For what this truck is intended for, Honda hit it out of the park. It's a shame that people are still going to hate on it. I can't wait to see you guys take this thing off road.
you guys are my go-to for updates and reviews, always a top job! also this truck really is a great truck from what I can see. Hopefully it has a bit more steering feel than the last one! also funny enough I believe it's the only truck being sold in North America which is built in America with American parts! with ford/gm/dodge all being built mostly in Mexico, this "Japanese" truck is actually the most American truck around
People have to become unbiased, and realize that this truck is in its own class. And God, if it drives anything like the last generation, it'll be amazing. Great job, I think you have another winner!
It's good to hear from someone with an open mind. I admit the styling could be a little more truck like, but the functionality and quality are second to none. I have owned numerous trucks, but my Ridgeline was the most enjoyable/functional truck I have ever owned. If people could get over their egos, Honda would sell a lot more Ridgelines.
+Ethan Coats lol a winner? This pile of junk doesnt sell. Hell the Ford Raptor, a low volume super expensive specialty truck outsold the Ridgeline at one point. news.pickuptrucks.com/2011/05/ford-f-150-svt-raptor-outsold-honda-ridgeline-in-april-2011.html
TheHardcoreLife yes, they have really low sales. But I don't think that's a direct correlation with the design of it. This is a far superior every day pick up ( for A good amount of pick up users ) by its driving dynamic, size, and comfort. Also, what do you mean by pile of junk? Let's meet back here after we put 300,000 miles on our trucks and see which one is running better ( or in the case of the ford, at all), see which interior and exterior is in better shape (and which has held its style over time), then compare finances and see what's proven cheaper to own. Let alone when you count the number of times you actually used the raptor to it's potential.
+Chaos One The problem is MOST (not all) people buy trucks based on the "cool factor". The Ridgeline is more than capable enough for MOST truck owners. It is intended for people who are interested in function over form. If people don't like it, they don't need to buy it, but they also don't need to bash it when they haven't even driven one. If owners and previous owners defend their Ridgelines, they must be doing something right. I and others I know have owned other brands of "cool" trucks, and they nor I do not go out of my way to defend them. Simply put, if you don't like it, don't buy it, but don't be critical of others who have a different opinion than you.
I gotta be honest on this one. I salivate over the idea of a half-ton big engine, big wheel full size pickup truck BUT when I think about what I will likely use it for in everyday life, I cannot deny that what I saw with this half-Pilot ticks every box I could think of. I think I can see more practical everyday use from this than any "real truck" I can think of. My family has a Honda Pilot in the fleet, and quite honestly it has been just about the most practical and useful vehicle out of the bunch. I'm coming from owning mostly sport sedans and sport cars and always wanted something to better haul my motorcycles, mountian bikes, long guns, occasional "big stuff", Ikea furniture, "real" furniture, etc. I dont go off road, live in a major city metro, love trucks, want a "real truck", but in honesty dont really "need" a "real" "big" truck. . . and again, to be honest, the price of full size decently equipped trucks just freak me out these days. I watched the vid ready to hate on this just as much as the next guy, but I'll be damned if I wasnt excited about every feature that was highlighted here (except the in-bed speaker deal... I struggle to find a use for that in my life). It does look a tad too soft in the face, but it seems as if it's not trying to be pretentious and to present itself for what it is, which I can respect. Looking forward to a full depth review of this half-pilot!
most people out there don't use the truck as if it was a truck so something that has a truck like abilities but doesn't get 15 miles per gallon.. and has Honda's legendary reliability and resale value this trip will be a hit in a major hit what are the person who occasionally tows a small trailer or goes camping has a very outdoor enthusiast lifestyle this truck would be the best choice... yeah its not no off road mudding machine but neither is a dodge Chevy or Ford pick up with 20 something inch wheels... I think people in America are just so concerned about getting the biggest track of them all but maybe they should be going for something that is very efficient in its packaging and was capable of doing
+Michael Reece wo wo wo....Completely agree with everything else except I take offense that you say it does not mud well or off road well lol(not sure if link will work) www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45933&page=15
+Michael Reece I agree. I drive a frontier pro 4x as my daily. and it gets terrible gas mileage for a midsize. It has a TON of features that are wonderful, but still doesn't have what this ridgeline has. I would be a buyer for this new truck in a heartbeat if i didn't need the offroad capabilities, and the towing (which isn't that much more than the ridgeline). here's hoping the next gen diesel frontier kicks ass.
