2006 Honda Ridgeline Preview

Rather, the Ridgeline can do more than light-duty hauling, actually managing more than half-ton payloads (actually 500 kilos or

The Ridgeline can do more than light-duty hauling, actually managing more than half-ton payloads and 2,268 kilos (5,000 pounds) of trailer weight. (Photo: Honda Canada)

1,100 pounds) and 2,268 kilos (5,000 pounds) of trailer weight thanks to a steel reinforced composite bed hooked up to a fully integrated, closed-box frame. This gives it much greater body rigidity than conventional compact or midsize pickup trucks, while still featuring a functional 5-foot bed. Other standard towing equipment includes transmission and power steering coolers, pre-wiring for trailer connections, a dual fan radiator, heavy-duty brakes and an exclusive fresh air intake system, giving no need for a special towing package, only the addition of a hitch.

What's a fully integrated, closed-boxed frame? Nothing to do with the Pilot SUV, the Ridgeline's undercarriage boasts 93 percent exclusive components, including two longitudinal frame rails and seven high-strength steel cross members for the fully boxed effect, plus a deep channel, ladder frame structure which is fully integrated into the upper body of the vehicle. The result is body bending rigidity more than 2.5 times stiffer than the best performing

Honda designed the Ridgeline to carry the ultimate load of cargo, a full-size ATV or two of the Japanese brand's largest off-road motorcycles, the CRF450. (Photo: Honda Canada)

body-on-frame compact truck competitor and rear torsion rigidity more than 20 times stiffer.

Smartly, Honda designed the Ridgeline to carry what to many would be the ultimate load of cargo, a full-size ATV or two of the Japanese brand's largest off-road motorcycles, the CRF450. These can be stowed aboard via the model's Dual Action tailgate, a truly unique feature that integrates a high-strength steel frame and has the ability to flip down or swing out; smartly with the hinges on the driver's side, which means loading bulky items can be achieved while parallel parked, something that can't be done with Honda's CR-V. The tailgate can carry 136 kilo (300 lb) loads.