2009 Honda Ridgeline: Road Test
2009 Honda Ridgeline RT
2009 Honda Ridgeline ▼
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- MSRP: $28,200 - $36,530
- Invoice: $25,557 - $33,085
Features & Specifications
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Our road test for the 2009 Honda Ridgeline includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Honda Ridgeline from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Honda Ridgeline, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Honda Ridgeline help you decide if a 2009 Honda Ridgeline is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| RTL | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5 |
Better than adequate go, thanks in part to a smooth, responsive transmission. Ridgeline is on par with rival compact pickups with V6s--but behind Dodge Dakota with its available V8. The engine also may be taxed when asked to meet Ridgeline's 5000-lb towing capacity or 1546-lb maximum payload.
FUEL ECONOMY
| RTL | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 3.5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, RTLs averaged 16.2-18.3 mpg. Ridgeline uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| RTL | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 4.6 |
Exemplary for a pickup. Comfortably controlled, spoiled only by minor thumping on washboard surfaces. Ridgeline's independent rear suspension cushions bumps better than nearly all solid-axle-equipped competitors.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| RTL | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 3.8 |
Drives more like a car or minivan than a typical pickup. Still, Ridgeline's height and heft mean a fair amount of body lean and noseplow in fast turns. Steering feel is too light at low speeds, but a relatively tight turning circle aids parking lot maneuverability. Braking is strong and sure.
QUIETNESS
| RTL | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 4.5 |
Again, impressive for a pickup. The refined V6 rises only to a classy growl at full throttle. Road noise is no worse than in most cars. Wind noise always heard at highway speeds, even with the sliding rear window open.
CONTROLS
| RTL | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.9 |
Honda-typical gauges, which are easy to read. Controls are simple, but some radio adjustments require a stretch. Ridgeline has a steering column-mounted transmission shift lever that has imprecise movement, which allows it to overshoot Drive from Reverse or Park.
DETAILS
| RTL | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.5 |
Ridgeline's cabin is more than serviceable, but overuse of hard plastic trim disappoints. Assembly quality mostly top notch.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| RTL | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 5.7 |
Headroom is six-footer adequate with RTL's available sunroof, ample otherwise. Fine legroom, though taller drivers may wish for more rearward seat travel. The rear-roof design hinders over-the-shoulder vision, but no problems elsewhere. Thick roof pillars are an obstruction to visibility all around, with view directly aft especially compromised.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| RTL | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 2.7 |
Good rear-seat room for two adults, three if necessary. Seat padding is a bit thin for best comfort, the cushion is rather flat, and the backrest is too upright. No-strain entry and exit, though the door openings could be larger.
CARGO ROOM
| RTL | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 3.9 |
Ridgeline's cargo bed carries 4x8 sheets flat with the tailgate dropped. Even then, floor length is just 6.5 ft, and rivals offer long-box options. The 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 the cushions flipped up. Small-item storage is ample, thanks to a large console, glovebox, and assorted handy bins.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| RTL | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.1 |
Ridgeline blends pickup-truck utility with car-like civility in a solid, sensible 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 solid reputation for reliability make it an easy Recommended pick. The RT and RTS models are the best values in this line, as the top-line RTL is rather pricey.
Total Score
| RTL | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 61 | 50.2 |
Total Score: 61
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
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