Thanks for the informative review. I bought a new 2008 Ridgeline in the States and shipped it here to the country of Panama where my wife and I live. It was the first one here, and when I took it to Honda for service, everyone in the dealership crowded around it and gawked. They started selling them the next model year. My wife has had two open heart surgeries and needs a safe car with a lot of airbags (other than me) and a good ride. I needed a truck to build our house with. The only problems we have had with it was an air conditioning compressor, but now I suspect that it was only a bad relay that wasn't diagnosed properly. Also the ignition wore out and I had to be towed. I change the oil and filter every 3k and keep all fluids and filters fresh. This vehicle has held up amazingly well in this hot, tropical, punishing climate. We live in the mountains and many roads are dirt. I have taken the truck to remote pueblos (to take sick people out to the hospital) where the police, fire, and ambulances can't and won't go. I have towed rear-wheel-drive trucks up steep dirt hills when all they did was spin out. Once I put a tow rope to one truck, then another tow rope from that truck to a second truck and pulled them both up a steep, rutted, dirt road. The other truck owners' jaws dropped. I've hauled hundreds of bags of cement and thousands of concrete blocks to build our house. I've loaded it with sheets of cement board, and while driving up the mountain, kicked it into passing gear to pass a line of dump trucks on a curvy two-lane road; even with the load the acceleration was excellent. I've carried huge tree trunks and even loads of sand and gravel. The engine and transmission still sound great despite all the tough duty I have thrown at it. Now we are considering a move to another country and are thinking that we will buy a 2017. It is very true that this vehicle isn't a full-size monster truck. But please, please don't tell me that this Honda is only for soccer moms.
+RJeezy.5 It depends on how they designed the system. Personally I would like to see a 4WD system that is usually disengaged to be RWD, that's just me though. It gives the option for axle lockers, saves gas, and is fun when it snows!
A truck for the masses. Good job! Sorry to other commenters if you feel it doesn't pump up your low self esteem. I think it looks great ! Best in segment
Realistically this little pick up would fit the needs of a lot of people that don't need to tow much but still needs s truck. I hope the price is low because other compact trucks these days are outrageous. I say good work to Honda, but it's almost a shame that so many people are too 'brand loyal' to seriously give Honda a chance. If I didn't have to tow a lot I would consider this truck absolutely
That is awesome Honda thinks of everything and its built with high quality I know someone who has the old gen over 260,000 miles on the meter and has been very reliable its not for everyone more for a home depot guy not a major contractor but for most people who like trucks this one works its not going to out sell the f150 but it will cut into the sales and besides Honda makes some of the most reliable vehicles out there a lot of thought goes into there designs just like that trunk in the bed great idea.
"Truck" people are hilarious. Having 3 "real" trucks in my fleet in addition to my 10 year Pilot, I can say that I will be buying the new Ridgeline. If for no other reason, so I can haul all the parts back and forth to fix my Dodge Ram 1500 "Real" truck.
This thing really does hit the mark to their target audience. Is it a true "truck" like those who undoubtedly commented this who think it must be able to tow a house and have a big block V8? No, of course not and it never will be thankfully. I think it's great and just love that they brought it back. Great review, guys!
This is what i call the "middlemen" for people who want the versatility of a truck, yet the comforts and similarities found in an SUV. It's what i like to compare it as the modern El Camino. Except instead of the part car part truck, it's part SUV and part truck.
Function over form. As for FWD I can understand why they did that, every time its wet out here in Arizona, the warmest state in the USA, I see pickup trucks spinning their rear wheels all the time, most of the time unintentionally. They have the worst traction out of any vehicle on the road.
I own a 2007 and absolutely love it. It's the best truck I've ever owned. I don't need to tow a house, and I'm not loading 3 tons in mine but for getting building supplies etc, it works well. The ride, is totally plush, and it's comfortable. For off roading, it does 90% of what my full size Jimmy does, and does it better and more comfortably. The looks of the new Ridge line are growing on me. I didn't like it at first, but looking at it in this video, I think I could grow to like it even more then the one I have. Oh, I bought mine, because I love Honda reliability. I have over 110,000 miles on mine, and all I've done is service it, and change a headlight. Pretty hard to beat that.
I personally really have always been quite fond of the ridgeline. This one to me seems like a great upgrade to the old model. And I know that everyone says it's a minivan, which yes, it is. But this is the only truck most people ever really need.
This car? truck? would be perfect for a lot of people, my brother included who live in secluded, rural environments and need alot of space to haul supplies around, and good AWD for the snow, while still maintaining car mannerism for normal commuting, which is what it'd be used for 95% of the time. The last ridgeline had this balance down perfectly but has obviously aged a bit. Can't say i like the styling here too much, a little bland, but if honda can bring another pick up with great MPG and decent acceleration / handling that will act like a car most of the time I'd love to be able to recommend this to my brother.
There are some really cool features on this truck, but would it really have killed Honda to make it look like a truck? It looks like a minivan with the back chopped off. Just imagine a Tacoma with features like that? That would be pretty damn awesome.
Honda did what Honda did. They would be fools to build something to try and compete with an F150, it's not their game. So they simply built a better Ridgeline with more features Honda buyers want. Kudos to Honda to sticking to their guns, but man....they could have made it look a little better.
I have to admit this is a pretty cool practical truck for suburban families that doesn't need a true 4wd nor use one for heavy hauling. Btw, Honda's AWD system is actually pretty good. I do love that trunk to put a cooler in. And the swing out tailgate is ingenious, I don't know why other manufacturers don't have it. Getting into the bed is so much easier!
This truck is the best looking of all the competitors, but well worth the value. The Ridgeline has always been a long lasting truck, dependable, safe, and everything a truck should be (except looks). I'm going to get one after they come out.
+Biker Jim That's pretty much the market for it, though. Someone who wants *some* truck utility, but mostly needs a family vehicle. This fits the bill perfectly for 90% of the current truck market. All those guys parking their F-150 quads and Tundras in their suburban driveways would probably be better off with something more like this Ridgeline. I guarantee you most of them aren't using the truck as a truck, and they just need a car that has a bed. Enter Ridgeline.
great review. Also...out of the many spokespersons I have seen for vehicle manufacturers, this Honda guy has been the best. I sure hope he gets paid well!
Honda could have done some major things here. They could have developed their first body on frame truck. Hell, they could have developed their first v8 to go into production. They could have done some crazy things for this truck. But no, its a honda pilot with a different front skirt and a more truck looking bed. It looks like a unibody version of the colorado. In disapointed in you honda, you couldve had a vtec v8 smfh
+headcas620 but what about if youre a honda fan and you need a lot of crap to carry. They need to go big, BOF too. Why do you think the toyota tundra and nissan titan are bigger than american 1500 trucks, because they need to offer more without making 3 versions of a the same truck, each being stronger than the other. Honda missed it here
Frank Magana The Tundra isn't bigger than the american trucks... The Titan is bigger because it's an inbetweener truck now between 1500 and 2500. This is a midsize truck. All i'd like to see is a longitudinal engine and RWD and even a manual transmission.
Not my cup of tea BUT kudos to Honda for making something useful and providing a spokesman who is not only well spoken but adequately informed on his product.
Honda, people wanted a truck, not a damn Pilot with the back cut off. IMO you missed the mark on this one. Really disappointed. Also, GIVE US A DAMN VOLUME KNOB... enough of that touch screen volume shit.
+Mr Bobby Brown People wanted,not needed. And It's called steering wheel controls.... I actually think it is retarded having a steering wheel control and a knob on the dash. Just gives me one more reason to smack the passenger when messing with my controls. Like if I wanted the volume turned down..I would turn it down.
+RJeezy.5 Exactly, wanted. If you have passengers messing with your volume then that's your own damn problem, not the volume knobs. There has been a volume knob in vehicles for the past 70 years, and that's because it works. A knob gives more control vs a steering wheel mounted up/down system. There are countless people complaining about their new vehicles not having the traditional volume knob. Whenever you see 2017-2018 Honda's come out, they will have volume knobs back and you can remember this comment.
