Plan your next big trip with onX Offroad today - Download now! Available in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Click the link to use promo code “TFL” and save 20% on an annual membership: www.onxmaps.com/offroad/app
This is the kind of "truck" that 90% of people really need. Most city/suburban dwellers only need a bed for hauling the lawnmower and going to the hardware store. There's definitely a market for the Ridgeline.
nah we dont need trucks. just have them deliver it. paying $200 delivery once or twice a year is cheaper than paying $1,000/month plus gas and insurance for the next 5-6 years
But in the same market you can buy the new Ford maverick which is far easier on the eyes, or a 1st gen gmc canyon (my personal daily driver) for cheaper, or an older ranger for a similar price to the canyon. All of which are better looking trucks and likely built a little more durably
The target audience seems to be people who want a really great on road daily driver you can take to dirt and gravel roads and have fun, while having Honda reliability and good gas mileage . It seems to hit that mark really well. Not everything needs to be a rock crawler with 35” tires.
Honda reliability? That rear diff is extremely complicated and over engineered. I’ll take my locker that is far more reliable and can bias way more torque to where it needs to go. . Slipping clutches = worn clutches. So if you off road a lot in the ridgeline you’ll burn down the AWD system far quicker. Eventually the clutches will lose their grip and you’ll lose more and more performance until it’s not much better than a fwd truck that goes into limp mode often.
@Enough There are quite a few people that does rock climbing with 35in tires, you typically see those more on Jeeps. Most of the trucks owners I've seen that do rock climbing used 33in, very rare you will see one used 35in.
Ridgeline is a ego hurting vehicle for skoal dip chewing guys who barely manage to pay truck note on their 3/4 ton lifted truck which is barely used to tow or go off-roading. Talk to guys who use big trucks for work and adventure and they do respect people having ridgelines, rangers as they understand everyone have different needs for their ride. I own a Tacoma which is mostly for home depot runs but sure does enjoy some dirt when we are on family camping trips. Thinking of getting a Ridgeline next as it's more comfortable in city driving compared to Tacoma. Not everybody needs a 3500 with 37s.
I drive the old ass 1st gen RL. I drive the company’s 2019 double cab Taco, and I definitely prefer the RL over it. I have taken it off-road but nothing serious; I’m not a crazy outdoorsy person. It’s easy to live with for the most people. Throw my 3 kids in the back on long trips, no complaint. Tow a 18’ heavy flat bed, no problem. Load it up with sofa, no issue. All this and keep a cart full of groceries in the trunk LOL
@Donald Wright What kind of stuff you been smoking lately? To answer your question a Ridgeline can tow 5000 lbs and have apayload of around 1500 lbs. Try doing that with civic.
@Donald Wright I've owned and driven a 02' Civic from about years 2010-2016. The civic payload is like 800. One time, the car bottomed out when we took an off ramp of a hwy with the whole family in it, now taken the kids were half their weight back then. Now, the CRV is the "off-road civic"! There's locking Diff kits for them and the Element, but not for the RL!!! My neighbor has her CRV set for overlanding, and it's cool; that's her thing. She only hauls necessary things, nothing more. She said the RL is definitely more capable and wouldnt mind having one if her Hubby didnt have his f150. Ive had a civic, accord, my wife current has the odyssey, brother has MDX, his wife has the TL. These are our daily commenters. The workhorse are the 1 ton F350 and Ram3500. We use those for towing but not for running errands due to their size and harsher ride. The RL has it's niche. Its not for everyone just like every vehicle out there. So to say the Civic has the same capabilities as the RL, I differ than you on that due to my life experiences. We all live differently, so respect each others thoughts and opinions.
The Ridgeline has it's use if you're not pulling regularly and you aren't off roading sure. Now I do pull a 5,000 and 9,000 lb trailer with my F150. I average 19-20 around town and 22-24 highway depending how fast I drive. However I also bought it because F150's are built with years of input from extremely hard use, they are designed to take you to hell and back and they will do just that. You may never benefit from this but for example the engine block on an F150 sits more than 30" back from the front bumper, the radiator sits a full foot behind a very sturdy front bumper and on top of the leading edge of a full boxed front frame. The Ridgeline as a transaxle and a transversely mounted engine, this configuration puts the side of the block well in front of the axle. The consequence the transversely mounted engine is the side of the block is barely 12" from the made to collapse front bumper, with no frame member protecting it. It doesn't take much of an accident to force the radiator into the side of the block and punch a whole right through it, contact with the heads, shears the bolts, damage the gasket. In short even a minor front end collision and the Ridgeline is immobile and if properly assessed by your insurance adjuster, totaled. Same accident on the F150 or virtually any mid or other full size truck and all you got was a bent bumper and a crushed grill, more than likely the radiator survives. Should the radiator not survive it's not that difficult to either plug them or swap them out, if it's cool weather you can stop and refill it until you reach a service station. An engine swap on a Ridgeline is not happening in the field, if you managed to get yourself into a remote location you're in a salvage situation not just "a tow".
My 2008 Ridgeline was a beast in the snow. I sold it it because I like to tinker on cars and it never broke down. Now my old suburban constantly needs tinkering. I was surprised my Ridgeline went for as much as it did and that was pre covid.
A truck with a trunk to store and lock up my tools or what ever. A good amount of payload, a swing out tailgate, all wheel drive, comfortable seating, good power, good gas mileage. The only thing I don't love is the styling. Seems like a perfect truck for someone who enjoys some on road performance along with some offroad or inclement weather capability.
@Norm Cheers I think you just described the ideal pickup for 90% of the population. Problem is there Normy, pragmatism and logic doesn't sell pickups. People buy based on uhh emotion, something that the Ridgeline elicits very little. P.S. I typed the above in Cliff Clavin's voice
@@aaronbehindbars definitely a old man's truck! Perhaps unexpectedly, a greater percentage of Ridgeline owners are male in comparison to other trucks in the segment. J.D. Power data shows that 89% of Ridgeline owners are men (vs. 85% for the segment). Ridgeline owners are also much older (64 years vs. 57 years) and enjoy a much higher median annual household income ($120,175 vs. $95,548).
I got myself a black HPD when they hit the show room and I’ve had no complaints whatsoever! I work on a drilling rig so I have to take it in some tough terrains for some of the locations we go to in very deserted areas and I’ve gotta say she can handle the mud like a champ! I have some Toyo Open Country AT3’s on mine and she’s been able to handle some real soft mud as well as the sand at the beach without getting me stuck! The only downside I see is that the aftermarket support isn’t as strong as a Tacoma or a Jeep, and we’re very limited as to what we can add on them😞 hopefully we start seeing more companies make products for us ridgeline owners lol
Aside from having absolutely no performance upgrades when you get the HPD, you should probably invest in quality suspension as well. Could have saved the $2800, bought a base ridgeline and upgraded the suspension for that money making it more capable.
@@MrRPM110 I never said they were paying cash. In the term of the finance loan, but even if they paid cash, they could have saved the $2,800 or used it on better components if they wanted off-roading capabilities.
@@ritchierichh but realistically the hdp is like 30-45 dollars extra a month tops instead of getting a lift professionally installed for 2800 out of pocket all at once.(or atleast a big chunk of that)
I like the realistic use of AWD "off-roaders", as most people aren't out doing rack crawling. Getting to cool camping spots, or out to trailheads is what most people looking at that sort of vehicle for "off-roading" are interested in, rather than spending a day bouncing over rocks inside a vehicle.
I used to own a Ridgeline and its a really nice truck and yes, its capable off road, its no rock crawler but its quite capable. The unibody design offers some really nice comfort and I absolutely love the trunk in the bed of the truck - I'm surprised that never really caught on.
They never caught on because they were F*$K ugly. Same as the Avalanche by Chevy. The new Ridgeline is better looking with the updated front end, and probably will suite a lot of people looking for light utility work.
