Honda has redesigned its Ridgeline pickup’s front end for a brawnier look and improved aerodynamics and lighting, also updating the interior and infotainment system. The new look for the 15-year-old model reflects how the light-duty truck known for safety and reliability can perform well in tougher conditions.
“Truck enthusiasts have long recognized Ridgeline as an incredibly versatile and capable pickup, and now it’s got the rugged looks to match,” said Art St. Cyr, vice president of Auto Operations for American Honda Motor Co. Inc. “The Ridgeline signals a new direction for our light-truck designs, one that more effectively communicates all the hard work that goes into making Honda pickups and SUVs such proficient on- and off-road performers.”
Wheel backspacing was reduced by 10 mm and track width has been expanded slightly to 20 mm for a broader stance and the bulging hood, previously more gentle and smooth, exudes a stouter personality. The squarish LED headlight design was ditched for a more subtle configuration with the fog lights under the headlights and separated by a crossbar, which Honda said increases illumination.
Another noticeable change to the front fascia are the broad side vents, designed to route air through the bumper and around the front tires and wheels to create air curtains and improve aerodynamic performance. At the back, a twin exhaust system replaces a less pronounced version.
Enthusiasts of the less beaten path can also get the new Honda Performance Development package is also available with a special grille treatment, black fender flares, and bronze-colored wheels. Other packages include Utility, Function and Function+.
The powertrain remains the same, using a 280-hp, 3.5L direct-injected VTEC V6 engine with a 9-speed transmission and can produce 262 lb.-ft. of torque. The i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel drive is a standard feature of the RTL-E and Black Edition, and optional on the Sport and RTL variants. This allows 70% of the torque to be appropriately distributed between the rear wheels for superior traction and performance, with specific modes for mud and sand. The Intelligent Traction Dynamics System is standard on 2-wheel drive models and economically doles out torque to better traverse pavement and snow.
The bed, which can fit 4-ft. wide loads between the wheel wells, also accommodates 7.3 7.3 cu.-ft. of storage that can be securely locked under the bed. Payload remains at 1,580 lbs. and towing at 5,000 lbs. The dropped tailgate can hold up 300 lbs. of dynamic loads and eight tie-down cleats each are rated for 350 lbs.
The unibody truck is also expected to receive top collision safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
To prevent crashes all together, the Ridgeline implements several Honda Sensing features: Collision Mitigation Braking System with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning, and adaptive Cruise Control.
Other additions include crisper graphics in the Display Audio system and an easier-to-use touchscreen.
