If you are familiar with Honda products, you know that the L stands for loaded. Then again, it could be luxurious, lush, or lavish, too. We'll stick with loaded, since this is a pickup truck we're talking about, and a luxurious pickup truck is getting too close to oxymoron territory.
The RTL includes all of the wonderful amenities of the RTS, plus a few more comforts and gadgets. A big one is the Homelink technology, which integrates home security into one remote control that you keep in the car. The other notable standard feature on this trim is the single-tone leather seating, with power lumbar support and heaters for the front.
You'll also get a power moonroof, heated power side mirrors, a heated wiper zone, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The 6-CD audio system comes with XM Satellite Radio for the ultimate in musical choice. Other standard features that deserve appreciation are the compass integrated within the rear-view mirror, and the locking trunk area beneath the pickup's bed liner.
The RTL, like every Ridgeline, earned a perfect 5 stars in the NHTSA's crash tests. It comes with a full set of air bags, including side-curtain units for front and back rows. Other systems that increase your well-being along the drive are ABS, the LATCH system for child seats, four-wheel drive with Variable Torque Management (to control wheel slippage), and stability assist with traction control.
With this trim you may add the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, which comes complete with voice-recognition capability and an auxiliary jack for MP3 players.