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2019 Honda Ridgeline 2019 Honda Ridgeline

2019 Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline is a unique pickup that employs car-like unibody construction in place of the rugged but unrefined body-on-frame setup that underpins its competitors. As a result, the Ridgeline provides a more comfortable ride and better handling than most pickups while still offering decent towing and hauling capabilities.

Overview

Unlike most pickup trucks on the market, the Ridgeline comes only in a one-size-fits-all configuration with four doors, seating for five and a five-foot, four-inch cargo bed. Accessing the Ridgeline's cargo bed is easy thanks to a tailgate that can either fold down or swing open.

All Ridgeline models features a unique in-bed storage compartment, measuring 7.3 cubic-feet, compete with integrated drain plugs and a lock. The Ridgeline can also be optioned with an in-bed sound system that plays music through the walls of the cargo area.

The versatile theme of the Ridgeline's exterior continues inside, where numerous cupholders, storage nooks and fold-up rear seats make for a practical cabin. Simple instrumentation, user-friendly controls and comfortable seats make for a more car-like experience than most other pickups.

The Ridgeline is one of the most technologically advanced pickups in its segment, offering an available eight-inch touchscreen navigation system, adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. The Ridgeline can also be had with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The Ridgeline uses a direct-injected 3.5L V6 that generates 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is the only gearbox on offer. Unlike the previous Ridgeline, the latest generation can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive.

Two-wheel drive versions of the Ridgeline are rates at 19mpg in the city and 26mpg on the highway. Opting for Honda’s all-wheel drive system, which features a torque vectoring system for improved handling, drops the Ridgeline’s ratings to 18mpg city and 25mpg highway.

When properly equipped Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds or haul 1,584 pounds of cargo in its bed.

Trim level breakdown

The Ridgeline is offered in seven different trim levels: RT, RTS, Sport, RTL, RTL-T, RTL-E and Black Edition.

Standard features on the Ridgeline RT include pre-wiring for a 7-pin connector on 2WD models and an integrated trailer hitch on AWD models, trip computer, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, power windows and door locks, cruise control, keyless entry, push-button start, rear-view camera, 18-inch wheels, 4.2-inch LCD audio system and 60/40 split lift-up rear seat with underseat storage.

The Ridgeline RTS adds smart entry, remote start, fog lights, tri-zone automatic climate control, HomeLink Remote System, seat back pockets and an exterior temperature gauge.

To the RTS’ standard features the Ridgeline Sport adds gloss black exterior door handles and gray-painted alloy wheels.

Stepping up to the RTL nets a leather-trimmed interior, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated and power-adjustable front seats, acoustic windshield and machine-finished alloy wheels.

The Ridgeline RTL-T comes standard with LED daytime running lights, a dynamic multi-angle rear-view camera, Honda LaneWatch, illuminated vanity mirrors and an automatic-dimming rear-view mirror. The RTL-T package also includes several tech upgrades, such as an 8-inch touchscreen audio system, 7-speaker sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, Pandora compatibility, second-row USB ports, a compass and turn-by-turn directions.

The Ridgeline RTL-E adds several notable upgrades, including an 8-speaker sound system, memory front seats, heated steering wheel, chrome door handles, truck-bed audio system, adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, auto high-beams, blind spot monitoring and corner and backup sensors.

Occupant safety

Every Ridgeline model comes equipped with dual front, side and side curtain airbags along with traction and stability control systems, electronic brake distribution and a tire pressure monitoring system. Available safety systems include collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, forward collision warning and lane departure warning.

Key competitors

As a car-based pickup, the Ridgeline has no direct competitors. However, there are a number of mid-size pickups that fight for the same buying dollars as the Ridgeline, including the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier.

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