Honda Ridgeline: The Un-Truck, Truck - Autoline After Hours 331 

Watching this in 2018. It's amazing how the critics forget that this is far less truck and more FAV (family activity vehicle). Any newly wed or new homeowner starting a family will swear by how important having the right family vehicle is, and I don't just mean transporting kids in the back. Anything you buy at Home Depot you can take home with this, anything you buy at Ikea you can take home with this. I can throw three heavy full-size ebikes in the bed which are impossible to carry on any hitch-mounted bike carrier. And if it's an airport trip this will haul 5 large suitcases with five people easy. But the real value of this vehicle is it's versatility with bed extenders, tonneau options, truck caps, a bed tent and the ability to switch between them. I can easily take the tonneau off if I need to transport bikes, slap on the tent when I get to my destination and then reinstall the tonneau at the end of the trip. The bed rails are low enough to get your hands inside to tie stuff down without having to climb inside, the bed height is low enough to easily lift even heavy items in, and the trunk can be used to hide all your every day stuff keeping the entire bed empty for full use. Did I mention that it drives and handles like a car and not a traditional truck? That's important for drivers who may be intimidated getting behind the wheel of a big vehicle, especially shorter drivers. Lifted trucks are not for everyone. Honestly my only nitpick would be an extra two inches of leg room in back. But that's it. Honda has hit on a small but important niche market that is growing. It's just a matter of time before the automotive industry catches on and follows.

Got the black edition, I live in the pacific islands and I tell you this truck is capable of a lot, best truck buy thus far

I bought a 2020 Sport, I think Honda is continually improving their product! I almost bought a Toyota, because I never even knew Honda made a pickup, not alone, such a nice one! After U-tube research, I knew what I needed & wanted. Very happy with my decision, love the truck!

As Tahoe and Silverado owner bought a 2023 RTL Ridgeline over a Taco best decision made love this versatile TRUCK

Bought mine last night. It's a joy to drive. Smooth, quiet, comfortable, solid construction. It has a laundry list of tech features too. Got the RTL-T, which I think hits the sweet spot. It has leather seats w/ the larger screen with the navi, and has carplay/android connectivity. I'm very happy.

Bought a RTL-E four days ago and I absolutely love it. Extremely fun to drive, and the highway ride is smooth as silk. Couldn't be happier with my purchase.

Love my Ridgeline. I wanted a vehicle to do truck things, but I didn't want a truck. I need to haul a motorcycle, furniture, junk to the dump, home depot runs for mulch and such. I don't tow a trailer. But I need a great commuter vehicle that gets okay fuel mileage and is pleasant to drive and easy to park. And I don't want to have to worry with lining a bed, or buying a tonneau cover if I want to store something in the bed (I can put it in my trunk!). The Ridgeline fits easily in my garage too.

Before I bought my Ridgeline in 2017, I had done much research on several mades of trucks (big and mid-size). Finally I decided to test drive a Ridgeline not once but twice, to confirm this was the truck that really would serve my needs. I loved my Honda Passport (SUV) but it had limitations of transporting certain goods and I needed an open bed. When I got my Ridgeline, the guys were kinda thought “Why not a Pilot? What is this? Honda has a truck like this?” Now they all like this truck with all the cool features (especially the trunk where you can hide valuables for example). I have liked my new Ridgeline truck since day one. The drive is smooth and Econ function saves gas on paved, flat roads. It is still a truck. Although some viewers believe Ridgeline is a Pilot with the back cut off, there is a difference between driving a truck and an SUV.

Love, love, love my HONDA Ridgeline!!

The wing is what made it the unique Ridgeline!

the ridgeline is a state of mind, it's an efficient, organised, functional in all respects yet compact, agile, performance/handling/ comfort/ safety/ economy/ and quality of build vehicle. .the older ones had a rust problem around the rear frame/suspension areas, allways check for that and cover it up if you can before trading it in at a dealer, or when buying one of the excellent older vehicles

PLEASE STOP THE DEALERS WITH THERE CRAZY MARK UP THANK YOU JRB

Holding out for the 2021.

Seems like this will do well. Congrats to Honda and their team.

I’m getting my new RTLE model 21.. glad I did my homework..

I want this truck!

Wow! What a review. I am thinking and started to plan on buying my first bed hauler and this Ridgeline concept has me all excited about all the great possibilities, capabilities and nice features together on just one vehicle. I love what this truck can do for me a simple need it all “univehicle” in love owner for my only use. Though I want Honda to continue listening to its customers because I want the new two doors tailgate offered by Ram. next year Instead of buying a Ram I will then buy a Ridgeline.

