The 2011 Honda Ridgeline. The Sport Utility Truck is a dying breed, and the Honda Ridgeline maybe going down with the class. In a class of only three trucks (the Cadillac Escalade EXT and the Chevrolet Avalanche are the other two), the Ridgeline has the lowest towing capacity, the cheapest interior and the least-powerful engine, according to reviewers. While there are other trucks and SUVs that outperform the Honda Ridgeline in almost every way, reviewers say that the Ridgeline provides the best compromise between a truck, sport-utility vehicle and city cruiser.
The Chevrolet Avalanche provides 3,100 pounds more towing capacity, but starts out about $7,000 more than the Ridgeline.
Details: Honda Ridgeline
The Ridgeline continues into 2011 unchanged from the previous model year. The base RT model starts at $28,900 and is fairly well-equipped, with an AM/FM/CD player with MP3/WMA disc playback capability, a power-sliding rear window, and six cup holders. The $34,480 RTL comes standard with heated front seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and a power moonroof.
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The Ridgeline's V6 puts down 250 horsepower and a modest 247 pound-feet of torque. While the 2011 Honda Ridgeline is all the truck many pickup buyers will ever need, it's not for everybody.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Honda Ridgeline midsize pickup truck is offered in a single four-door crew-cab body style with seating for five. The entry-level RT is reasonably well equipped with standard features that include 17-inch steel wheels, a power-sliding rear window, air-conditioning, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat with under-seat storage, full power accessories, cruise control, a trip computer and a six-speaker CD/MP3 stereo with an auxiliary audio jack.
The RTS adds 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat and an upgraded seven-speaker audio system with a six-CD changer and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. Power flows through a five-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system. EPA estimated fuel economy is 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined, which is mediocre considering the truck's modest power.
Safety
Every Ridgeline comes standard with antilock brakes (with brake assist), stability control, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor and front seat active head restraints.
The 2011 Honda Ridgeline has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash-testing procedures. In Edmunds 60-0-mph brake testing, the Ridgeline required 141 feet to stop, a disappointing figure for its class.
Controls and surfaces inside the 2011 Honda Ridgeline run big -- as in Tonka big. There's something charming in the Ridgeline's rugged, work-ready eagerness to please.
Driving Impressions
By pickup standards, the 2011 Honda Ridgeline is pleasant to drive.
The Honda Ridgeline last received a few changes in 2009. The 2011 Honda Ridgeline will see a redesign for 2011. Expect the vehicle to be released in late 2010.
The grille design is different, but the vehicle remains a four-door crew cab truck.
Interior Features
Two-zone automatic climate control, powered seats, fog lights, leather upholstery, satellite radio, and Bluetooth should be available on upgraded trims.
Performance
The performance of the 2011 Honda Ridgeline could change dramatically as a result of its redesign.