Acceleration

RTL w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5

Better than adequate go, thanks in part to smooth, responsive transmission. Ridgeline on par with rival compact pickups with V6s--but behind Dodge Dakota with its available V8. V6 also may be taxed when asked to meet Ridgeline's 5000-lb towing capacity or 1550-lb maximum payload.

Fuel Economy

RTL w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	3.8

Test RTLs averaged 16.2-18.3 mpg. Ridgeline uses regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

RTL w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	4.6

Exemplary for a pickup. Comfortably controlled, spoiled only by minor thumping on washboard surfaces. Class-exclusive independent rear suspension cushions bumps better than most solid-axle-equipped competitors.

Steering/Handling/Braking

RTL w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	3.9

Drives more like a car or minivan than a typical pickup. Still, Ridgeline's height and heft mean body lean, moderate noseplow in fast turns. Steering too light at low speeds, but relatively tight turning circle aids parking lot maneuverability. Braking strong, sure.

Quietness

RTL w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	4.5

Again, impressive for a pickup. Refined V6 rises only to classy growl at full throttle. Road noise no worse than in most cars. Wind rush below the pickup norm at highway speeds, even with sliding rear window open.

Controls

RTL w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	5.9

Honda-typical gauges, plus large, simple, handy controls. Optional navigation system easy to use, doesn't absorb climate controls. Ridgeline has steering column-mounted transmission shift lever like Pilot--and with the same slightly imprecise movement that allows it to overshoot Drive from Reverse or Park. Cabin pleases with metal-look accents, inviting soft-touch surfaces, high-grade materials.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

RTL w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	5.3

Head room six-footer adequate with RTL-available sunroof, ample otherwise. Fine leg room, though taller drivers may wish for more rearward seat travel. Rear-roof design hinders over-the-shoulder vision, but no problems elsewhere. Step-in slightly elevated vs. cars and minivans, but low for a pickup.

Room/Comfort (rear)

RTL w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	2.9

Apes Pilot with good rear-seat room for two adults, three if necessary. But seat padding is a bit thin for best comfort, the cushion is rather flat, the backrest too upright. No-strain entry/exit, though door openings could be larger.

Cargo Room

RTL w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	4.1

Cargo bed carries 4x8 sheets flat with tailgate dropped. Even then, floor length is just 6.5 ft, and most rivals offer long-box options. But tailgate's swing-open feature is nifty. Ditto the in-bed "trunk" with 8.5 cu ft of covered, lockable space--enough for three regular golf bags, Honda says. Useful in-cab cargo space beneath rear seat becomes generous with cushions flipped up. Ample small-item storage, too.

Value within Class

RTL w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	6

Ridgeline blends pickup-truck utility with carlike civility in a solid, sensible, Honda-style package. The light-duty design won't suit hardcore truckers but should meet the needs of families and recreational users, as Honda intends. Innovative pickup features and Honda's typically strong resale value make it a Recommended choice.

Total Score

RTL w/nav. sys.	Class Average
60	46

Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks

Low Score		31
Average Score		46
High Score		60