What I know about the new Honda Ridgeline include it's a smooth and easy ride, it's a mid-size pick-up and it has been fully redesigned for 2017. That's a lot for this Honda reintroduction plus the fact that you can also haul to your heart's content since the 2017 Honda Ridgeline can tow up to 5000 pounds. You might also opt to purchase the Ridgeline in a two-wheel drive version if that's more to your liking.
Gone for two years, the 2017 Ridgeline is feistier than it ever was and the competition includes the Chevrolet Colorado or the Toyota Tacoma each with specific variations depending on need.
The 2017 Ridgeline seats five and is available in a single four-door crew cab configuration with seven different trim levels; RT, RTS, Sport, RTL, RTL-T, RTL-E and the Black Edition.
On the RT, RTS, Sport, RTL and the RTL-T there is either front or all-wheel drive, but on the latter two top of the line trims all-wheel drive is the only option.
On the basic RT trim the standard features are impressive beginning with 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, a two-inch receiver tow hitch, dual-action tailgate, lockable in-bed trunk and a very functional incandescent cargo bed light. There are also LED taillights, a push-button start with a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a console shifter. The very convenient 60/40-split lift-up rear seat offers storage underneath and you get full power accessories with cruise control. The technology on this trim includes a 4.2-inch screen as well as seven speakers, USB port, Bluetooth phone and audio and a multi-angle rearview camera.
For the features on the RTS add halogen fog lights, remote engine start, pockets on the seatbacks and a remote system. The Sport trim is decked out the same way, but with gray alloy wheels, black exterior trim and red interior lighting.
For the RTL, the 18-inch wheels offer six spokes and there are leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats. The front seats are heated and there is an eight-way power adjustment for the driver with the passenger having a choice of four-way adjustments.
For the RTL-T add LED daytime running lights, the Honda LaneWatch system as well as lighted vanity mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and an eight-inch touchscreen including sound and four USB ports. The variety of app capabilities makes this trim stand out as well as the Pandora compatibility.
The RTL-E trim offers a power tilt and/sliding moonroof, LED headlights, chrome door handles, parking sensors, a driver seat memory, LED cargo lighting and a heated steering wheel. For safety features on the RTL-E it's forward collision warning with emergency braking, lane departure warning and road departure mitigation with blind-spot monitoring and a rear cross-traffic alert system.
The high-end Black Edition trim is a RTL-E trim on with Crystal Black Pearl and matching black-painted wheels. There is also black trim and grille and black leather seats with red stitching, perforation accents and red interior ambient lighting.
Under the hood the 2017 Honda Ridgeline has a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower in a six-speed automatic transmission.
On the all-wheel-drive it is an automatic transmission with terrain choices from Normal to Snow, Mud and Sand. Depending on the terrain choice selection you will feel a difference when driving the Ridgeline in regard to transmission shifting, control and stability and a power split using the front and rear.
Safety includes antilock brakes; stability and traction control; front, front seat side and side curtain airbags as well as tire pressure monitoring and a rearview camera. With the higher-end trim there are the additional safety features such as driver assistance and crash avoidance, forward collision warning with collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning and the blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert system.
Expect more space in this 2017 Honda Ridgeline with exceptional legroom for passengers in the back. In fact the truck is four inches longer than the previous Ridgeline incarnation.
Up front it's designed much like the Honda Pilot configuration with the knobs and dials in perfect location for ease of use. Cupholders are strategically located and there is plenty of room in the center console for storing goodies. Remember too, the 60/40 flip option in the back seats offers even more space as does the storage space under the seat.
It's a smooth and easy ride that feels more like being behind the wheel of a sedan and less like a rough and tumble pick-up truck. Also a bit surprising is how quiet the cabin is inside during the ride.
From taking the busy streets on a daily basis to highway driving or traversing in more of off-road situations, the Ridgeline has got it covered comfortably with standouts in particular including the in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate, both impressive on this 2017 midsize pickup.
Should You Need to Know: The 2017 Honda Ridgeline has an improved fuel economy, but one notable downside is that in order to get to the spare tire you have to take out everything you might be hauling in order to get to it.
Miles Per Gallon: The 2017 Honda Ridgeline AWD RTL-E I drove got 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway.
Cost: The 2017 Honda Ridgeline AWD RTL-E had a price tag of 42,270.
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