2020 Honda Ridgeline

Overview

With crossover SUVs and pickup trucks more popular than ever, Honda combines the two genres with the innovative 2020 Ridgeline. Sure, it can't tow as much as its mid-size rivals and looks like a minivan with a truck bed bolted on to the rear end. However, the Honda's cabin is better built and more roomy than anything else in its class. Likewise, its cargo bed can handle traditional chores and offers unconventional features thanks to an in-bed trunk and available audio system. It also demonstrates an uncanny athleticism and a superb ride quality that makes it enjoyable during daily use. While the 2020 Ridgeline is often ostracized by pickup purists, it should be glorified by everyone else who wants a truck. We subjected a 2019 Ridgeline to a 40,000-mile test and found it to be a likable and reliable companion.

What's New for 2020?

The Ridgeline receives several mild updates for 2020. These include a new nine-speed automatic transmission, more standard features, and fewer trim levels. The lineup no longer includes the base RT or the RTL-T variants. Likewise, the previously standard 5.0-inch non-touch infotainment system has been replaced with a newly standard 8.0-inch touchscreen. Unfortunately, the updated unit still lacks a volume knob.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

This segment of mid-size trucks has become oversaturated with traditional body-on-frame pickups that provide ample towing and capable off-roading. However, the 2020 Ridgeline caters to folks who want a more comfortable and fuel-efficient alternative. While the priciest models have the fanciest features, we think the RTL has the best mix of desirable equipment and value. We'd recommend adding the optional all-wheel-drive system, since it makes the Honda useful in all four seasons and allows it to tow up to 5000 pounds (front-drive models max out at 3500 pounds). Likewise, the Ridgeline RTL receives better standard features than the lesser Sport trim level. These include heated front seats, a leather-trimmed interior, and power-adjustable front seats.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The lone powertrain is a 280-hp 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 262 lb-ft of torque and hook up to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The engine feels smooth, and throttle response is especially receptive when you call for hard acceleration. An untraditional pickup in many ways, the Ridgeline surprises from behind the wheel. On the road, it's well-mannered and feels extremely competent. Its coil-sprung independent rear suspension contributes to a carlike ride quality not available with the leaf-sprung, solid-axle setups used by the competition. Body lean in corners is minimal, and small bumps are barely noticeable. The electrically assisted steering feels appropriate. The Ridgeline's braking performance stands out as its lone dynamic blemish. Its braking distance from 70 mph to zero is on the long side, and we thought the brake pedal felt soft and had too much travel during normal use.

Towing and Payload Capacity

The Ridgeline is quick, but when it comes to towing, it's lacking. Front-wheel-drive models can tow a maximum of 3500 pounds. All-wheel-drive Ridgelines are rated at 5000 pounds, which is about one ton less than its V-6 rivals.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The V-6 in the Ridgeline is the most fuel-efficient six-cylinder engine in its class, regardless of whether it's outfitted with front- or all-wheel drive. During our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test, the all-wheel-drive Ridgeline exceeded its highway rating by a significant 3 mpg, at 28 mpg. That figure matches our results for a GMC Canyon with the diesel engine and all-wheel drive, which is impressive considering the Honda's gas engine.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Ridgeline's interior is tops in its class in terms of practicality and comfort. As with most other mid-size pickups, the Honda features hard plastics below the dash level. Otherwise, the materials are above average. Rear-seat passengers will enjoy the most space of all mid-size rivals. Fold-down armrests on both front seats are a welcome addition, especially since the center console sits low between them. The Honda pickup has only one bed length, 5.3 feet, which lines up with competitors' short beds and has the second-lowest volume at 34 cubic feet. The antidote to this disparity is its locking, weather-tight in-bed trunk with a 7.3-cubic-foot capacity. There's one more advantage: with 50.0 inches between its bed's wheel wells, the Ridgeline is the only mid-size pickup that can fit a sheet of four-by-eight-foot building material flat on the bed floor. Clever features continue inside. The rear seat splits 60/40 and, when flipped up, provides room to fit a full-size bicycle. Unfortunately, loading large items may be difficult, as the rear doors don't open very wide.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Ridgeline's standard 8.0-inch HondaLink touchscreen is hard to control, the features are frustrating to use, and it's not very responsive to user inputs. Redeeming qualities are few, but standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a trick, optional in-bed audio system will liven up any tailgate party. It uses actuators that vibrate the cargo box, turning it into a huge speaker.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2020 Ridgeline earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and it was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Honda pickup truck also includes a host of driver-assistance technology. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

While the Ridgeline has relatively competitive warranties, the Chevy Colorado and the GMC Canyon are favorable because they offer complimentary scheduled maintenance and much longer periods of roadside assistance.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance