Honda Begins Producing Innovative Ridgeline Pickup

First Pickup Truck to Offer Handy Trunk is also First Honda Pickup Truck

Honda's new pickup truck, dubbed Ridgeline, went into production on Monday, February 1st at the Japanese automaker's Alliston,

Honda's new pickup truck, dubbed Ridgeline, went into production on Monday, February 1st. (Photo: Honda Canada)

Ontario production facility, from where it will be shipped to both Canadian and U.S. markets.

The Ridgeline is already making waves in the segment for its innovative 240 litre (8.5 cu-ft) car-like trunk, despite not even having arrived at dealer showrooms yet.

But the trunk isn't all that separates it from the conventional pickup truck crowd, it also features something Honda calls a Dual Action tailgate, a truly unique feature that integrates a high-strength steel frame and has the ability to flip down or swing out.

While it might look to be derived from the brand's midsize Pilot SUV, which rides on a modified Odyssey architecture that itself is developed off of the Accord chassis, the Ridgeline can do more than light-duty hauling. Actually, it can manage more than half-ton

The Ridgeline can do more than light-duty hauling, it can manage more than half-ton payloads (actually 500 kilos or 1,100 pounds) and 2,268 kilos (5,000 pounds) of trailer weight. (Photo: Honda Canada)

payloads (actually 500 kilos or 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 unique undercarriage 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.