New Honda Ridgeline Review - Is it Better than the Tacoma or Colorado? 

The guy at the 10:42 mark Hit it right on and explained how Honda went about putting together the Ridgeline. They saw 95% of the truck buyers in this segment use their truck for the daily commute and around town, 3% actually tow (and when they do, I believe its rarely anything over 4K lbs.) and from experience selling trucks from Ford Chevy and Dodge, I would say even less actually go off-road. I think the issue people are having with the Ridgeline is that that in this segment, buying a truck for the 95% or more, is about projecting an image (the cool, tough, big truck,big tires image) and the Ridgeline does not project that desired image. Other trucks do, the ridgline is more about comfort and practical utility.

Perfect truck for 95% of people. Guaranteed most commenters on here aren't off-roading regularly, nor are they towing 5000 lbs regularly, let alone the 7500-12000lbs rated in a full size. I can tow my trailer with this to the dump (loads normally ranging from 600-2000lbs), get sheets of drywall/plywood etc no problem. Perfect weekend warrior truck, and workday commuter. I'll definitely be looking hard at this once it hits show rooms here in Canada.

I feel the ridgeline is a lot better of a vehicle than people give it credit for. The price is completely reasonable, go spec out a new F150 or SIlverado to a similar spec and you will see what I mean. It is immensely practical being a crew cab, it is basically a CRV with a bed, which isn't a bad thing whatsoever. You could road trip in the ridgeline, tow with it, haul things with it. They have gone a bit gimmicky with the bed audio system, it isn't a bad feature, but that advertise for it way too much. Overall the new ridgeline reminds me of the Subaru Baja, an extremely practical vehicle, but it pushes being a truck more than the Baja, which was basically just an outback with a bed instead of a hatch. No, most guys that drive trucks aren't going to take the ridgeline seriously, but that is to be as expected. Kind of like with the new F150's aluminum bodies, people don't like it because the fear change. Trucks had been a steel chassis, frame, and simple, solid axle suspension for many, many years, and when that started to change, people didn't like it either. I feel that as people see more of the ridgelines in person, and as they learn to accept that change isn't a bad thing, they will be able to see how good of a vehicle it actually is. If i had to go and buy a truck today to use daily, and own for however many years, it would more than likely come down to the ridgeline, as it is the best value for your money in my honest opinion.

I gotta admit that initially I wasn't interested in the "quasi"-truck Ridgeline, but I'm so into it now - especially the new Gen one! I absolutely love it and want one real bad.

So much to love about this new Honda truck, Amazing photography and the info in this video! Great job.

Just drove the Tacoma and the Ridgeline. Night and day difference. The Tacoma was so underpowered, difficult to find a good seating/wheel position, shifted rough, and has a fraction of the features. We couldn't believe they were both at the same price in the trims we were testing. The Ridgeline was quick, loaded with conveniences, can easily fit 5 adults, has better storage, and drove/handled/braked like a refined car. This, coming from someone who drives a Range Rover. We're considering adding a truck, and the Ridgeline feels like an era ahead of the Tacoma, which we found very disappointing and dated. YMMV, so drive them and see for yourself.

This is the way i see it guys. Yes, the truck (we'll call it that just for the sake of arguments so calm down) doesn't have a very high towing capacity. No, it doesn't have the ground clearance or offroad capability that other trucks in this segment have. And no, it's not very good looking--at least from the front. The back looks fine IMO. However, Honda actually did a good thing here. This truck isn't meant to compete with the Taco, Frontier, or the GM twins. Now i know some of you are thinking, "WHAT DO YOU MEAN MR. TBAG, THEY HAVE TO COMPETE TO MAKE MONEY. VTEC. BLAAAA." Well let me tell you concerned citizen. They're not competing in a way in which they're trying to out-perform it's competition. Honda is trying to fill in the niche that these trucks lack. The unique trunk door, it's the only that opens like it does. The space in the back, is also the only of its kind. The fact that it has the most space inside, makes it unique in the terms of comfort. As Roman stated, it's the most well mannered and comfortable "truck" he's driven, and he's driven pretty much all trucks. So to wrap it up, they've filled in a segment. The Taco has the offroad niche. The Frontier, has the affordability niche. The GM twins, have the towing niche (Diesels). Now Honda, has the common man's niche. The one who doesn't offroad, doesn't need to tow much if at all, but still wants the comforts of his car with the versatility of a truck. The only thing i'd change here with this truck, is the hideous front end, but that's just a matter of style. But hey, that's just my few cents on the issue.

nice truck for dirt bike, 4wheeler, hunting, fishing, camping. I like.