When Honda brought out the Ridgeline, back around 2005, I didn't give it a second glance,.. but today, they've come a long way, ( no pun intended here ) haven't they? Today, I would and probably will, have a closer look when buying time comes back around.
I have a Ranger Fx4 but spent all day on the road in a ridgeline a couple of days ago. It was a very comfy and smooth ride. It had good power too. For a designated street/daily driver it’s great! I do a lot of towing and trickier off road driving so it wouldn’t have worked for me but I am jealous of the ridgelines’s storage especially that trunk under the bed. That’s pretty sweet! I did find it hilarious that it had a little doughnut for a spare tire in there. How stupid is that for a truck!?? As the Joe Biden catch phrase goes “C’mon man!!”
To the "Bros" in this comments section, I submit the following: Per the 2019 owner survey by Edmunds: 75% of truck owners self-reported pulling a trailer 1 or fewer (i.e. 0) times per year. 70% of truck owners reported going off-road (includes rough gravel) 1 or fewer times per year (given that they included gravel and still got 70% saying they did not, if they had defined off-road as more difficult, an even higher percentage would have reported not off-roading). 35% of truck owners used the bed of their truck to haul large items 1 or fewer times per year. Again, this is from a survey of thousands of truck owners by one of the most reputable car statistics companies. Per JD Power's 2020 annual APEAL survey of truck owners: 91% of Ridgeline owners are male, compared to 85% for the midsized truck segment, and 86% for the fullsized segment. Those comments about it being a girls truck? I guess that label applies more towards the rest of the trucks out there. In fairness, the median age of a Ridgeline owner is higher than the rest, at 65 vs 56, so it is more of an old man's truck. Also, based on owner satisfaction (measured by "would you buy another"), Ridgelines ranked 1st in the midsized segment, with the highest percentage of owners willing to buy another rather than switch to a different vehicle or brand. Again, this is from JD Power's big survey, you know the one that manufacturers like to quote in their commercials. Lastly, per the Cars.com's American Made Index, the Honda Ridgeline is the most American made pickup truck, and the 3rd most American made vehicle in the US market. Fun fact, the only other truck(s) to break the top 10 vehicles in the American Made index were the Colorado/Canyon at #8/9. Another fun fact, spots 2, 4, 6, 7, and 10 were also Honda/Acura vehicles (The Odyssey, Passport, MDX, Pilot, and RDX in order), so 6 of the 10 most American made vehicles are Hondas. So, what have we learned? 1) Most truck owners (over 70%) do not/rarely off-road or trailer, and over 1/3 of them don't even use the bed of their trucks. 2) More men drive Ridgelines as a percentage of ownership than all other trucks. 3)The "REAL AMERICANS DRIVE AMERICAN TRUCKS" crowd should be buying Honda Ridgelines. If I hurt anyone's feelings by reporting facts, I am not sorry.
its popular with old ppl because they are cool with paying more for a less capable vehicle with a lower ride so they can slide in and out easier than climbing into a tall half ton.
Oh, I forgot the other fun statistic that has nothing to do with the Honda particularly, but does in a roundabout way. In 2018, approx 438,000 RVs were sold in the US, of which 88% were towable and the average weight of the towable models was 5200lbs (dry weight). Now, without getting too deep into statistics, based on sales numbers for 2018 for trucks, this means the total sales of towable RVs was only enough to burden 13% of trucks sold that year. Additionally, for the Average weight to be 5200lbs (and knowing the minimum weight of towable RV's is in the 1500-2000lbs range) then the following approximation must be true: if the 5200lbs is both the median (middle) and average (unlikely that it is in fact both, but let's assume for the sake of this arguement), than 50% of towable RVs had a dry weight of 4000lbs or less. How does that work? Well consider the following: if I sold 100 rvs with 99 of them weighing 5000lbs and the last one weighing 25,000lbs, I would have (99*5000)+25,000=520,000 and 520,000/100=5200lbs. So although the average weight is 5200lbs, 99% of the sold vehicles are 5000lbs. This demonstrates how averages are used to lie in advertising quite nicely, as I could honestly advertise that the "average" RV is too heavy for the Honda, when in fact 99% were at its max tow rating. To mathematically address this again, if 75 of the 100 sales were 4000lbs, and the remaining 25 8800lbs, the 5200lb average would remain true. Same if it was 50 4000lbs and 50 6400lbs. One could still say, "the average RV was too heavy for a Ridgeline" when in fact 50%/75% in these examples were 1000lbs under its max and fully towable by it. This is how dealerships con you into too much capability for your needs. So, without knowing the exact mix, but knowing that the average dry weight was 5200lbs for that year, one can state that in all likelihood, half or more of the towables sold in 2018 were likely light enough to be towed with a Honda Ridgeline. It should also surprise no one after reading this that I am a data analyst at a financial that finances over half a billion dollars in auto and recreational vehicles from dealerships annually in the great lakes region (and many more private party loans, thank you facebook marketplace and craigslist). My job is to know the numbers and read all of these statistics and surveys, and the numbers do say that the Honda could meet the needs of a large portion of truck owners. Not the 90% typically thrown out there, but based on the surveys I quoted earlier, and the RV market data, it could meet the needs of about 70% of it. Fact!
Wondering if you have life experience to accompany your analytical analysis. If you use a truck at the top of its tow/payload rated capacity for long, you are probably not going to enjoy the experience unless you like white knuckles. Good to have more than you theoretically need when things go sideways. And they always go sideways at some point.
@@daviddavis5149 learned to drive in the woods in a stick shift half ton chevy, learned to tow hauling shit on the farm. Went to college for engineering and interned for GM designing transmissions, minored in finance. I know the limits, I know the j2807 towing standards, and I can 1 try hook a pintel hitch in a f450 dump truck using mirrors only, no backup cameras and cheaters for this guy. Good attempt at trying to invalidate me to stroke your ego, but the numbers don't lie, 70% of trucks aren't used to tow or off road.
I'd take a hard look at how close the side of the block on the Ridgeline is to the front bumper before even thinking about taking one anywhere skid plates are needed.
I have a stock g1 RL with k02’s. Ridgelines are heavily under appreciated. It’s a beast up in the mountains in Colorado in all of our crazy conditions.
Solid! Imho 95% of pickup drivers could use this all day long… see way more city slickers coal rolling than I should. Parents own 100acres and I’m not as healthy, so an off-roader makes sense to me… but I don’t NEED it technically.
@@supersymun I would agree with you. I live in the upper Midwest. I had one and the AWD is incredible and great in the snow. They payload is perfect and the towing capacity is more than what I needed and what most people need.
Does adding JSport lift kits to a honda Ridgeline void the Hona warranty? It's interesting that Honda would send a rep to talk about a ridgeline with significant aftermarket upgrades.
Used to take my 07 snow skiing Mt Hood. Studded tires & it worked every bit in ice/snow as good as the Suburban I had before it. Plus, I could haul my dirt bike summers. Great rig. I just replaced it with a 23
@@booker9816 I sold it and bought a 2019 Ford Ranger XLT off road. I was hoping to do an overland build but never happened 😂. The Ridgeline is a much better daily than the ranger and felt more premium inside. But the ranger is still a great truck and I like it. The AWD system on that thing was outstanding too. I live in the upper midwest where we get plenty of snow yearly.
Did that Thule rack require a custom installation? I have a ‘21 Ridgeline and am struggling to find a truck rack from Thule or Yakima that is compatible.
I’m on my 2nd Ridgeline. The fact that I decided to buy a 2nd one should say something. I’ve had true off road vehicles such as a CJ 7 and Tacoma 4wd. I wouldn’t say the Ridgeline is as capable off-road as them, but it’s more than enough for me now.
I have the RTL-E. refined for my City life...but, I am an avid camper, rucker, and Ironman. This truck checks all the boxes for me. I went for the RTL-E package given my lifestyle...the HPD offers no real benefit for off-road use. If looking to add $$$ for HPD, opt to go up a trim to RTL-E from RTL instead...this is my opinion. Same tires. Same powertrain. Same ground clearance. More tech. More interior amenities...and, RTL-E adds in-bed speaker that sounds fantastic. Also, superior interior audio. This is a great truck.
