2017 Honda Ridgeline Review and Road Test - DETAILED in 4K UHD!
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- Опубликовано: 10 сен 2024
- Honda's second American truck builds on the practical reputation of their first while looking a little more traditional. The in-bed trunk and other crossover style features make a return along with a torque vectoring AWD system and a fully independant suspension. The combination makes the Ridgeline quite simply the most practical pickup available in America. But is it the right choice for you? Let's find out.
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Had mine for about 2 months now - this is an amazing vehicle, and it tows my 18 foot Searay like nobody's business! It is also way way way faster than any pickup I've ever owned. As my teenage son says ' VTEC YO!" as it rips away from a stoplight!
If that makes it girly - well call me a girl. This is truly a great truck!
I think the RL would suit most American truck buyers, but they'll never admit that. How often do you see 4 door pickup trucks cruising around with only the driver, nothing in the bed and not even a tow hitch installed or a freshly painted/never used tow hitch?
Right now I'm driving a 2016 Civic and this truck really fits what I'm looking for.
Your smoking crack, a lot of it!!!
Well most truck owners I know get trucks cuz they're really just a jack of all trades type vehicles. I wouldn't trust a RL to get me to that fishing hole down that sketchy trail. Or to pull a friend out that mudhole or pull your boat out a lake on that wet boat ramp. Or move all your or a friend's belongings in 2 or 3 trips.
But with that said, the RL is a pretty cool truck
It really is the best of both worlds: the comfort of a sedan or SUV, but the utility of a traditional pickup. For people who want a pickup as a primary means of transportation, it's in a sweet spot. All of a sudden, the Ridgeline is now in the top 5 of my used car shopping list.
Alex deserves more subscribers, very in depth informative review as always.
Agreed
No one is as excellent as Alex when it comes to reviews! Absolutely he has raised the standard. No one I know does it better!
FOR8YESHUA Savagegeese is also very good l wouldn't come to conclusions just yet.
This guy is awesome but he just does'nt have as much entertainment value as other reviewers. If you are actually looking to buy something, his in-depth and encyclopedia like knowledge is spot on.
But his acceleration tests are absolute BS
The Ridgline has a lot of features for the money. I like the all wheel drive and wheel vectoring system.
I just want to thank you for doing these videos. It really makes a difference to watch someone with a more "the average consumer". You have eliminated most of my dealer-visits. Thanks again !
I can fit a body in the trunk. all i need to know. thanks
d-wills LOL
Nope, you'll need a max or a full size truck. Don't ask how I know.
U can stick him in that box in the bed an nobody will ever know..the bed will look empty..plus the box has a plug to wash the blood out easy peasy.
I’m weak😂😂
No matter how short it is, Ridgeline is 96% width of F-150. It's not small by any stretch.
The lamborghini aventador is the SAME width as the F150. Are you saying the aventador is big?
Exactly. I wish he had mentioned this. Elbow room makes a big difference in how big a vehicle feels. I've sat in a Ridgeline and a Tacoma and there is no comparison.
@@ultratech6671 yeah Lambos are pretty big cars
I have been a.
car guy all my life... and I just found AlexonAutos. I have to say that hands down he puts together the best, most comprehensive, most informative, technically savvy auto reviews I have found, either in print or on the internet. Thanks Alex!
I got one. Got ride of my 2011 Tundra ( great truck just did not tow as much anymore) and this is a perfect replacement. It rides like a luxury SUV and has a very usable 5'4" bed and can tow 5000 lbs. It's way better than the Tacoma in every category except off road which I could care less about.
Impressed with that Ridgeline, it's very nice
All I ever needed was a truck to get me to my bulldozer, then I make roads, even cars can drive on! I like getting home in a clean truck, after running around in mud, all day long! I have pushed every kind truck made, including semi trucks, loaded to the gills! Real trucks have tracks! When I get off work, I enjoy 😊 an hour long trip home, in my Ridgeline, love it!
I’ve got the 2020 Sport, and glad it doesn’t have anymore buttons. I like things simple, but ratcheting seats seems a little bit to simple, until you think about it! My truck, my settings, done! It’s not a rental, so, not any adjustments needed. One & done! (Still would appreciate electric seats!) I carry my cane, walker, and oxygen, & room for my caregiver. Not even close to a real truck load, but it’s my Real Truck Load! When I’m driving on 3 wheels, I’m turning in my license! It’s very comfortable, and quiet enough. That I can understand what you’re saying,when I’m wearing my hearing aids. I’m still breaking down, so I’ll probably learn more things this truck is good at, while I’m learning more things I’m bad at! My brain is still working, so I realize the money I’m saving on gas! It is very easy to get in & out of, including the back seat, which has enough room for a couple of wheelchairs, with the backseats folded up. It’s got really good speakers, so good that your caregiver could fall asleep listening to the radio. Nice to know that most snow storms won’t keep you from reaching the Emergency Room, with that AWD. Some of you people might even have parents or grandparents that need your help, in an emergency, and aren’t in any condition to mountain climb into your truck. Just a different perspective, on what trucks are needed for! Stay healthy, and live a long time, you’ll see your world change, and need help. Hopefully you won’t be alone with just your truck!
sweet review, I drive the RL and I love it. I chose it over the Colorado based on safety. After seeing the off set crash tests on full size trucks from IIHS I had no reason to trust Chevy Toyota or RAM and when one watches the pilot it gets a top ratting of Good. Keep up the good work
Great in-depth review! Better than Honda execs about their truck. I have owned the first gen. 2008 and have really loved it. Many of the same features. The new model is awesome. It fits 80 to 90 percent of the American public needs. Some, instead of thinking logically they use that testosterone brain. Thanks again for a factual unbiased review.
Thanks Alex, awesome review! I thoroughly did my research before I bought an RT AWD but still learned a few things from your review. Bar none the best reviewer on RUclips or any other platform.
Really great review!!! I believe this is the start for Honda and the pickup truck segment. the last gen they didn't focus enough, but this time I think they will refresh with better everything as it goes on year after year until years from now it is almost perfected with amazing off-road like traditional trucks, trailering, and so much more! Go Honda!!!
Alex, typically great review - thanks! Not having owned a pickup before, I especially appreciated the non-partisan evaluation of the pros\cons of the other competitors in the field. Very useful!
Alex, your reviews are hand down the best on the web. I sold Honda’s for a bit and learned more about them by watching your videos’ than any other way of learning. I’m going to be getting a Ridgeline in the next 6 months and thank you for your amazing review!
Alex,
This is far and away the best, most complete, most detailed and most useful review on the Honda Ridgeline that I have seen to date and I have seen them all. You also supplied a wealth of information on the mid size truck segment itself. Please keep up the good work. I think your explanation of Honda's use of a "Fully Boxed Frame" in this unibody truck along with your detailed explanation of it's highly sophisticated AWD system will be very convincing to most prospective buyers. I realize that this is not a true off road vehicle, but you are absolutely correct that it is the best AWD system available for on road inclement weather conditions, vastly superior to traditional 4WD systems. Keep up the good work.
Excellent review Alex!! Thanks much!
I just bought a 2020 Ridgeline. Absolutely the best truck I've ever owned. I don't need more then this truck can do. Love it!
I am almost convinced that this Unibody truck is allot more than people give this truck credit for. Any folks needing a great truck, but don't really want a truck. What???? Don't want a truck. Honda has made a great truck for everyday life. But a Tacoma, and other body on frame trucks are what I want mostly. The aftermarket, and accessories to be had is too hard to ignore. The Upcoming Ranger makes this a tough sell for some too. If I needed a business truck, one that still holds work for the job site, and still can take a client or 2 to lunch, the Ridgeline is a fabulous truck for me.
I'm done with my research, and I bought the sedan I was looking for. Why I'm still watching videos about trucks? Well, it's a way to say thank you to Alex for his other reviews about sedans. By the way, I just bought a 2021 Camry hybrid Le with lithium ion battery, I already put 2500 miles on it and I'm getting more than the advertised 52 miles per gallon. The Camry LE hybrid is the Prius killer.
Best mid size truck on RUclips! Thanks Alex!
Alex is a master class reviewer ... altho there's kinda an info overload toward the end of the reviews. Overall, great stuff!
I like the overload of info. That's why I watch most of Alex's reviews, despite not being in the market for a vehicle. It helps me feel like I kind of understand the automotive market myself.
Wow, great review Alex! I am really surprised that most of the comments are directed positively towards your reviewing style rather then negative comments on this "not being a truck because it's FWD". Awesome job!
I know right, if this was the flt everybody would be making negative comments how it is not a truck. Thankfully the guys over at The Fast Lane Truck posted a video today of the RL going up the Gauntlet in Colorado with maximum towing doing very well. Maybe now all the idiots out there will stfu!!!
It's funny that I'm watching a video from 2016 and you sir just sold a vehicle for Honda to me. I am very happy with what I see and hear in the video. It's practical and best bang for the money. And that's what I need. Thank you, Alex!
Great report as usual-but with one serious omission:
The Ridgeline, both the gen-1 model, and this new gen-2 model, is the only midsize pickup that can carry 4' wide paneling flat on the bed floor. No other midsize pickup model can do that.
Oh, my...the singing! Excellent review! I was on the fence between the Canyon and the Ridgeline - your video and thorough review definitely will have me leaning towards the Ridgeline. And maybe the Accord Hybrid, too. Well done, sir!
I always wonder who watches to the end, so on occasion I do something to find out....
We purchased a 2018 Black Edition..... It has been an outstanding experience......
What a coincidence! I saw a new Ridgeline today for the fist time and I come back and see a Ridgeline review
I love your reviews. You clearly do doors research on these vehicles and get right to the point.
This guy is the absolute best! No nonsense, has all specs, bravo!!!!
Went from an F150 (20 years and two trucks) to a loaded Ridgeline RTL-E. Would say Alex's review is both fair and accurate. The RL is a low capacity pickup truck.. The size of the bed is short and shallow, and it can only handle around 1000 lbs.. Towing is weak as well.
The RL is an absolute pleasure to drive on the highway and around town, and it fits in my garage.. I'm OK with its truck shortcomings... Whether you are is a personal matter. So you have to be honest with yourself.
If you dont know what you want, the easiest no brainer truck decision is an F150.. Cheap and reliable.. It is the best selling vehicle in the USA for 40 years for a reason.. For me I'm happy with my Honda!
Joe Pah actually you can place 1560 pounds in the bed.
I really really like the Ridgeline. Being unibody makes it so much better and that little trunk beneath the load bay with dual hinge opening is so clever. Being a unibody, I wonder if they could've also added a lockable pass through into the cabin to put even longer items through. Not sure how and if that would work though. There are just much more possibilities with a unibody construction I think. You basically get the utility of a pick up but the comfort, refinement and convenience of a normal SUV.
They unfortunately don't sell this in Europe and thus not in South Africa. It would be nice though. I am guessing this competes with the VW Amarok, Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara etc. I'm not sure what or even if there are American equivalents of these pick ups we get. The Frontier looks like a Navara but we have a new one now. I don't think VW sells the rather excellent Amarok in the US. The Tacoma looks much bigger than a Hilux. I have also read a comment once than Ford doesn't sell a Ranger in the US. Anyway, nice review and nice pick up.
if uni body is so much better why do the real pickups have body on frames?
Yes maybe body on frame is better for towing more and other utilitarian things but these days most people who buy these types of pick ups do not use it as a full on rugged utility vehicle. They have all become lifestyle vehicles people use everyday to commute, take kids to school and maybe once a year tow a light boat or caravan to their favourite holiday destination. This Honda therefore makes perfect sense.
