The Honda Ridgeline was a quirky offer among pickup trucks but the new generation rectifies the stance with a more conventional – albeit true Honda design language – axing in the process things such as the high-walled cargo bed for a more mainstream appeal that should deliver a bigger consumer base for the midsize pickup. The new model is 5.4 inches (13.7 centimeters) wider and 4 inches (10 cm) longer and comes with a four-foot wide flat bed.
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Unlike the original, the new Ridgeline will be offered with either front- or all-wheel-drive.
For Ridgeline buyers looking to off-road activity, superior traction in mud, snow, sand, etc, 2017 Ridgeline FWD will feature the 1-VTM4 AWD system with dial-a -ride Terrain Management ™ featured in 2016 Pilot Elite. The 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission combo is also shared with the Pilot, though Honda has not released output information for the Ridgeline yet. The Ridgeline retains the in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate from the previous model.
The 2017 Ridgeline will also offer a host of safety and driver-assist technologies that are likely to make this one of the safest pickup choices around. However, even in its best-selling year, the Ridgeline sold barely over 50,000 units, compared to the Toyota Tacoma’s 100k-plus yearly sales since its introduction.
The new, forthcoming Ridgeline was designed and developed at Honda’s design studio in Torrance, Calif. and at its and development center in Raymond, Ohio. This also provides more convenient reach to a 400-watt power inverter in the bed wall to plug in blenders and televisions.
As with the original Ridgeline, Honda is claiming best-in-class interior room, with a 60/40-split rear seat cushion with room enough for a golf bag underneath. Available safety options include lane departure warning, collision mitigation braking, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation and blind spot warning., All Ridgelines will come standard with a multiview, multi-angle rearview camera. The truck’s engine will be produced at a Honda plant in Lincoln, Ala. In 2015, Honda launched the all-new HR-V crossover and the third generation Pilot SUV. Honda has installed the first in-bed audio system in the new Ridgeline, which uses six exciters located inside the bed walls instead of regular speakers to pump out tunes at 540 watts.
The press seen days for the North American Auto Show formally begin with the variety of the North American Auto of the Year and Truck/Utility of the Year. The first item on the agenda was the announcement of the auto of the Year and the Truck of the Year awards.
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In 2016, Honda will continue the fortification of its light-truck family of vehicles with the new Ridgeline and a fully redesigned Odyssey minivan. The Nissan Titan XD and Honda Pilot also vied for the truck award.
