2018 Honda Ridgeline

Overview

The Ridgeline tosses tradition to the wind with unconventional comfort and ingenious features. It has the comfortable cabin and refined road manners of a crossover, yet it has decent towing capability, and its innovative cargo box upends convention with an in-bed trunk and an available audio system. A speedy V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission comprise the sole powertrain, and all-wheel drive is optional. Although it’s only built as a crew cab with a 5.3-foot bed, the Ridgeline hits the sweet spot for a wider range of buyers than its rivals—a key reason it was named one of our 10Best Trucks and SUVs.

What's New for 2018?

The Ridgeline lineup is subtly reshuffled for 2018, with one less trim and different all-wheel-drive availability. Gone is the RTS model that slotted between the base RT and Sport trims, and the RT is now front-wheel drive only. The Sport gets two new color choices: White Diamond Pearl and Lunar Silver Metallic.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Ridgeline's only engine is a stout 280-hp 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 262 lb-ft of torque and comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This combination can do everything the competition can and more, except perhaps when it comes to towing the heaviest loads. The entry-level Ridgeline RT is now only available with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is standard on the Black Edition and available on other trims. The Ridgeline makes zipping around town or wandering down a back road a pleasure. And on the highway, it's extremely competent and feels as well mannered as most sedans. Body lean in corners is minimal, and small bumps are barely noticeable.

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website. Under the heading "Find & Compare Cars" click on the "Compare Side-by-Side" tool to find the EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you're interested in.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Ridgeline’s interior is tops in its class in terms of practicality and comfort. Expertly laid out and extremely functional, the cabin also claims the most spacious rear seat. Starting on the RTL, interiors are trimmed in leather and have a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and a four way-power-adjustable passenger’s seat. Climate controls are straightforward, with redundant buttons and toggles to adjust the temperature. Tri-zone climate control is standard on the RTS and above. The Ridgeline's in-bed trunk, an extra-wide cargo floor, and several unique interior storage areas differentiate the Honda from its rivals.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Ridgeline’s standard infotainment system is a 5.0-inch non-touch display with an auxiliary jack, USB port, stereo, and Bluetooth connectivity. The available 8.0-inch touchscreen HondaLink system adds features like navigation, an additional USB port, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and upgraded audio. The top trims also come with an innovative truck-bed audio system that will liven up any tailgate party. Unfortunately, the HondaLink system is hard to control, the features are frustrating to use, and it’s not very responsive. The whole system relies solely on touch inputs, so it’s easy to press the wrong part of the screen. Using the steering-wheel audio controls is mandatory, as the volume slider is annoyingly imprecise.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

For more information about the Honda Ridgeline’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.