This healthy mill dispatches 250 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm and 247 pound-feet of torque @ 4,300 rpm. Power delivery is linear, smooth, and linked to a 5-speed automatic transmission featuring Grade Logic Control. This function kicks in when climbing steep grades in order to hold the transmission in a lower gear to maintain engine rpm; on declines, a lower gear is held in order to improve engine braking.
The autobox shifts appropriately, contributing to the overall refinement of Honda’s powertrain. A column shifter enables greater storage space between the front seats. The bin arrangement here is quite flexible, allowing its size to be increased or decreased depending on needs.
The downside to the column shifter is the absence of an electronically controlled manual mode found so frequently in modern automobiles. I’ve come to enjoy the easy usage these devices provide over manually shifting with a column mount, especially when undertaking off-road treks.
VTM-4 extends traction
Honda’s Variable Torque Management 4-wheel-drive technology is a less bulky means of ensuring 4WD traction is there when needed and not needlessly consuming energy when not needed, in which case the front wheels pull the Ridgeline along quite handily, and with zero torque steer,
Under acceleration or when slippage is anticipated, VTM-4 seamlessly engages the rear wheels, which are linked by a limited-slip rear differential. When heavy slogging is encountered, drivers can lock-in the rear wheels by hitting the VTM-4 Lock button located on the instrument panel. Upon travelling in excess of 30kph the system automatically deactivates.
Although the Ridgeline does not come equipped with low-range gearing for serious off-road excursions, it’s plenty capable in snow and mud; it’s also a capable performer on-road.
Behind the wheel
Perhaps the greatest attribute of the Ridgeline is its non-truck-like driving dynamics and its car-like manoeuvrability. Simply put, it doesn’t feel like a truck from behind the wheel. Compared to larger 4-door pickup trucks, the Ridgeline feels more manageable, which is something that pleases non-truck types in need of a truck.
Likely those individuals will also appreciate the reasonably smooth ride delivered by the Ridgeline along with its agility. Overall, the vehicle feels lighter on its tires than a typical 4WD crew-cab pickup, and to many buyers that’s an important characteristic.
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| This healthy mill dispatches 250 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm and 247 pound-feet of torque @ 4,300 rpm. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
The autobox shifts appropriately, contributing to the overall refinement of Honda’s powertrain. A column shifter enables greater storage space between the front seats. The bin arrangement here is quite flexible, allowing its size to be increased or decreased depending on needs.
The downside to the column shifter is the absence of an electronically controlled manual mode found so frequently in modern automobiles. I’ve come to enjoy the easy usage these devices provide over manually shifting with a column mount, especially when undertaking off-road treks.
VTM-4 extends traction
Honda’s Variable Torque Management 4-wheel-drive technology is a less bulky means of ensuring 4WD traction is there when needed and not needlessly consuming energy when not needed, in which case the front wheels pull the Ridgeline along quite handily, and with zero torque steer,
Under acceleration or when slippage is anticipated, VTM-4 seamlessly engages the rear wheels, which are linked by a limited-slip rear differential. When heavy slogging is encountered, drivers can lock-in the rear wheels by hitting the VTM-4 Lock button located on the instrument panel. Upon travelling in excess of 30kph the system automatically deactivates.
Although the Ridgeline does not come equipped with low-range gearing for serious off-road excursions, it’s plenty capable in snow and mud; it’s also a capable performer on-road.
Behind the wheel
Perhaps the greatest attribute of the Ridgeline is its non-truck-like driving dynamics and its car-like manoeuvrability. Simply put, it doesn’t feel like a truck from behind the wheel. Compared to larger 4-door pickup trucks, the Ridgeline feels more manageable, which is something that pleases non-truck types in need of a truck.
Likely those individuals will also appreciate the reasonably smooth ride delivered by the Ridgeline along with its agility. Overall, the vehicle feels lighter on its tires than a typical 4WD crew-cab pickup, and to many buyers that’s an important characteristic.
 |
| Those individuals will also appreciate the reasonably smooth ride delivered by the Ridgeline along with its agility. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |