2017 Honda Ridgeline First Impressions - I invested a long time reviewing the 2017 Ridgeline at the Truck Rodeo-- from its 3.5-liter V-6 to its lockable in-bed storage trunk. Keep checking out for my impressions.
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2017 Honda Ridgeline First Impressions |
Naturally, cynics are talking the Honda's unibody building and construction, four-wheel independent suspension, and FWD/AWD powertrain design when scolding the Ridgeline. Sure, the Ridgeline does not fit the conventional mold of a body-on-frame pickup, however I 'd bet it uses more performance and ability than 80 percent of modern-day truck purchasers really require. F-150s, Ram 1500s, and Silverados are cool and all, however they do include compromises like an extreme flight, lower fuel economy, and a size that does not suit lots of property garages.
It's simple to offer Honda sorrow over the Ridgeline. Well, thanks to the 2016 Truck Rodeo put on by the Texas Vehicle Writers Association, I had my first in-person encounter and drive experience with the Ridgeline. I can inform you the Ridgeline is really genuine-- I touched it and owned it.
For those who in fact require the abilities of a full-size pickup, there's truly no alternative. For those folks who like the concept of a pickup, sometimes pull a little trailer, or may go outdoor camping once a year, those full-size abilities are not being used. The Ridgeline divides the distinction in between the full-size (as well as mid-size) pickup classification and the ever-popular crossover SUV.
Exterior 2017 Honda Ridgeline
Designers aimed to condition the Ridgeline by including black body cladding along the lower part of the truck. The front has a 5 o'clock shadow appearance that continues over the rocker panels and onto the rear bumper. This need to likewise spare the paint from rock chips.
It's no trick the Ridgeline is based on the Honda Pilot crossover. The truck likewise shares the tough character line that runs along the door manages. Honda states this assists offer the Ridgeline a more exceptional look.
Related: 2017 Honda Ridgeline Review
Around back, the Ridgeline looks practically like a traditional mid-size pickup. The resemblances in between a traditional truck and the Ridgeline stop there. At about 2 feet deep and 4 feet throughout, the truck location provides plenty of area for tools, groceries, or baggage.
In spite of the Ridgeline being a unibody, it has a decent quantity of ground clearance-- 7.9 inches to be precise. This enabled the Honda to go all over the more standard cars went, consisting of the most tough off-road course at the Longhorn River Cattle ranch. Given, it wasn't Moab or the Rubicon path, however the Ridgeline showed its capability on surface far even worse than a lot of owners would attempt pass through.
The freight bed, like the Toyota Tacoma, is a composite plastic product that assists lower weight yet uses plenty of strength. Honda was likewise able to integrate a never-before-seen in-bed audio system thanks to the plastic bed walls. The Ridgeline's in-bed audio system is opposite, utilizing exciters to move a big diaphragm (the bed walls) a little range to produce noise.
Interior 2017 Honda Ridgeline
About the only thing the Ridgeline does not have we kept looking for was a conventional volume knob. Like the outdoors, the Ridgeline's interior carefully mirrors the Pilot's. The Ridgeline uses a comfy location for the front 2 residents with user-friendly controls, Honda's infotainment system, and a big info screen in the gauge cluster.
The center console uses lots of storage area, with 2 big cup holders, a little coin tray under the HEATING AND COOLING controls, and a deep compartment simply behind the gearshifter. Seat -installed folding armrests fill in a taller center console. The armrests are likewise height-adjustable, making them comfy for any size traveler.
Related: 2017 Honda Ridgeline Redesign
The 2017 Ridgeline keeps the first-generation's fold-up rear bench. Honda states the greater seating position likewise assists stop cars and truck illness-- something everyone can value.
Just pull the deal with on the side of the seat, and the bench folds up 60/40 design, leaving an almost flat load flooring. Even with the seats in location, there's sufficient space under the bench for a set of golf clubs.
2017 Honda Ridgeline Drivetrain
Under the hood is Honda's familiar household dish: a 3.5-liter V-6 with VTEC mated to a six-speed automated transmission that sends out power to the front wheels. When traction ends up being a concern, deciding for AWD sends out power to all 4 wheels. Smooth pavement enables the system to revert back into FWD.
The engine makes a good 280 horse power and 262 pound-feet of torque thanks in part to direct fuel injection. While that's not class prominent by any methods, it is sufficient to press the 4,500-pound truck to 60 miles per hour in approximately 6.6 seconds. Highway death does not excessively rapidly, however the state-of-the-art V-6 tosses out enough grunt to move the truck.
An AWD Ridgeline is EPA-rated to get 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway when it comes to economy. When avoiding the AWD choice, those numbers enhance by one mpg.
Behind The Wheel 2017 Honda Ridgeline
I didn't invest an inflated quantity of time owning the Ridgeline, however from the 16-mile, on-road test loop and two-mile off-road course and it was plain to see the Ridgeline is a smooth operator. The lack of leaf springs certainly assists this truck's flight.
Related: 2017 Honda Ridgeline Specs Canada
Outside presence is likewise great thanks to big side mirrors and high windows. The upright seating position is high enough to please crossover and pickup purchasers, permitting a commanding view of the roadway. Body roll is handled well, though it's no S2000.
2017 Honda Ridgeline Price
The 2017 Ridgeline is provided in 7 trim levels. They consist of the RT, RTS, Sport, RTL, RTL-T, RTL-E, and the restricted edition Black Edition. Costs vary from $29,475 to $42,870 prior to choices.
Choices consists of products like remote start, tri-zone environment control, fog lights, lager wheels, leather seating, heated front seats, 10-way power modification for the chauffeur's seat, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Automobile, blind area caution, Honda Sensing, a 540-watt premium audio system, and the Truck Bed Audio System.
Conclusion 2017 Honda Ridgeline
The 2017 Ridgeline makes a strong argument versus a conventional body-on-frame pickup. Its crossover-like owning character, smooth V-6, optional AWD, large interior, and insanely useful freight bed is difficult to overlook.
Seeing the truck face to face-- and exactly what's more, owning it-- truly lets the Ridgeline smash those presumptions. No, it's not a "trucky-truck," however it's more truck than a lot of truck purchasers truly require. There's absolutely something to be stated for having the best tool for a task, not simply the most significant hammer in the tool kit.
Related: 2017 Honda Ridgeline Crew Cab Review
Well, thanks to the 2016 Truck Rodeo put on by the Texas Vehicle Writers Association, I had my first in-person encounter, drive experience with the Ridgeline. Sure, the Ridgeline does not fit the conventional mold of a body-on-frame pickup, however I 'd bet it uses more performance and ability than 80 percent of modern-day truck purchasers in fact require.
Designers attempted to strengthen up the Ridgeline by including black body cladding along the lower part of the truck. I didn't invest an outrageous quantity of time owning the Ridgeline, on-road test loop and two-mile off-road course, however from the 16-mile, it was plain to see the Ridgeline is a smooth operator. Seeing the truck in individual-- and exactly what's more, owning it-- truly lets the Ridgeline smash those preconceived concepts.
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