Power comes
from a 3.5-liter VTEC V6 engine rated at 255 horsepower and peak torque
of 252 lb-ft of torque. That puts the Honda in the same league as the
Toyota Tacoma Double Cab, which has a 245 horsepower V6, and the Nissan
Frontier crew Cab, which offers a 265-horsepower V6. The engine is the
first of any pickup to meet the EPA’s stringent Ultra-Low Emissions
Vehicle (ULEV) standard for all 50 states. Honda lists the fuel economy
rating at 16mpg city/21mpg highway. The Ridgeline has a GVWR of 6050 pounds.
Honda knew
it had to appeal to those already having a strong identity with the company
from the beginning. Officials call it “synergy with our other Honda
products.” There are some 5 million owners of Honda motorcycles,
marine products and power equipment. So the truck was designed to accommodate
those faithful, and the bed was the best opportunity to win over active-minded
consumers. The steel-reinforced composite bed has notches in the front
rail for motorcycles. The six tie downs are designed to hold motorcycles
or an ATV properly. There is lighting on the C-pillar to help load equipment
at night and lighting at the rear of the bed to illuminate tailgate and
trunk.
The tailgate
and trunk are certainly going to be the most talked about and promoted
features of the Ridgeline. The dual-action tailgate swings out for access
in tight spaces or to sweep out debris. Or it can fold down like a conventional
tailgate. It is rated at 300 pounds. The trunk has a locking, weatherproof
lid that opens up to a 8.5-cubic-foot storage space. This trunk can hold
a 72-quart cooler and riding gear or up to three golf bags. It also has
a drain so it can be filled with ice and drinks for a tailgate party.
The spare is located in the trunk area and slides out on a tray for easy
access.
The bed is
60 inches long, which is comparable to other midsize 4-door pickups. Minimal
wheelhouse intrusion allows flat loading of 4-foot-wide plywood. By lowering
the tailgate, the bed length extends to about 6 ½ feet. The floor
and sides are constructed of sheet molding composite (SMC) that is dent,
slip and corrosion resistant.
The Ridgeline
does not offer a towing package. Instead, officials say it was designed
with all the necessary equipment in place to handle loads up to 5,000
pounds. The cooling system, including oil and transmission coolers, were
designed with towing in mind. The truck also has the necessary wiring
for trailer brakes in place. All the customer has to do is install a hitch
if towing is required.
Three trim
levels will be offered: RT, RT-S and RT-L. Standard features include the
power sliding rear window, remote entry, privacy glass, 60/40 fold-up
rear seat, power windows, cruise control, map lights, three 12-volt power
points and illuminated passenger vanity mirror. Standard audio system
includes a 100-watt AM/FM/CD with six speakers and XM satellite radio
capability. The Ridgeline will be one of the first pickups to offer voice-activated
navigation.
Consumers
will have a choice of many upscale options, including leather seating,
moonroof, automatic dual-zone climate control, 8-way power driver’s
seat and heated seating. A premium audio system that boosts the power
up to 160 watts, adds a 6-CD changer, adds an MP3 jack and beefs up the
speakers with a subwoofer is also available.
Finally,
Honda’s commitment to safety is evident with such standard equipment
as anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution, electric brake assist,
side air bags, side-curtain air bags, 3-point seat belts at all seating
positions and LATCH in the rear.
Pricing has
not been finalized but is expected to start around $27,000 with the top
trim level starting at $32,000.