Mr Bobby Brown Is anything still around that has been for 70yrs? O wait ..you. Sorry man but times are changing. And the list of reasons for taking your hands off the wheel are getting less and less. I use my button cause it actually works alot faster then the knob for turning volume up and down in my current ridge.
+RJeezy.5 I'm 29, so... not even close to 70. To answer your question, a lot of stuff as far as functionality is still around. Seat-belts for example have basically been the same for decades. I have a vehicle with the volume on the steering wheel and the center console and I use both. When I need to turn stuff up or down fast then I use the knob, because it's quicker. Even so, you're ENTIRELY missing the point. If Honda only wanted people to use the steering wheel volume, then they wouldn't have included the touch screen volume option. They aren't forcing people to use the steering wheel volume, they were just trying to be innovative and implement touch screen. Unfortunately it doesn't work as good because it takes more effort to do compared to a traditional turn knob. Also, since it's a touch screen you need to take your eyes off the road for a second to place your finger, whereas a traditional knob can be adjusted without looking. Your argument is you thinking I am complaining about the volume being on the steering wheel, and I have ZERO issues with that. I think it's a good idea, but has nothing to do with my original complaint.
+ThatGearHead™ Have you ever seen an Odyssey? I really have to question it. There is nothing similar between an Odyssey and this truck. Pilot and Ridgeline, sure.
I honestly feel like Honda never wants to step out of the comfort zone and make something truly unique and great. I don't care what that product manager/engineer says, this truck nor the last is not revolutionary. Its a good reliable light (very light) duty truck.
Nathan, old buddy, you're looking great, I don't know what you're doing, but you look 10 years younger. Great video by the way, but, hey, where you're concerned, we take that for granted.
Lots of amazing features! I find it hard to get past the fact that this thing is FWD based, but if it's rated to tow a decent amount and built tough enough, sure why not. It's going to be a HUGE challenge for Honda to prove to traditional truck buyers that their truck can match up to other midsize trucks.
that trunk and tailgate are huge selling points, I'm not a Honda fan at all but the features really made me take notice. it's not enough to get me to buy one, but it is enough to make me rethink my view of Honda "trucks"....
Thanks Nathan! This could be a great little truck as long as Honda doesn't put a CVT in it. I like the storage bin options. My trucks get cluttered and these storage options could help.
+Jeffrey Horton I bet the prices will be high.... starting right at 28K US. that's one of the things that hurt the last generation was the high price. we will see but I bet they will see close to the 40K mark as the competition keeps getting more expensive every year....
I am glad Honda has gotten back into the utility truck business. I like that there is a truck that has all wheel drive as opposed to a 4 wheel drive system where you have to shift manually into it. I am pretty sure Subaru came up with this idea a long time ago. The Subaru Brat, and the Subaru Baha were ahead of their time. I love my Honda Element.
This may not be the best looking truck, but it has really cool and useful features! At first, I was also like "what a bad design!" but then I kept watching and ended up loving it! I really liked it in black color.
I read comments from people saying why would they want a front wheel drive truck (Ridgeline is front wheel drive when all wheel drive is not activated). I'll tell you why- Way more storage space and room in the cab and below the box. There is no hump for a drive line tunnel going to the rear axle, thus making the floor inside the cab flat. Why do other pickup trucks not have the trunk in the pickup bed like Honda does, it's because they have solid axles running across where the trunk would be. I own a 2006 Ridgeline and have hauled refrigerators, lumber etc, etc, and that truck handles it like there is no load at all. Fabulous truck with a fabulous engine and superb reliability.
Very nice review! Very nice truck! I like the extra space in the back to fit passengers in and that it is very capable yet has more comfort qualities designed into it. The bed is really spacious as well. Interested to say the least!
I really wanted a first gen Ridgeline when it came out. I always liked that there was a light duty truck for those who's ego doesn't require a big vehicle and a V8, but never understood why the Ridgeline drank like a V8. Hopefully, this one will be better. I suspect they'll offer the 9 speed in upper trims where the fwd will eek out 28 mpg hwy, probably 22 city, 24 combined. 6 speed, if they offer it, will be 1-2 mpg less, subtract another 1 mpg for awd.
