videos. I appreciate all the time and energy you've put into them.
