I say “relatively good” because comparatively speaking the Ridgeline’s V6 fuel economy is on par—or slightly better in some cases—than that of its V8-powered competition, which seems counter-intuitive. I would have expected a better showing from Honda’s delightful V6.
With fuel economy not the highlight hoped for, what is?
That’s an easy question to answer. I enjoyed the refined, easy-going performance of the Ridgeline’s 3.5-litre 24-valve SOHC VTEC V6 engine. It’s capable of producing 250-horsepower @ 5,700 rpm and 247 pound-feet of torque @ 4,300 rpm while mated to a 5-speed autobox.
Now those aren’t astonishing power ratings by any stretch but the Ridgeline’s overall performance is reasonably satisfying both off-the-line and in the passing lane. Of course, my testing was undertaken with an empty cargo box. I suspect that performance would quickly degrade when laden with weight or pulling a trailer.
Ridgeline versatility
A little secret up its sleeve, or more accurately beneath its cargo bed, is the presence of a waterproof lockable trunk that’ll swallow 241 litres of volume. This handy Ridgeline feature allows the storage of tools, sports equipment or what-have-you in a secure receptacle that’s inaccessible to prying eyes.
And given that Vancouver carries the notorious distinction of being Canada’s Capital of Auto Crime, such a convenient feature is near essential if one hopes to avoid supplying the black market with product to be sold at 10 cents on the dollar.
Accessing the Ridgeline’s trunk, and bed in general, is made ultra convenient by a dual-action tailgate that drops the conventional way but also swings open, completely out of the way.
Once all cargo has been stowed, Ridgeline operators are in for a pleasing pickup truck experience.
Ridgeline is easy to drive
Most noticeable about life behind the wheel is the “un-pickup truck characteristics” of the Ridgeline. As far as large pickups go, this one doesn’t feel its size—and I mean that in a good way.
With fuel economy not the highlight hoped for, what is?
That’s an easy question to answer. I enjoyed the refined, easy-going performance of the Ridgeline’s 3.5-litre 24-valve SOHC VTEC V6 engine. It’s capable of producing 250-horsepower @ 5,700 rpm and 247 pound-feet of torque @ 4,300 rpm while mated to a 5-speed autobox.
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| A little secret up its sleeve, is the presence of a waterproof lockable trunk that’ll swallow 241 litres of volume. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Now those aren’t astonishing power ratings by any stretch but the Ridgeline’s overall performance is reasonably satisfying both off-the-line and in the passing lane. Of course, my testing was undertaken with an empty cargo box. I suspect that performance would quickly degrade when laden with weight or pulling a trailer.
Ridgeline versatility
A little secret up its sleeve, or more accurately beneath its cargo bed, is the presence of a waterproof lockable trunk that’ll swallow 241 litres of volume. This handy Ridgeline feature allows the storage of tools, sports equipment or what-have-you in a secure receptacle that’s inaccessible to prying eyes.
And given that Vancouver carries the notorious distinction of being Canada’s Capital of Auto Crime, such a convenient feature is near essential if one hopes to avoid supplying the black market with product to be sold at 10 cents on the dollar.
Accessing the Ridgeline’s trunk, and bed in general, is made ultra convenient by a dual-action tailgate that drops the conventional way but also swings open, completely out of the way.
Once all cargo has been stowed, Ridgeline operators are in for a pleasing pickup truck experience.
Ridgeline is easy to drive
Most noticeable about life behind the wheel is the “un-pickup truck characteristics” of the Ridgeline. As far as large pickups go, this one doesn’t feel its size—and I mean that in a good way.
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| The Ridgeline’s cabin is spacious and comfortable. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |