2006 Honda Ridgeline EXL-NAVI Road Test

So does the Ridgeline live up to the "ease of ownership" concept? Well, for the most part, absolutely. At present, Honda's pickup

Honda's pickup comes in a single variant, that being a four-wheel drive, four-door unit powered by a smooth-as-glass, 3.5-litre, SOHC 24-valve V6. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

comes in a single variant, that being a four-wheel drive, four-door unit powered by a smooth-as-glass, 3.5-litre, SOHC 24-valve V6 featuring Honda's Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) technology. This mill kicks-out 255 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque, and it is bolted to a five-speed, heavy-duty automatic transmission feeding torque to all four corners through Honda's fully automatic 4WD system. This setup uses front-wheel drive for dry pavement cruising and engages all-wheel drive when needed to improve traction and stability.

Although no low-range gearing is available, when activated by a dash-mounted button, Honda's Variable Torque Management 4WD system (VTM-4) will lock the power delivery to

When activated by a dash-mounted button, Honda's Variable Torque Management 4WD system (VTM-4) will lock the power delivery to all four wheels when traveling under 10 km/h (6 mph). (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

all four wheels when traveling under 10 km/h (6 mph). This is a very effective means of freeing the vehicle when mired in snow or mud. As the vehicle's speed increases, rear-drive torque gradually diminishes until 30 km/h (19 mph), at which point rear locking is fully disengaged.

My road test of the Ridgeline didn't permit me the opportunity to deeply challenge its off-road ability. However, in the past, I have tested Honda's VTM-4 drivetrain on hills in very deep snow and have been highly impressed with its effectiveness; therefore, I expect nothing less from the Ridgeline with its 208 mm (8.2 in) of ground clearance and high-mounted fresh air intake.