2017 Honda Ridgeline
If you’re a traditional truck buyer, you may not have thought much of the original Honda Ridgeline when it debuted all the way back in 2006. With characteristics that set it apart (for better or worse) from traditional trucks — unibody construction, unconventional looks, allwheel drive instead of 4-wheel drive — the Ridgeline was better at winning over SUV buyers with a want for an open-air bed than it was at converting long-time truck owners.
Following a brief hiatus after the 2014 model year, Honda’s rolled out an all-new 2017 Ridgeline, using the same unibody formula as the original but with new-and-improved features.
Changes to the 2017 Honda Ridgeline
All-new platform based on the redesigned Honda Pilot SUV Less eccentric styling to bring the Ridgeline closer to the rest of Honda’s lineup Updated 3.5-liter V6 with 30 more horsepower than previous model In-bed audio system for tailgating or other outdoor uses Longer and wider bed for more storage capacity Available for the first time in two-wheel and all-wheel-drive variants Honda Sensing active safety features available on upper trims, a first for the midsize pickup segment
Trim level differences
RT: Available all-wheel drive, push-button start, multi-angle rearview camera, 4.2-inch color LCD screen, Dual-Action Tailgate, inbed lockable trunk, LED taillights, integrated trailer hitch with 7-pin connector (AWD only), 200-watt, 7-speaker audio system with Bluetooth phone and audio
RTS: Electronic, smart-entry key system, fog lights, Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control with Humidity Control and Air Filtration, HomeLink Remote System, exterior temperature indicator
Sport: Gloss-black door handles, Sport styling cues to differentiate from RTS models
RTL: Acoustic windshield (AWD only), leather-wrapped steering wheel, driver’s seat with 10-way power adjustment including lumbar, passenger’s seat with 4-way power adjustment, leather-trimmed interior, heated front seats
RTL-T: LED daytime running lights, dynamic rearview camera, Honda LaneWatch blind spot camera system, auto-dimming rearview mirror, 225-watt, 7-speaker audio system, 8-inch display audio with touchscreen, Apple Carplay/Android Auto functionality, HondaLink services, SMS text message function, SiriusXM satellite radio, Pandora capability, standard navigation with traffic updates
RTL-E: 540-watt 8-speaker audio system, truck bed audio, driver’s seat with 10way power adjustment and two-position memory, blue ambient LED lighting, heated steering wheel, conversation mirror with sunglass holder, illuminated beverage holders (front), power moonroof with tilt, power sliding rear window, LED headlights with auto on/off, 150-watt/400-watt truck bed power outlet, Honda Sensing (Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto High-Beam headlights, Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitor)
Black Edition: Blacked-out appearance package, red ambient LED lighting
Power and performance
The only powertrain available for the Ridgeline is the stalwart 3.5-liter V6, which makes 280 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 262 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. The Ridgeline comes in front- or all-wheel-drive and with a 6-speed automatic transmission that's better suited to a truck application. This powertrain manages 25 mpg combined and can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Safety summary
The 2017 Ridgeline has not yet been fully tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but Honda claims that it will be the safest pickup truck on the market when results are released.
Tech talk
Standard and available technology features include a new 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality, a satellite navigation system, tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, remote engine start, keyless entry, a power-sliding rear window and LED exterior and interior lighting. There's also an in-bed stereo system that transforms the pickup’s bed into a giant speaker.