The new Honda Ridgeline is remarkably adaptable, combining some of the best qualities of both mid-size trucks and crossovers. Its load box, which comprises an underfloor trunk and a short but broad bed, is undoubtedly its distinguishing feature. The unibody construction of this Honda pickup reduces its off-road performance and boosts its towing capacity but enhances on-road comfort, despite some truck-like aesthetic cues. Read the article to know more about the new Honda Ridgeline:

Honda background
Headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is a publicly traded international conglomerate producing cars, motorbikes, and power equipment. The majority of Honda’s sales are from its vehicle product line, which includes popular top sellers in the country such as the Accord, Legend, Civic, Prelude, and the opulent Acura.

Engine and performance
The only drivetrain consists of a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 280 horsepower, 262 pound-feet of torque, a nine-speed automated transmission, and standard all-wheel drive. When you request a hard acceleration, the throttle response is highly responsive, and the engine feels smooth.

The competition’s leaf-sprung, solid-axle configurations do not provide the same level of ride quality as this vehicle’s coil-sprung independent rear suspension. Small bumps and minimal body lean in corners are barely perceptible. The steering that is powered by electricity feels fitting.

Towing and payload
Although the new Honda Ridgeline is swift, it falls short when it comes to towing. Ridgelines have an all-wheel drive standard, and their 5000-pound weight rating is 2000–2500 less than V-6 competitors such as the Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger.

The Ridgeline has a payload capacity of about 1600 pounds, less than the Ranger’s maximum but roughly on par with Colorado.

Interiors and cargo space
The new Honda Ridgeline’s interior is the most functional and comfortable in its class. Below the dash level, the Honda has hard plastics, just like a majority of other mid-size trucks. Other than that, the materials are great. Of all the mid-size trucks by competitors, the rear passengers in this one will have the most space. Both the front seats fold-down and armrests are a pleasant addition, especially given how low the center console is concerning them. The only bed length available for the Honda pickup is 5.3 feet, matching the short beds of its rivals. Its second-lowest volume is 34 cubic feet.

The new Honda Ridgeline is the only mid-size truck with 50.0 inches between its wheel wells that can accommodate a sheet of four-by-eight-foot building material lying flat on the bed floor.

Technology
A touchscreen infotainment system with an 8.0-inch display is standard on every Ridgeline. Honda claims it is now easier to use than its predecessor, thanks to the physical volume knob and the screen icons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are the standards on the new Honda Ridgeline.

Additionally, some models may come with an in-bed audio system that will make any tailgate party more entertaining.

Trim levels
The Honda Ridgeline caters to motorists looking for a comfortable and fuel-efficient pickup. The Honda Ridgeline is available in four variants, with each level costing a few thousand dollars more than the next. Priced at $39,435, the Ridgeline Sport is the entry-level model. The RTL, RTL-E, and the Black Edition are additional trims.

The RTL is the best of the lot, despite the expensive Black Edition being the top trim and having all the fancy amenities. Its features include heated front seats, a leather-trimmed interior, and power-adjustable front seats.

Safety features
The NHTSA awarded the Ridgeline a five-star overall safety rating, five stars in the front and side crash tests, and four stars in the rollover test. Except for the passenger-side small overlap front test, where it received an Acceptable rating from the IIHS, the Ridgeline received good scores across all crash categories. 

The new Honda Ridgeline is undoubtedly not for serious truck buyers. Look elsewhere if you require significant off-road competence or exceptional towing capacities.