Honda Ridgeline HPD | A Truck We Love To Hate 

Ive had my Ridgeline for a year now. I live in a metro with around 1 million people, but drive to home to Montana all the time. Its perfect for me. It can carry all my junk, pull a camper with a go kart in it, carry 5 people with 5 mountain bikes, and has one of the best AWD systems I have ever used. Glad I got it.

In the past two weeks I've been able to sit in a Tacoma, Frontier, Maverick, Santa Cruz, a Bronco (the big one), and a Ridgeline. I only test drove the Ridgeline because each of the other vehicles had a fatal flaw (for my useage). Tacoma had terrible ergonomics, seat is too close to the floor which makes your legs stick out straight when seated + you are so low in the cab you don't have good visibility out of the cab. The Frontier, while the new style looks great, still felt like an 'old' truck. And the interior was rather small. It would work, but I'm looking for 'good', not 'will work'. The Maverick looked nice, had a really cool interior, but was pretty tight on the inside. And while the inside looked cool, it was 100% plastic. The Santa Cruz, man, that bed is tiny. To the point of being useless. The Bronco, what can be said. It's a dam cool SUV. It looked cool, you felt cool just sitting in it, but at the end of the day - no bed, so it was out. - I have to say, the interior of the Ridgeline blows the competition away, if on nothing else, the shear volume of space. It's just sooooo wide. The seats are roomy, the headroom is to the moon (I'm 6'-4'). Legroom is good. THE TELESCOPING STEERING WHEEL ACTUAL COMES BACK FAR ENOUGH to accommodate my long legs with the seat pushed aaaalll the way back. The armrest, magical. By comparison, all the other vehicles (except the Bronco) felt like I was in a sardine can (not that that are way too small, but BY COMPARISON... they are tiny). - And what is a pickup truck really all about? The bed. At the end of the day, how functional is the bed? That's really what you get a pickup for. The Ridgeline wins here too*. And the bed is noticeably wider AND the wheel wells DO NOT project up - meaning the WHOLE bed is flat. Then add in the door swing tailgate + the giant lockable trunk... Just wow. Only the Frontier and Tacoma offer something that the Ridgeline doesn't. That's a full 6' bed. To get it on the Frontier, you have to drop down to an extend cab. You can get a 6' bed on a crew cab with the Tacoma, but it's a reeeeally long truck. - I did not test drive the other trucks so I can't speak to how they drive. But I did drive the Ridgeline. I've been in a Ford Ranger for the past 20 years. So the 'driving dynamic bar was low' for me. Still, super smooth, super quiet, plenty of pep, handled well, smoothed out very rough pavement. I should note, I use my Ranger as a truck on a weekly basis. Mostly for hauling my bicycle to trailheads, but also for Home depot runs, dump runs, grocery store runs, general shopping, etc. I also just seem to need a truck pretty often. This last week I had to move my work office. Two trips, but hauled what I needed. I can say, without a doubt, that the Ridgeline could have done just as well hauling everything I've ever hauled over the last 20 years - but it would have been soooo much more comfortable... - I had posted a comment here a few months ago about the Ridgeline being too expensive. But after cross shopping, I have found it's actually pretty competitive. The big reason is there is no 'base trim' on the Ridgeline. There are only 3 real trims on the Ridgeline, but really the only difference is a few amenities. The 2nd tier adds leather, a sunroof, and a couple more safety features. The top trim adds a few more 'fancy pants' options. They all have the same engine, transmission, awd system, i.e. they hall have the same bones. Whereas the competition's 'base trim' truly knocks off huge chunk's of what you get. 4x2 instead of 4x4. 4 cylinders instead of 6. Solid plastic interiors. I found when you spec the competition to the same level of features, the Ridgeline is 'right in there'. A little more expensive than some, a little less than others. - - The Ridgeline will be my next truck. - - Too be honest, I wasn't looking for the Ridgeline. I had, like many, discounted it as 'not a real truck'. I had wanted to get a truck with a manual (because I've never not had a stick - yes, my first Ranger had a stick, as does the one I own now). So the Tacoma was the only truck to offer a stick but once I realized the Tacoma was a terrible 'fit', I opened up my search to trucks with an automatic. I looked at the Sants Cruz, because it was 'new' and 'hot'. While it was too small, it did put the thought of 'well, the Ridgeline is a bigger version might as well give it a look'. So glad I did.

Nothing like a coffee and a empty office to enjoy this.

