The latest Honda Ridgeline combines innovative design with practical features, offering a comfortable ride, respectable towing, and versatile cargo options. Its unibody platform ensures on-road comfort, making it ideal for daily driving and light hauling. With various trims and modern technology, it appeals to drivers seeking a reliable, efficient pickup. Although it’s not designed for heavy-duty off-road use, its safety ratings and user-friendly features make it a popular choice for everyday use and cargo versatility.

Exploring the Distinct Features of the Latest Honda Ridgeline

The newest Honda Ridgeline distinguishes itself with a flexible design that merges elements of a pickup and an SUV. Its standout feature is the innovative cargo bed, which combines an underfloor trunk with a short, wide loading area. Built on a unibody platform, it provides enhanced on-road comfort and respectable towing capacity, though it’s less capable off-road. Despite its truck-like appearance, it prioritizes a smooth ride and practicality. Keep reading to learn more about Honda’s latest offering.

Overview of Honda’s Brand

Headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is a prominent global manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment. Its diverse vehicle lineup includes well-known models such as Accord, Civic, and the premium Acura series, emphasizing quality and innovation.

Engine and Driving Performance

The Ridgeline is equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. It offers responsive acceleration and silky smooth engine behavior, enhancing driving pleasure. Its independent suspension system helps absorb road imperfections and reduces body roll, ensuring a comfortable experience. Electric power steering adds to driving precision.

Towing and Payload Features

This model delivers quick, agile handling, with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, slightly below competitors such as Chevrolet Colorado and Ford Ranger. The payload capacity stands around 1,600 pounds, comparable to some rivals but less than others.

Interior Comfort and Cargo Space

The Ridgeline’s cabin offers a blend of comfort and functionality. It features durable plastics below the dashboard and premium materials in key areas. Passengers in the rear enjoy generous space, making it one of the better options in its class. The front seats can fold down, and the low-profile center console simplifies access. The standard truck bed measures 5.3 feet in length with 34 cubic feet of volume. A unique feature is its ability to hold a four-by-eight-foot sheet flat on the floor, thanks to the 50-inch wheelbase separation.

Infotainment and Connectivity

An 8-inch touchscreen provides intuitive control, with physical knobs for volume and clear icons for ease of use. Compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensures seamless smartphone integration. Higher trims may include an in-bed audio system for enhanced tailgate gatherings.

Available Trims

The Ridgeline comes in four trim levels, offering a range from practical to luxurious. Starting at $39,435, the base Sport includes essential features. Trims like RTL and RTL-E add amenities such as heated front seats, leather upholstery, and power-adjustable seats. The Black Edition offers premium styling and additional luxury features.

Safety Ratings and Features

Rated with a five-star overall safety rating by NHTSA, the Ridgeline performs well in crash tests. It received an Acceptable rating from IIHS in passenger-side small overlap frontal impact tests and scores highly in other categories. It is ideally suited for daily commuting and cargo hauling rather than rugged off-road adventures or heavy-duty towing.

The new Honda Ridgeline is a practical, comfortable, and fuel-efficient pickup perfect for everyday use and versatile hauling. Enthusiasts needing severe off-road capability or maximum towing capacity might consider other options better tailored for those needs.