Why is everyone insulting this truck. It wouldn't work for me because I work construction but this would be great for most truck buyers. People are buying trucks as family vehicles now, they dont haul or tow shit. This would even work for me 80% of the time. I'd break it when I needed a load of rock or had to tow a bobcat.

THIS truck is way better than any ! GM (garbage ) has lots of bells and whistles , Hondas superior reliability and performance, Nice Truck

I love the shot 29 seconds in of you in front of the truck... gives us a better prespective on size.

Nearest I can tell, a 2005 Chevy half ton truck with a small V8 had a towing capacity of 5800lbs. People saying this thing can't tow because it can only tow 5000lb is just crazy. That's more than enough for most people.

for anyone questions about ridgeline being a truck, i own 2009 and still love it. living in northern Ontario, shows its versatility for all normal all year, all weather, all terrain, great my family needs to go to the beach, dump run, go fishing, road trips to Toronto / Niagara falls. easy to find parking, tailgating, etc. if you have reservations about the truck, then it is not for you... so move on.

I've watched a ton of reviews on this Ridgeline and yours is by far the best. Things like "lots of tie downs" and the indents in the tailgate are nice details that nobody else mentions. Really good review. You are good at your craft my friend.

Good review, it is my next vehicle thanks.

I know this will sell better than the previous generation, it's a step in the right direction . I'm really curious to see the next generations of the Ridgeline to come. Tacoma's got one hell of a problem coming their way.

A Ridgeline on washboard roads is amazing. Just put your foot down and steer as needed. Amazing. I had an '09 Ridgeline, and bought a '17 in early 2020. '17 very quiet, smoother riding, more power, and much better MPG. Although, I do miss the powerful AC unit that was in the '09.

I want one so bad now! but I'll wait few years and buy it used

The tailgate is so honda, quirky but clever

great review! alot of other reviewers never talk about the old ridgeline and speak of the new one as if all its all new. this truck is all new but shares many features of the old one. its still fwd based with awd off a pilot, unit body construction, same 3.5 litre v6 with better gas mileage and hp of course, same folding rear seats, same dual action tailgate with in bed trunk. i love my 08 ridgeline rtl, it has 120,000 trouble free miles and would love to trade up to this new model some day soon.

I have a 2013 ridgeline and have no complaints with this little truck.

Great review!!! Your conclusion says it all.

Nice detailed review!!!

Well, the fuel economy is a lot better than the last gen model, the big problem here, is now GM knows your fuel economy numbers and sitting in the wings is GM's new 3.6 V6 with (DOD) and (no stop and go, why), add the 8 speed auto (probably the new 10 speed auto, sometime down the road), and you equal if not beat the Ridgeline number (not to mention the diesel option), plus the GM twin tow more than it does, so, with the Honda Ridgeline unibody vs the others traditional body on frame midsize pickups, you would think gas mileage should be better, think about it, you're giving up over 1,800 (2,700 GM - diesel) lbs towing ability, here’s the different gas mileages: 2017 Honda Ridgeline fwd (19 c / 26 h / 22 c) ----- 2017 Honda Ridgeline awd (18 c / 25 h / 21 c) ----- 2014 Honda Ridgeline awd (15 c / 21 h / 17 c) ----- 2017 Chevy Colorado 2wd-V6 (18 c / 25 h / 20 c) ----- 2017 Chevy Colorado 4wd-V6 (17 c / 24 h / 19 c) ----- 2017 Toyota Tacoma 2wd-V6 (19 c / 24 h / 21 c) ----- 2017 Toyota Tacoma 4wd-V6 (18 c / 23 h / 20 c), glad they improved the gas mileage vs the last gen, seriously the last gen got similar mileage to a full size Chevrolet Avalanche, note I said full size, note, it has Honda's variable cylinder management (VCM), ok, just $70 more than the last gen model, but remember the last gen had awd standard, this model come in fwd and awd is an option (@ $1,800), so, really the new gen Ridgeland cost 1,870 more than the last gen model, the Nissan Frontier (aka Nissan Navara) it gets an asterisk (*) for being the oldest models here and a new model already available in some overseas markets, it will be interesting to see how the market is after the new Ford Ranger and Jeep pickup comes out, could Ford also be planning a Ford Explorer Sport Trac (remember the 2nd Ford Sport Trac featured a four-wheel independent suspension), would also be kind of nice for GM, too use GMC kind of like a Hummer substitute, meaning GMC needs more pickups and SUVs, it's crazy how well Jeep and Land Rover are doing, too bad GM sold the Hummer name, GM should have really done a Holden UTE or the GMC Denali XT concept pickup for GMC, now that’s an unibody customers would get behind, setup properly, meaning rwd based, no fwd here, either way the new Ridgeline does what Honda design it too do, yes, there are midsize pickups that tow more, are better off road and etc, but the Honda isn’t look for that, thus, the Honda Ridgeline, still the GM twins are the best overall, the Ridgeline has the best ride and Toyota is the best off road (I think the new Colorado ZR2 has something to say about this), end of the day, it’s pickup, so it will do pickup like stuff

Great review. Covered a lot of bases.

