For the 2017 model year, Honda is reintroducing the Ridgeline compact pickup truck after a years long hiatus. This fully redesigned truck makes a good first impression: it places high in our rankings, outmatching both domestic and foreign competitors. The Ridgeline makes an excellent daily driver, with a quality interior, spacious seating, and well-balanced performance.
Is the Honda Ridgeline a Good Truck?
The Ridgeline is a well-rounded, capable, and comfortable truck. It has one of the nicest interiors in the class, with premium materials and roomy seating accommodations. A standard V6 engine gets respectable fuel economy, and the Ridgeline drives easily enough for daily use. It also gets very high safety scores, which is more than can be said of nearly all other trucks in the class.
While the Ridgeline is undoubtedly a good all-around vehicle, the truck doesn't necessarily stand out when it comes to more truck-specific concerns, like towing, off-roading, or payload capacity. You can do all of these things to a degree with the Ridgeline, but if they're part of your regular routine, other trucks might suit you better. The GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado have much higher towing capacities, while the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma perform better off road.
Should I Buy a Honda Ridgeline?
The Ridgeline's high price tag goes hand in hand with its high ranking-- if you want the best, you'll have to pay for it. And if you have the means, it's worth it. No other truck is as well-rounded, with the right combination of performance, comfort, safety, and practicality that should make a small truck appealing. However, if you're on more of a budget, there are much cheaper choices in the class-- like the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado-- that almost rival the Ridgeline's scores and overall appeal, and have better towing and hauling abilities as well. If you want a dependable and comfortable daily driver with truck features, it's hard to beat the Ridgeline. But if you need more utility for off-roading or towing on a regular basis, you'll want to consider something else in the class, or even a full-size pickup truck.
Compare the Ridgeline, Colorado, and Canyon "
We Did the Research for You: 20 Pieces of Data Analyzed
We analyzed 20 different pieces of research and data from around the automotive industry to help you decide if the 2017 Honda Ridgeline is for you. Our reviews are based on what expert professional auto journalists are saying about the Ridgeline, and we use hard data like crash test and reliability ratings from independent agencies. We've done the research so you don't have to, and we have come up with an expert analysis so you can make a smart buying decision.
Why You Can Trust Us
Our team of writers and analysts has over 75 combined years of experience in the auto industry, and we've been working to help consumers make educated buying decisions for almost 10 years. We are also completely impartial: any ads you see on the page are from an outside source, and we don't accept gifts or trips paid for by car companies.
How Much Does a Honda Ridgeline Cost?
The 2017 Honda Ridgeline starts at $29,475, which is much higher than the base prices of all other trucks in the class. The Toyota Tacoma costs over $5,000 less at $24,120, and the GMC Canyon, Chevrolet Colorado, and Nissan Frontier all start at around or below $20,000. There are seven Ridgeline trim levels, the highest of which starts at $42,870. For the Ridgeline's high base price, though, you'll get one of the nicest interiors in the class, a standard V6 engine, and seating for five with four doors.
On the surface, it may seem as though the extra cost covers these amenities and standard options. However, the Ridgeline is priced at $5,000 more than the next highest priced vehicle in the class. That price is higher than upgrading many competitors to a V6 and adding some options that are standard in the Ridgeline.
Indeed, the Ridgeline's price is higher than even many full-size pickup trucks. The Ram 1500 and Ford F-150, which both rank atop that class, start at under $27,000. They are both far more capable for off-roading and/or towing and hauling tasks.
The Ridgeline comes standard with front-wheel drive, and you can upgrade to all-wheel drive for $1,800 in most trim levels. However, AWD is standard in the two highest trims (RTL-E and Black Edition).
Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Honda dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Honda deals page.
Honda Ridgeline Versus the Competition
Which Is Better: Honda Ridgeline or Toyota Tacoma?
The Toyota Tacoma is better at off-roading than the Ridgeline and should appeal to shoppers who want more of a classic truck experience. Its TRD Off-Road trim is one of the best off-road performers in the class, thanks to its rugged suspension and Multi-Terrain Select system. While the Ridgeline is pretty bare on standard features, the Tacoma comes with the Entune infotainment system, a 6.1-inch touch screen, and Siri Eyes Free iPhone control. Another cool feature is the built-in windshield mount for a GoPro camera, which no other truck in the class offers. The Tacoma also has the highest payload capacity in the class at 1,620 pounds, so you'll want to go with it over the Ridgeline if you plan to regularly fill the bed to the brim. The Ridgeline is a better choice if you only need a moderately capable truck-- but you'll have to pay over $5,000 more for it.