SDav21 see that is where I disagree, that is exactely why I bought my truck. why the he'll would you spend a small fortune on a 1/4 ton truck if it wasn't going to be used? I'd sooner buy a kickass car if I wanted a good road vehicle.
Because it's cheaper to manufacture.
FloppyBit You, sir, have much sense about you. I totally agree. I can definitely see the merits of the Ridgeline over conventional trucks, but if you only use a truck for its intended purpose once a year, just rent one.
Owned my Ridgeline RTL E for 3 years. still love it. Had to adjust to the reduced bed size, but was definitely an upgraded ride from my F150... Interior is much larger than any other midsize pickup.. And the trunk turns out to be very useful. store my tarps and tie downs tools and spare bag of clothes...
What I don't like:
tailgate doesn't lock. have to backfit
rear doors dont open enough.. have to backfit
acceleration at highway speeds is sluggish.. no practical way to upgrade.
poor towing capacity but I don't tow any more, so np.
looks too much like the Pilot.
I understand it is basically a Pilot with the back cut off but they should have at least tried to give it a pickup look in the front.
By far the best Honda Ridgeline review I've seen! And I've seen at lest 20! Interesting to note that here in Canada the top end trim is called a "Touring" and has a CD player (go figure?) and ventilated seats as standard equipment for this model!
Alex's car reviews are the best on the internet! Please spread the words to keep this channel going!
Bottom line, the Ridgeline has no competition, it's the best mid-size truck you can buy.
I love mine. I live in the city, don't have a ton of room to park, and needed a truck to haul my Motorcycles to the track for racing. This fits the bill perfect. I drove the Tacoma and other mid sized trucks, and the RL kicks them all in the butt....
I don't comment on RUclips often, but man, this was an Amazingly helpful video, Alex. Thanks for the wonderful presentation and unbias!
why does the ridgeline get a 10 for seat comfort, but the pilot gets a 7? are the seats actually different, or does the ridgeline just get "mercy" points for being a truck?
The best review ever. Real in depth of all available options.
Great review but I think you missed a couple important points. first the 4X8 wheel well spacing is unique in the midsize segment. The rear outer quarter panels are not unibody parts and bolt on for easier body repair so there really is a practical point to the vertical trim line between box and cab. Another good point is that the towing package is standard on all models. Something that is an often expensive addition to other segment models. The wheel mount in the back of the cab wall is also worth mentioning given the common concern of a flat with a full bed.
Of course the bed audio is well known now but a mention of this unique feature is appropriate. Lastly the composite bed and its brick drop test is worth a comment. When pricing, things like a bed liner, hitch, and such are missed by the buyer till after the sale.
Otherwise great review.
Wow, Alex... you're the MAN! What an outstanding comprehensive review! So many things cover that others miss. Thanks. Keep it up.
One big pro (to me) is that it looks like it's easier to get in and out of. Most 4wd pickups are like climbing a mountain to get into the seats.
This is by far the best damn review of this vehicle I've seen so far!!
First : Finally...!!! (already watched the car seat review, btw). long time viewer. :)
second: DAMN, you really know your thing!! I mean, this is by far the BEST REVIEW i've seen on the 2017 RL. And i've seen dozens.... It was worth it waiting to hear your opinion on this truck, because i've been hesitating to buy it. But after all those 10's and A's you gave it, I'M SOLD!!! (i don't need to tow 6500 lbs!) ;)
And Third: F*ck the haters! All they say is, "It's not a real truck" ugh, who cares! I love all the practicality... like you said, "It is simply the best all around truck, in the market". People who buy it, know what this truck is capable of, and what it's not!
Great Review!
Couldn't agree more 🙂
I'm Buying a white RLT=E...Cant wait...