I once pulled a Ridgeline that got stuck towing a utility trailer up a Muddy dirt road of a landfill. He overheated the transmission, not sure if it was excessive wheel spin or just it couldn't handle it. Pulled them out of ruts, with my old Ford Ranger😂
Enjoying this series + I'm a Honda guy hoping they can energize their tired lineup with new offerings like this. Kase your reviews are great and clear communication style is appreciated.
Yes I think the Ridgeline is a good vehicle for what it is. It can do 80% of what I usually use my Tundra for but it's that 20% that keeps it from being feasible for my life right now. Towing, pulling people out of snow ditches ...certain off-road treks...it just wouldn't do. I classify it the same as the new Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa cruz.
@@misterle7026 the taco also has more capabilities. But some try to make the point that most truck buyers could do just fine with the Ridgeline and just want a larger truck for the looks
@@dalephillips8250 what capabilities are you talking about? Like ride comfort capabilities? Range capabilities? Like being able to fit a full sheet of plywood capabilities? Or have a lockable trunk capabilities? Or turning radius capabilities? Or driving in Rain, Mud, Snow capabilities?
@@misterle7026 driving as it will go more places off-road than the Ridgeline. Also towing capacity is more on the Tacoma. Ride comfort is better on the Ridgeline
@@dalephillips8250 your definition of off-roading is rock crawling. Many places on this planet does not have mountains or large rocks. If it's just mud, dirt, or sand I would pick the Ridgeline over Taco any day. Towing, if 5k lbs is not enough for this light truck, you 're just endangering yourself and everyone behind you. The Ridgeline dry weight is 4.5k lbs. And you are planning to tow something that weigh more than itself. Please stop.
The more I see Ridgelines the more I like them. I like utility and I love the bed that the Ridgeline offers with the trunk I think thats awesome. The design is looking better definitely
One thing about having Indy suspension all around is that it’s nice and comfy on higher speed desert riding like that. If Jeep wanted to do something really wild they would have put IFS on the Gladiator Mojave.
My son has a Gladiator Mojave. With the suspension on the softer side the ride off road is outstanding. The Mojave has the best on road ride of the jeeps. We rode from Portland Oregon to Glacier Nat Park and back. The ride was comfortable and quiet. Two weeks ago we ran several of the off road tracks east of Mount Hood and with the tires aired down the ride was great. We came across a Tacoma changing a flat on the side of the road. To get around we had to place the front tire up on a 8" log, with the solid axel it was a breeze. So I disagree it does not need IFS.
@@Hooner77 They marketed it as a desert runner which all have IFS. Crawling over things like logs is rubicon duty. So the Mojave is just a rubicon with softer shocks and no front locker.
I love my Ridgeline. But my sense of virility isn't tied to my truck's towing capacity or ground clearance, or that (gasp) a woman worked on some of the powertrain engineering. Some of you guys need help.
The Ridgeline at it's current price is a joke lol. If you don't want or need a real truck get a Maverick. If you do then get a F250 base its almost the same cost as a Ridgeline.
awd system always seemed solid, but honestly any 2wd vehicle with ground clearance could drive that road. Should show the ridgeline driving that road in heavy rain to see actual capability of the stock tires and awd system.
Honda sold out their “legendary reliability” somewhere around 2012 when they started using extremely cheap subcontracted electrical components. I purchased a 2015 CRV new. I bought on account of “legendary reliability” it hasn’t panned out for me.
I had the same experience with a Subaru that I bought my wife for the “reliability”. It’s was complete junk. There are lemons out there but it was bad enough that I’ll never buy another one.
Counter point, I have a 2015 CRV EX AWD that is about to hit 80k miles with zero issues and has only been in the shop for routine maintenance. Still on the original brakes as well, had to change out the tires though because those OEM Bridgestone's were trash.
If you don't need to do truck stuff, this is the truck for you. I'm convinced that AT LEAST 50% of urban truck owners should be driving these instead of their lifted F250's and Cummins 2500's. If they were being honest with themselves. :D
I love the ridgeline but without a forward facing recovery hooks, proper steel to mount a steel a bumper so a high quality winch with moose lights can be installed, this truck is basically useless here in the tundra of Alaska. I hope Honda hears us one day up in Alaska.
it’s a good soft roader, and that’s about it. Wouldn’t want to take any where besides a fire road or an easier trail. good pavement performance though, i am sure. Some don’t realize this might be enough for some people and that’s okay. to each their own
Some definitely don't realize that the Ridgeline is as hard-core as they'll ever need. Modern cars and modern traction control are far superior to things 20 years ago
Honda really should go that extra little bit and offer a suspension lift, skid plate and suitable spare relocator as catalog options. There are enough people that would like nothing if not the look or a lightly lifted and more trail ready ridgie
What's the difference between the HPD package and the TrailSport package? Will the HPD package be available to the Passport, and the TrailSport package available to the Ridgeline? Or are they both exclusive only to the particular models?
I had a '05 Acura MDX which is about the same all-wheel drive system with the big 200 lb electronic rear differential that is nice cuz you can lock it going slower than 15 mph and I put falken atw3 tires on there and when I was living in Flagstaff going to NAU I never got that thing stuck now I didn't like going to crazy off-road situations but anywhere I wanted to go camping where there was a trail any kind of trail pretty much except like big rocks it didn't have much clearance but mud snow anything like that it never got stuck it was amazing and the seats were so comfy. My brother has a 2012 I believe Ridgeline that he's had for years and he's never had a problem with it they're great and they have really cool storage stuff and she's right about that I think they're a great option for someone who wants a truck but doesn't need a real body on frame two speed transfer case 4x4 truck
What I see in the comments is that everyone has a different definition of off-roading. Just know the limits of your vehicle doesn’t matter if it’s a outback or a lifted wrangler everyone can off-road
I live just north of Boston, love my 2020, which is my daily driver. Like you guys (and most reviewers) say, for 90+ percent of people it really is the right truck. I love the way it was set up, as well as the full size spare holder.
For my region I would need something more robust but I refuse to hate on this little rig. It’s got the reliability of a Honda, it looks good and it’s capable for what the vast majority of people need. Priced right too!
I just walked away from my 2021 Gladiator Rubicon for a 2024 HPD. I had 70,000 problem free miles from the Jeep, but with adding a third kid to the mix, I needed a little more room and practicality. Overall, the build quality has seemed much much better than my JTR, and of course, the road driving is a million times better. It does 95% of the things off road that I needed the jeep for. The other 5% of places I needed the jeep to get to are easily accessible by Honda trail bike. I’ll miss the looks of the Jeep, but the Ridgeline is a better vehicle for the vast majority of people IMHO.
I am a bit old school - Off roading is more than OR shall I say less than electronics, gadgetry and cup holders. Growing up we even had to adjust mirrors using the buddy system - "Move it to the left just a hair.." Honda's, Toyota's & Nissans in my own opinion are the best vehicles today. It all boils down to personal preference over loyalty to one brand - If it works for you and you are happy with what you have nothing else matters. While in Kosovo in 2001 we observed compact cars high in the mountains that we patrolled any vehicle is more capable of much more than what it is marketed for.
So wait - I'm revisiting this video a couple of years later while researching a possible buy on the '24 Ridgeline, and noticed the engineer said they fabricated the additional skid plates in-house - are these available for purchase on the new Ridgeline, by chance? And if not, why aren't they available for the TrailSport?
I want to consider the Ridgeline. I really do. I've had a mid-size Suzuki Equator (rebadged Frontier) and a 2018 Ram with hemi and 4x4. Sold the Ram shortly after I sold my boat. I have also realized MOST people don't need a full size truck. I've started to think about a mid-size again. Tacos are so expensive for a dated truck. The new Frontier is very intriguing. I wish the Ridgeline were just cheaper. It seems so expensive for what it offers. A Taco or new Frontier may be the better option when I move back to New England. We will see!