Which Is Better: Honda Ridgeline or Chevrolet Colorado?
Like the Tacoma, the Chevrolet Colorado is much cheaper than the Ridgeline, but by almost $10,000 instead of $5,000. The Colorado is better than the Ridgeline in nearly all aspects of performance that you would expect from a truck. Though it has a four-cylinder base engine, the Colorado is available with a V6 that's more powerful than the Ridgeline's. The Colorado also offers a turbodiesel four-cylinder engine that gets one of the best fuel economy ratings in the class, as well as a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which handily bests the Ridgeline's 5,000-pound rating. Unlike the Ridgeline, you can get four-wheel drive in the Colorado. The Colorado's interior quality rivals that of the Ridgeline, and the crew cab's front and rear seats have ample room for adults to ride without feeling cramped. While the Colorado doesn't have the most tech features in the class, it does have an easy-to-use infotainment system as well as OnStar with 4G LTE and a built-in Wi-Fi hot spot. That's better than Honda's infotainment system, which is hard to use and has poorly organized controls.
Which Is Better: Honda Ridgeline or Ford F-150?
If you want a truck that can do everything it should be able to, and you either don't care about the bells and whistles or have room in your budget to add them, consider moving up to the full-size Ford F-150. Whether towing or hauling people and/or payloads, full-size trucks have a measure of utility that compact trucks just can't match. And when you consider that the F-150 has a lower starting price ($26,540) than the Ridgeline and tops our rankings of full-size pickup trucks, it begins to look like a very attractive option. The F-150 can tow up to 12,000 pounds and has a payload capacity of nearly 3,300 pounds, which dwarf the Ridgeline's capacities of 5,000 pounds and 1,584 pounds, respectively. It also has three different cab configurations and three different bed lengths to choose from. Upgrading the F-150's interior to nicer materials or more features can make the price jump quickly, so if you want a comfortable daily driver and the occasional use of the truck's capabilities, stick with the Ridgeline. However, if you need a dedicated brute that can work hard on a daily basis, the F-150 is among the best.
Is the Honda Ridgeline a Good Truck?
The Ridgeline is a well-rounded, capable, and comfortable truck. It has one of the nicest interiors in the class, with premium materials and roomy seating accommodations. A standard V6 engine gets respectable fuel economy, and the Ridgeline drives easily enough for daily use. It also gets very high safety scores, which is more than can be said of nearly all other trucks in the class.
While the Ridgeline is undoubtedly a good all-around vehicle, the truck doesn't necessarily stand out when it comes to more truck-specific concerns, like towing, off-roading, or payload capacity. You can do all of these things to a degree with the Ridgeline, but if they're part of your regular routine, other trucks might suit you better. The GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado have much higher towing capacities, while the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma perform better off road.
Should I Buy a Honda Ridgeline?
The Ridgeline's high price tag goes hand in hand with its high ranking-- if you want the best, you'll have to pay for it. And if you have the means, it's worth it. No other truck is as well-rounded, with the right combination of performance, comfort, safety, and practicality that should make a small truck appealing. However, if you're on more of a budget, there are much cheaper choices in the class-- like the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado-- that almost rival the Ridgeline's scores and overall appeal, and have better towing and hauling abilities as well. If you want a dependable and comfortable daily driver with truck features, it's hard to beat the Ridgeline. But if you need more utility for off-roading or towing on a regular basis, you'll want to consider something else in the class, or even a full-size pickup truck.
Compare the Ridgeline, Colorado, and Canyon "
We Did the Research for You: 20 Pieces of Data Analyzed
We analyzed 20 different pieces of research and data from around the automotive industry to help you decide if the 2017 Honda Ridgeline is for you. Our reviews are based on what expert professional auto journalists are saying about the Ridgeline, and we use hard data like crash test and reliability ratings from independent agencies. We've done the research so you don't have to, and we have come up with an expert analysis so you can make a smart buying decision.
