As per usual, Honda's selection of plastics for the interior is impeccable. The same can be said for the leather that covers the seats. Not only that, but the fit and finish is as high-quality as any of their cars.
Technical
A single engine is offered. It is a 3.5L V6 that develops 255 hp at 5 750
rpm and 252 lb/ft of torque at 4 500 rpm. There is one transmission available and it is a 5-speed automatic. The Ridgeline has an AWD system called VTM-4 also found in the Pilot with a rear differential locking mode. The Ridgeline is built on a closed-box frame with a unibody construction. This platform design allows the Ridgeline to tow up to 2 268 kg (5 000 lbs) and to haul a payload of 705 kg (1 550 lbs). All versions of the truck have 4-wheel disc brakes, a fully independent suspension and standard 17" alloy wheels.
On the road
The engine, shared with the Pilot, does a good job of lugging the Ridgeline around and it sounds good too. Power delivery is smooth and thanks to the slightly taller gearing, the Ridgeline feels quick off the line. The downside is that it looses some oomph on the highway. Fuel consumption is surprisingly reasonable at a returned average of only 11.5L per 100 km.
The automatic transmission shifts smoothly and briskly. The VTM-4 AWD system is very efficient. No amount of throttle pedal abuse can cause the front wheels to spin. The center differential immediately sends the necessary muscle to the rear wheels to prevent any form of slippage. The Ridgeline is essentially a FWD vehicle but there is no way to feel that it is a FWD; there is no torque steer whatsoever. Under normal driving conditions, the front wheels lead the way. In slippery situations, 70% of the drive can be done by the rear wheels. The VTM-4 has a locking function that will clasp the rear differential up to speeds of 29 km/h.
The brakes are powerful and have a pedal that is communicative. Steering is a little light yet always precise, nearly as good as Honda's sedans. The truck feels extremely solid. The ride is stiff but not uncomfortable. This is actually one of the best handling pick ups I have ever driven and it could probably match many cars in this department. It is actually a quiet truck on the highway and displays none of the drama associated with driving this type of vehicle.
Safety
The Ridgeline has standard dual front, side air bags and side curtain air
bags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, stability and traction control and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the truck 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) all around in frontal and lateral impacts. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has not yet crash tested the Honda Ridgeline.
Technical
A single engine is offered. It is a 3.5L V6 that develops 255 hp at 5 750
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On the road
The engine, shared with the Pilot, does a good job of lugging the Ridgeline around and it sounds good too. Power delivery is smooth and thanks to the slightly taller gearing, the Ridgeline feels quick off the line. The downside is that it looses some oomph on the highway. Fuel consumption is surprisingly reasonable at a returned average of only 11.5L per 100 km.
 |
The brakes are powerful and have a pedal that is communicative. Steering is a little light yet always precise, nearly as good as Honda's sedans. The truck feels extremely solid. The ride is stiff but not uncomfortable. This is actually one of the best handling pick ups I have ever driven and it could probably match many cars in this department. It is actually a quiet truck on the highway and displays none of the drama associated with driving this type of vehicle.
Safety
The Ridgeline has standard dual front, side air bags and side curtain air
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