You say most people don't "need a full-size truck", full size trucks seem huge compared to cars, when you see them on the streets highways, etc. However take that full-size truck to a remote location, on a fishing, camping, hiking or hunting, trip they seem to shrink before your eyes. The 9" of ground clearance seems insufficient, the room in even a crew cab small, even the bed could be larger when all that you have is what you brought with you.
Nice job on the quickie review Chase. Roman, this guy is on a video journalism roll. He's producing some great videos. It isn't enough to make me want a Ridgeline, but it did make me watch all the way through a video about a Ridgeline. ;-)
Honda should have left enough space inside bed trunk for a full size spare as they had on the gen 1. But overall is a great riding midsize truck for most uses.
Where did the tow hooks come from? My second most hated thing on my Ridgeline on a very short list. This truck is almost perfect but they dropped the ball on a few things.
It's crazy that Honda fab'ed the skid plates for this video, but they don't automatically include them on the factory build like virtually every other truck manufacturer does when you get 4WD. Same that it doesn't come w a factory lift like virtually every other pickup w 4WD
@@MC4D. Smart. To be fair the one in my Acura lasted until 224K but replacing it would have required complete removal of the engine and trans from underneath the car which would have required a lift I didn't/don't have.
I’m a total Toyota guy, I love my Tacoma. I’m not ashamed to say that I like this though. It’s practical and something I’d not mind owning. That doesn’t mean I’d ever get rid of my Toyota for it though. My Toyota is here to stay until it quite literally rusts into nothing.
There are different kinds of off-roading sand, mud snow, rock, loose hills. What you are doing is Baja type off-roading not rock crawling, and some vehicles might be stuck, so it is offroading.
The Ridgeline has more headroom than the frontier, the Ridgeline has a larger cab away more storage. And the all wheel drive is amazing. Just 1 problem. After 100,000 miles, they are costly to fix. My 2020 RTL-E front facing camera went out.$1600 to fix that and a broken wire harness under the rear carpet. $1600 to fix. With no help from honda. I sold it.
I get that Honda Ridgeline can be a good choice for certain users. The reason that these do not sell is that these cost the same or more compared to "proper" trucks such as an F150. Why would anyone pay same or more just to get a truck that does less than a proper body on frame truck?
solid rear axle, low range transfer case, locking diff or at least a posi, a little ground clearance and some approach n departure that isnt crap. That is what a real off-roader is in my humble opinion.
I think the ridgeline is perfect for the burbs. weekend trip to home depot. hauling your wifes costco orders. For the majority of SUV and truck buyers in the city, this fits their needs to the T. AWD allows it to go on fire roads and gravel roads to secret fishing holes and most dispersed camping spots. It's too low for intermediate and difficult trails but with the rioght recovery gear and a competent group, it can be done for the most part. Let's be real, most of our rigs, no matter how modded spend most of its time on pavement.
It can work. Nothing custom. Even has a 160+ RTT on there off-road, so that 600+ Thule capacity should be fine too. I think the side bars are key for stability. Plus having a Honda rep on the video gives that Thule built out the nod.
No. But it's alot more capable than anyone cares to give it credit for. It's high point is daily driving, but more than the average Joe will need a truck to actually do.
This video is almost pointless. I want to like the Ridgeline. But the lack of ground clearance and the lack of skid plates keep me from buying it. This video is implying that it is it is capable of off road use but it has skid plates that are not even an aftermarket option. Pointless argument until Honda steps up and sells skid plates.
Plan your next big trip with onX Offroad today - Download now! Available in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Click the link to use promo code “TFL” and save 20% on an annual membership: www.onxmaps.com/offroad/app
How did your comment get less comments then the other ones
This is the kind of "truck" that 90% of people really need. Most city/suburban dwellers only need a bed for hauling the lawnmower and going to the hardware store. There's definitely a market for the Ridgeline.
Yeah but its not the "truck" we want.
nah we dont need trucks. just have them deliver it. paying $200 delivery once or twice a year is cheaper than paying $1,000/month plus gas and insurance for the next 5-6 years
But in the same market you can buy the new Ford maverick which is far easier on the eyes, or a 1st gen gmc canyon (my personal daily driver) for cheaper, or an older ranger for a similar price to the canyon. All of which are better looking trucks and likely built a little more durably
@@dklein8207 you can’t speak for everybody
@@squidinkRC the majority of truck buyers probably 99% do not buy Honda's
The target audience seems to be people who want a really great on road daily driver you can take to dirt and gravel roads and have fun, while having Honda reliability and good gas mileage . It seems to hit that mark really well.
Not everything needs to be a rock crawler with 35” tires.
So like a Subaru then
Well said good sir.
@Enough 35s can do some work in a short wheelbase vehicle like a 2 door Jeep, and still be extremely capable in longer wheelbases vehicles
Honda reliability? That rear diff is extremely complicated and over engineered. I’ll take my locker that is far more reliable and can bias way more torque to where it needs to go.
.
Slipping clutches = worn clutches. So if you off road a lot in the ridgeline you’ll burn down the AWD system far quicker. Eventually the clutches will lose their grip and you’ll lose more and more performance until it’s not much better than a fwd truck that goes into limp mode often.
@Enough There are quite a few people that does rock climbing with 35in tires, you typically see those more on Jeeps. Most of the trucks owners I've seen that do rock climbing used 33in, very rare you will see one used 35in.
Ridgeline is a ego hurting vehicle for skoal dip chewing guys who barely manage to pay truck note on their 3/4 ton lifted truck which is barely used to tow or go off-roading.
Talk to guys who use big trucks for work and adventure and they do respect people having ridgelines, rangers as they understand everyone have different needs for their ride.
I own a Tacoma which is mostly for home depot runs but sure does enjoy some dirt when we are on family camping trips. Thinking of getting a Ridgeline next as it's more comfortable in city driving compared to Tacoma.
Not everybody needs a 3500 with 37s.
I drive the old ass 1st gen RL. I drive the company’s 2019 double cab Taco, and I definitely prefer the RL over it. I have taken it off-road but nothing serious; I’m not a crazy outdoorsy person. It’s easy to live with for the most people. Throw my 3 kids in the back on long trips, no complaint. Tow a 18’ heavy flat bed, no problem. Load it up with sofa, no issue. All this and keep a cart full of groceries in the trunk LOL
@Donald Wright What kind of stuff you been smoking lately? To answer your question a Ridgeline can tow 5000 lbs and have apayload of around 1500 lbs. Try doing that with civic.
Why’d you lump a ranger in with ridgeline? No one was smack talking the ranger saying it wasn’t a real truck?
@Donald Wright I've owned and driven a 02' Civic from about years 2010-2016. The civic payload is like 800. One time, the car bottomed out when we took an off ramp of a hwy with the whole family in it, now taken the kids were half their weight back then. Now, the CRV is the "off-road civic"! There's locking Diff kits for them and the Element, but not for the RL!!! My neighbor has her CRV set for overlanding, and it's cool; that's her thing. She only hauls necessary things, nothing more. She said the RL is definitely more capable and wouldnt mind having one if her Hubby didnt have his f150. Ive had a civic, accord, my wife current has the odyssey, brother has MDX, his wife has the TL. These are our daily commenters. The workhorse are the 1 ton F350 and Ram3500. We use those for towing but not for running errands due to their size and harsher ride. The RL has it's niche. Its not for everyone just like every vehicle out there. So to say the Civic has the same capabilities as the RL, I differ than you on that due to my life experiences. We all live differently, so respect each others thoughts and opinions.
The Ridgeline has it's use if you're not pulling regularly and you aren't off roading sure. Now I do pull a 5,000 and 9,000 lb trailer with my F150. I average 19-20 around town and 22-24 highway depending how fast I drive. However I also bought it because F150's are built with years of input from extremely hard use, they are designed to take you to hell and back and they will do just that. You may never benefit from this but for example the engine block on an F150 sits more than 30" back from the front bumper, the radiator sits a full foot behind a very sturdy front bumper and on top of the leading edge of a full boxed front frame. The Ridgeline as a transaxle and a transversely mounted engine, this configuration puts the side of the block well in front of the axle. The consequence the transversely mounted engine is the side of the block is barely 12" from the made to collapse front bumper, with no frame member protecting it. It doesn't take much of an accident to force the radiator into the side of the block and punch a whole right through it, contact with the heads, shears the bolts, damage the gasket. In short even a minor front end collision and the Ridgeline is immobile and if properly assessed by your insurance adjuster, totaled. Same accident on the F150 or virtually any mid or other full size truck and all you got was a bent bumper and a crushed grill, more than likely the radiator survives. Should the radiator not survive it's not that difficult to either plug them or swap them out, if it's cool weather you can stop and refill it until you reach a service station. An engine swap on a Ridgeline is not happening in the field, if you managed to get yourself into a remote location you're in a salvage situation not just "a tow".
My 2008 Ridgeline was a beast in the snow. I sold it it because I like to tinker on cars and it never broke down. Now my old suburban constantly needs tinkering. I was surprised my Ridgeline went for as much as it did and that was pre covid.
A truck with a trunk to store and lock up my tools or what ever. A good amount of payload, a swing out tailgate, all wheel drive, comfortable seating, good power, good gas mileage. The only thing I don't love is the styling. Seems like a perfect truck for someone who enjoys some on road performance along with some offroad or inclement weather capability.
Soyboy weekend special!
@Norm Cheers I think you just described the ideal pickup for 90% of the population. Problem is there Normy, pragmatism and logic doesn't sell pickups. People buy based on uhh emotion, something that the Ridgeline elicits very little.
P.S. I typed the above in Cliff Clavin's voice
@@aaronbehindbars I see mostly retirement aged males driving these. They just need a EV version for the retirement community.
@@normt430 You're not wrong about the demographics. I'm one of the younger Ridgeline owners, it seems.
@@aaronbehindbars definitely a old man's truck!
Perhaps unexpectedly, a greater percentage of Ridgeline owners are male in comparison to other trucks in the segment. J.D. Power data shows that 89% of Ridgeline owners are men (vs. 85% for the segment). Ridgeline owners are also much older (64 years vs. 57 years) and enjoy a much higher median annual household income ($120,175 vs. $95,548).
I got myself a black HPD when they hit the show room and I’ve had no complaints whatsoever! I work on a drilling rig so I have to take it in some tough terrains for some of the locations we go to in very deserted areas and I’ve gotta say she can handle the mud like a champ! I have some Toyo Open Country AT3’s on mine and she’s been able to handle some real soft mud as well as the sand at the beach without getting me stuck! The only downside I see is that the aftermarket support isn’t as strong as a Tacoma or a Jeep, and we’re very limited as to what we can add on them😞 hopefully we start seeing more companies make products for us ridgeline owners lol
Aside from having absolutely no performance upgrades when you get the HPD, you should probably invest in quality suspension as well. Could have saved the $2800, bought a base ridgeline and upgraded the suspension for that money making it more capable.
@@ritchierichh yeah because ppl are paying cash for their new trucks with HPD...🙄
@@MrRPM110 I never said they were paying cash. In the term of the finance loan, but even if they paid cash, they could have saved the $2,800 or used it on better components if they wanted off-roading capabilities.
@@ritchierichh but realistically the hdp is like 30-45 dollars extra a month tops instead of getting a lift professionally installed for 2800 out of pocket all at once.(or atleast a big chunk of that)
I like the realistic use of AWD "off-roaders", as most people aren't out doing rack crawling. Getting to cool camping spots, or out to trailheads is what most people looking at that sort of vehicle for "off-roading" are interested in, rather than spending a day bouncing over rocks inside a vehicle.
I used to own a Ridgeline and its a really nice truck and yes, its capable off road, its no rock crawler but its quite capable. The unibody design offers some really nice comfort and I absolutely love the trunk in the bed of the truck - I'm surprised that never really caught on.
Lord if I had a name like Michael Flynn these days it would be embarrassing.Good luck!
@@jabbadahuttful probably not as bad as throwing up a “heart sign” with your hands 🤷🏻♂️
@@Hondo21435 Bothers you does it? I’m sorry that offends your delicate sensitivities. 😁
They never caught on because they were F*$K ugly. Same as the Avalanche by Chevy. The new Ridgeline is better looking with the updated front end, and probably will suite a lot of people looking for light utility work.
@@jabbadahuttful doesn’t bother me at all it’s just ironic that you’re trying to make fun of someone’s name that’s all. Have a good day fruit cake
When Honda brought out the Ridgeline, back around 2005, I didn't give it a second glance,.. but today, they've come a long way, ( no pun intended here ) haven't they?
Today, I would and probably will, have a closer look when buying time comes back around.
I did the same, now I own two. No regrets
A family member has a 2005 Ridgeline. Its held up very well. Not sure the mileage but i'm guessing its up there.
I have a Ranger Fx4 but spent all day on the road in a ridgeline a couple of days ago. It was a very comfy and smooth ride. It had good power too. For a designated street/daily driver it’s great! I do a lot of towing and trickier off road driving so it wouldn’t have worked for me but I am jealous of the ridgelines’s storage especially that trunk under the bed. That’s pretty sweet! I did find it hilarious that it had a little doughnut for a spare tire in there. How stupid is that for a truck!?? As the Joe Biden catch phrase goes “C’mon man!!”
Back?
When was the ridge line a thing before 2004?
To the "Bros" in this comments section, I submit the following:
Per the 2019 owner survey by Edmunds: 75% of truck owners self-reported pulling a trailer 1 or fewer (i.e. 0) times per year. 70% of truck owners reported going off-road (includes rough gravel) 1 or fewer times per year (given that they included gravel and still got 70% saying they did not, if they had defined off-road as more difficult, an even higher percentage would have reported not off-roading). 35% of truck owners used the bed of their truck to haul large items 1 or fewer times per year. Again, this is from a survey of thousands of truck owners by one of the most reputable car statistics companies.
Per JD Power's 2020 annual APEAL survey of truck owners: 91% of Ridgeline owners are male, compared to 85% for the midsized truck segment, and 86% for the fullsized segment. Those comments about it being a girls truck? I guess that label applies more towards the rest of the trucks out there. In fairness, the median age of a Ridgeline owner is higher than the rest, at 65 vs 56, so it is more of an old man's truck. Also, based on owner satisfaction (measured by "would you buy another"), Ridgelines ranked 1st in the midsized segment, with the highest percentage of owners willing to buy another rather than switch to a different vehicle or brand. Again, this is from JD Power's big survey, you know the one that manufacturers like to quote in their commercials.
Lastly, per the Cars.com's American Made Index, the Honda Ridgeline is the most American made pickup truck, and the 3rd most American made vehicle in the US market. Fun fact, the only other truck(s) to break the top 10 vehicles in the American Made index were the Colorado/Canyon at #8/9. Another fun fact, spots 2, 4, 6, 7, and 10 were also Honda/Acura vehicles (The Odyssey, Passport, MDX, Pilot, and RDX in order), so 6 of the 10 most American made vehicles are Hondas.
So, what have we learned? 1) Most truck owners (over 70%) do not/rarely off-road or trailer, and over 1/3 of them don't even use the bed of their trucks. 2) More men drive Ridgelines as a percentage of ownership than all other trucks. 3)The "REAL AMERICANS DRIVE AMERICAN TRUCKS" crowd should be buying Honda Ridgelines.
If I hurt anyone's feelings by reporting facts, I am not sorry.
its popular with old ppl because they are cool with paying more for a less capable vehicle with a lower ride so they can slide in and out easier than climbing into a tall half ton.
Oh, I forgot the other fun statistic that has nothing to do with the Honda particularly, but does in a roundabout way.