I’m a truck guy. I have a Ram 1500. I like the Ridgeline and would have no issue owning one. They’re cool.

The Ridgeline becomes cool when you stop trying to compare it to an F-150 and start thinking about it as a utility knife. I like them.

Your final thoughts were dead balls on target. Honda engineering has so much talent on the racing side, there's no excuse why they couldn't bring more "specialness" and a decent audio system into a platform they're charging $40k for.

I just purchased a 2021 and loving it. I test drove all the mid-size trucks and all had there good points and bad of course. For my needs, the Ridgeline is perfect. Comfortable, practical and the build quality is just outstanding. I will say this, the independent all wheel drive is nothing to scoff at. Wow! Pretty incredible system.

Keep up the "regular" car reviews. We Plebes can relate!

I love that so many "truck guys" shit on the Ridgeline, but never miss a Ridgeline video.

I loved the commentary about how this will be revered in 10~20 years by car enthusiast

I love that the conclusion of this video is "The problem isn't the Ridgeline, it's the consumer."

I owned a 2006 Ridgeline RTL for 6 years. I freaking loved it. I test drove a Tacoma and Frontier as well before buying the Ridgeline. The Honda is a far superior every day driver. I did tournament bass fishing and it could hall a 20 foot Stratos bass boat all day up hills. I took it on some dirt trails and it just left my friends Tacoma in the dust. The suspension handled the bumps and uneven dirt surface way better than a “truck”. All in all, if you want a “truck”, then go get one. If you want something like a truck but way more superior in every day driveability, then get something like the Ridgeline.

This seems like a practical, functional vehicle so long as you need a light duty pickup and not a towing rig. I've never really understood the hate.

Easily the best handling vehicle that will tow my pontoon, carry an electric tricycle, and get 24mpg. I realize that’s a niche market

Bought the Black Edition couple of months ago, I can tell you that I love driving this truck, it feels like driving SUV, spacious interior and smooth, my brother and I used to own a Tacoma and now we both a proud owners of Honda Ridgeline..

Needs an Acura version to compete with Lincoln Blackwood.

The GTA "wasted" sequence killed me 🤣

I absolutely love my Ridgeline. It's all the truck that I will ever need and drives like a luxury car the other 97% of the time. If you get it, you get it. If you don't, then there are other 'real' trucks for you studs.

Guys, will you have a 500k Livestream? Let's celebrate!

Could you make a top 10 audio systems list?

Great review! My 72 year old father recently traded a first gen for the new gen and swears by these. He gets a new Super Duty every 2-3 years for his shop, but will only commute in the Ridgeline. As he puts it, I am too old to climb in and out of a big truck and get bounced around unless I need the capacity. The ride is great, you can get a colored match cap and he tows a small fishing boat to Canada a few times a year.

The Honda Ridgeline is the truck for someone who needs a truck but doesn't want a truck; it is the best homeowner truck, and the most honest truck in it's segment. The HPD package, to me, feels like Honda executives had a meeting and decided that because every other truck out there has an appearance package that they should have one too, because people will pay for it, and this is an easy way to dip their toes in the water.

You did it. You crazy SOB, you did it. Congratulations on hitting 500K subs!

Congrats on 500K! You have the best vehicle content on RU-vid. Thank you for all your hard work.

Truck people go nuclear when they see this but I wish they’d just cram it. It’s nice to see niche vehicles being sold in this era of ruthless efficiency, even if it isn’t a sports car or wagon.

This thing actually sounds shockingly good for a V6. I wish my SHO sounded like this.

Drive my 21 outback, the radio sounds like it has 1 speaker with a pillow over it.

I like the Ridgeline. I want some utility without going whole hog. It's a great vehicle for anyone who actually wants it for something besides showing off.

Fix the front fender flares, make HPD mean something performance oriented and they would have a winner with this trim package. 2” lift? More horsepower? Something more off-road ready, skid plates? Anything would have helped seal the deal.

This is the only truck I'd even consider. AWD, magic seat, 2-way tailgate, trunk and comfortable ride for the win. Not interested in this fruity HPD pkg though.

I think 3rd gen Ridgeline will be a huge success. They are starting to make it more truck like

Big Congrats on reaching 500k subscribers Mr. Goose. 👏👍 🥳

Congrats on the 500k!

Ah yes, the Honda Element. Had one for 10 years sold it to my son who drove it another 3 until the engine died. Honda screwed up majorly getting rid of that car.

Always liked these as an around town truck that can occasionally go offroad I appreciate all the tricks makers are putting into tailgates and beds.

Honda did a great job with the redesign. The Honda dealers in my area can't keep them on the lot, because they're selling so fast.

This is a fantastic truck. I'm buying my 4th one next week

Another spot on review. I have a 2013 Ridgeline. The truck rides well, has a lot of room and hauls all kinds of stuff. I have loaded cinder blocks, tree logs/branches, and a bunch of other things that an SUV couldn't and yet at 85k miles she is set to reliably go the long distance. Maybe a true Type R version for a nice cool factor.

Congrats on 500k!!!

Exactly what I need. Put 20k on my new 2019 Ridgeline Sport. I'm 95% Satisfied. Comfy enough, safe to drive, economical, good interior storage, and easy to park. Deficits: I prefer an 8' bed, better radio sound, a heated driver seat, and heated mirrors.

Always loved these. With the new Ford Maverick coming out too, I look forward to your review of that. Theres too many people who want truck utility without the truck harshness and size.

This model would have looked good with a Honda-approved lift kit.

Since we've had the Ridgeline our 2nd car just sits in the garage most of the time, I've owned multiple trucks over the years majority have been full size half ton, only reason I ever needed a full size truck is when I was towing a large camper (which I don't have anymore) the Ridgeline fulfills my truck needs while also satisfying my wife's SUV/Sedan needs, we use it for absolutely everything, commute to work, mall shopping/grocery getter, home depot runs, hauling cargo trailer, transport dirt bike's, cargo rack on top equipped can be used for kayak/cargo, tailgating, hauling bicycle's the rack fits in towing receiver same as SUV, the upper level trims have the better audio system, overall saves us money we don't need to purchase an expensive SUV for a second car when the Ridgeline fulfills that need,

Congrats on 500k subscribers! I’ve been with you all the way … since 489k

My comments are few and far between but I wanted to say congratz on 500k subs mah' dudez =)

Ridgeline HPV, now with more fender flares.

That roaring V6 just sounds so good. Love it

Congrats on 500k!

My family owned this and we used it as a workhorse at the farm. Still had great fuel economy, nice interior, and that good old honda reliability. Sound system sucked and a few other drawbacks but as a workhorse this thing never let us down so much so that my parents want another one.

Most people who buy trucks now a days don't really use them well like trucks. Honda realizing this made this truck pretty Smart if you as me

Excellent review! Congrats on 500K!

You think a plow and a spreader would clash with the wheels?

I think the Ridgeline has had huge impacts on the "me too" so-so truck market. They all might as well have been from China, where they are all the exact same truck made in the same plant with minor cosmetic changes to differentiate them from one another and the badge of the company paying for their manufacture on the front. Since the Ridgeline, you've got the "tailgate wars" now and options besides leaf springs in the back to make the ride more digestible. You've got new unibody contenders entering the market now as well. It's a big shake up, and no one talks about it. Most reviewers still act like the dual tailgate is new or something, which is over 10 years old now. No one ever mentions the lack of fender wells in the bed, or the bed lighting, and so on. The bed also comes sprayed by default, so no painted metal nonsense. I could go on and on but anyone reading gets my point by now. I think your take on the ridgeline was good about 7 or 8 years ago. It's a bit long in the tooth now. Your take on the HPD package is spot on though. It's a big miss by Honda.

Just FYI. The audio system in the sport model they reviewed is not the same system that is in the upgraded models. I drove both. I own a RTL-E. Sound system is great.

“An SUV car experience.” That’s called *A WAGON* and they are awesome. Hoping you fellas do a review of a Buick TourX.

I own a ‘21 Sport. The HPD is totally unnecessary, aesthetic only package $2800. I love how smooth and practical it is, good mpg, all-around capability. It does many things well but really enjoy the torque vectoring and AWD modes which is better than most 4x4 in that you can drive it at higher speeds.

I have a 2022 Odyssey and now a 2022 Ridgeline also. I love that the interior is like the Odyssey with all the storage pockets and such. This is why this truck is appealing to me. Plus it rides as well with the suspension and has V-Tec power yo

Isn't ENKEI a Honda/Acura exclusive supplyer?

I'm driving my 2nd Ridgeline. Currently, I have a 23 Black Edition, and I absolutely enjoy it! Then again, I don't off-road, but I still need a pick-up truck for various reasons. When I don't need a pick-up, the Ridgeline is an absolute pleasure to drive! I'm pushing 60 years, so the "Macho Factor" doesn't apply anymore, although I must admit, it once did. If that's still a thing in one's life, so be it, buy something else. And, when that has run it's course, Welcome to Ridgeline!

I have a 2007 (2nd model year) Ridgeline RTS. Bought it in 2009 and have put 150,000 of it's 175,000 miles on the original powertrain. I use the trunk DAILY. I drive it like I stole it DAILY. I work construction, aside from regular commuting, it has hauled more than it's fair share of rocks, concrete, plywood, drywall, and debris. It has hauled toys to the desert, flat-towed my Ford Ranger around town, and helped people move with my 16' trailer. I've driven it on the beach, in mud, snow, and on rocky mountain trails that tested the VTM-4. At 6'1", I'm extremely comfortable in it and had no problem with 2 car seats in the back or 5 full-grown adults. For all of the sneers, insults, and surprised looks I get from "truck" people (that thing has a trunk?!), my "not-a-real-truck" does more real truck duties than most, but does it without destroying my kidneys or refusing to fit in my garage. If I want to haul 10,000 lbs, I'll buy an F250. If I need a 40-degree approach & departure angle with front and rear lockers I can build something to do that. For my daily driver that hits harpin turns well above the rated speed and parks at Home Depot every couple of days but also drives to my kids' school and the dog park, it's hard to justify anything other than the Ridgeline. That said, the Ridgeline has always been the black sheep of Honda. They aren't building it to make tons of money or tackle the segment. They build it with systems and powertrains that they already have in place (low investment cost) for the main purpose of retaining current owners in the Honda family when they *need* a truck. They don't market or support the Ridgeline well. It is a placeholder to keep people like me from jumping to Ford or Toyota while their spouse drives an Accord or Pilot.

I stopped laughing at the Ridgeline after the Ridgeline vs TRD Tacoma videos, where washboard destroyed the Tacoma and Ridgeline was fine.

I saw one of those exact spec Ridglines here in Maui and I thought it was an auto zone special 😂 I totally thought the stickers and gold wheels were just tasteless mods lol! I never would’ve guessed it came like that from factory🤦‍♂️

Congrats on 500K, guys

Congrats on 500K subs guys!

Look forward to you guys getting a review on the santa cruz.

HPD as in Honolulu Police Department? I thought 4Runners and Tacomas were standard issue. You can't be a Hawaii cop unless you own one or both of those.

CONGRATULATIONS FOR 500K SUBSCRIBERS

I picked up one this year. I needed to do truck things, but nothing overly crazy. I don't go offroading in my free time, but I do go camping, multi-day hikes, mountain biking, motorcycle riding, paintballing, and regularly do housing projects. The bed size, tow rating, and interior space is pretty perfect for me. At most I'm going in some muddy fields/trails, but places people are trying to take their cars and where my Subaru is usually more than capable. I really needed the bed so I can stop tearing up the inside of my cars with a lot of these trips to the hardware store, plus the additional space for those projects. I still find the bed more convenient for biking and what not compared to something like an SUV.

I love everything Honda does.

Sarah-n-Tuned said it best... If you see it as a ''ute'' and not a pick-up, it's amazing.

Agreed 100%. I got a 2006 Ridgeline with 81,000 miles on it to keep miles off my Civic Type R. It definitely sounds better (with a short ram intake especially) than my Type R.

excellent video, thanks. I have the 2019 RTL, and it exactly suits me for the reasons you named. I can carry a full load of mulch, firewood, tools, put boats up on the racks I installed, carry big stuff, and it drives great and IS QUIET inside... comfy back seat, too...

2021 Ridgeland Sport here: love it. Everything I need nothing I don't. When I start haulin my lunch box to work with a 5th wheel I'll buy body on frame. Also the bed trunk stows all my funko pops and reddit silver. That said HPD badges are cheaper than 3k on etsy

My only issue with the Ridgeline is pricing and package. To me, a truck is a vehicle with a bed and has useful practicality. I’ve said it before, and will say it again, this is much more of a truck than people who flash around in their GMC Denali, Ford King Ranch etc. It’s not the most off roader nor is it the largest towing, but it’s so useful.

Finally! someone mentioning the audio issue! fortunately its fixable thru some aftermarket ways.

Love this always honest review 👍👍

Honestly I would've looked at one if there was a manual available and with awd.

I agree with you on the HPD badging, it's like the 1967 Mercury Cougar "Dan Gurney Special Edition ". It had no special performance upgrades, no suspension updates, just some wheels and decals. Honda definitely missed out with the HPD Ridgeline.