Love my ridgeline 06, but we really need some better colors. That red is so old, let's see more vibrant colors. I will be buying as soon as I can get my hands on one. 148,000 miles on my ridgeline

Originally started looking for a small truck last year, mostly to haul yard waste and pick up free mulch at the community recycling center. Ask yourself, unless it's for work, why do you need a small/midsize truck? Most of us will say 'haul stuff', pretty non-specific. Looking at the used market for dealers, auctions, and Craigslist I found the Rangers and S10's either priced too high for their condition or beat to death. Time to look at a new truck. Sadly there seems to be no new small trucks available for the US market. Not wishing to relocate to Asia, my focus turned to the mid-size truck market. We test drove Toyota, Chevy, and Honda offerings. The Ford was too big. My wife, who's owned an Accura and now a CRV Touring was already leaning to the Ridgeline. We putzed around for a week or so to negotiate the best offer before narrowing it down to the Colorado and Ridgeline RTS. I could have gotten a fully loaded Colorado Z71 Crew Cab short bed for about $750 more than I paid for the Ridgeline. That included the $500 for the spray on bed liner. Which I probably could have negotiated down. But since the humans were undecided, we let our dogs decide. They are our 'kids'. Both the Chevy and Honda dealers were agreeable to let us bring the dogs along for a second test drive. Toyota said no pets allowed...I said no sale. The 'kids' were much more comfortable on the Honda's flat floor with rear seats up. The Chevy's fold down seats sat much higher. Higher seating increases the chances of two 70 pound Labradoodle's becoming projectiles in a sudden deceleration. Everybody loses if we crash. Also, they couldn't seem to get comfortable on Colorado seats in either the up or down position. The sales reps at both dealers went above and beyond what was need to make the sale. I would have gladly picked the Colorado if the dogs liked it. The Ridgeline has about as much rear space our CRV after it's packed it up for vacation. We use a roof box for most of the baggage, but my wife always finds other 'stuff' to take. Bet she finds more 'stuff' to take on the next trip. Other features unique to the Honda are the two way tailgate, composite liner, and the storage space under the bed. Let's face it. After you make such a big purchase there's always a feeling of buyer's remorse. I got over that about a minute after I drove the Ridgeline out of the showroom.

Good show guys

This is the perfect vehicle for most people that think they need a truck when they just need a sedan with a small open bed - the Ridgeline.

Perfect truck for most,unless you have unrealistic expectations that eclipse what this truck was designed for.

Loved this show! loving the new Ridgeline too. plus thus is debunking all myths that others are lieing about and not knowledgeable about. good stuff and awesome video job. enjoyed the whole thing.

What a thorough review! Thank you.

Great episode to watch thank you for the in depth interviews.

LOVE my RIDGELINE 2017!!

Why do the Canadians get the loaded up Ridgeline with ventilated and cooled seats up front and heated seats in the rear along with rear climate control. Also, what is the deal with one less 2.5 charges up front compared to the Pilot?

HONDA..... if you really listened to your customers you'd bring back the ELEMENT!!

The Ridgeline needs more grounds Clearance. Front tow hooks

Excellent show - finally some people (honda engineers) with real info on the truck - IE towing engine upgrades such as heavy duty cooling fans, ATF coolers- not sure what ATF stands for? You pay almost $2500 for tow package on the Pilot (I’m guessing this is included in the Ridgeline) - I’m hoping I can put together a deal for this truck in Canada.

I've seen caps on the old one...and also a roll-up metal tonneau cover that took up too much bed space LOL

Engineering marvel!!

Please increase the ground clearance to an additional 2inches and reduce the price & you will get even more people to buy this truck

Honda Sideline does not have a bark controller (Honda does not offered as option)!so technically is illegal to tow 5000 that Honda claims. Additionally the gas tank is small and there is no option to upgrade, when doing the mage range os pretty low.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline has all the technology in it at this very moment to be able to enter what I would call 'Train Mode' where you get on a highway and link up to a 'Train' of other 'Train'-able vehicles to draft off one another substantially increasing gas mileage and reducing accidents. You could literally take a nap as your vehicle drives across the state of Texas and then alerts and prepares you before you get to your 'train' departure point, exit the train and drive on to your final destination. And of course you can always use your onboard computer to exit the 'train' at a restroom, restaurant, scenic overlook, etc. The technology exists and there is even a desire to play on a phone in the car more than drive a car already. And if you choose to drive the vehicle normally over long distances increasing your gas usage, risk of accidents, and encounters with road-ragers then you can still do that. The technology is already in the vehicles to do this. A simple software update would make them actually ready and able to do it. A dedicated lane would be nice, but not necessary. WHY don't we do this? Because the guys on a ranch in Texas talking about the oil market don't want to do it? Because the guys on a ranch in Texas talking about the auto market don't want to? Why? I don't get it. Of course I'm not the kind of guy that makes millions by stifling innovation to increase my earnings from under a shade tree on a ranch in Texas. 18 wheelers should already be required by law to do this if traveling more than 50 miles. The general public and even truckers would probably appreciate it. It would decrease highway deaths significantly. Ohhh, but oil sales would go down. On the plus-side for the oil people, they could increase the speed to 80 or 90 mph increasing tire wear. So there's a plus for the oil guys too. We know it's all about the oil guys. Seriously. Why don't we already do this, or at least have it as a serious concept with implementation plans; highway design, planning, and construction already occurring?

