2019 Honda Ridgeline Review
When Honda decided to build the Ridgeline, it threw the rulebook out the window, tossing out industry standards and conventional construction methods for the mid-size pickup. it ditched the body-on-frame construction in favor of a car-like unibody, and even based it on a front-wheel drive platform. Unique as the only unibody pickup truck around, the midsize Honda Ridgeline battles the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, and new Ford Ranger for top honors among the working class of America. Unique independent rear suspension makes it supremely comfortable, while a 280 horsepower, 161 lb-ft of torque 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers power to a choice of front- or all-wheel drivetrains through a six-speed automatic gearbox in yet another unique-in-this-segment trait for the Ridgeline. Priced between $29,990 and $43,410 there are six available trims, all of which feature the innovative dual-function tailgate and in-bed lockable trunk, while higher trims get the funky truck bed audio system.
What's the Price of the 2019 Honda Ridgeline?
Honda offers the Ridgeline in six trims priced between $29,990 and $43,420 before tax, licensing, registration, options, and a $995 destination charge. The RT model is the cheapest model in the range at $29,990. The Sport trim starts at $33,390 in front-wheel drive guise, with all-wheel drive an extra $1,900. The RTL model starts at $34.870 in front-drive format, with the same $1,900 premium applicable for the addition of all-wheel drive. The RTL-T is available for a base MSRP of $37,000 as a front-drive model - all-wheel drive is available at a sticker price of $38,900. The RTL-E carries an MSRP of $41,920 while the range-topping Black Edition is priced at $43,420.
2019 Ridgeline Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| 210.0 in | 125.2 in | 70.2 in | 78.6 in |
2019 Ridgeline Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
Trucks aren't exactly renowned for exceptional handling or ride, which owes a lot to the traditional body-on-frame construction and basic-but-robust suspension setups. With a unibody construction and four-wheel independent suspension, the Ridgeline is settled and compliant on the road. It's far more polished than a conventional pickup, body lean is kept to a fair minimum, and bumps through corners don't unsettle the Ridgeline in the slightest. Moreover, the Ridgeline suffers none of the 'shuffle' of a body on rubber mountings. The steering benefits hugely from this as inputs are met with an immediacy of response and a good sense of feel when adjusting through corners.
The Ridgeline feels like a crossover, which is a compliment of the highest order for a pickup truck. But, the unibody design and more pliant suspension setup do mean compromise - particularly when it comes to offroad ability. The Ridgeline lacks the wheel articulation and underbody clearance of traditional trucks, all of which are inferior to the Jeep Gladiator in this regard, and the lack of a low-range gearbox which give others superior offroad capabilities. But, the advanced traction management systems and independent rear suspension cope better with moderate dirt roads. For the 90% of buyers who seldom venture anywhere seriously offroad, the Ridgeline will be more comfortable and more stable, as well as better for everyday use.
2019 Ridgeline Interior
2019 Ridgeline Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2019 Honda Ridgeline A Good truck?
If sales numbers were merely determined by how good a vehicle is, the Ridgeline would be selling double the number of trucks rivals do - it's genuinely exceptional. From the car-like ride quality to the family-crossover levels of interior space and refinement, the Ridgeline does it all. It's a master of practicality, the engine is strong and easy to use, and there's a huge array of standard and optional technology. The ride comfort and handling simply can not be overlooked - they're both areas in which the Ridgeline decimates its rivals. The only weak points are lower than average towing ability, poor off-road performance in serious situations, and a shoddy touchscreen media system, and the infotainment will pose a problem for the 90% of users who don't go off-road. The Ridgeline deserves to sell, but it's hampered by an image problem and the perception that a unibody truck can't perform as well as traditional trucks. We're here to tell you that notion couldn't be further from the truth.
What Honda Ridgeline Model Should I Buy?
The Ridgeline RTL-T is our pick of the range, coming in under the 40k mark at $38,900 with all-wheel drive equipped. It gets full smartphone integration through the touchscreen media system, rear USB ports, and Honda's LaneWatch blind spot monitor system, and while it misses out on the Honda Sensing safety suite, we feel it gives you the best value for your money and the most amount of functional equipment you need in a midsize truck without going over budget.
2019 Honda Ridgeline Comparisons
2019 Honda Ridgeline vs Chevrolet Colorado
The Colorado is a top pick if you prefer a conventional pickup, but that doesn't mean it's the best around. It lacks the refinement, comfort, and space that the Ridgeline offers, with the Honda boasting a more upscale cabin, smoother ride quality, and a more versatile bed, particularly with the in-bed trunk. If most of your time in your pickup is spent with the family doing light work and recreation, the Ridgeline is the better truck. However, the Colorado offers a wider range of engines, and its own V6 boasts better towing capacity than the Ridgeline while the turbo-diesel engine offers more than 50% extra towing capacity with better fuel economy. The Colorado also offers better off-road capabilities, a better infotainment system, and rear-wheel drive instead of front-wheel drive. It all comes down to needs, with the Colorado being a genuine workhorse and the Ridgeline a lifestyle vehicle.
2019 Honda Ridgeline vs Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is one of the best off-road suitable pickups in the midsize segment, the body-on-frame construction allowing for better wheel articulation while the low range gearbox aids grip. But it also offers better towing ability than the Honda, and the touchscreen infotainment on the Tacoma is not only standard but is more user-friendly than the infuriating system supplied by Honda and only on higher trims. The Ridgeline feels more premium though, with higher quality interior materials, comfier seats, and better ride quality. The Ridgeline also offers a more practical bed and more storage options than the Tacoma. The Ridgeline is better in 90% of metrics, but depending on your needs, you may fall into the 10% who need the Tacoma's capabilities.