Performance-wise, the Ridgeline bolts to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, which is plenty quick. For 2009, the engine has been returned to deliver 250 horsepower (a spectacular rise of 3 ponies) and the transmission’s 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear ratios have been shortened for greater passing power (marginal difference felt). The Ridge’s fuel economy average during the test is 12.2 L/100 km.
Updated cockpit
Inside, you don’t get the swoopy dash design that’s found in the Fit and Civic models. Instead, you get a functional, down-to-business dash that features an updated instrument panel and centre stack, and MP3/WMA file playback is now standard on every trim level. EX-L NAVI versions like this one also receive Bluetooth connectivity and a backup camera integrated within the navigation system.
The Ridgeline offers a spacious interior front and rear, and the driver’s seat lumbar support gets a power-adjustment button. The rear bench cushions can be flipped up like in the Fit for hauling bigger objects on a virtually flat floor. Storage space abounds in this truck.
Competition
The base Honda Ridgeline DX starts at $34,990, while our decked-out EX-L with navigation costs $43,490. That’s $1,730 less than the equivalent 2008 model, including the added convenience features mentioned previously.
This top-of-the-line Ridgeline must battle the following crew cab pickups:
Chevrolet Colorado LT Crew Cab 4WD with options, 242 hp, $40,780
Dodge Dakota SLT Crew Cab 4X4 with options, 210 hp, $42,490
GMC Canyon SLE Crew Cab 4WD with options, 242 hp, $40,780
Nissan Frontier LE Crew Cab 4X4 with leather, 261 hp, $41,298
Suzuki Equator Crew Cab JX, 261 hp, $33,795
Toyota Tacoma 4X4 Double Cab V6 with TRD Sport/Leather package, 236 hp, $37,835
 |
| The rear bench cushions can be flipped up like in the Fit for hauling bigger objects on a virtually flat floor. |
Updated cockpit
Inside, you don’t get the swoopy dash design that’s found in the Fit and Civic models. Instead, you get a functional, down-to-business dash that features an updated instrument panel and centre stack, and MP3/WMA file playback is now standard on every trim level. EX-L NAVI versions like this one also receive Bluetooth connectivity and a backup camera integrated within the navigation system.
The Ridgeline offers a spacious interior front and rear, and the driver’s seat lumbar support gets a power-adjustment button. The rear bench cushions can be flipped up like in the Fit for hauling bigger objects on a virtually flat floor. Storage space abounds in this truck.
Competition
The base Honda Ridgeline DX starts at $34,990, while our decked-out EX-L with navigation costs $43,490. That’s $1,730 less than the equivalent 2008 model, including the added convenience features mentioned previously.
This top-of-the-line Ridgeline must battle the following crew cab pickups:
Chevrolet Colorado LT Crew Cab 4WD with options, 242 hp, $40,780
Dodge Dakota SLT Crew Cab 4X4 with options, 210 hp, $42,490
GMC Canyon SLE Crew Cab 4WD with options, 242 hp, $40,780
Nissan Frontier LE Crew Cab 4X4 with leather, 261 hp, $41,298
Suzuki Equator Crew Cab JX, 261 hp, $33,795
Toyota Tacoma 4X4 Double Cab V6 with TRD Sport/Leather package, 236 hp, $37,835
 |
| Inside, you don’t get the swoopy dash design that’s found in the Fit and Civic models. |