Honda Ridgeline: refined and comfortable

The Ridgeline isn’t your ordinary midsize pickup. It comes in just one configuration: a crew cab with a 3.5-liter V6, 6-speed automatic, and a 5-foot-4-inch bed. Its unibody construction and fully independent suspension are unusual for a pickup. AWD is standard on the top two trim levels and optional on three others.

The Ridgeline’s cabin is modern, extremely quiet, and nicely finished, with plenty of backseat room. Clever features include a tailgate that drops down or opens sideways, fold-up rear seats for extra storage space, a rustproof composite bed, and a lockable, waterproof trunk beneath a completely flat cargo floor (no wheel-well intrusions). The Ridgeline’s 1,581-pound payload is competitive with other midsize pickups.

You’ll never say “The Ridgeline rides nice—for a truck” because the Ridgeline’s ride is refined and comfortable, period. Acceleration is strong, the steering is light, the suspension does a great job absorbing bumps, and at 21 mpg in combined driving, gas mileage is decent.

Downsides? The Ridgeline’s infotainment system on high-end models is too complicated, its towing capacity (maximum: 5,000 pounds) is subpar, advanced safety features aren’t available on all trim levels, and it’s not well suited for adventurous off-roading.

But given this truck’s considerable virtues, none of these drawbacks will be deal breakers for most folks. In sum, the Honda Ridgeline is a pickup that’s cleverly designed, well executed, and super easy to live with every day.