The fact remains though that, especially in the tester's EX-L trim, the Ridgeline can double as executive transportation to the construction site for investors or if you're attempting to woo an inspector or two. Of course, it'll do just as well by carrying your entire family to the restaurant or better yet, to the campground. The aboard accommodations are more than fair, as are fit and finish. Seats are comfy and the rear bench can fold up for increased car-carrying capacity.
The dashboard is far from being an example of ergonomics, but as I stated earlier, it's more about the look than anything else. Unfortunately, that means that some controls are nearly out of reach from the driver's position, which is good by the way. Storage spots abound and that is, in part, thanks to the column shifter, which I think would be one of the reasons why I would spring for one...
V6 gravy
There is no reason to search high and low to find out what powers the Ridgeline. The 3.5L V6 does duty here as with the Pilot and Odyssey (as well as Accord, Crosstour and some Acuras). Here, it generates 250 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. Although these numbers are very similar to those found in the Ridgeline's non-identical twins, in the case of the twisting power, it arrives at a lower engine speed and together with a higher-capacity transmission with different ratios, the Ridgeline manages to pull 2,268 kg (5,000 lb).
Honda's pickup’s engine has unique fresh-air intake that helps keep output strong and gives off a nice throatier sound; it in fact feels more responsive, eager to take off from a standing start. The 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control is also anxious to please, efficiently transferring torque where need be through Honda's Variable Torque Management AWD system (VTM-4). Although short one gear by today's standards, it copes well and never really hunts for a cog; a smoother operator in other words.
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| Storage spots abound and that is, in part, thanks to the column shifter, which I think would be one of the reasons why I would spring for one.(Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
The dashboard is far from being an example of ergonomics, but as I stated earlier, it's more about the look than anything else. Unfortunately, that means that some controls are nearly out of reach from the driver's position, which is good by the way. Storage spots abound and that is, in part, thanks to the column shifter, which I think would be one of the reasons why I would spring for one...
V6 gravy
There is no reason to search high and low to find out what powers the Ridgeline. The 3.5L V6 does duty here as with the Pilot and Odyssey (as well as Accord, Crosstour and some Acuras). Here, it generates 250 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. Although these numbers are very similar to those found in the Ridgeline's non-identical twins, in the case of the twisting power, it arrives at a lower engine speed and together with a higher-capacity transmission with different ratios, the Ridgeline manages to pull 2,268 kg (5,000 lb).
Honda's pickup’s engine has unique fresh-air intake that helps keep output strong and gives off a nice throatier sound; it in fact feels more responsive, eager to take off from a standing start. The 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control is also anxious to please, efficiently transferring torque where need be through Honda's Variable Torque Management AWD system (VTM-4). Although short one gear by today's standards, it copes well and never really hunts for a cog; a smoother operator in other words.
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| The 3.5L V6 does duty here as with the Pilot and Odyssey (as well as Accord, Crosstour and some Acuras). (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |