Honda released its new midsize pickup in the 2016 Detroit Auto Show. The 2017 Ridgeline is aimed to particular buyers, more to those who buy what they need instead what they want. Ten years ago, we reminded the debut of the Ridgeline at the North American International Auto Show.
Today, the second-generation model is following its steps.Other midsize pickups makers offer a lot of horsepower and things that a few people need, but in this time, Honda has impressed us. Honda’s intention is to deliver a roomy interior like no other four-door mid-size pickup. Pilot crossover and the 2017 Ridgeline shares the Honda’s Global Light Truck Platform and the same 3.5 L V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Other midsize pickups makers offer a lot of horsepower and things that a few people really need, but in this time, Honda has impressed us. Honda’s intention is to deliver a roomy interior like no other four-door mid-size pickup. Pilot crossover and the 2017 Ridgeline shares the Honda’s Global Light Truck Platform and the same 3.5 L V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission.
This year this car has done incredible steps in the bed. Perhaps the most flexible mid-size pickup regarding usage, with features as Dual-Action tailgate, six audio exciters just right in the bed with Bluetooth connectivity and In-bed trunk.
Let’s review this pickup.
Performance and Drivetrain
The 2017 Ridgeline will be linked with the Pilot. Both of them are going to be power up by a direct-injected 3.5 L V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission, providing up to 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Also, Honda says that Ridgeline will have best-in-class acceleration and fuel economy ratings. The mid-size pickup will be capable of tow and pull as much as 3500 pounds at the front-wheel drive and 5000 pounds in all-wheel-drive setup.
Either front- or all-wheel drive are optional for the buyer; the truck incorporates a system with torque vectoring capabilities and different modes like Normal, Sand, Snow, and Mud. Also, Honda says the Ridgeline will deliver a smooth, superior on-road ride comfort and NVH.
Design Line and Interior
The changes are notorious at the outgoing model. Surprisingly, the Ridgeline has the same front fascia as the Pilot does. Also has a different grille and connotes a brand new generation of pickup. The body panels are nice to see and fit good and conservative, as nothing too impressive regarding design. With a simple look and comparing with the competence, probably this is the flaw of this pickup: the exterior aesthetic.
In the interior is quite good. The steering wheel is interesting and good looking. The overall interior design is normal and probably Honda’s designers had to be riskier and bring a more audacious and harmonic interior. The room inside is noticeable from rear and front seats while rear 60/40-split seats can fold-up, increasing the cargo capabilities from the inside. The 2017 Ridgeline offers leather trim, tri-zone climate controls, push button start and a TFT color center display. The infotainment system is compound by an 8-inch display audio touchscreen, totally compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Dual-action tailgate allows the driver to fold down the tailgate and also swings open sideways for easier access to the bed. The bed will count with music inside it. Yes, exactly what have you just read. With six audio exciters audio system in the bed and trunk, just beneath the floor of the bed.
In safety aspects, the 2017 Ridgeline will have features as a backup camera, lane departure warning and assist, front collision alert as collision mitigating automatic brakes. All the usual on modern cars.
The Bottom Line for the Ridgeline
The 2017 Ridgeline offers a really interesting and useful bed and overall room and cargo capabilities. Probably the flaws in this pickup are the exterior and interior design, that compared with competence, is not sexy. See the F-150, for example. Honda is a top-globe maker and guarantees an excellent build and material quality. Whether durability, fuel
Honda is a top-globe maker and guarantees an excellent build and material quality. Whether durability, fuel economy, and flexibility makes you comfortable, definitely this pickup is for you.
Starting approximate price at US$30.000.
About the author
William Getty lives and breathes cars. He started driving cars as a 12 year old on the racetrack with his dad. Since then cars has always been a big part of Williams life.
In his garage you can find his beloved 2005 Ford Mustang, as well as a 2020 Audi A3.