2010 Honda Ridgeline

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Summary

Although the Honda Ridgeline was coldly received when it was first introduced in 2005, the vehicle landscape has changed greatly since then. Many of the attributes that made the Ridgeline seem like an outsider at that time now add up to a more appealing choice for shoppers who want the comforts of the big trucks but don't need all their capability (or cumbersome handling).

2010 Full Review

Last year, Honda rehabilitated the Ridgeline with a host of slight improvements that affected its styling and driving demeanor, yielding a somewhat improved truck overall. From the rear, the Ridgeline appears neat and tidy, but the odd new front fascia and grille, borrowing from the Pilot SUV's controversial look, don't do the design any favors. Inside, the Ridgeline has a more conventional, straightforward appearance, although the door panels are styled with hints of the exterior and have an awkward grab-handle arrangement.

2010 Honda Ridgeline Features

The 2010 Honda Ridgeline has a single powertrain combination, which is unusual in the pickup market. With a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine, a five-speed automatic transmission, and Variable Torque Management four-wheel drive, the Ridgeline has brisk acceleration and good passing response, even with a load, and it's better suited for slippery snow-covered roads than most four-wheel-drive pickups. Although the system isn't designed for serious off-roading, it includes a rear diff lock (VTM-4) mode for speeds of up to 18 mph. All the heavy-duty towing components are included; the Ridgeline can haul a 1,550-pound payload in its five-foot composite cargo bed or tow up to 5,000 pounds.

With a fully independent suspension, the 2010 Honda Ridgeline has a smoother ride and much better handling than other compact or mid-size trucks. Well-weighted steering helps the Ridgeline handle like the more car-oriented SUVs, with a great on-center feel, and it unwinds neatly coming out of corners. There's only one body style, too. The Ridgeline is only offered in a crew-cab layout, with space for five. Front seats are supportive, if not that soft, but there's plenty of space, and in back two adults will fit just fine. The split-folding, tumble-forward rear seat has an integrated storage area for carrying smaller items securely, and if that's not enough, there's also a sealed 8.5-cubic-foot compartment within the cargo bed, good enough for a large cooler. An optional bed extender includes more tie-downs and can handle mounting accessories for ATVs, snowboards, surfboards, bikes, and the like.

The Ridgeline has been a longtime overachiever in safety, and that continues for 2010. Front side airbags, rollover-sensing side-curtain bags covering both rows, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control are included across the model line. The Ridgeline achieves top "good" ratings from the IIHS, and is one of just a few pickups getting the group's Top Safety Pick designation.p>

2010 Trims

Three trims are now offered for the Ridgeline: RT, RTS, and RTL. The RT includes air conditioning, cruise control, a power-sliding rear window, and a 100-watt, six-speaker CD sound system. The mid-level RTS brings a refined appearance with machine-finished alloy wheels, body-colored door handles and mirrors, and privacy glass, plus an upgraded 160-watt sound system; at the top of the line, the RTL adds 18-inch wheels, fog lamps, a power moonroof, heated mirrors, and XM Satellite Radio. On the Element's options list are several features that aren't typically available with any but the largest pickups: a voice-recognition navigation system that includes Zagat restaurant information, an off-road tracking function, and a Bluetooth hands-free calling interface.

Interior Design and Styling

Honda designers know how to run with a theme, and on Ridgeline the theme is horizontal. The dash is composed of several horizontal rectangles, with the lion's share going to the driver's side. My test vehicle was a top-of-the-line RTL NAV model, which came with an in-dash navigation system with Bluetooth, voice recognition and a rearview camera. The passenger's side features three rectangular bins above a big glove compartment, crowned by two horizontal rectangular air vents, all part of the theme.

Beefy door pulls protect the door handles, and really give driver and passenger a handhold when the road turns rough. A multi-functional center console provides a variety of storage and organizational options.

A 60/40 split bench seat easily and conveniently folds up flush with the bed wall and locks into place, leaving a roomy, flat load floor behind the first row. The pickup bed is smartly designed. Though it is only 60" long with the tailgate closed, open the gate and you've got a flat, supported surface that's 49.5" wide between the wheel wells, and 79" long -- plenty big enough for a sheet of 4' x 8' plywood. Eight heavy-duty tie down cleats are standard. And the great bonus is a lockable, watertight 8.5 cubic foot trunk that hides beneath the load floor. The trunk is big enough for a couple of rolling suitcases, and really extends the usability of the Ridgeline.

Driving Impressions

As you'd expect from a car-based truck, the Ridgeline rides smoothly and comfortably. Ridgeline comes standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission and a heavy-duty transmission cooler, as well as 4-wheel drive and a locking rear differential. The 4-wheel drive system, which Honda calls "VTM-4" (Variable Torque Management 4-Wheel Drive System), can send up to 70% of the power to the rear wheels when the rear diff is locked, which can be pretty handy in the mud and on slippery surfaces.

Ridgeline's 42.6' turning diameter is way bigger than I would have expected, probably a penalty for that wide bed space and wide wheel track. By contrast, a Toyota Tacoma regular cab can make the same turn in 36.7', and a double cab can do it in 40.7'.

If you need a heavy-duty work truck, you should probably look past the Ridgeline. But if you are looking for a compromise between the convenience and utility of an open pickup bed and the comfort of a car, Ridgeline might fit the bill.

2010 First Conclusions

I found myself very charmed by the Ridgeline. The thing that would keep me from buying a Ridgeline is price. Maybe if I could live without the full complement of equipment, no navigation, no heated front seats, no leather, I could justify a Ridgeline in my fleet. "Wow. Despite my indifference at the time of its launch, I'm actually impressed with the Ridgeline. In no way do I think it will draw people away from full-size trucks on refinement alone (perhaps the new coil-sprung Ram will do that), but I do think it'll attract crossover owners who hanker for a cargo bed." says Automobile Magazine "The Honda Ridgeline is the perfect utility vehicle for a soccer dad. It's smart, active-minded, cultured and extremely safety-conscious." adds Cars.com I appreciate the intelligence and originality of the Ridgeline, but I kind of like my truck to feel like a truck, and my car to feel like a car.