Ridgeline is still a fan favourite
2012 MODEL: Few changes, but this Honda truck finds a niche in ever-changing market
The Honda Ridgeline has been part of the truck world for six years; a time span that usually heralds a next-generation makeover — not the soft upgrade we’ve received for 2012. Frankly, the changes for the coming year can be covered in a paragraph.
First, all versions of the Ridgeline get a new grille treatment, while the Sport (a new trim level) gets black 18-inch alloy wheels, a black honeycomb grille and black headlight and brake light housings. Also, as a result of aerodynamic and powertrain tuning modifications, Honda says there’s a 2.5-per-cent improvement in the pickup’s fuel economy.
Since its introduction, the Ridgeline has split critics into two very distinct camps. Some love it, others hate it. Now with its seventh season on Canadian roads coming up, it appears the “love it” camp has held sway. Though its sales numbers have never been huge, the Ridgeline has built a following and met a need. For instance, from a driving perspective, the Ridgeline performs in a very comfortable car-like manner, with just a hint of rigidness. It also parks easily, offers good visibility and scoots around town in nimble fashion — attributes those looking for a part-time truck probably appreciate.
So, as I drove this blacked-out Sport, I wondered not about the new minor changes but rather the future of this polarizing pickup. While the Ridgeline has changed little since 2006, the pickup market has changed enormously. Trucks are larger and more powerful and most manufacturers have abandoned the small pickup market, making the players left that much more desirable for those looking for a truck smaller than a battleship.
This is good news for Honda. As for truck buyers (certainly, lovers of all things Honda have provided a steady customer base over the years), these changes in the pickup market may bring new buyers to the unchanging Ridgeline. But, to do that, Honda has to change one thing — stop calling the truck fullsized. The automaker says its truck is a full-sized half-ton with the ability to tow 2,268 kilograms and carry a payload of 705 kg. Yes, it does that. Unfortunately, since 2006, the rest of the half-ton market has moved on. At my Canadian Truck King Challenge event last year, we towed 3,629-kg trailers and hauled 816 kg of shingles with the competing half-tons. So, when I call the Ridgeline a small truck, it’s not an insult.
In fact, while driving the Ridgeline Sport, I was reacquainted with a series of components that work well together. Its 3.5-litre VTEC V6 engine — coupled to the 5-speed automatic transmission — is quiet and moderately powerful, with its output rated at 250 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. Its Transport Canada fuel economy figures of 14.1 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 9.8 L/100 km on the highway are decent when compared with a world of V8 trucks.
Still, even with minor massaging for 2012, the reality is this has been the same powertrain throughout the Ridgeline’s life. Almost all the other companies have at least moved on to six-speed transmissions.
The truck fares better inside. Its four-door cab is roomy, with good ingress and egress both front and back. Step-in is reasonable — there’s no running board or parachute required. The interior is a classic utility-minded design with a lot of storage, dual-purpose features (such as the centre console) and a layout that has ease of cleaning in mind. Only the monotone grey colour needs updating.
A nice feature of the Ridgeline is its standard VTM-4 (Variable Torque Management) four-wheeldrive system. This is not an aggressive off-road setup, but it does power the wheels normally while automatically locking up the limitedslip rear differential when traction is needed. For messy road conditions, it works well. However, for that occasional dirt-road detour, the system also has a “locked” setting that holds power to the front and rear on a fixed basis.
The Ridgeline sports four-wheel independent suspension supporting a closed-box unibody chassis that also has no
body panel separation between the truck cab and box. The 6.5-foot bed (with tailgate down) will carry a full-sized ATV.
Also under the heading of unique is an underbed 8.5-cubic-foot storage compartment — or lockable trunk. This is a great feature as it keeps everything from groceries to valuable tools dry and out of sight.