For towing purposes, the 245 lb-ft of torque generated by the 3.5L V6 allow the Ridgeline to tow a camping trailer or a platform with two ATVs on it. It's the same engine that powers the Pilot and Odyssey and it offers a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilos (5,000 pounds) with the Ridgeline. For heavier loads, you'd have to rely on a larger though less fuel-efficient V8-powered pickup truck like the aforementioned Avalanche.
Without any load or trailer, the Ridgeline accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in less than 9 seconds, which is perfectly suitable for a family vehicle.
Solid feel
Driving the Ridgeline feels more like driving a car than a truck. The body structure is very rigid and makes for a pretty quiet, vibration-free interior. This enhances the driver's confidence and comfort behind the wheel.
The Ridgeline's Variable Torque Management 4-wheel drive system (VTM-4), also used by the Pilot, is more reactive than active. In normal driving conditions, power is sent to the front wheels only. However, as soon as a wheel starts to slip, the system can transfer up to 70 percent of the available torque to the rear wheels without the occupants noticing anything. The locking rear differential also comes in handy to get the Ridgeline out of a tough spot. Locking is automatically disabled beyond 29 kph.
Despite a commanding size, the Ridgeline proves to be quite agile. The power-assisted steering is precise and well calibrated. The suspension is not too firm and visibility is well above average. That's partly because the upper portion of the rear fenders features a 5-cm rearward slope. Moreover, the upper section of the tailgate is off 5 cm compared to said fenders. All these centimeters provide the driver with a larger field of vision for parking maneuvers.
In 2006, the Ridgeline was right on the heels of the Avalanche in terms of sales volumes, both in Canada and the US. Clearly, Honda has a winner with this uniquely-formulated vehicle.
Generous interior room
Unique In-Bed Trunk
Convenient dual-action tailgate
Strong performing engine
Flexible transmission
Polarizing styling
Limited rearward visibility
Heating system can be improved
Significant fuel consumption
photo:Luc Gagné
Without any load or trailer, the Ridgeline accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in less than 9 seconds, which is perfectly suitable for a family vehicle.
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| While unique in its own right, the Ridgeline is a cleverly-designed do-it-all vehicle. |
Solid feel
Driving the Ridgeline feels more like driving a car than a truck. The body structure is very rigid and makes for a pretty quiet, vibration-free interior. This enhances the driver's confidence and comfort behind the wheel.
The Ridgeline's Variable Torque Management 4-wheel drive system (VTM-4), also used by the Pilot, is more reactive than active. In normal driving conditions, power is sent to the front wheels only. However, as soon as a wheel starts to slip, the system can transfer up to 70 percent of the available torque to the rear wheels without the occupants noticing anything. The locking rear differential also comes in handy to get the Ridgeline out of a tough spot. Locking is automatically disabled beyond 29 kph.
Despite a commanding size, the Ridgeline proves to be quite agile. The power-assisted steering is precise and well calibrated. The suspension is not too firm and visibility is well above average. That's partly because the upper portion of the rear fenders features a 5-cm rearward slope. Moreover, the upper section of the tailgate is off 5 cm compared to said fenders. All these centimeters provide the driver with a larger field of vision for parking maneuvers.
In 2006, the Ridgeline was right on the heels of the Avalanche in terms of sales volumes, both in Canada and the US. Clearly, Honda has a winner with this uniquely-formulated vehicle.
 |
Unique In-Bed Trunk
Convenient dual-action tailgate
Strong performing engine
Flexible transmission
 |
Polarizing styling
Limited rearward visibility
 |
Heating system can be improved
Significant fuel consumption
photo:Luc Gagné
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