Great video!! Ive been waiting for a detailed review on this. Ive had my eye on it since they revealed it. I think i might have to trade in my 2012 Ridgline Touring for that sexy black edition. I have totally enjoyed my current Ridgeline, im 6'3 225lbs and i have plenty room and feel totally comfy in my current ridge, i can only imagine how much better that one is just by looking at it. This is more truck then i need but i love having that space and practicality, i have 3 young boys and a dog so it does the trick for a weekend road trip!

Great review- really get a sense of the Ridgeline.

I don't know if better than a Colorado and so on is important. What is, is what the Ridgeline can do for you. I like the quietness, good ride, capable off the street off road. Most won't tow, most will not go off road either. Sometimes I would rather have a truck bed for carrying things. Would the Ridgeline be my first choice for my day to day? Probably not. My life does better in an SUV. But, I have had Hondas, and they deliver the goods for reliability, packaging, and refinement. I think any of my buddies looking for a truck, I would say, drive a Ridgeline, and see what you think. I think some will be surprised. Honda is making the right stuff these days.

Awesome review Brian... There is only one thing that the Ridgeline is not as "Par" or better than the other 2, and that is towing.... 5000 lbs of towing for the Ridgeline, 7000 lbs for Colorado (7600 lbs for the Diesel) and the Tacoma is around 6800 I believe. Except towing, everything else seems way better in the Ridgline, IMO.

Sure is a huge step up for the Ridgeline this. ....very nice.

This is NOT a pickup truck. Until Honda builds a pickup truck with body on frame, true 4x4 with transfer case, 2 speed 4WD, mechanically locking differentials, manual transmission, and turbo diesel engine - no thanks!

I owned a 2014 Honda Ridgeline Sport however I traded it for a 1500 Ram Truck, I see this and know that the old Ridgeline looked a little different but now I feel that my old Ridgeline looked more truck than this new model.The old Ridgeline actually felt like a smaller Full Size truck, this seems like a small Midsize crossover. I think we need to see Old Ridgeline and New Ridgeline next to each other and do a comparison.

Seems most Ridgeline vids leave out the fact that they don't have a transfer case/low range 4wd

Id also add... a Tacoma or Ridgeline loaded is still about 20l cheaper than the bigger trucks

My favorite car .. I have two old model of them gray and silver color .. Everything Honda make is awesome I had an accord before I drove over 100k mile only oil change I never seen a mechanic .

Great review, I love this truck but compared to the Colorado base model it's almost $15,000 difference. I wish Honda offered a 2wd 4 cylinder version to keep costs down. I don't need a "truck" in the sense I need a big V8 with 10,000lbs towing capacity. I want something simple as an alternative to an enclosed van or SUV to load misc items like lumber, furniture, bbq, etc. larger items that can slide easier into a truck bed.

The truck is not very attractive from the front but Honda did a great job with cool little tech add ons like the speakers and dual function tail gate and almost wheel well-less bed and the composite bed and the little high voltage plug. Some of these things most will never practically use but it is really cool to have.

Whether you like the looks or not, I think it's safe to say this'll be as reliable as any other Honda. I do like this better than Gen 1 for sure. I think this will sell well enough

Hopefully they build them WITHOUT the door rust problem this time. Many early Ridgelines and Pilots had severe rear door rust problems which Honda never addressed or acknowledged, leaving owners with a worthless vehicle. Do a quick search and see I mean.

I don't think it is meant to compete directly with the Tacoma or Colorado. I was lucky to film this awesome vehicle recently and I really liked it… I might even replace my RSX with it! :)

makes alot of sense and is very utilitarian but meh....Tacoma gets my money!!!!

love the way the rocks bounced off the grass @ 4.15

I like it. I do. But I'm thinking to myself who is this vehicle made for? It's tough, but not as much as a Tacoma, Colorado, or Canyon. So I'm guessing anybody who "needs" a pickup truck for towing, or heavy duty work, or back country off roading will pass on the Ridgeline. It doesn't have great ground clearance either. I know it doesn't have the traditional 4WD system and is really more of a AWD. And it doesn't have a 4WD low gear. But does it at least have AWD lock?

Good review, most people always talk how much does it tow, like if they tow all day every day. If they tow all day then buy a semi.

This is a truck in my book. It hauls in the bed and tows. so that makes it a truck. Also its pretty quick 0 to 60. I've seen in my magazines some are getting sub 6 seconds to 60. so I can haul in my bed and tow and out run most trucks to 60. what else can you ask for? also 4x8 sheets of plywood fit in the bed. I will be building a new garage this year so trailer and bed will work fine Plus my Home Depot is only 6 miles away, that is nice. I will buy one in August when my wifes car is paid off. I can't waited

Great review. I noticed the shifter bezel and was wondering about manual gear selection. Unfortunately that is a reason for me for likely not buying a Ridgeline. It is actually just as important on a utility truck to be able to select your own gear. No automatic transmission is able to handle all possible driving conditions. It is also a very significant short coming when off-roading or driving on snowy roads.. Too bad also the Honda sense system is a little under-engineered (since it does not work at low speed). Let's hope Honda does not wait 10 years to address the above concerns.

you really looked excited driving this new Ridgeline. excellent review

If you don't need to do any hardcore off roading, and you can afford the price, this new Ridgeline is clearly the way to go. I think it's the best midsize truck available, by a mile, but that's based on my needs and that will vary widely for different buyers. Honda reliability is hard to beat and the comfort and handling this thing offers is unmatched in the class. That's important for people (like me) who use their truck for everyday commuting. Bottom line: Haters gonna hate and trolls gonna troll, but who cares. This truck speaks for itself and its definitely speaking my language. I'll be getting one of these when my craptastic Colorado takes its final sh*t.

Very detailed, Very good job, and nice truck

Always loved Honda vehicles, but the previous versions of the Ridgeline with those gawdawful raised bed rails was just too weird looking. Now that it looks like an actual truck, I might just reconsider - any Ridgeline incentives?

love your review!, iam buying a truck soon, and after watching this, its made me want the ridgeline again... I almost shunned the ridgeline due to it only having an automatic option... but i really love honda.. and its sad to see the manual transmissions go away... but it might be time that i move on as well.. ricer/tuner/performance honda days are over...

great review! thumbs up. I really hope you can get bedbars. agree on being able to recline a little on the back seats

I kinda like it. Honda has definitely stepped up their game compared to the last Ridgeline. However, I've always wondered how do you get to the spare tire with a 40 bags of mulch in the bed?

Great review, so many dumb pessimistic reviews about this truck, glad to see a positive review.

interior is nicer than the previous models but the previous model is nicer looking in general.

Bed audio??? Honda's engineers leave no stone un-turned. I thought my 2008 Ridgeline was great. This one is awesome. BTW, my dog LOVES the "tadpole" bed because he feels much safer riding in the back.

Great review, seems like a winner this car.

Love my Ridgeline! Great for average family pickup. If you need a construction vehicle better be looking to full size truck.

I saw scratches after you used that little rake!

It’s actually the perfect family truck for me. Ocasional carry of diverse items, can bring my bike or motocycle, occasional tow of a untility trailler. In fact I like the front end too. Why? Because on full size pickup the lights are too high for any good night driving. Most they have to change their headlights and even add some more or drive with the anoying no good fog lights. At least, I get excellent night driving and the fog lights are working very well (Low and wide) quiter than a lot of cars. Road noise is in a control level. I always dislike the cab size on mid size truck, but this one is just like and older F150. Witch is acceptable. Well done Honda!

It's clear that the Ridgeline isn't for everyone, for a lot of people it'll be a good vehicle. It's not meant for off roading, and it's not marketed as so. There is some features that are quite nice. It's not for me, I prefer my Toyota Pickup.

Nice Review it got me thinking about a vehichle that wasnt even on my radar

Wish this had the 3.7 engine for more low end torque. The 3.5 is a little weak on the bottom end if you plan to do hauling.

I'll stick with my 2016 TRD off-road tacoma. I wish Honda would make a more rugged and off-road capable truck because I really do like their cars and reputation.

Id love this truck to haul my dirtbike. Looking for a truck that can eat up the miles really easy! The bed storage is really cool too

Honestly, it looks great! I like the boxy design much better than the rado

Great job Honda.. keep it up.. f150 owner.. next truck for me is Honda..

I'll wait for the Jeep Truck, with less fancy accessories and much less. Yes, probably not as reliable (I love Honda and Toyota), but I don't want automatic windows, ratcheting arm rests, etc. I want someone affordable and stress-free.

I think this is the best compact truck. Stop trying to tell me "this is not a 'real' truck." The fact is when you have decided to buy a compact truck, 99% you don't actually need a "real truck".

