2010 Honda Ridgeline

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

Although the 2010 Honda Ridgeline does not have the performance capabilities and capacities of traditional trucks, of the truck-based SUTs it competes with, writers say it's sufficient for shoppers using it for play, not work. Its car-like construction leads it to have very car-like performance, which should appeal to many buyers.

• "And there's the great thing about the Ridgeline - it drives neither like a car nor a pickup, but like the chunky crossover it's built from." -- Automobile Magazine
• "Very comfortable and pleasant to drive as pickups go." -- Edmunds

Acceleration and Power

Unlike most trucks, the Honda Ridgeline only provides one engine option -- a V6 that makes 250-horsepower. A few reviewers find that engine to be underpowered, especially for hauling and towing. The Honda Ridgeline's transmission is a five-speed automatic with a heavy-duty transmission cooler for towing. The majority feel the five-speed is well-mated to the V6.

Most other SUTs offer V8 engines.  While it's tempting to dismiss the V8 engines because of fuel economy, you should know that the Ridgeline's 3.5 liter V6 only gets marginally better fuel economy than some of its V8-powered competition. For example, the Ridgeline's 15/20 mpg city/highway EPA-estimated fuel economy is only one mpg better in city driving than the Chevy Avalanche's 14/20 city/highway mpg -- and the Avalanche has a V8.

• "Ridgeline is on par with rival compact pickups with V6s--but behind Dodge Dakota with its available V8. The engine also may be taxed when asked to meet Ridgeline's 5000-lb towing capacity or 1546-lb maximum payload." -- Consumer Guide
• "As noted, the 2009 model offers added power, and the transmission has been updated to deliver more low-end torque. Unfortunately, those changes don't translate to anything you'll feel with your right foot." -- PickupTrucks.com
• "Still, the 3.5-liter V-6 pulls this thing around fairly well, although quick sprints require revving it into its upper limits." -- Automobile Magazine

Handling and Braking

Reviewers are generally pleased with the Ridgeline's ride and handling, which they describe as pleasingly smooth and car-like. Also contributing to good ride quality is the Ridgeline's integrated closed-box frame with a unit-body construction -- similar to a sedan -- with fully-boxed high-strength steel frame rails and cross members with internal stiffeners. Most trucks and SUTs use much more heavy-duty construction, which leads to a rougher ride.

While the construction of other trucks and SUVs makes them ride rougher than the Ridgeline, it also allows them to tow and haul more. The Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds and haul up to 1,546 pounds in its bed.  By comparison, the Chevrolet Avalanche can tow 500 pounds more and haul about a hundred pounds more. The Toyota Tacoma compact truck, depending on configuration, can tow up to 6,500 pounds -- and it costs less than the Ridgeline.

• "The steering is sufficiently responsive, and the truck can hold its own when tossed into a corner with some verve." -- PickupTrucks.com
• "Its speed-proportional power steering offers good response and feedback, and the Ridgeline's ride is smooth and refined, though off-road trails are best left to more purpose-built competitors." -- Edmunds
• "Drives more like a car or minivan than a typical pickup. Still, Ridgeline's height and heft mean a fair amount of body lean and noseplow in fast turns. Steering feel is too light at low speeds, but a relatively tight turning circle aids parking lot maneuverability. Braking is strong and sure." -- Consumer Guide