Why You Can Trust Us
Our team of writers and analysts has over 75 combined years of experience in the auto industry, and we've been working to help consumers make educated buying decisions for almost 10 years. We are also completely impartial: any ads you see on the page are from an outside source, and we don't accept gifts or trips paid for by car companies.
How Much Does a Honda Ridgeline Cost?
The 2017 Honda Ridgeline starts at $29,475, which is much higher than the base prices of all other trucks in the class. The Toyota Tacoma costs over $5,000 less at $24,120, and the GMC Canyon, Chevrolet Colorado, and Nissan Frontier all start at around or below $20,000. There are seven Ridgeline trim levels, the highest of which starts at $42,870. For the Ridgeline's high base price, though, you'll get one of the nicest interiors in the class, a standard V6 engine, and seating for five with four doors.
On the surface, it may seem as though the extra cost covers these amenities and standard options. However, the Ridgeline is priced at $5,000 more than the next highest priced vehicle in the class. That price is higher than upgrading many competitors to a V6 and adding some options that are standard in the Ridgeline.
Indeed, the Ridgeline's price is higher than even many full-size pickup trucks. The Ram 1500 and Ford F-150, which both rank atop that class, start at under $27,000. They are both far more capable for off-roading and/or towing and hauling tasks.
The Ridgeline comes standard with front-wheel drive, and you can upgrade to all-wheel drive for $1,800 in most trim levels. However, AWD is standard in the two highest trims (RTL-E and Black Edition).
Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Honda dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Honda deals page.
Honda Ridgeline Versus the Competition
Which Is Better: Honda Ridgeline or Toyota Tacoma?
The Toyota Tacoma is better at off-roading than the Ridgeline and should appeal to shoppers who want more of a classic truck experience. Its TRD Off-Road trim is one of the best off-road performers in the class, thanks to its rugged suspension and Multi-Terrain Select system. While the Ridgeline is pretty bare on standard features, the Tacoma comes with the Entune infotainment system, a 6.1-inch touch screen, and Siri Eyes Free iPhone control. Another cool feature is the built-in windshield mount for a GoPro camera, which no other truck in the class offers. The Tacoma also has the highest payload capacity in the class at 1,620 pounds, so you'll want to go with it over the Ridgeline if you plan to regularly fill the bed to the brim. The Ridgeline is a better choice if you only need a moderately capable truck-- but you'll have to pay over $5,000 more for it.
Which Is Better: Honda Ridgeline or Chevrolet Colorado?
Like the Tacoma, the Chevrolet Colorado is much cheaper than the Ridgeline, but by almost $10,000 instead of $5,000. The Colorado is better than the Ridgeline in nearly all aspects of performance that you would expect from a truck. Though it has a four-cylinder base engine, the Colorado is available with a V6 that's more powerful than the Ridgeline's. The Colorado also offers a turbodiesel four-cylinder engine that gets one of the best fuel economy ratings in the class, as well as a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which handily bests the Ridgeline's 5,000-pound rating. Unlike the Ridgeline, you can get four-wheel drive in the Colorado. The Colorado's interior quality rivals that of the Ridgeline, and the crew cab's front and rear seats have ample room for adults to ride without feeling cramped. While the Colorado doesn't have the most tech features in the class, it does have an easy-to-use infotainment system as well as OnStar with 4G LTE and a built-in Wi-Fi hot spot. That's better than Honda's infotainment system, which is hard to use and has poorly organized controls.
Which Is Better: Honda Ridgeline or Ford F-150?
If you want a truck that can do everything it should be able to, and you either don't care about the bells and whistles or have room in your budget to add them, consider moving up to the full-size Ford F-150. Whether towing or hauling people and/or payloads, full-size trucks have a measure of utility that compact trucks just can't match. And when you consider that the F-150 has a lower starting price ($26,540) than the Ridgeline and tops our rankings of full-size pickup trucks, it begins to look like a very attractive option. The F-150 can tow up to 12,000 pounds and has a payload capacity of nearly 3,300 pounds, which dwarf the Ridgeline's capacities of 5,000 pounds and 1,584 pounds, respectively. It also has three different cab configurations and three different bed lengths to choose from. Upgrading the F-150's interior to nicer materials or more features can make the price jump quickly, so if you want a comfortable daily driver and the occasional use of the truck's capabilities, stick with the Ridgeline. However, if you need a dedicated brute that can work hard on a daily basis, the F-150 is among the best.
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