Flash Drive

2020 Honda Ridgeline

August 16, 2020 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2020 Honda Ridgeline AWD RTL-E

The Honda Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds which enough for most recreational/part-time users.

Engine:3.5-liter V6, 280 horsepower, 262 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 9-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 19-mpg city, 24-mpg highway, 21-mpg combined

Base Price: $42,020

As Tested: $43,140

Performance:

Smooth highway ride

Impressive fuel economy—we got 24.8-mpg highway heavily loaded and 26.1-

The current Ridgeline styling includes a gap between the cab and bed for more of a traditional pickup look.

mpg empty in Eco mode

Lane keeper feature felt slightly intrusive

Heavy-duty transmission cooler

Competent all-wheel-drive

5,000lb towing capability

Excellent safety features

Comfort:

Comfy, captain’s chair front seats

Driver power lumbar

Heated front seats (3 temps)

Interior space, comfort, flexibility, and utility are all big pluses of the Ridgeline.

Stretch-out front legroom

Three-adult rear seat room

Middle position firm, but OK

Flat floor

Wide rear armrest with cupholders

Medium thick, slightly contoured, heated, leather steering wheel

Ample/good auxiliary controls

Utility:

Five-foot bed sufficient for most

Fold-up rear seats allow for lots of flexible backseat cargo possibilities.

homeowner uses

Dual-action tailgate (side-hinged/traditional)

The Honda Ridgeline has a huge “trunk” or locking storage compartment under the bed floor. It can be used as a giant ice chest, too.

Flat floor accommodates 4-foot wide plywood

Eight tie-down hooks

Two bed lamps

Huge, 20-inch deep locking storage bin/trunk under bed floor

Textured bed floor

Fold-up rear seats for versatile storage

Class III receiver hitch

Two large seatback pouches

Large front door bins

Big, deep console bin with sliding cover

The dual-action tailgate can open from the side or in the traditional manner.

Locking, medium size glovebox

Large visors, but no sliding feature

WOW Factors:

A very sensible blend of passenger and truck qualities

Car/SUV-like ride and truck-like utility

Huge locking compartment (with drain) under truck bed

Dual-action tailgate

Lots of storage under rear seats

Bed-mounted audio system for

All-wheel-drive models have good off-road and snow capabilities.

tailgating

Whines:

Tailgate kind of heavy

No rear door bins

Didn’t like feel of lane keeping assist

Bottom Line:

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline AWD RTL-E is a perfect combination passenger car/SUV/pickup for people who are honest about their needs. As a unibody pickup the Ridgeline isn’t as heavy duty or towing capable as big body-on-frame trucks, but it’s a superior everyday, active family, homeowner, multipurpose vehicle. The Honda Ridgeline is a great common sense urban crew cab pickup.