2009 Honda Ridgeline: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2009 Honda Ridgeline gets freshened exterior and interior styling. This pickup truck is a compact-class, five-passenger, 4-door crew cab with a 5-foot-long cargo bed and standard all-wheel drive. Ridgeline has several design features unusual to pickups, including independent rear suspension and crossover-style unibody construction. Its cargo box is dent-resistant plastic with a steel-reinforced floor that houses a covered well at the rear. The tailgate drops down or swings out. Trim levels include base RT, mid-level RTS, and top-line RTL. The RTX from 2008 has been discontinued. The sole powertrain is a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine teamed with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Ridgeline lacks a low-range gear for off-roading, but a dashboard button locks in a 50/50 front and rear power split. Maximum towing capacity is 5000 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. The rear window has a power-sliding center section. Exclusive to the RTL are leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a sunroof. A navigation system is available on RTL, and versions so equipped are priced as separate models.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Pickups offer a true-truck design in a relatively modest package. They are best suited for personal or light-duty use rather than commercial use, heavy hauling, or towing.

Our Best Buy is the Toyota Tacoma. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Dakota, Honda Ridgeline, and Nissan Frontier.

New for 2009 is the Suzuki Equator.