It will be interesting to see if and when the Hyundai Santa Cruz comes out. Since it was so very well received by auto journalists and consumers alike. How much damage this will do to Ridgeline sales. I think it will do considerable damage personally speaking.

Very practical but looks like an Accord from the front. I think truck drivers want a tougher looking vehicle. I don’t remember him saying one drawback on this vehicle, was this a commercial or an honest review?

I owed a 2006 and love it, this one I will pass on, Thanks.

The hood is really nice

Awe that Honda pilot looks good with a bed..

12:03 "We basically compared it. We went back to back with the Tacoma as well as the Colorado... There is ZERO ... NO comparison. Whatsoever." I like how he doesn't say which one did best.

I recently bought a canyon but I did consider getting myself a Ridgeline. the Ridgeline definitely has more bells and whistles than a standard heavy duty truck but really loses its appeal when you use your truck as a truck, meaning work and offroading. I think the single biggest turnoff was the unibody design and the fugly front end of the car. lets face it guys, this car looks like a mini van or a mild mannered suv which I cannot find even the slightest aggressive look to the design. its better fit for a family where woman shares the vehicle with a poser husband that wants to fit in with the boys. Honda hit a home run with the pilot this year and I feel that that pilot design should have been kept where it is, instead of adding a bed and calling it a truck. I love Honda but this is not the way to compete in the mid siE truck segment and try to roll with the big boys Tacoma, and the twins.

Everyone said it a chick truck then Honda do a great job hitting the g spot where no other truck have been there before

nice trunk but what if the bed is full - hard to get that brew?? what's the price of this truck-$47k? looks like the second door is small.

That felt a bit too much like a Honda commercial. Were there stipulations of things you had to say before Honda would allow you to review?

great review, truck is kinda boring though.. looks like a minivan from the front, but the cooler option is neat.

Wow, less than 3% midsize owners ever tow. Didn't realize it was that bad.

The Ridgeline is a truck. It might not be as capible as a Silverado, Ram or F150 and it might not even be able to hang with the Colorado, Tacoma or the Frontier but it doesn't have to. It will do everything that 95% of truck owners use their trucks for. I drive a full size truck and I love it. I hate cars but also like SUVS. I need 4 doors and I need a truck bed for items that don't fit or shouldn't be put in SUVs. I can see myself trading in my Ram 1500 for a Ridgeline because it fits my current needs. I can't go back to a car and trailer so the Ridgeline is the answer. I could have an AWD 4dr suv with a bed that I can throw dirty crap into, lumber, tools or my atv. Let's give the Ridgeline credit for what it really is. A great compromise for those who need a family vehicle with limited truck capability.

Very good review!!! KG

I like the truck and I love its functionality but man is that front ugly! It doesn't have that aggressive, truck look that every other truck has. It looks like a raised Honda Accord.

Great review 👍

I'm a big fan of Honda but the truck area is not theirs. This seems more for the soccer mom who wants a truck to move "vintage" furniture she painted over the weekend. Honda may get it one year, but this isn't it. Tacoma it is then. Great review all the same. Covered all my questions.

I never would have thought people would be spending 40 to 50 thousand dollars for a freaking pickup truck.

The rear fender detachment was for cost reduction and image enhancement, had nothing to do with actual performance. Cabin furnishing tgat went beyond seat improvements make tnus version more complex to operate, more prone to failure, more comp!ex abd expensive to repair. Until reviewers start asking for numbers relevant of cost of ownership, with stated book times for repairs that can be used between years of the same model and between models, "prices" are meaningless.

Pity about the upright rear seats, not going to be comfortable for longer trips.

id like to own this as a truck as i would be a very light tow haul situation. why have a thirsty v8, less maneuverability and harsher ride?i think people need to be more realistic with what they need in a truck

hahahha best truck in America commercial before this vid....F150!

Wheres the comparison? This discussion was completely Honda-centric. Also, the lower level trims do NOT have the "sensing" options, at least not in the U.S.

Great review. Love it.

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.

Better? how you going to use it?

Let's take it offroad? You mean on some grass, a well maintained dirt road with no mud and through a puddle.

good review.

Looks nice but the price is scary. I'm looking at the ford f150 supercab. If you hit the ford dealership at the right time where I live you can get a 40,000 dollar truck for around 20,000 grand by the time you add fords incentives and your vehicle trade in amount. Seems to me no one else is doing these big sales like ford. Was looking at a Tacoma 40,000 bucks and there incentives were crap next to nothing, same with dodge ect

Great review!!! Does the storage area in the back bed lock???

wicked brah