Great review of the Ridgeline!!

Hey Honda, here is what customers want, if you have the balls to make It. We want an s2000 successor. Rwd, manual, hydraulic steering wheel.

I'm not sure about the Transverse mounted V6 / FWD in a truck. That is a really odd configuration for a truck. This "truck" appears to be marketed at Urban dwellers who occasionally need a truck for hauling. Not someone who actually uses it for hauling loads for work everyday.

Autonomous vehicles driving among people is a recipe for chaos and confusion on the roads. Driving involves too many unpredictable variables to be conducted autonomously. For autonomous driving to succeed, they have to establish dedicated streets and highways.

Say what you want but it is a well made (USA) medium size Truck

Nice

Most American Truck out there. From parts and who builds it.

thats what i wanted one for my motorcyle

The thumbnail looked like a CRV until I noticed the bed

Easy on the fuel too. Can't go wrong.

So, would this be called a super-ute?

Wish the bed was a little deeper. Also wish it had a full size spare. Honda, please put a volume knob on your stereo's Looking forward to test driving it.

i have an 08 rtl , i just cant see myself in the new one. i love the interior, they way it drives but the looks.....i just cant get by how girly it looks. i want to like it so bad.

basically a larger subaru baja.

fronts seats forward looks like a minivan.

The only way I'll ever get an exciter in my bed...

Everyone trying to convince folks it's a truck. You shouldn't have to try if it was indeed a quality, strong, durable truck. This is a SUV with a bed. I like the Ridgeline, but sick of folks trying to prove it's a truck.

How could a fwd only not be better than a rwd only?????? That is stupid. Fwd is much better in the snow and in the sand and in rain. And it has a lot less rotating mass so you get such good mpg with good power. How on earth is a fwd bad and rwd is ok??? How is they in anyway different???

How exactly is this vehicle set up for "secure towing" without a tow haul mode which adjusts the shift points to handle a trailer and without the option to include a trailer brake controller. Also I think the comment of other trucks beating you up is another unjustified statement as most modern day trucks are extremely well behaved and very luxurious. Additionally the touting of the incredible best in class fuel mileage is kind ridiculous as well...Even many modern half ton pickups get pretty decent mileage that approach and in some cases exceed the honda (when you throw in the eco-diesels). The extreme stereotyping of full size pickup owners is ridiculous as well. My final point is the huge savings in buying a mid-size is overstated as well...yes the sticker is about 10K less than a comparably equipped traditional full size truck, but the final negotiated price is typically 8-10K less than sticker on the full size trucks, whereas the honda isn't budging...maybe over time yes, and probably because it's very new. The ridgeline may have it's target customer (ex-subaru brat/baja owners and honda loyalist).

So now I know who is responsible for omitting a locking tailgate on my new Ridgeline. How do you miss that? You put a 800 dollar rigid tonneau cover on and you can't lock the tailgate?

el camino

want see your real off road

That's some chutzpah, launching directly in Toyota's backyard.

Wish Honda would buy FCA.

too much plastic for something around 40k. Went to look at one and Honda was so high pressure, walked away with out a test drive. Sat in one, felt cheap and hard to see out of.

Great you can rice a 2017 Honda Ridgeline..Fast and Furious truck..All the rage in Japan...

still looks like a minivan from the front.

😱 Honda, Ridgeline is A Pilot with back cut off, my Pilot has been a non-stop headache ! NOT towing anything this Pilot avgs in the teens, city & highway. If anything goes wrong Honda doesn't stand by their product in my experience. Check out my channel & Honda playlist, they have changed, Heads Up.

thats why i disnt buy the first one

honda pilot with a bed

No aluminum body no 4 wheel drive no locking differential no it does not push the pickup truck segment. Honda could have pushed he envelop with aluminum but decided to flint out

So I went and took one for the day and first we wanted to see if it could tow. Any Man that owns a real truck wants it to tow. It would not even tow my sons small pop up camper up the hill it bogged down and would not go over 43MPH and had everyone mad holdind up everyone else. TOWING FAILED>>> Next we took it off road and to make it fair we had my son take his Tacoma in front to not have it do anything that the Tacoma could not do, what we found out was amazing we got stuck with the Honda ridgeline in the first 100 yards. We towed it out with the Tacoma and off we go again then it sits so low it high centered and we pushed & pushed but could not get it out so once again we towed it out with the Tacoma. We said that was enough and headed back and got stuck turning around and yes you guessed it we had to tow it again. So test 2 OFF ROAD FAILED 100%. I love Honda but this is in no way a truck. ANYMAN CAUGHT IN ONE OF THESE SHOULD HAVE TO HAND IN HIS MAN CARD.

please stop calling it a truck

its not a truck

yawn!