Honda Joins the Pickup Crowd with a Clever Truck

Pickups have been around since the dawn of time and not much has changed from the basic format of a ladder-frame, rear leaf spring suspension and a big old box in the back. Being the innovative company that it is, Honda is challenging the basic pickup architecture with its new, highly innovative Ridgeline. This is the first-ever midsize pickup from the good folks at Honda. Unlike pickup trucks from other manufacturers, the Ridgeline is only offered in one body style and engine size.

Traditional pickups are built on sturdy ladder-frames while the Ridgeline’s unibody is integrally welded to the frame rails. This structure layout makes for a highly rigid vehicle. Loosely based on the Honda Pilot SUV, the Ridgeline shares some common parts like the powertrain, automatic four-wheel-drive and suspension layout. The other upside is more efficient packaging for mechanical bits, people and cargo. On the outside, the designers gave the Ridgeline a somewhat distinctive look. Nothing really too far out but different enough to stand out. Large 17-inch wheels complete the look. At 206.8 inches in length, the Ridgeline lies somewhere between a midsize and full-size pickup that will surely suit most folks just fine.

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The added size is more noticeable on the inside with ample room for people and storage. The Ridgeline seats five comfortably and can be equipped with numerous features such as heated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and power moonroof and satellite navigation. Its interior ambiance is more SUV-like than pickup truck and should be a pleasing place to spend long hours in. Getting comfy is easy with the nicely shaped seats offering good support. The driver gets the added benefit of a multi-adjustable power driver’s seat. Those riding in the back will find ample space for stretching out as there’s an abundance of room. If the need does arise to carry larger items, the Ridgeline offers a foldable 60/40-split rear seat. There’s a nice mix of textures and materials giving a high quality look and feel. Satin silver-like control dials on the dash, and interior door panels with bright trim rings surrounding the gauges add some glitz. Even the steering gets the satin trimmings. A nice touch is the audio controls located on the steering wheel spokes for easy driver operation. The rather square Chevy Avalanche-like dash is logically laid out with easy to see and reach controls. Like most pickups, the gear lever is mounted on the steering column.

Those who put safety on their high priority list will be pleased with the full compliment of standard airbags that include front and side-curtain airbags, which are becoming more and more popular for added insurance. On top of that, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control is standard too. This nifty feature uses the brakes and engine throttle to ensure maximum stability should the truck start to lose control in any event. This puts Ridgeline as the only pickup truck to offers these safety items as standard equipment on the market.

In the cargo-hauling department, the Ridgeline offers a five-foot bed that extends to 6.5 feet with the tailgate down. The bed is wide enough for 4×8-foot sheets to be laid flat between the wheel wells. The steel reinforced composite cargo bed is dent-proof and has a hidden built-in lockable weather-sealed trunk in the rear bed floor. The cleverly laid out 8.5-cubic feet of storage area can keep toolboxes and items safe and also houses the spare tire. Another innovative feature is the Dual Action Tailgate that opens from either from the bottom like a conventional tailgate or swings out from the side. Very clever indeed!

Compared to the competition, Ridgeline goes its own way by offering one V6 engine only. The standard 3.5-litre SOHC VTEC V6 pumps out 255 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque and that’s enough for a 5,000-pound towing capacity and 1,100 pounds of payload. While this is adequate for the Pilot SUV that it also powers, it may be a little taxed by the 4,500-pound curb weight. Matched to the transverse V6 engine is a smooth shifting five-speed automatic transmission. Whereas the competitor pickup trucks offer a part-time four-wheel-drive system with low range selection for challenging off-road excursions, the Ridgeline only has an automatic four-wheel-drive with lockable rear differential. The lack of a low range four-wheel-drive capability limits the Ridgeline to light off-road trails. Honda’s Variable Torque anagement four-wheel-drive system can transfer up to 70 per cent of engine torque to either the front or rear axles depending on the road conditions or terrain. Another feature not found on any pickup truck is the independent rear suspension that offers superior ride and handling characteristics. Pickup traditionalists may scoff at this for any heavy-duty work, as having a solid rear axle suspension with leaf springs has been the norm.

Buyers looking for a pickup truck for light-duty work may want to take a really close look at the Ridgeline as it offers a tremendous amount of practicality, features and refinement. Honda’s Ridgeline is trimmed out in a variety of levels from a base model to a luxury-equipped grade with all the goodies to pamper its owner. With many first in-class features, the new Ridgeline pickup is sure to carve a niche of its own in the ever-competitive pickup segment.

General Specifications
Engine: 255-horsepower 3.5-litre SOHC 24-valve VTEC V6
Transmission: 5-speed Automatic
Drivetrain: Automatic Four-Wheel-Drive with Rear Locking Differential
Suspension: Independent Front & Rear
Brakes: 4-wheel Disc with ABS
Towing capacity: 5,000 lbs
Payload: 1,100 lbs
Bed length: 5 feet