+jamesinkeys I purchased a white RTL-E in August. I've gotten to 28.4 mpg, I tow a light duty utility trailer loaded with tools to my job sites. I've been in the construction industry since 1992 and the Honda is by far the best truck I've decided to purchase and I've owned and driven a lot of trucks, vans and box trucks. A dream to drive everyday versus anything else we have to choose from. My 2 choice was the Colorado but it did not have the fit and finish of the RL and overall comfort front and rear for adults. And I can't believe how much I actually use the rear trunk .
jamesinkeys n Honda Fit
I just ordered the RTL-T FW to replace my 9 year old Sierra SLE. This review confirms my opinions after extensive research. I'm retired and tow a 2500# boat, and don't need to haul much. I added the heavy duty trans cooler for longer (Canada) boat hauling trips. I live in Mn and have no worries that the front wheel drive can pull this through moderate snow. I won't be driving through 18" snow. Lastly, I'm a disabled Vietnam Veteran Marine; and don't need to compensate. I don't need a jacked up, gut stomping Hemi mud thrower to be secure about my manhood. Read other comments about the Ridgeline being a "chick" truck. LMAO.
Great review.
I wish they would have offered heated rear seats in the USA model like they do for the Canadian model.
My ridgeline has heated seats!
@@asiansrule45 rear seats, bud.
Best all around reviews on You Tube, imho. I appreciate that you follow the same format for every vehicle.
Best review on youtube for the ridgeline good job !!!
Without a doubt this is the best review available on this vehicle. Good information, great comparisons to other trucks, nice graphics. I like your clear presentation and delivery. You are The Car Man!
this might be the best honda ridgeline review i have seen
Absolutely the best cars review channel on RUclips. Alex u deserves more followers. And please keep this channel alive 👏🏼👍🏼.
The most comprehensive review of the many I've seen on the Ridegeline. Many thanks for posting this excellent video.
Thanks for breaking it down, it gives us a better understanding on what we will be buying.
Alex, I wanted you to know that I finally got a RTL-E this January, based a lot upon your review. Replaced a 2003 Frontier. Noise was a big factor in selecting the Ridgeline, and your review covers that. Looking to replace a 2013 Mazda CX-5, which by comparison to the Ridgeline is really noisy. Hope you can review the new 2017 CX-5 and perhaps the 2-18 Audi Q5. Love the comparisons.
I'm surprised you didn't mention that the In bed trunk can be used as a cooler
Awesome review-well thought out, comprehensive and thorough. You can teĺl your videos are a passion project
Nice job on this video. Lots of good information in a clear, concise monologue. Thank you.
comprehensive and informative. great job! I want a White RTL.
Excellent review. I sure appreciate how thorough your review is. Thank you. One thing I might add - have your dealer replace the door checkers with the Pilot checkers so that you don’t have the narrow door openings on the rear doors.
I PURCHASE A RTL-E RIDGELINE AND AM VERY HAPPY. HOWEVER, I HAD THE DEALER INSTALL THE FOLDING TONNEAU COVER WHICH LOCKS BUT THE TAILGATE DOES NOT. ALL IS DEFEATED AS ANYONE CAN OPEN THE TAILGATE AND GAIN ENTRY INTO THE ITEM STORED IN THE BED. ALSO, THE BACKUP CAMERA IS WHERE THE TAILGATE HANDLE LOCK SHOULD BE AND IF YOU DRIVE WITH THE TAILGATE DOWN THE CAMERA ONLY WILL SHOW THE FLOOR.
I'm totally sold on the ridgeline. Thanks for the detailed review to make an informed decision!
FANTASTIC Review! Thank you for the informative diagrams with great comparisons to the other trucks in this segment!!!
Have watched alot of reviews on Ridgeline - this one is the best
Thanks so much for a comprehensive review. We are considering buying a 2017 Sport AWD and this helps.
Loved my first gen Ridgeline, replaced it with a 2016 Ram 1500 that recently was written off thanks to a drunk driver. Really thinking about replacing it with another Ridgeline thanks to this review.
wish there was a good $20k econo-pickup. As much as I love this thing, the price is ridiculous.
Couldn't agree more. I still think Hyundai/Kia is missing a huge opportunity to introduce a true compact pickup, not the useless Santa Cruz that Hyundai is going to release, but a regular body-on-frame work truck like the old Ranger and S-10.
amen brother!
Nissan Frontiers are usually heavily discounted so king cab 4x2 with manual could be had for under 20k
This Guy- He said "good".
I like the old Toyota " 1-ton" pick up trucks from the 80's. Just enough for hauling fridges, landscaping materials, washer & dryer and the occasional apartment furniture for friends & my kids. Simple, no flourish just plain functional.
Alex is extraordinary- I'm now convinced, by Alex, what to buy:
Thanks Alex, you've cleared every doubt I had!
i drove both. ridge and "conado". ended up with the canyon. with rebates and bose audio and nav. truck was 29. almost fully loaded. ridge was very nice but pricey at this point. Honda definetly has a nice vehicle here.
Best all-around: Honda Ridgeline! Excellent review.
one of the most thorough review I have seen! great job!
Best review of this truck, honestly. Great work
Oh my! That outtake at the end is a riot.
Once again Alex, so appreciate the work you do!!! THANKS.
Best reviewer and I watch a lot of them. Good Job Alex.
Thank you for the info. Love the details of the spec of Honda Rifdgeline.
Although I like the Ridgeline a lot I wish Honda would have made it more unique instead of looking like a pilot truck.
My first Alex on Autos video... Very well done!
Most helpful Summary comparison at the end. Thanks!!
A really well-done, comprehensive look at the Ridgeline - love it. Great video!
Just bought me a spanking new Ridgeline RTL-E and am very excited about
it. The ride, the folding rear seats, and all the safety features sold
me, plus Hondas should be pretty reliable long term. It fits in my
garage! My F150 long bed not even close.
Also really liked the Chevy Colorado with Z71 package, and it would have been around $8000 cheaper.. The Ridgeline was a lot more gadgety, which I have to admit, was a deciding factor.
What I don't like about the Ridgeline is the bed capacity.. Not only is
it short, it is fairly shallow, so I won't haul much in the way of tree
limbs.. Have about 40 palm trees that need trimming about once a month
.. Like to find out how others deal with this. Need something
temporarily stakeside the truck for stacking.
Buy a shredder. Like getting an electric trimmer vs doing it by hand. Worth every penny.
Getting a Ridgeline Black Edition soon.
LOL - I love that you needed to ask your graphic designer for a "guy in a trunk" graphic to use for your reviews :)
If I had the money I'd buy it but more importantly...killer review. sub'd
this truck will do well. people complain find fault etc. their is nothing that this truck cant do. every vehicle starts from somewhere. time will tell.
Terrific review!
Best easter egg ending ever Alex.
Excellent review, much more detailed, outlining the pros and cons so that people can hit the dealers armed with that information. I happen to tow a large 5th wheel so a mid-sized truck is out. But for 99% of other truck duties this looks to be a real contender. Should it retain the typical Honda qualities of great build quality and reliability it should serve as a useful vehicle and tool for years and miles ahead.
As always, a great and thorough review!
Extremely informative review! Highly appreciated
Tacoma in Canada is a bit less $$ for similar trim level than the Ridgeline Touring here (top trim without the stupid black thing). This is great and I'm about to pull the trigger on a brand new or a used one If found for a great price for a 22/only 30k kms. for black edition.
Lots of good reviews on this Honda.
best in depth ridgeline review
Hi, Alex. Thank you for the review. Very informative.
Excellent review and comparison Alex.
EXCELLENT REVIEW BEST ONE OUT THERE !
THANK YOU.
I believe that this will be the last Generation Ridgeline Honda will make. However, I also believe that this will be a future collectible that we will see in car shows in the future.
My overall take away from this review: "There's something women like about a pickup man". I'm sold!
Thanks for the great review, Alex.