I never wanted or needed a truck, but I would really like owning a Ridgeline. Great review again 👍

I own one. It’s been a great vehicle, and I am the niche owner that’s well described in this video. Thanks Honda!

Me: Sits in toilet Savagegeese: Release video Me: “looks like im gonna be late”

I really like my Ridgeline drove a Chevy Z71 4x4 for years and hands down would pick the Ridgeline over the Chevy in almost every category except ground clearance... The thing I like most about it is that it's a lot more agile sporty and fun to drive than the traditional pickup the other thing that's awesome is when I do 4 hours of driving my back doesn't hurt at the end of the day from truck bumps... The handling is stellar of course a couple of twin turbos would be nice for performance... but I have no problem getting ahead of bigger trucks especially on the highway..

I got one last Saturday and I love it. Almost as nimble as my Mk6 GTI.

Congrats of 500k :)

Can't wait SG's take on Maverik. "Who's responsible for this".

Pretty much spot on about being a truck for people who don’t want a “truck.” That’s why I bought it. I just needed a comfortable highway cruiser that could also tow a boat and be handy for trips to Home Depot. Pretty much what this thing excels at. They should’ve at least offered the Canadian sport model as the HPD version in the US, many more standard features on our base sport version than yours.

How about the Hyundai Santa Cruz, are you checking that out? Seems like the same bag but I'm interested to hear your opinion on it.

Best review team on the web

love my NART. I dont offroad nor do I go batshit everytime it snows. works perfect for me.

The problem here is the Active Cylinder Management. That is 100% trouble.

I had the original model year Ridgeline (2006) for several years and really liked it. Everything said here is right on target: steering, ride and handling are solid, incredibly versatile in terms of interior space and storage, and just a very good option for folks who don't want or need body-on-frame truck performance. The whole argument that "this ain't no truck!" really shouldn't enter into the conversation because Honda filled a niche by building a more urban-focused SUV-type vehicle with a bed. There are plenty of great trucks out there for the crowd that needs them, but I swear I see plenty of F-150s, Rams, Silverados, etc. that look like they never pulled a trailer or hauled a payload. One thing I don't get here is the HPD package - it doesn't seem to do anything but throw a few badges, cool wheels and different paint job on a regular Ridgeline for an extra $3K.

Will the floor in the bed support a ~600lb motorcycle without being damaged? Will it flex under the pressure of the kickstand? Thanks.

Would you ever review the MR2 Spyder? Lotta my friends are saying its still a relatively affordable fun car thats an alternative to the Miata. On the fence about getting one

when Holden put IRS in their commodore utes people thought they would be useless (compared to Falcons with solid diffs) but they turned out to be good and sold well, the way I think of this is more like a 4 door ute than a full size truck

I’ve had my Ridgeline for years. Love it.

I bought my first “SUV” when the lady at the license branch didn’t even know what a UV was and apologized for it appearing on my vehicle registration. Things have changed a lot in those 30+ years. I actually think a Honda Ridgeline with a canopy could be the absolutely pinnacle of an SUV. We see Hyundai referring to their Santa Cruz as a Sport Activity Vehicle. For people like me who ride, paddle, camp, DIY all in a daily driver, the Ridgeline has the potential to be the best solution. Which MAY be why now others like Ford and Hyundai are creating their own versions.

Just got a new Ridgeline Touring. LOVE it, LOVE it, LOVE everything about it!!

Remember this is the base model, don’t expect too much with the audio system

"The big problem is, this doesn't have the cool factor of a truck." ....the cab has more room than a Tacoma, Ranger, Colorado and Frontier. It can tow 5,000 pounds and has a pay load of 1,600. Drives smoother than any other midsized truck and has the quality of a Honda. This truck is exactly what 90% of truck buyers actually need. If someone is willing to sacrifice that , while most likely paying more, because it's not "cool" than they are the ones with the problem, not the Ridgeline. Too many people driving big "cool" trucks just to make them selves look like a badass. Two neighbors of mine each own full size pickups yet they don't tow anything or haul anything except their kids to daycare every morning. I own an 08 Ridgeline with 190k miles. Best vehicle I have ever owned. Of course I get the comments from the neighbors "that's not a real truck" while I'm actually getting more use out of mine than they are out of theirs. Looking for something new soon and I'm going with a Ridgeline. Keep hating

Congrats on 500k