Why the Honda Ridgeline is the best truck (and why buy it instead of an SUV)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 มิ.ย. 2024
- Full Mods List with brand logos
www.dropbox.com/s/k8urqwjaxof...
Truck Mods Highlights
Wheels: Dai Alloy "Prime" 18x8 with -35 offsets
Tires: Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S 265/60 18
Lift: HRG 2.5/2.0" with 1.0" subframe drop
Skid Plates: No Lo Designs Oil Pan, Gas Tank & Rear Diff plates.
Gear: (not all gear is on the truck at any given time)
Rack: VanTech P3000 Ladder Rack
Roof Basket: Yakima OffGrid Medium or Rhino Platform - depending on season and needs
Awning: Doghouse 8x8
Tent: Doghouse Mesa Roughneck www.doghousetents.com/collect...
Bike Hauling: RaceFace tailgate mat
Audio / Video - where I spent the big bucks!
Kenwood DMX1037S video head unit with 11" floating display & wireless Apple Car Play
Blam 6.5" Signature Component Speakers - front
Blam 6.5" Relax Coaxial Speakers - rear
JL TW3 10" Subs - down firing under rear seat
Helix 6 Channel Class D Amp 6 x 100W
Helix 8 Channel DSP
Helix DSP Conductor
JL 1000/1d Sub Amp
Full soundproofing: doors, floors & bulkhead
Phone: iPhone 14 Pro Max
Camera: GoPro Hero 8
Lighting:
Switch Gear: Aux Beam 8 Gang Switch
Ditch Lights: Cap-It Flood Lamps (5k Lumens) and NoLo Designs brackets
High Beams: CarRover LED's
Rack Lights: Auxbeam 5" 60W Led Side Shooters
Rear Lighting: Baja Designs Rock Lights
Interior Lighting: upgraded to LED
Recovery Gear:
Tred HD Traction boards x 4
Hi-Lift Jack with LM-100 Lift-Mate and ORK Off Road Kit
Bottle Jack
Straps: Recovery, Tow & Axle Straps
Fiskars Axe & Hatchet
Ryobi 40V chain saw and hedge trimmer (I don’t like pinstripes!) - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
I'll give you this...the Ridgeline is an amazing driver, completely unmatched on road. From what I've seen it's more than capable with light off-road duty too.
As I like to say, "it gets me where I need to go"!
More than capable! th-cam.com/video/5ktzL6orm7o/w-d-xo.html
my 2017 ridgeline is 6 years old with 167k mile still ticking along, it's not a rock crawler or crazy overlander and I don't expected to.
What is does do well is drive family, friends plus all their stuff on trips along with people moving. its also a blast on the odd dirt road to a fishing/camping spots with so much utility
Such a great truck, and when used in it’s proper context it is the best vehicle of it’s kind.
How many times have you replaced the timing belt
@@vp112358 good question. I suppose if going by the book he should be on his 3rd one. Mine is a 2017 as well but with 55k miles so I'm due for it in no time.
According to the “normal usage” service interval, you should replace the belt every 100k Miles. Water pump and tensioner too. Usually a 1200-1500 USD job, unless you go to a dealership, in which case you are open to being way overcharged.
I just bought my 5th Ridgeline, a 2023 Black Edition. My first wat the 2006 model. I wanted the utility of a truck with the ride of a good SUV and the Ridgeline more than fills the bill. I absolutely agree with your assesment. Thanks for sharing. BTW, I traded in a 2019 RTL-E and got $6K less than I paid for it new.
Five Ridgelines?! That’s gotta be a record!!
I'm a former F150-250 owner for the last 25 years had several different examples all great trucks, last year we sold our F250 and our heavy camper and downsized to a Ridgeline, my wife loves it for the SUV attributes (we have utility rack on top for Kayaks or cargo box) and it's all the truck I really need for hauling my dirt bike, utility trailer, mulch, sheets of plywood from Home Depot etc.
We're able to have low cost 2nd hand car because the Ridgeline serves both our needs, not necessary to have expensive SUV for her, and expensive truck for myself!
I too came from Ford. Bought a new 2011 F-150 Ecoboost. Loved it, served me well, and then at 130k miles it was time to move on. Needs changed, and I’ve always been a Honda guy, so the Ridgeline was a natural successor to the F-150. Both are great trucks, but the Ridgeline is a much better daily driver, and the AWD system makes for MUCH better handling on dry, wet, snow or ice. That was the only real complaint about the F-150; the 4WD system sucks!
@@ridgelineoverlanding yes definitely, I’ve owned Honda motorcycle’s all my life and we own a 2012 Honda Pilot since new that’s probably been the best vehicle I’ve ever owned absolutely have had no issues, just routine maintenance!
I've had six trucks, Chevys drive like cars, but nothing has ever beat my 1969 Ford CAMPER SPECIAL! Just bought a Ridgeline, it makes me feel like a Contractor whose ready for an easier life! Tacoma sucks.
I got my 2020 Sport, because I wanted a truck, not a limo! It’s hauled me through 12” of snow, without any spinning, even when I stopped to chat, then took off again. I’m completely happy with my choice, and do not drool for other trucks. If it was lifted, it would just make it harder to get into. I bought this truck to make me happy, and it does a great job of it. It has everything I wanted or needed, and it will be a hand - me - down, when I’m gone. I’m still on my original tires, and don’t see any need to buy different tires. In 77 years, I’ve had plenty of pickups, but I like this best, so far!
Another satisfied customer… Honda for the win!!
I'm just waiting for the refresh / update, like the Pilot Trailsport! Then I'm in!
Exactly Right, Most of Us don't need a Full Size Truck! Honda , Resale, Reliability, and Value. Ridgeline is the Way to Go!
Well said!
I wasn't even considering one. Then I drove one on a suggestion. I'm so glad I did. Best riding vehicle I've ever had.
Love mine, such a pleasure to drive. People just don't know..lol
I’m trying to get the word out 😉
The one place you see trucks lined up from one end of a lot to the other is. A supply house. Lumber, plumbing, electrical, hvac, masonry,, etc etc. but you never see a truck commercial showing their trucking taking on the cargo. Just running thru the woods. Amazing.
The vast majority of truck owners only go to the lumberyard or the job site. You will see outdoorsy commercials for the off-road models of pick up trucks though. Perhaps one day Honda will ask to use my footage for a Ridgeline commercial. Lol.
Why I want a ridgeline: I don't own a construction company so I don't need a full sized truck. I do enjoy rock climbing, snowboarding, fishing, camping, hunting so a truck bed with a full size cab is awesome, as is the gas mileage of the ridgeline. The ridgeline is also a Honda which is one of the most reliable brands. It also has all wheel drive. For MY specific use the ridgeline is everything I need.
I couldn’t agree more!
I agree. I don't need a giant truck that is like buying a house. I don't tow anything and I'm not hauling thousands of pounds. I live in Utah and my recreation is desert hiking, I want something that can get up some rough roads and get to some of those trailheads that I couldn't in my SUV. I've had it for 6 weeks and I'm already impressed with what it can do. I'm not saying that a Ridgeline can hang with the hardcore rock-crawling Jeep guys, but it's great for what I do. And it's great for commuting, grocery shopping, road trips, and taking the kids out to some recreation 100 miles away. I've got no complaints so far.
A great all-around vehicle indeed!
This was extremely helpful! Thank you sir 👍
Happy to help!
100% AGREE with everything you said. I'll be purchasing one of these in the near future.
Go get it!
Excellent summary.
I would like a discussion on 6AT vs 9AT vs 10AT.
In short, they get better with more gears added. Not inherently true, but is proving true with Honda.
Assuming the ‘24 Ridgeline gets the 10 Speed I’ll get one for a day to do a thorough review. I had that transmission on my 2019 Odyssey and it was awesome!
Great points. Currently shopping.
You got this!
@@ridgelineoverlanding Well, I just bought one! Your video put me over the edge.
@@mandruch awesome! Be sure to join some of the Ridgeline Groups on Facebook!
Just got my 4th one last Saturday, had an 08, 12 (totaled by a distracted driver) then a 13 (that the distracted driver bought me) and now a 23. Love the Ridgeline, I'm not a hardcore off roader, don't haul anything, but like the convenience of the bed and the ride is unmatched in the truck class.
The 2023 Ridgeline's engine and transmission are made in the USA and the transmission is a 9 speed(not a CVT). The Ford and Ram engines were made in Mexico. The Ridge feels solid and well built and it pretty nice inside kinda like a Acura SUV. The whole truck is like a swiss army knife.
I believe the Ridgeline the most “made” in America truck on the market. Def a Swiss Army knife with its versatility!
You’re awesome thanks for the honest opinion what a badass ridgeline truck 🛻
Thanks!!
I could not agree more with your reasoning. My Ridgeline is 18 years old and still going strong (and yes it is an '06 model bought in early '05). I have used it for all the reasons you bear out and maybe more. Looking forward to new models in coming years as I want a new one and I will keep my '06 for the really dirty jobs.
Right on!
Ridgeline is the perfect truck for me, had ford f150’s, gmc’s. The Ridgeline proved to be the best overall for my needs. Had it for 2 years now and have zero complaints
I just traded in my 2010 tundra for 2023 RTL-E recently and I love it.
Next time you sit in a full-size truck, you’ll think it is so huge and won’t be able to imagine that you ever drove one. I feel lost when I get inside my buddies ram 1500.
I could have purchased any truck on the market but I purchased a 2020 RTL-E and am not looking back.
I got a 2022 and love it
I love mine!
On my second Ridgeline. Had a 2020 and it was awesome. The more I drove it the better it got. Very very smooth drive. Transmission shifts faultlessly. My phone stop charging and brought it in to service. A short in the info system and had to be replaced. Service people were excellent . The told me if it were an engine to replace, it’ll be in the next day. Electronics, three weeks. I said for that I might as well get a new truck, in gest. They were serious and offered me a great deal on a 2023, more loaded with roof rack and running boards. Couldn’t pass it up. My old truck sold almost immediately, even with them waiting for the info system. I had a Tacoma, great truck but the Ridgeline does it for me
Great video as always, the ridgeline platform is great for what I see 75% of Tacoma owners do, especially where we live (Sure you can agree to that XD) For me personally it was 2 reasons for the Taco;
1. Resale
2. Stick shift
Is it better on or offroad....nope! But just a personal preference before the gladiator was out :)
Thanks for the encouraging words!
If I was doing specific off Roading and not a lot of daily driving, I would consider the Tacoma for sure, and definitely the stick shift! It’s resale is ridiculously good, but the Ridgeline resale is still better than any other truck.
I've previously owned a Mazda B2000, Toyota Tundra, Chevy Colorado and then back to Toyota (Tacoma). My current truck now is a 2020 Ridgeline Black Edition, it is by far the most versatile, if not the best truck I've owned. As I gotten older and wiser, (and finally phased out of decking out my trucks for show) I realized it was all the truck I ever needed. I only have three cons (for me), it has no birds eye camera view, no power folding mirrors, and no seat pass through due to the center console.
“Best truck for most people, most of the time.”
Says it all…
Yup!