In 2018, approx 438,000 RVs were sold in the US, of which 88% were towable and the average weight of the towable models was 5200lbs (dry weight). Now, without getting too deep into statistics, based on sales numbers for 2018 for trucks, this means the total sales of towable RVs was only enough to burden 13% of trucks sold that year. Additionally, for the Average weight to be 5200lbs (and knowing the minimum weight of towable RV's is in the 1500-2000lbs range) then the following approximation must be true: if the 5200lbs is both the median (middle) and average (unlikely that it is in fact both, but let's assume for the sake of this arguement), than 50% of towable RVs had a dry weight of 4000lbs or less.
How does that work? Well consider the following: if I sold 100 rvs with 99 of them weighing 5000lbs and the last one weighing 25,000lbs, I would have (99*5000)+25,000=520,000 and 520,000/100=5200lbs. So although the average weight is 5200lbs, 99% of the sold vehicles are 5000lbs. This demonstrates how averages are used to lie in advertising quite nicely, as I could honestly advertise that the "average" RV is too heavy for the Honda, when in fact 99% were at its max tow rating. To mathematically address this again, if 75 of the 100 sales were 4000lbs, and the remaining 25 8800lbs, the 5200lb average would remain true. Same if it was 50 4000lbs and 50 6400lbs. One could still say, "the average RV was too heavy for a Ridgeline" when in fact 50%/75% in these examples were 1000lbs under its max and fully towable by it. This is how dealerships con you into too much capability for your needs.
So, without knowing the exact mix, but knowing that the average dry weight was 5200lbs for that year, one can state that in all likelihood, half or more of the towables sold in 2018 were likely light enough to be towed with a Honda Ridgeline.
It should also surprise no one after reading this that I am a data analyst at a financial that finances over half a billion dollars in auto and recreational vehicles from dealerships annually in the great lakes region (and many more private party loans, thank you facebook marketplace and craigslist). My job is to know the numbers and read all of these statistics and surveys, and the numbers do say that the Honda could meet the needs of a large portion of truck owners. Not the 90% typically thrown out there, but based on the surveys I quoted earlier, and the RV market data, it could meet the needs of about 70% of it. Fact!
Wondering if you have life experience to accompany your analytical analysis.
If you use a truck at the top of its tow/payload rated capacity for long, you are probably not going to enjoy the experience unless you like white knuckles. Good to have more than you theoretically need when things go sideways. And they always go sideways at some point.
@@daviddavis5149 learned to drive in the woods in a stick shift half ton chevy, learned to tow hauling shit on the farm. Went to college for engineering and interned for GM designing transmissions, minored in finance. I know the limits, I know the j2807 towing standards, and I can 1 try hook a pintel hitch in a f450 dump truck using mirrors only, no backup cameras and cheaters for this guy. Good attempt at trying to invalidate me to stroke your ego, but the numbers don't lie, 70% of trucks aren't used to tow or off road.
@@jg8263 Relentless self promotion is not a super power. Get over yourself.
Why not make the skid plates available for Ridgeline customers?
Because it's a minivan with a bed.
Aftermarket can solve that.
I'd take a hard look at how close the side of the block on the Ridgeline is to the front bumper before even thinking about taking one anywhere skid plates are needed.
They might, ... next time around
@@dbowen22aw someones mad 😅
I have a stock g1 RL with k02’s. Ridgelines are heavily under appreciated. It’s a beast up in the mountains in Colorado in all of our crazy conditions.
Had one, they are actually phenomenal trucks in nearly every way. I have a 2020 F250 diesel/platinum/Tremor now so this is high praise.
Solid! Imho 95% of pickup drivers could use this all day long… see way more city slickers coal rolling than I should. Parents own 100acres and I’m not as healthy, so an off-roader makes sense to me… but I don’t NEED it technically.
@@supersymun "Way more city slickers rolling coal" Yes, the Super(Market) Duties!
@@supersymun I would agree with you. I live in the upper Midwest. I had one and the AWD is incredible and great in the snow. They payload is perfect and the towing capacity is more than what I needed and what most people need.
Does adding JSport lift kits to a honda Ridgeline void the Hona warranty? It's interesting that Honda would send a rep to talk about a ridgeline with significant aftermarket upgrades.
It is perfectly fine for what most people would use it for. I agree the HPD package looks the best.
Used to take my 07 snow skiing Mt Hood. Studded tires & it worked every bit in ice/snow as good as the Suburban I had before it. Plus, I could haul my dirt bike summers. Great rig. I just replaced it with a 23
Love when people have done their homework and knows how their truck works and what is capable of
I just sold my 2017. Amazing truck and so practical. Great MPG, ride quality, features and that in bed trunk is so useful.
I know this is an old comment but why did you end up selling it?
@@booker9816 I sold it and bought a 2019 Ford Ranger XLT off road. I was hoping to do an overland build but never happened 😂. The Ridgeline is a much better daily than the ranger and felt more premium inside. But the ranger is still a great truck and I like it. The AWD system on that thing was outstanding too. I live in the upper midwest where we get plenty of snow yearly.
I really like the Ridgeline.. The right amount of truck for most people, it's rational
How do you know what's "right for most people"? Are you psychic or simply projecting your own stereotypes onto everyone else?
@@buckhorncortez Karen
If you are not pulling a huge trailer or doing extreme off road and need a truck bed, then the Ridgeline would work fine.
Minivans and sedans are also rational but everybody buys SUV's anyway.
Did that Thule rack require a custom installation? I have a ‘21 Ridgeline and am struggling to find a truck rack from Thule or Yakima that is compatible.
I’m on my 2nd Ridgeline. The fact that I decided to buy a 2nd one should say something. I’ve had true off road vehicles such as a CJ 7 and Tacoma 4wd. I wouldn’t say the Ridgeline is as capable off-road as them, but it’s more than enough for me now.
I have the RTL-E. refined for my City life...but, I am an avid camper, rucker, and Ironman. This truck checks all the boxes for me. I went for the RTL-E package given my lifestyle...the HPD offers no real benefit for off-road use. If looking to add $$$ for HPD, opt to go up a trim to RTL-E from RTL instead...this is my opinion. Same tires. Same powertrain. Same ground clearance. More tech. More interior amenities...and, RTL-E adds in-bed speaker that sounds fantastic. Also, superior interior audio. This is a great truck.
I once pulled a Ridgeline that got stuck towing a utility trailer up a Muddy dirt road of a landfill. He overheated the transmission, not sure if it was excessive wheel spin or just it couldn't handle it. Pulled them out of ruts, with my old Ford Ranger😂
Enjoying this series + I'm a Honda guy hoping they can energize their tired lineup with new offerings like this. Kase your reviews are great and clear communication style is appreciated.
Yes I think the Ridgeline is a good vehicle for what it is. It can do 80% of what I usually use my Tundra for but it's that 20% that keeps it from being feasible for my life right now. Towing, pulling people out of snow ditches ...certain off-road treks...it just wouldn't do. I classify it the same as the new Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa cruz.
Ridgeline is not competing with Tundra. It's the Taco.
@@misterle7026 the taco also has more capabilities. But some try to make the point that most truck buyers could do just fine with the Ridgeline and just want a larger truck for the looks
@@dalephillips8250 what capabilities are you talking about? Like ride comfort capabilities? Range capabilities? Like being able to fit a full sheet of plywood capabilities? Or have a lockable trunk capabilities? Or turning radius capabilities? Or driving in Rain, Mud, Snow capabilities?
@@misterle7026 driving as it will go more places off-road than the Ridgeline. Also towing capacity is more on the Tacoma. Ride comfort is better on the Ridgeline
@@dalephillips8250 your definition of off-roading is rock crawling. Many places on this planet does not have mountains or large rocks. If it's just mud, dirt, or sand I would pick the Ridgeline over Taco any day. Towing, if 5k lbs is not enough for this light truck, you 're just endangering yourself and everyone behind you. The Ridgeline dry weight is 4.5k lbs. And you are planning to tow something that weigh more than itself. Please stop.
The more I see Ridgelines the more I like them. I like utility and I love the bed that the Ridgeline offers with the trunk I think thats awesome. The design is looking better definitely
How were you able to fit the Thule racks?
Most impressive thing is how quiet the cabin is on that dirt road
I'm having a ton of fun off-roading my Honda Pilot! Vtm-4 is underrated!
One thing about having Indy suspension all around is that it’s nice and comfy on higher speed desert riding like that. If Jeep wanted to do something really wild they would have put IFS on the Gladiator Mojave.
My son has a Gladiator Mojave. With the suspension on the softer side the ride off road is outstanding. The Mojave has the best on road ride of the jeeps. We rode from Portland Oregon to Glacier Nat Park and back. The ride was comfortable and quiet. Two weeks ago we ran several of the off road tracks east of Mount Hood and with the tires aired down the ride was great. We came across a Tacoma changing a flat on the side of the road. To get around we had to place the front tire up on a 8" log, with the solid axel it was a breeze. So I disagree it does not need IFS.
@@Hooner77 They marketed it as a desert runner which all have IFS. Crawling over things like logs is rubicon duty. So the Mojave is just a rubicon with softer shocks and no front locker.
I love my Ridgeline. But my sense of virility isn't tied to my truck's towing capacity or ground clearance, or that (gasp) a woman worked on some of the powertrain engineering. Some of you guys need help.
Is the Thule bed rack compatible with the Ridgeline? Says not on the Thule site. How did you mount it?
We have one, it is an outstanding daily driver but we haven't had the chance to go anywhere fun yet.
The HPD package is worthless in my opinion if it doesn’t add anything to performance. Unless I missed that part?
The Ridgeline at it's current price is a joke lol. If you don't want or need a real truck get a Maverick. If you do then get a F250 base its almost the same cost as a Ridgeline.
HPD is mainly cosmetic. The RTL is best trim.
I cant wait till they come out with the more dedicated off roaders this fall or spring 2022.
I know where these comments are going, three directions. Great video and thanks to Tasha Krug for being the co-star.
Well arent you the clairvoyant. .....fourth direction......haha
awd system always seemed solid, but honestly any 2wd vehicle with ground clearance could drive that road. Should show the ridgeline driving that road in heavy rain to see actual capability of the stock tires and awd system.
The AWD system can handle it. I'm not sure about the tires though.
Honda sold out their “legendary reliability” somewhere around 2012 when they started using extremely cheap subcontracted electrical components. I purchased a 2015 CRV new. I bought on account of “legendary reliability” it hasn’t panned out for me.
Thats a bummer. I have owned 5 Hondas and 600K miles between them. Literally regular maintenance is the only thing I have ever had to do.
I had the same experience with a Subaru that I bought my wife for the “reliability”. It’s was complete junk. There are lemons out there but it was bad enough that I’ll never buy another one.
I did the same with a tundra. Worst truck I ever owned by far.
I barely see Honda claims at my job if I do its and older 2012 or lower model with piston ring issues. But other than that nada.
Counter point, I have a 2015 CRV EX AWD that is about to hit 80k miles with zero issues and has only been in the shop for routine maintenance. Still on the original brakes as well, had to change out the tires though because those OEM Bridgestone's were trash.
Where did you get the front recovery hooks? i gotten stuck in really bad mud and the front recovery hooks would had definitely help go get out of.
You have a Thule bed rack on that Ridgeline, yet when I search for a Thule bed rack for the Ridgeline their website says does not fit this vehicle.
I want this truck, Honda got it spot on!
Good truck, definitely better than the santa cruz, and i'm sure it can do much more than the roads you guys took it to, overall good package
If you don't need to do truck stuff, this is the truck for you. I'm convinced that AT LEAST 50% of urban truck owners should be driving these instead of their lifted F250's and Cummins 2500's. If they were being honest with themselves. :D
I like it. It will be my next truck, at 71 I don't need a monster truck.
These are great trucks that are often overlooked. Good overview!
I love the ridgeline but without a forward facing recovery hooks, proper steel to mount a steel a bumper so a high quality winch with moose lights can be installed, this truck is basically useless here in the tundra of Alaska. I hope Honda hears us one day up in Alaska.
it’s a good soft roader, and that’s about it. Wouldn’t want to take any where besides a fire road or an easier trail. good pavement performance though, i am sure. Some don’t realize this might be enough for some people and that’s okay. to each their own
Some definitely don't realize that the Ridgeline is as hard-core as they'll ever need. Modern cars and modern traction control are far superior to things 20 years ago
It wasn’t made to compete against the gladiator
@@thorsbeat it doesn't really compete against anything with it being a Pilot with a bed!
Overheats on hills!
ruclips.net/video/B5eE697aqEg/видео.html
@@normt430 That's not the same transmission. The old 6 speeds were prone to that, but the new 9 speed has been quite reliable.
Honda really should go that extra little bit and offer a suspension lift, skid plate and suitable spare relocator as catalog options. There are enough people that would like nothing if not the look or a lightly lifted and more trail ready ridgie
Ridgeline Trailsport in other words....
It's a solid idea, and I would not be shocked to see it next year if the Passport Trailsport sells well.
Jsport, Traxxda and other aftermarket companies has all of these things that you'd wished for. Look them up.
I'm sure it can "offroad" just fine. Some people's definition of offroading is just running on gravel roads.
👏👏👏
Some people think off roading means big rocks and 55° hills
@@thorsbeat and some people think off road means back alleys
And yet, they never left the road.
@@brentworls8509 Grand Canyon National Park. There are some limits in place to prevent people from just tearing up the wilderness.
What's the difference between the HPD package and the TrailSport package?
Will the HPD package be available to the Passport, and the TrailSport package available to the Ridgeline? Or are they both exclusive only to the particular models?
I had a '05 Acura MDX which is about the same all-wheel drive system with the big 200 lb electronic rear differential that is nice cuz you can lock it going slower than 15 mph and I put falken atw3 tires on there and when I was living in Flagstaff going to NAU I never got that thing stuck now I didn't like going to crazy off-road situations but anywhere I wanted to go camping where there was a trail any kind of trail pretty much except like big rocks it didn't have much clearance but mud snow anything like that it never got stuck it was amazing and the seats were so comfy. My brother has a 2012 I believe Ridgeline that he's had for years and he's never had a problem with it they're great and they have really cool storage stuff and she's right about that I think they're a great option for someone who wants a truck but doesn't need a real body on frame two speed transfer case 4x4 truck
Is the Ridgeline suspension the same as the Pilot's or is the Ridgeline tougher against potholes and other irregularities?
What I see in the comments is that everyone has a different definition of off-roading. Just know the limits of your vehicle doesn’t matter if it’s a outback or a lifted wrangler everyone can off-road
Yea it’s kinda skewed. People consider dirt roads going off road. Weird.
@@embeaston but a dirt road usually is off the road 🤷♂️
@@MC4D. Road is right in the name, dirt road. Even no winter maintenance dirt roads are still roads as people drive them to get to their homes.
@@darylcopp9013 I think you missed the sarcasm behind my comment lol.
I agree with maxnautical's comment.
My mom bought a 2021 ridgeline and it feels really good to drive. Also hauls pretty well. Towed my gti full of junk plus lawn mowers in the bed
I live just north of Boston, love my 2020, which is my daily driver. Like you guys (and most reviewers) say, for 90+ percent of people it really is the right truck. I love the way it was set up, as well as the full size spare holder.
Did I see front recovery hooks on this Ridgeline? If so could you give us info on them?
For my region I would need something more robust but I refuse to hate on this little rig. It’s got the reliability of a Honda, it looks good and it’s capable for what the vast majority of people need. Priced right too!
I just walked away from my 2021 Gladiator Rubicon for a 2024 HPD. I had 70,000 problem free miles from the Jeep, but with adding a third kid to the mix, I needed a little more room and practicality.
Overall, the build quality has seemed much much better than my JTR, and of course, the road driving is a million times better. It does 95% of the things off road that I needed the jeep for. The other 5% of places I needed the jeep to get to are easily accessible by Honda trail bike.
I’ll miss the looks of the Jeep, but the Ridgeline is a better vehicle for the vast majority of people IMHO.
The skid plates need to be a Honda accessory item. Show more of that Honda engineer! lol
I am a bit old school - Off roading is more than OR shall I say less than electronics, gadgetry and cup holders. Growing up we even had to adjust mirrors using the buddy system - "Move it to the left just a hair.." Honda's, Toyota's & Nissans in my own opinion are the best vehicles today. It all boils down to personal preference over loyalty to one brand - If it works for you and you are happy with what you have nothing else matters. While in Kosovo in 2001 we observed compact cars high in the mountains that we patrolled any vehicle is more capable of much more than what it is marketed for.
Could you tell me how the Thule rack is installed?
So wait - I'm revisiting this video a couple of years later while researching a possible buy on the '24 Ridgeline, and noticed the engineer said they fabricated the additional skid plates in-house - are these available for purchase on the new Ridgeline, by chance?
And if not, why aren't they available for the TrailSport?
Are those tow hooks in the front bumper? How are they installed?
I want to consider the Ridgeline. I really do. I've had a mid-size Suzuki Equator (rebadged Frontier) and a 2018 Ram with hemi and 4x4. Sold the Ram shortly after I sold my boat. I have also realized MOST people don't need a full size truck. I've started to think about a mid-size again. Tacos are so expensive for a dated truck. The new Frontier is very intriguing. I wish the Ridgeline were just cheaper. It seems so expensive for what it offers. A Taco or new Frontier may be the better option when I move back to New England. We will see!
You say most people don't "need a full-size truck", full size trucks seem huge compared to cars, when you see them on the streets highways, etc. However take that full-size truck to a remote location, on a fishing, camping, hiking or hunting, trip they seem to shrink before your eyes. The 9" of ground clearance seems insufficient, the room in even a crew cab small, even the bed could be larger when all that you have is what you brought with you.
@@Steve-yr5vi they are also too wide for alot of those remote locations. Maybe you need a camper van.
Nice job on the quickie review Chase. Roman, this guy is on a video journalism roll. He's producing some great videos. It isn't enough to make me want a Ridgeline, but it did make me watch all the way through a video about a Ridgeline. ;-)
What are the tow hooks on the front
With the increased lift, does it reduce mpg?
The higher you make a vehicle the worst miles per gallon you get. Too much air going underneath the vehicle causing a lot of drag
Honda should have left enough space inside bed trunk for a full size spare as they had on the gen 1. But overall is a great riding midsize truck for most uses.
Instead of always seeing videos of a stock Ridgeline, I would like to see a full blown trickedout off-road Ridgeline and then do the comparison
Agree
Where did the tow hooks come from? My second most hated thing on my Ridgeline on a very short list. This truck is almost perfect but they dropped the ball on a few things.
It's crazy that Honda fab'ed the skid plates for this video, but they don't automatically include them on the factory build like virtually every other truck manufacturer does when you get 4WD.
Same that it doesn't come w a factory lift like virtually every other pickup w 4WD
People who talk about Honda reliability probably haven't had one of their automatic transmissions fail on them.
All my Hondas have been manual trans 🤷♂️
I have 2,one with 300k the other with 200k . No failures of any kind.
@@MC4D. Smart. To be fair the one in my Acura lasted until 224K but replacing it would have required complete removal of the engine and trans from underneath the car which would have required a lift I didn't/don't have.
I’m a total Toyota guy, I love my Tacoma. I’m not ashamed to say that I like this though. It’s practical and something I’d not mind owning. That doesn’t mean I’d ever get rid of my Toyota for it though. My Toyota is here to stay until it quite literally rusts into nothing.
Can anyone share how the Thule Bed Racks are installed to the bed? The install looks almost OEM.
What year is this ridgeline?
Did they do something with the all wheel drive system so it won't overheat as quickly as it used to?
We need to know where you can buy your rack n tent setup? I like my Ridgeline it actually fits in my garage unlike the F150 ect .
There are different kinds of off-roading sand, mud snow, rock, loose hills. What you are doing is Baja type off-roading not rock crawling, and some vehicles might be stuck, so it is offroading.
Where to I get those front tow points???
Good video Kase. Your assessment here is spot on IMO.
3/4" of an inch lift !!! Holy smokes Honda. You've outdone yourselves!
Good video, informative. 👍
I want to know more about those tow hooks.
anyone know which roof crossbars are those? I am not sure if should go with OEM or alternative yet.
Hokie in the house. The engineer looks like she's ready for the junior high prom. Good Lort I'm getting old.
Thought the same thing. Looks like she could be one of my MS students.
dem birth-control pillz... Luminati got them not developing until 35 now
The Ridgeline has more headroom than the frontier, the Ridgeline has a larger cab away more storage. And the all wheel drive is amazing. Just 1 problem. After 100,000 miles, they are costly to fix. My 2020 RTL-E front facing camera went out.$1600 to fix that and a broken wire harness under the rear carpet. $1600 to fix. With no help from honda. I sold it.
I get that Honda Ridgeline can be a good choice for certain users. The reason that these do not sell is that these cost the same or more compared to "proper" trucks such as an F150. Why would anyone pay same or more just to get a truck that does less than a proper body on frame truck?
You haven’t priced F-150’s in a while have you? Base XL F-150 with STX package and 4X4 is almost 50k. Fully loaded Ridgeline is 43,000.
@@405bassin7 Yes but Ford dealerships are a lot more flexible with discounts since they move a lot more trucks than Honda.
@@kisong1960 I agree in a normal year but my dealers aren’t giving crap right now.
@@405bassin7 and that extra 7k adds a significant amount of utility compared to the RL.
@@405bassin7 A more realistic comparison would be a Ranger. The Ranger in full Lariat trim and FX4 is more capable at the same price as the Ridgeline.
It looks to me like they trimmed that low hanging piece of plastic from the front bumper to help with the ground clearance? Anyone else notice that.
nice ride. where did you buy the rack?
solid rear axle, low range transfer case, locking diff or at least a posi, a little ground clearance and some approach n departure that isnt crap.
That is what a real off-roader is in my humble opinion.
I think the ridgeline is perfect for the burbs. weekend trip to home depot. hauling your wifes costco orders. For the majority of SUV and truck buyers in the city, this fits their needs to the T. AWD allows it to go on fire roads and gravel roads to secret fishing holes and most dispersed camping spots. It's too low for intermediate and difficult trails but with the rioght recovery gear and a competent group, it can be done for the most part. Let's be real, most of our rigs, no matter how modded spend most of its time on pavement.
More info on that Thule bed rack please!
How did you get the Thule bed rack to work? Thule says it's not compatible. I have an '18 Sport.
I have the same question. Maybe Honda made some custom brackets in order to mount the Thule bed rack.
It can work. Nothing custom. Even has a 160+ RTT on there off-road, so that 600+ Thule capacity should be fine too. I think the side bars are key for stability. Plus having a Honda rep on the video gives that Thule built out the nod.
The HPD package doesn't seem like it would be worth the money, especially for just cosmetic items.
I would save the money and buy my own rims, so that the truck would be personalized to what I like.
Great and fun video superbly done, wonder set up for the Honda Ridgeline
Nice!
Good job Kase!
I like your video you don’t talk to fast or to slow and I can understand what your saying
No. But it's alot more capable than anyone cares to give it credit for. It's high point is daily driving, but more than the average Joe will need a truck to actually do.
This video is almost pointless. I want to like the Ridgeline. But the lack of ground clearance and the lack of skid plates keep me from buying it.
This video is implying that it is it is capable of off road use but it has skid plates that are not even an aftermarket option.
Pointless argument until Honda steps up and sells skid plates.