I would love when you guys get the 2017 Ridgeline, hope you do real lifestyle tests, camping trip, or hauling some materials for DIY, or normal city driving which includes parking. After all, that's what I'm waiting to see.
I've been holding out for this new midsize truck to compare with the new Tacoma and Colorado and it definitely looks really good. I can't wait for the comparisons between Toyota and GMC/Cheverlet
Nathan, good first look. I am really interested in this truck. I just wish it had a 6.5ft minimum bed. The in-bed speaker system is going to be the bomb. Based on what I have seen, I want one of these. We will see once I can test one myself.
2 pickup household here. Right tool for the right job. 80/20 Pareto principle rules here. I have a new 17 Ridgeline and a 04 titan - perfect combo for me.
Thanks Nathan and TFL for covering the Ridgeline. i wouldn't have considered it otherwise. "Everything you need to know" is overstating it since even basic details aren't released. I do like the innovation they are bringing to the truck market. maybe the better "trucks" will adopt some ideas like under bed storage and better engineered rear seats. (hello stow&go Ram) etc. I like their claims of best in class mileage... but they can't tell you what it is. LoL
This will be a viable competitor to the current midsize trucks, not everyone needs high payloads and tow ratings, I personally do not. I also like the unique bed features not found on others + the fully independent suspension, it would not bother me if they had a front wheel drive only version as well. I cant wait to see what the entry level trims look like.
don't care what people say about this or me for wanting one. but tbh for most people this is the perfect truck personally I would actually consider one
You can bash the styling all you want, but the ridgeline is what most people need in a truck... I've been a truck guy for many years and this truck solves my many issues with the other trucks I've owned. I use it on the beach, and for tailgating. This truck would be perfect. Comfortable, 4x4, Honda reliability.
I hate you guys... We never got the ridgline in the Caribbean, and now i see the 2nd gen and this would be perfect for my work... and i can't get it. Such is life!! Keep up the excellent work.
Not really for men with insecurities about their masculinity, but it seems thoroughly practical and inventive the way space is utilized. Very nice product.
To everyone complaining that it's "not a real truck": that's the idea. They did it like this on purpose. They aren't pretending it's an F250. They're just trying to make a new vehicle that people can use and enjoy. This does things that the "real trucks" don't, and that's why some people will buy them.
What a great little truck, seriously love all the options. The backseat looks so useful folded up! It's a shame if its not offered with a 5 or 6 speed manual though! Will this be manufactured in North America? I assume this would be exempt from the chicken tax if not since its a unibody truck. If that is the case, I'm enthusiastic about more vehicles like this even coming onto market. I think Honda has done a great job on the new Ridgeline. It reminds me of the Volkswagen Amarok from the Austrailian market. 4 cylinder diesel small pickups FTW!
for most people who use a pickup as a daily commuter vehicle and not to its fullest potential all the time I would imagine that this is a great option. not every pickup truck owner uses their pickup to its 100% all the time.
Wow, if Honda would offer it with a longer bed, and more of a truck platform it would be an awesome vehicle. Its still optional with AWD which is nice. I have a 2008 Toyota Tundra, but it has a part time 4WD system only, makes it somewhat inconvenient when you live in snow country where road conditions continually change so you are in and out of 4WD....A LOT LOL.
Most serious problem I had with my 2013 Ridgeline was the terrible visibility to the rear, particularly when merging to the right. Most annoying problem was the windshield creaked. Most disappointing was the lack of decent tech--no bluetooth--and cheap, plastic, non-heated outside mirrors made ice scraping difficult. I did like the styling, though. It was a unique looking vehicle. It wasn't pretending to be a Ford or Chevy. This one--well, I don't know. At least the rearward visibility might be better.
Great product, great design ! I love it ! Why people get so emotional about the truck/non-truck subject ? Like if a car or a truck was the extension of your personality... It is not who you are, it is just a vehicule ! If it fits your needs, good. If not, choose another ! That's all !
front end takes some getting used to but then again you will surely not confuse it for a ford or chevy or any other typical truck, good job honda. i bet it's gonna be way better on fuel just because of the design alone.