Love my sliver 2017 Honda Ridgeline rtl-e.
Don’t you just love blowing people’s minds when you swing open the tailgate?! I’ve had my ‘21 for 2 years now. Just the other day my 19 year old son saw the tailgate swung open and he said “it can do that?!”. (Clearly he doesn’t spend much time in/around my truck. The younger two are plenty familiar with the versatility of the Ridgeline.)
@@ridgelineoverlanding nice and keep coming with more videos on the Ridgeline
Lots more to come!
I really like your truck!! Nice! What wheels do you have on it? They are sharp!
Glad you like it!
Dai Alloys “Prime”
18x8” 35mm offset
I totally agree with you, i have the 2023 ridgeline and is awesome. I did a ton of research and my other option was the tacoma.thank got i didn't get it 😅
I have a friend that has a Tacoma and he's looking to get rid of it for two reasons:
1) It's gutless.
2) When it hit 70,000 miles, gas mileage just went to crap (new: 20 MPG, at 70K miles it suddenly dropped to 10-12 MPG). When you call Toyota, they pretend they've never heard this before and can offer no solutions.
That seems odd for a Toyota. Sounds like it needs a tuneup. Have your friend look in the Toyota forums for help. From what most people need in the truck the ridge line is far superior. Where the Tacoma excels is true off-road ability. Most of us so-called overlanders are really just soft-roaders and are hanging out on gravel roads and moderate trails; Areas where the Ridgeline is really capable and comfortable.
@@ridgelineoverlanding
It is a bit odd, my wife has a RAV4 and Toyota has been good to deal with. I've had my Ridgeline about a month. I like it because it gets me up some rough roads and climbs hills that my SUV couldn't so that I can get to hiking trailheads that I couldn't before. The trunk is a great place to put my desert gear, tools, and emergency gear. I also like how the back seats can be folded up to give you a flat storage place.
Iv been in the market for a truck for the last few years.
The prices are what's keeping me from pulling the trigger.
Anyways, I was super surprised by the Ridgeline, it drove very similar to my 2020 Honda Odyssey.
But the towing capacity, and it not being a full frame truck is what's making me look at other vehicles.
But I have to say, that Ridgeline did hit the spot for me.
We had a 2019 Odyssey from Dec 18 - Jul 22. During that time we bought the Ridgeline and I found they drove fairly different, but the van was on 19” wheels so it was rougher, and it had much better throttle response - a problem I’ve remedied by adding a Pedal Commander to the Ridgeline. Now she gets up and goes!
Previously I drove a 2011 F150 from new and after 9.5 years moved on to the Ridgeline. 5000# towing is enough for me. The Ridge isn’t much slower, handles much better, sips around 30% less fuel, and is much easier to drive in city centres and park in underground lots.
@@ridgelineoverlanding I’ve been wanting a pedal commander for my 2017 Ram hemi because it seems sluggish and not responsive. Just curious if you think it’s worth the money or just a gimmick.
I love the pedal commander! It doesn’t give you more power, but it does make your truck faster. Some might ask how that’s possible, but when you eliminate throttle lag, you get going much quicker and get a much better driving experience.
Most of you on here are drinking the Honda RL coo-laid count me in as well for I am also an 2022 RL owner 😅
Great video man. How much of a hit did your mpg suffer with the bigger tires? Did you get a lift kit on it too?
It’s hard to say how much MPGs affect each mod. I have never calculated MPG’s by hand on this truck, so i have to “trust” the computer. I figure I’m down a good 10-15% overall, but that’s from tires (added 9# of unsprung weight and rotational mass…likely 5% MPG hit), and a 2.5” lift, and racks, and lights, and traction boards sticking out…It all takes a toll.
I just traded my 2019 for a 2023. All the great features from before but with the updated look! Honda really did put a great truck together
You must love the 9’Speed versus the six speed transmission in your 2019
I almost bought a 2019 new a few years ago, but we decided to upgrade my wife’s vehicle instead. So glad I waited.
@@ridgelineoverlanding that was another big factor for me being I pull a small trailer pretty often. You do notice a difference from a dead stop.
How are you liking your lift kit? I’ve been looking at the tradaxa kit and the one you got. What made you go with the one you have and how do
You like it
It’s funny, you would mention the dead stop, because it’s probably more sluggish than the six speed. It starts in second gear by default. It is almost always plenty powerful. But if you manually put it in first gear, it really gets up and goes.
The lift kit has been really good. I went with HRG based on price and the combo of 2.5 inch front and 2 inch rear. They pretty much all do the same thing, they put spacers above the struts, and anything above 1.5 inches should have a set of spacers to drop the sub frame 1 inch
Id love for you to speak on the trunk mount system you have/created!
Also, I had to watch this twice with multiple stops. The first time was to listen to the voice over, and the second time to read the text overlays. Even when focusing on reading the text I had to stop bc the text overlays were going too fast. I appreciate that the video was only 6 min though.
Thanks for the feedback. I started the channel 18 months ago with literally zero video editing experience. Leaning to slow things down indeed!
The trunk mounts are kinda hackish. Shallow screws, p straps and shock cord. Let me emphasize ‘shallow” screws!
Great video! Love your channel. Window shopping for a truck. Plan to replace our 2009 Kia Borrego V8 mid-size SUV (rated to tow 7,500 lbs) in a couple of years. We tow a Casita travel trailer (2900 lbs) about 4,000 to 6,000 miles per year (more in the future). Despite not being class leading in towing, I think the RL will comfortably handle the Casita. Payload is often overlooked in a pickup truck. The RL shines with its 1,500 to 158X lbs of real world payload compared to most midsize pickups. We only do light off-roading on forest service roads. I also like Honda’s full time AWD. The composite bed, roomy interior, flat rear floor, multifunction tailgate, and trunk in the bed are all outstanding features. The Gladiator, Frontier, new Tacoma, and new Ranger are on our short-list as well. And, we may consider a 1/2 truck as well. I am not brand loyal and I value reliability and safety. In many ways, the RL is a great all round pickup. I agree with your assessment. Thanks again!
If you are planning to tow then stay away from the Gladiator. Tacoma is really low on payload, so that's out. Frontier would be a good option if you find the Ridgeline isn't quite "truck enough".
I've found the Ridgeline to be plenty "truck enough". It's got traction all day long. Way better than my F150 ever was, especially in snow or ice. When I'm playing in the bush the only issue I find is ground clearance. I can lift it more, but I likely won't. With my current 2.5" lift I still have more clearance than a stock version of pretty well any other mid size truck.
I have a Casita that I tow with an F150. I have seen many testimonials on the different fiberglass trailer sites and those that have Ridgelines swear by them as good TVs. If my truck ever wears out (it is 9 years old and as basic and simple as you can get) I will strongly consider an RTL as a replacement. Casitas rule!
@@ridgelineoverlanding LOL, I appreciate the Gladiator comments. I learned to drive on a 1968 Jeep Gladiator full-size pickup that my dad used to haul diesel fuel and chainsaws for his logging business. It would be fun to own a Gladiator. However, the Gladiator is probably too expensive. If I am going to spend that much, I would opt for a more functional 1/2 ton. Yes, I am very impressed with the RL’s AWD system. Seems to make sense for most driving duties relative to part-time 4WD. I enjoy your channel demonstrating the RL’s capabilities.
@@richardhouvener6423 I appreciate your comment. The RL is definitely on the short-list. And, YES, Casitas rule. We attend 4 to 6 egg rallies per year. Love molded fiberglass campers. The Casita is the “perfect” camper for us. We purchased a 2005 Casita 17 FD in November, 2015. Since then we have camped 334 nights, towed 28,000 miles, and visited 15 states. Heading to FL next month for 18 days.
@@deanmay338 thanks for the support! A Gladiator would be a fun off road truck, but so pricey, and so impractical for daily use. Limited funds for most of us...gotta get the most back for our buck!
I agree with all your points…spot on. Here’s the only problem with the ridgelline- looks!! It just does NOT satisfy the rugged badass look that most guys are looking for. That’s the only reason I went with a Tacoma. I love that’s it’s a unibody, rides better, more fuel efficient, which my Tacoma lacks. Once they get a lift, bigger tires and redesign, I think it would be ultra competitive.
Personally, I don't find anything "badass" about the Tacoma design. The front grill is wimpy IMO; the rear end is cool, though.
@@deh2775 wimpy as compared to what other mid-sized truck??
It’s a great truck, and I almost bought one, but then GM released the new Colorado and Canyon which blew my expectations out of the water. Will have to wait til those come out to cross shop the midsize class. Ford has a new Ranger on the way too…
I heard there were supposed to be updates on the Chevy/GM twins. Haven’t seen anything concrete yet. Guess I better look harder! Thanks for checking out the vid!
Just bought a new Ridgeline last month. I like everything about it especially AWD and roomy cabin, only wish it had higher ground clearance, I like Tacoma but felt too cramped inside, seat too short and steering wheel doesn’t telescope much. Happy with my decision.
Easy enough to lift a Ridgeline. Glad you are happy with it.
❤ the Ridgeline
👍🏻
Did you get the cylinder deactivation delete mod? How about the auto start stop delete mod? Thanks
No, I haven’t done either of those. I’m not bothered by either of those technologies.
I have a 2020 Ridgeline that is a commuter and moderate off reading. I found out its limits on a washed out farm road ( I have the cracked oil pan to prove it!) vs NO skid plates. Will I buy another Ridgeline? YES.
Got to have the skid plates!
I bought a Pilot up here in Alaska because by the time I add a topper the price of the Ridgeline is the same as a Pilot.
The Ridgeline is the same unibody construction as the Pilot. Same engine, same transmission, etc.
Pilots are great but I’d still go Ridgeline even with a canopy. More storage and the ability to remove the canopy and haul bigger items. Enjoy your ride!
Are you using All terrain tires? And how do they stack up on your gas mileage? Trying to figure out if I want to stay with a road tire or AT tire that does better on dirt sand and snow.
I use Micheline X-Ice in the winter and an AT the rest of the year. If you frequent the unpaved roads you need a AT to maximize traction and minimize risk of flat tires.
I went a size bigger, adding 9# per tire, likely the biggest cause of a hit on MPG. I didn’t do before/after calculations. The tread itself still rolls pretty smooth so I’m sure my MPG penalty is mostly due to weight added. Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S 265/60 18
I saw the description details, but was there an axle relocation done on this one for you to fit the larger tires better? 0:05
There is an axle relocation kid available, but I haven’t bought it yet. With my lift there is some rubbing, but it’s only because I bought 35 offset rims. Right now I have winter tires with the OE 45 offset rims and there is no rubbing.
I do plan to buy the relocation kit to eliminate the rubbing. I don’t know if I would want to get a bigger tire as the extra weight and changing gear ratios makes the truck less peppy and less fuel efficient.
@@ridgelineoverlanding The Traxda 3.5” is the one that comes with axle relocation kit included. That with 255/70r17 seems to be biggest fit for size likely without rubbing
Can I ask what you used to secure things on the underside of the in-bed trunk lid?
It’s a bit of a hack job but I used P Straps with short screws, and then shock cord.
Please tell me your infotainment setup. Love this truck, absolutely hate the stereo. But I’m afraid of losing functions if I go with an aftermarket stereo setup.
I’ve basically replaced everything except the speaker wiring as I didn’t want to fish through the doors. I did most of the physical installation myself, but had a pro shop do the DSP tuning and integration with factory settings such as backup camera, steering wheel controls etc. That stuff is beyond me as I’ve “aged out” on the technology. Lots of detailed chatter about adding aftermarket gear in the Ridgeline Owners Group.
The one thing you can’t keep is access to the vehicle settings that are done through the factory head unit. Door & light settings etc. I had everything set the way I wanted and am happy with it after nearly a year. If needed, you could remove the aftermarket deck, plug the factory deck back in and make any changes needed, then put the aftermarket deck back in. I recon it’s a couple hours of work.
When i was growing up the only people that had pickup trucks with 4 doors were contracters.
Hard to even find a 2 door truck these days. I have 3 kids (16, 17, 20) and two dogs. Anything less than 4 doors and 5 seats would just be a bad idea.
Yup I have the 2021 rtl ,love the truck. But up here in Canada, need better ground clearance for snow. At least 10" subaru SUV have a higher clearance. That's my only problem.
The Ridgeline comes with 7.9 inches of ground clearance, and I have easily 10.5 with my lift and bigger tires. I’m not a big Subaru fan anyway but ultimately, I need a pick up truck for a lot of what I do.
I live near Vancouver where we don’t get a lot of snow, but when we do get it… We get it! I do snow removal as a side gig, so I tow my ATV around on a trailer. Just before Christmas it dumped hard and I was pushing through 14 inches of dry snow with no problem even with the trailer behind me. Unplowed roads, up hill…stuck it in sand mode, turned of traction control and sent it!
Toyotas seating position is crap. My back was in SO much pain after a days worth of driving in the Taco.
Getting into the Ridgeline and driving for 10 hours is much easier. The difference is that in the Toy you sit on the floor or nearly the floor of the truck.
So when you use the brake or gas for hours at a time , you're using the whole hip and lower back muscle group to move the leg from brake to gas pedal, which puts a lot of strain on that group causing
tons of pain. In the Honda there is a bend at the knee, which means that the SEAT is supporting the weight of the leg and it's movement. Yes the Toyota has better ground clearance but the truck is a tin can and not on the same finish level as the Honda. I'm now on my third Ridgeline and no longer suffer behind the wheel of the Taco. What a relief.
Buyer beware the Toyota will kill your back.
I wouldn’t even consider buying a Taco simply because of the seating position.
Plus the Ridgeline drives/rides better, handles snow, ice, slush, hail, rain better, gets better fuel economy. I traded a GMC Sierra In for my Ridgeline, no regrets.
Same thing happened to me with my Tacoma. Sold it after 6 months new.
Jason do you still believe this is the best truck?? My wife and have been looking at them, and I think it is the perfect utility vehicle. Your thoughts?
Yes, it is still the best all-around vehicle for most people most of the time. If you regularly need a truck to do traditional truck stuff, this will handle most of it. If you regularly need a car and want comfort in efficiency, this is the answer. It is still the best of both worlds
I agree but the 2020 ridgeline and beyond have a different transmission and center console which i dont like
Yeah, I’m not as keen on the Pre 2020 models. Body style is too “minivan”. 2020 does have the new 9spd transmission though.
Does this truck have the judder issue with the transmission?
No judder. That’s more of an issue with the Honda 6 speed (amd 5 speed, and 4 speed). 2020 and newer Ridgelines have the ZF 9’Speed Transmission.
Too each their own . The Honda dealership near me has been seeing tons of the new generation with electrical and engine valve issues .
My wife has a grand Cherokee so I’m in the Jeep group. You wanna hear about problems…
Our 2018 gmc ultimate denali has 35 k mike. Tires literally dry rotted off the rim. Dealer said. Too bad. Rear end is now thumping. Dealer said. O well. I now say goodbye to GM.
It is the best truck. (Unless you truly rock-crawl, or tow a lot).
Yup, the best truck for what most people use their trucks for. Even Jeeps & Tacos spend very little time crawling rocks. Most people buy them to look good pulling into Costco or driving on a stretch of unpaved road.
My mom has a 2016 Pilot. I believe these are on the same platform, same drive train etc. Hopefully these newer models have improved, because her Pilot has been the most unreliable vehicle she's ever owned. Fuel injectors crapped out at 38000, destroyed catalytic converter, Push button start has been replaced twice the last time left her stranded on I77 in NC, it eats tires due to weak suspension components so it needs an alignment twice a year. In comparison my 2001 ranger with similar mileage, also bought new, has been fairly reliable for what it is. I can see how this can work for the majority of regular car or crossover buyers. If this was ones only vehicle, and the limits are cut in half, it will work fine for their needs, especially in urban environments. But one rainy day, down a Carolina Clay dirt road hailing a boat trailer, it's true colors will shine and they will enjoy the sound of snapped cv shafts and brake fluid. Seen it happen..... many many times.
Sounds like your mom got a lemon. I’ve been in the Ridgeline group for 2 1/2 years and I’ve never heard of this many problems on one vehicle.
How did you deal with the saggy rear end?
Swapped out the 1.5” front lift / level kit for a 2.5 front / 2.0’rear lift.
@@ridgelineoverlanding Thanks. I'm considering getting one so I may do the same.
👍
👍🏻
Because it’s a pickup Honda made it more rigid than the Pilot. There’s also more usable cargo capacity with a Ridgeline. A Pilot’s cargo capacity is calculated floor to ceiling.
We considered a pilot a couple of times, and both times opted for Honda odysseys. He gave up all wheel drive, but you get a lot more storage and a lot more function especially when you have kids in car seat as we did back when
@@ridgelineoverlanding Drove by a new Odyssey today and thought “if that had AWD I’d totally drive one.”
We were in the same boat. We owned three odysseys over the years. Had an MDX for a bit, and considered a pilot. They are just not nearly as practical or efficient.
We had a 99, 06, and 19 odyssey. Love them all. Great for road trips, decent in the snow with snow tires. As good as they were - I love my Ridgeline all the more and we really don’t need a van these days.
If you search 'the youtube', you will find a video on 'trucks that have engines that last 200,000 miles. The video lists 5 trucks. The ridgeline is one of them...
Can’t go wrong with any Honda engine! Quad, dirtbike, generator, lawnmower…and even automobiles!
My 06 has 240 thousand miles and still running strong as if it's new
@@ronalston5446 nice!
I have a 2006 Honda Ridgeline which I bought new. Perhaps the best vehicle I have ever owned. I'm not really in the market to replace it (92000 miles) but I always look at and keep up with what is new. I read a review of the 2024 Honda Ridgeline and was horrified to learn that the 3.5 liter V6 now has Honda's disastrous cylinder deactivation system (VCM). This alleged fuel saving feature has been the subject of a class action settlement in the past due to oil consumption, vibration, and spark plug fouling problems and it is still installed on Pilots, Odysseys, and now Ridgelines. My 2010 Accord V6 has suffered through two separate spark plug misfiring incidents which ruined the day each time. I have since bypassed this system on my Accord but cannot believe Honda still imposes this feature on its customers without any choice of disabling it in the name of 1 or 2 mpg savings. I no longer am looking to replace my 2006 Ridgeline. What say you?
I hear similar issues from other Honda J35 owners but I don’t think it’s as widespread as all the “noise” might suggest. I’ve owned many J35 Hondas without any engine issues.
MDX 2001, 2004
Odyssey 1999, 2006, 2019
Ridgeline 2021
Maybe I’ve been lucky?
@@ridgelineoverlanding " I've opened many j35 Hondas with engine issues" Is this a typo, what does this mean?
Darn auto correct! I’ve “owned”…
You can bypass the vcm
Is this one, lifted?
I have a 2.5" HRG lift and 265/60 18 tires. Full mod details in the description.
yeah but, it doesn't have "slow speed follow", and some say that you have to change the transmission fluid every 30k or sooner! Both are showstoppers for me.
Yup, the ZF 9 speed transmission does ask for more frequent changes. Not sure what you mean by “slow speed follow” but I’ve noticed in all my Honda’s that cruise control works only above 25mph. Neither of these are that big a deal to me.
Just a quick point, the 9-speed transmission in the Ridgeline is the exact same ZF-sourced unit used in the 2014+ Jeep Cherokee, Compass, and Renegade as well as the Land Rover Discovery and Evoque, Nissan Pathfinder, Ram Promaster Vans, I could go on but let's just say it is in a lot of vehicles and not unique to or exclusively used by the Honda. In fact, the "Trail Rated" Jeep Cherokee has that same transmission even, just other changes. So, that maintenance schedule is the same as a large number of other vehicles which sell in great volume (example being the literal fleets of Ram Promaster Vans), not some weird outlier in a Honda, and even looking at the service schedule for other transmissions other than the one in question, it isn't that outside the norm. Also, who needs to use cruise control below 25mph?
There would be benefit having adaptive cruise control right on down to a stop. My friend has it in his Volkswagen Jetta and absolutely loves it in stop and go traffic.
I like the Ridgeline along with the smaller Ford Maverick. Both have advantages and disadvantages but both are unibody trucks.
Unibody trucks are awesome for most things, most of the time. Towing is limited as it off-road prowess. Hauling is still good and ride quality is way better with unibody.
What is the disadvantage of the Ridgeline being a unibody? All I can see on google are hauling and towing capacity. The 2002 Toyota Tacoma’s towing capacity is 5,000 lbs. I guess that means that year/model wasn’t a truck.
@@Psalm144.1 The disadvantages of unibody construction are - Lower towing capacity, Worse off-road performance and More expensive repair costs. I was comparing the Maverick which is also unibody, just it is a little smaller giving it better fuel economy. The Maverick is based on the Ford Escape platform whereas the Ridgeline is based on the Honda Pilot platform (a little bit bigger)
@@richman555 I don't think I agree with a blanket statement that unibody has more expensive repair costs. This comes down to some brands being less reliable overall (Jeep) and some part being more expensive (Honda, Mazda).
@@ridgelineoverlanding You may be right. I pulled these 3 points from an article I read on unibody. Perhaps they are talking about body work etc. Either way, probably most people only ever need a unibody truck as they don't offroad or tow. I had a Jeep Liberty with all the off-road fixings, special transmission, etc. Pretty much never took it off-road except a few light trails.
Which truck still uses timing belt?
Yeah, the one maintenance down side on the Honda J35 engines… Still uses a timing belt.
Overall it is an amazing engine, so I don’t mind that $1000 bill every 100,000 miles.
The Honda Pilot, Passport,Odyssey and Acura MDX along with Ridgeline still use timing belts.
@@fredmoss4540 yes, the dreaded timing belt. A chink in their otherwise solid armour!
It's a car with a bed like the El Camino & Ranchero.
More like an SUV with a bed. It’s a beefed up Honda Pilot, which is a beefed up Honda Odyssey. I used to mock them till I drove one. Best riding truck by a long shot, with ore than enough capability for 95% of truck owners. I had an F150 for 10 years and loved it. Other than tow ratings, the Ridgeline is far superior.
The Ridgeline is a sleeper!! Where is all this Ridgeline hate originating from??
Several reasons for the hate: first Gen was kind of ugly,, some models are front wheel drive which is really useless in a truck, unibody instead of body-on-frame, no low range transfer case. It really is more like an SUV, but with a useful bed. So for most people doing most truck things, this is more than adequate, and is infinitely better when it comes to doing car things.
Great when the trunk fills up with water and ruins all your stuff. Then the transmission torc converter fails and cost $5000
That would suck! My trunk has been water tight. 9spd transmission has been a huge improvement.
I love the Ridgeline, and it's near the top of my potential vehicle list for all the reasons you stated... I just wish it had better ground clearance and approach angle. I don't need it to crawl rocks like a 4Runner, but the current model feels distractingly low compared to other trucks. I wish Honda offered us a lifted trim level, instead of needing aftermarket parts to do it. If it came off the dealership lot 3 inches higher, I think it would be the perfect family truck.
It’s got 7.9” stock which isn’t too bad. 3” is too high for small kids to get in and out of, unless you have step bars, which are terrible for vehicles going off road.
I know a lot of people want to be able to have dealer installed options, but I really like customize my own vehicle. The Ridgeline doesn’t even have a ton of aftermarket support, but there is a lot of support from fellow owners, which has been a huge pool of resources. in the end, not that this is the end lol, I have myself a very unique truck that is quite capable and I’ve had the joy of building it out the way I want to
I put over 30,000 mile on a Taco at work, I also owned a Ridgeline during those years, HATED driving the Toyota. My back would be in SO much pain after a day of driving the Toyota.
If you're guy with back pain DO NOT get the Taco. Get the Honda.
@@MPjustaman Oh for sure. The main reason I'm looking at a Ridgeline versus other body on frame trucks is the comfort level and spacious ergonomics. Ridgeline wins hands down. However, I'm now leaning toward the new 2023 Honda Pilot. I lose the bed, but that thing addresses a lot of my other needs. Plus there's a Trailsport edition with higher ground clearance. Maybe if Honda did a Trailsport edition with the Ridgeline, it can win me over.
I live in the pothole capital of the country, Pittsburgh pa. The Ridgeline has plenty of ground Clearance to travel around and over the potholes in this town.
@Michael P to me, it's the opposite. My 2019 Ridgeline seat positions tilts too much forward, but not enough tilt towards the rear. The lower back area also doesn't have enough lumbar support in comparison to my 2012 Tacoma. The funny thing is, my Ridgeline is power seats while my taco wasn't. I also didn't mind the low seating position of the Tacoma. I also noticed that every honda and acura I've owned, the pedal is too close, and the steering wheel is too far. No matter the adjustment I make, they never get to that perfect position in comparison. They're even worse with a manual tranny. I still prefer the Ridgeline as it provides better practicality on a daily basis than any trucks I've owned.
I just wish it could tow about 1500 pounds more
Agreed
@@ridgelineoverlanding I bought a 22’ BE last year and love it
@@nalong55 you should get a Pedal Commander for it. Eliminates throttle lag for a much peppier ride!
#1: Full size trucks are not only for those who NEED it. Some of us actually want one because we just do. #2: You didn't include the Nissan Frontier which is way more comfortable than a Tacoma, newer redesign, most powerful V6 in the truck market and has a 4WD option, which the Ridgeline doesn't even have. AWD is nice, but it is not a replacement for a proper 4WD.
I drove a Ford F150 for nearly 10 years. Sort of needed it, though it was a little bit overkill for what I was towing. With a family of five it didn’t make sense to have a midsize truck at the time. As far as all wheel drive versus four-wheel-drive - I will take all wheel drive every day. Way better on the road, better and snow, better and rain, and better on ice. I don’t rock crawl, so I really don’t need four low. The fact is most people driving trucks would be better served with a vehicle like a RidgelIne, but often ego gets in the way. But the end of the day we’re gonna drive what we want, and there’s no judgment in that.
Just saw reviews of the newer Frontier last night. Very tight back seat guy that owns it said. One of the TH-cam Truck SUV guys. He's under 6ft head room and backseat tight couldn't ride adult their for long road trip. Rigeline is wider than the other midsized pickup truck as Pilot and Passport are same width. You can fit adults and bulky children's in Rigeline better.
AWD like Ridgeline has Torque Vectorng System Honda IVTM4 AWD simular to ACURA Super Handling AWD.
They are better in icy/snowy daily driving.
This according to Alex on Autos who just did review of different 4WD AWD Systems. The 4WD that most pickup trucks have better for off-roading rock crawling type of stuff. I guess snowplowing. But actual driving on roads the AWD clutch pack type systems.
I have my 2022 Consumer Reports Buyers Best and Worst Cars Suv and Pickup Truck guide it list 252 models Rated.
New Frontier says much better than aged old one. However it said very tight backseat. Not great in fuel economy Ride is stiff and choppy steering is heavy at low speeds
A 54 overall score with a 67 Road Test score. Ridgeline gets 82 overall score and 83 Road Test. Pilot got 76 overall score and 80 Road Test Passport almost exact same as Pilot. So as some reviews I've seen like Everyday Driver the Ridgeline is the best version of the Pilot.
@@fredmoss4540 I'm generally not a fan of consumer reports as they don't often judge vehicles in their proper context. Even still, you can't go wrong with Honda, who are only rivalled by Toyota in the key areas of reliability and resale.
@@fredmoss4540 I considered other mid sized trucks but didn't even sit in any because I was coming down from an F-150 and I needed the biggest mid size (and I'm a Honda Guy anyway.)
Hater hate Ridgeline because has independent rear suspensions.instead solid axle.. however many truck has independent, Ford maverick, Ford Trac explorer, Ford raptor, Santa Cruz Hyundai and they don’t say they are not real trucks .. because they are ford??? Really?
I don’t think it’s a real truck either, but in a lot of ways, it is better than a real truck. After 10 years with an F150, I have no regrets with the Ridgeline.
If I had to buy one over again, I wouldn’t. My AWD CRV and utility trailer are still more useful and versatile than the Ridgeline. The Ridgeline RTL-E has a classy, distracting flight deck but was far too expensive for-just not quite reaching my towing or bed-size needs.
No, I regret the purchase.
Different strokes for different folks. Sorry to hear you don't find the Ridgeline versatile enough for the money it costs. If buying a new CRV, then you are already paying nearly what a Ridgeline costs. I considered SUV and trailer, but I'd hate to have to drag the trailer around, or go fetch it if I decide to buy something that doesn't fit in the SUV. As it is now, we do big Costco runs including a lot of jerry cans. The back of the Ridgeline is full every time, and there's no way we could do that with our Jeep Grand Cherokee, nor would I take my trailer to Costco.
Ultimately we find what works for our needs and budget. Thanks for viewing and commenting. Cheers!
My CRV isn’t new. I paid cash for it in 2006 as I paid cash for the Ridgeline. Never purchased on ‘time’.
Fetching the trailer and putting it back is a big pain in the rear but it definitely holds greater lengths than the Ridgeline.
With the trailer you have, an SUV would be better. You can use the trailer instead of the truck bed. The SUV has room for the kids and the dog and their things. The truck doesn't, unless you have a Chihuahua.
I only bring the trailer if we are camping with more than two people.
We travel just fine in the truck, four of us and two dogs, one small, one larger.
The trailer can never replace a truck bed anyway, as I use the truck bed for my bikes on a moments notice, gear, product deliveries… largely in scenarios where I would not even want to be towing a trailer.
@@ridgelineoverlanding I see your points but wouldn't that gear equally fit in a pilot plus a bike rack. If it's raining you don't have to worry about getting things wet in the back of your truck. I'm actually weighing options between a Pilot and Passport, not trying to argue...
@@NelsonJ1 no argument taken...all valid points in a constructive dialogue.
I find it easier to make a truck act like an SUV, than vice versa. With canopies, tonneau covers, waterproof bins and the sizeable trunk in the Ridegeline, there are plenty of ways to keep my gear dry.
Bike racks are ok, but I prefer hauling in the truck bed. Easy in, easy out. At times I'm riding 3-4x a week so convenience is key. I do a lot of overlanding, and just don't have enough space in an SUV for gear (properly stored), dogs, and at times my son & our bikes. Then there's the Roof Top Tent: much easier to use it on a truck bed, and much easier getting it on/off which we do a few times a year switching from truck to utility trailer depending on the scope of the camping adventure.
I have an SUV - my wife drives a very sweet Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit. Not even close to enough space in the back for a good Costco run unless the back seats are down, meaning no extra passengers.
My wife drove 3 Honda Odysseys over the years. Lots of road trips and memories. Unless you need AWD, then the Ody is much better than any SUV in terms of space, efficiency, affordability and drivability. Owning the '19 Odyssey and '21 Ridgeline made for a pair of perfect vehicles for our needs at the time.
Up until 2011 I had never owned a truck. Now I can't see myself driving anything else. Good luck in your shopping! Happy to keep chatting too!
I have a 2006 model and still use a trailer if I need even more room for things so it not to much different
If you're going from a crossover to what you think is a pickup, the Ridgeline is perfect for you. If you're used to having the capability of a heavy duty pickup then the Ridgeline is a waste of money!
Heavy duty pickup is a whole other beast. I came from a 2011 F-150, still a light duty pickup. Drove it 9.5 years…good truck!. Two years in the Ridgeline and it has not been disappointing at all!
I don’t disagree with you if you are referring to a truly heavy duty pickup. From those beasts, even the step down to a half tonne truck will be a disappointment…assuming you used the HD Pickup for more than a Costco run.
The copium here is immeasurable.
Not sure if you are trying to mock, to offer constructive criticism or are just looking for an excuse to use the word copium??
@@ridgelineoverlanding bruh who drives a ridgeline? It's just an SUV with a bed🤣
Yes, it is an SUV with a bed…making it better than an SUV, and more practical and livable than most trucks. I owned an F150 for 10 years. Great truck, but I find the Ridgeline much more suitable to daily driving, way better on snow and ice, and much more affordable & reliable. Too many people let ego get in the way and dismiss practical vehicles like the Ridgeline. You are welcome to hate on it, but this truck serves a specific purpose, and we’ve now seen Ford & Hyundai follow suit.
@@ridgelineoverlanding I personally like my frontier pro 4x, it's plenty comfy on the road for me and more importantly it's great off road. More so than a Ridgeline. I go off road a lot so it's important to me. I'm sure the Ridgeline is fine in an ice storm on the highway but I wouldn't take it on any serious trails.
I fully agree! It sounds like for what you do, you need a “real truck”. For what I’m doing the Ridgeline is absolutely fantastic. Would I like something a little bit more rugged? Yes, but I’m not willing to give up the amazing ride quality, or Honda reliability.
There’s also something to be said for tooling around in the back country with a less common vehicle. A lot of people are surprised at where I end up with this rig. Also kitting it out presents more opportunities to be creative as there are not a lot of ready-made solutions.