After having not being on sale for roughly two years, Honda's pickup truck the Ridgeline is back. Originally introduced as a 2006 model, the Ridgeline did not sell in particularly high numbers due to owners panning it as being too "soft" to be a real pickup truck. After all, it rode (and for 2017, will still ride) on a Honda Pilot crossover platform. But don't be so quick to dismiss this model, as it's bringing some new tricks with it this time around. And personally, I think it looks better than the old model (albeit a little too car-like in some places) and appears to be better executed overall this time around as well.
Underneath It All
As mentioned previously, for 2017, the Ridgeline will ride on the Honda Pilot's unibody platform that has obviously been modified to accommodate this new truck's frame. Honda did not provide full details on the towing capacity and other similar figures at the auto show this year, but promised they would be available in the near future. Regardless, it is estimated the Ridgeline will be able to tow more than the Pilot upon which it's based. Maximum towing capacity for Honda Pilots with all-wheel drive is 5,000 pounds, 3,500 with front wheel drive. What else we do know, is that the Ridgeline is equipped with the Pilot's 280 HP 3.5 liter V6 engine paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission, and will be offered with all-wheel drive AND front wheel drive this time around. A front wheel drive configuration on a truck is a real anomaly. The Ridgeline will be the only midsized pickup truck to offer front wheel drive when it is released, which is sure to draw some scorn from the truck community. However, this setup will likely bode well for ride quality, which is a plus. Maximum payload is expected "to be approaching 1,600 pounds", in Honda's own words.
The Ridgeline's interior is just as up-to-date as its exterior, offering features such as Honda's touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, push-button start, three zone climate control, leather seats with a 60/40 split folding rear seat, Honda's LaneWatch side camera system coupled with other modern driving safety features (such as blind-spot monitoring and forward collision alert), and a slew of other great conveniences. One of the things that really made the last Ridgeline unique however, was how its bed could be configured. Despite this, the bed on the last Ridgeline was smaller, and thus, less convenient to use than similar competitions' cargo areas. Honda has stretched the bed in this 2017 Ridgeline, and also added some new storage compartments, potentially remedying this former issue. Back from the last generation is the locking in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate that opens from side or folds down. Newly available is an in-bed sound system that has six "exciters" mounted into the truck bed and is capable of producing 540 watts. Sounds exciting! There's also a 400 watt household-style electrical outlet that's available. Good news: Your ultimate tailgate just got significantly more realistic.
Bridging The Ridge, Sooner Than Later
Honda's new Ridgeline appears to be more substantial than its predecessor, and now is more up-to-date than ever before. How this plays into sales figures waits to be seen. However, it certainly can't sell worst than the old Ridgeline did... Right? Let's hope not. Building on the past is one good way to a brighter future, and the Ridgeline does have one if it strikes the right chord with buyers. Being "unique" is the Ridgeline's unofficial trademark after all. And the whole being unique formula did work decently well for now-defunct, but equally innovative Chevrolet Avalanche in the full-sized truck segment. Expect to see the 2017 Ridgeline on dealers lots this coming spring.
The Ridgeline's interior is just as up-to-date as its exterior, offering features such as Honda's touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, push-button start, three zone climate control, leather seats with a 60/40 split folding rear seat, Honda's LaneWatch side camera system coupled with other modern driving safety features (such as blind-spot monitoring and forward collision alert), and a slew of other great conveniences. One of the things that really made the last Ridgeline unique however, was how its bed could be configured. Despite this, the bed on the last Ridgeline was smaller, and thus, less convenient to use than similar competitions' cargo areas. Honda has stretched the bed in this 2017 Ridgeline, and also added some new storage compartments, potentially remedying this former issue. Back from the last generation is the locking in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate that opens from side or folds down. Newly available is an in-bed sound system that has six "exciters" mounted into the truck bed and is capable of producing 540 watts. Sounds exciting! There's also a 400 watt household-style electrical outlet that's available. Good news: Your ultimate tailgate just got significantly more realistic.
Bridging The Ridge, Sooner Than Later
Honda's new Ridgeline appears to be more substantial than its predecessor, and now is more up-to-date than ever before. How this plays into sales figures waits to be seen. However, it certainly can't sell worst than the old Ridgeline did... Right? Let's hope not. Building on the past is one good way to a brighter future, and the Ridgeline does have one if it strikes the right chord with buyers. Being "unique" is the Ridgeline's unofficial trademark after all. And the whole being unique formula did work decently well for now-defunct, but equally innovative Chevrolet Avalanche in the full-sized truck segment. Expect to see the 2017 Ridgeline on dealers lots this coming spring.
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I honestly don't think Honda will ever be able to compete with Dodge and Ford when it comes to pickup trucks. But I'm all for them giving it a shot... the more competition, the better. Keep Dodge and Ford on their toes ;)
ReplyDeleteFred | Traders Insurance
Very true, I was thinking the same thing. The platform alone keeps this new Ridgeline from being a true competitor to the full-sized competition. But Honda's are generally known for being reliable, which certainly means something. And any improvement over the old model is great in my mind!
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