The balance between form and function is something automotive designers are constantly wrestling with. In the case of the Honda Ridgeline, function is the clear winner. The midsize Honda Ridgeline pickup is a healthy dose of pure unadulterated practicality. The result is a well-rounded midsize pickup with a unique combination of strengths.
The Honda Ridgeline's main attraction is that 5-foot bed. Made out of a steel-reinforced composite material, the bed makes rust and dents a non-issue. While it's short by full-size pickup standards, there's still enough room for a pair of dirt bikes or an ATV with the tailgate lowered. It also incorporates two innovative features -- a large under-floor "trunk" compartment and a tailgate that both flips down and swings out like a door -- that are so useful, they make you wonder why nobody thought of them sooner.
The Honda Ridgeline midsize pickup truck is offered in a single four-door crew-cab body style with seating for five. There are three available trim levels, ranging from base Honda Ridgeline RT to midrange Honda Ridgeline RTS and top-of-the-line Honda Ridgeline RTL. The entry-level Honda Ridgeline RT is reasonably well equipped with standard features that include 17-inch steel wheels, a power-sliding rear window, air-conditioning, a 60/40-split rear seat with under-seat storage, full power accessories, cruise control, a trip computer and a six-speaker CD/MP3 stereo with an auxiliary audio jack.
The Honda Ridgeline is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 250 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system. In testing, it recorded a 0-60-mph sprint of 9 seconds flat.
The Honda Ridgeline's list of standard safety features includes antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, active front head restraints, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor.