Honda Ridgeline Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability and the Best Years to Buy

by Phill Tromans

Introduced for the 2006 model year, the Honda Ridgeline broke the mold of the traditional pickup truck. It had a unibody construction and offered a smooth, car-like driving experience that was previously unheard of in the truck world. High standard equipment levels and innovative features such as independent suspension, an in-bed trunk, and a dual-action tailgate that opened downward or sideways added icing to the cake.

Its mechanical platform, shared with Honda’s SUVs such as the Pilot and the Passport, only underlines the fact that the Ridgeline has become a compelling choice for drivers who want the utility of a truck without the rough ride and other compromises often associated with traditional body-on-frame pickups.

Over the years, the Ridgeline has evolved to offer advanced safety features and modern infotainment and tech systems. Despite its unconventional approach, it’s gained a loyal following among those who value comfort, innovation, and reliability, and it’s a worthy rival to the Toyota Tacoma, the Ford Ranger and the Chevrolet Colorado, while carving out its own niche.

Honda Ridgeline Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Honda Ridgeline years are the best?

The second-generation Honda Ridgeline (2017 onwards) is widely regarded as the best because of its improved design and technology and enhanced safety features. Models built from 2020 are particularly sought after, because they benefited from a mid-cycle refresh that updated the styling, upgraded the infotainment system, and added even more standard safety features.

What are the worst Honda Ridgeline years?

For all that they revolutionised the market, the early first-generation Honda Ridgelines faced minor issues, such as premature suspension wear and occasional transmission problems. Although they’re reliable overall, early models also lack the modern technology and refinement found in later versions.

Is the Honda Ridgeline a good deal?

A good used Honda Ridgeline can offer exceptional value for buyers who prioritize comfort, practicality, and the utilitarian capabilities of a light-duty truck. The Ridgeline has some innovative features and a strong reliability record, which makes it a smart everyday choice, as long as you don’t intend to use it for heavy-duty tasks. It holds its value well, too.

Honda Ridgeline Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Car-like handling
  • Innovative features
  • Reliable and efficient

Cons

  • Limited off-road capability
  • Lower towing capacity than rivals
  • Unibody construction may not appear to traditionalists

Honda Ridgeline Generations


Second Generation (2017-Present)

The second-generation Honda Ridgeline, known by the codes YK2 and YK3, made its debut for the 2017 model year and sported a complete redesign, with improved refinement, technology and versatility. It shares a mechanical platform with the Honda Pilot and the Honda Passport and blends utility with comfort. It was lighter than the first-generation model, with a more rigid structure.

The Ridgeline’s trademark features, such as the dual-action tailgate and in-bed trunk under the main bed, were carried over, with new safety technologies and a more fuel-efficient powertrain brought in to expand the Ridgeline’s appeal. The in-bed trunk is a weatherproof storage compartment integrated into the bed—great for throwing in smaller items. There’s underseat storage in the rear seats, thanks to bases that lift up to reveal a compact cargo area.

All models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, which represents an upgrade over the he first-generation Ridgeline’s 250hp/247lb-ft. It promises up to 21 MPG combined. Early models used a six-speed automatic transmission, while models from 2020 enjoy an upgraded nine-speed unit for smoother shifts and better fuel efficiency. All-wheel drive (AWD) was made available across the range, but front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard for those that don’t need the traction and want to save fuel. FWD models were discontinued from the 2021 model year, and all Ridgelines built after that are fitted with the i-vtm4 AWD system.

The spacious interior is well-equipped with tri-zone automatic climate control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and, on higher trim levels, leather upholstery, heated front seats and a much-improved infotainment system with available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment was upgraded across the range in 2020 with a larger screen as standard.

Most models from 2020 also feature Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety features that includes forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, a lane-keeping assist system and collision mitigation braking. A blind-spot information system and cross traffic monitor systems were optional on higher trims until 2020, when they became standard across the range. A multi-angle rear-view camera is standard.

A further refresh in 2021 added rugged styling cues and new alloy wheel designs, and introduced a wireless phone charger and an upgraded infotainment system with better smartphone compatibility.

Seven trim levels were initially offered: the RT, RTS, Sport, RTL, RTL-T, RTL-E, and Black Edition. The RTS was dropped for 2018, while 2020 saw the RT, RTS and RTL-T dropped. In 2024, a new Honda Ridgeline TrailSport trim replaced the RTL-E.

Notable features include Honda Sensing on higher-spec models (standard across the range from 2020) and an innovative truck-bed audio system, which essentially turns the bed into a massive speaker setup—but only when the transmission is in park. This was dropped for the 2024 model year. The Honda Ridgeline Black Edition, as the name suggests, has black styling elements and is loaded with features. All new models are fitted with Honda’s Intelligent Traction Management system, which allows the driver to toggle between normal, snow, sand, and mud settings, to adjust the Ridgeline’s traction control to the conditions.

The second-generation Honda Ridgeline is known for its reliability, but there are still a few things to watch out for. The six-speed transmission in early models is generally reliable, but it’s important to ensure the fluid has been changed regularly, to minimize the risk of long-term problems. On your test drive, check that the AWD system engages smoothly and that maintenance has been carried out as recommended.

Less of a reliability problem but more of a design quirk, test the touchscreen and the smartphone integration. Early models didn’t feature physical volume knobs, and many customers found them annoying to use.

The Ridgeline has been subject to a number of recalls, including issues with the fuel pump and the wiring harness, so make sure they’ve been addressed on any potential purchase. Trucks from 2020 to 2024 had issues with their rearview cameras not displaying an image, which led to a recall of more than 187,000 vehicles, so make sure any remedial work has been done.

New Ridgelines had a starting MSRP of $40,150 at the time of writing. You can pick up a high-mileage 2017 Honda Ridgeline from around $15,500, while lower-mileage examples start at around $18,000. Post-2021 models begin at around $25,000 and can go as high as $45,000 for a nearly-new, low-mileage truck from a main dealership. As you’d expect, higher trims command higher prices.

2014 Honda Ridgeline Preview summaryImage

First Generation (2006-2014)

The first-generation Honda Ridgeline, codenamed YK1, was a bold departure from traditional pickups. Honda’s first venture into the truck market shifted the focus from rugged, working machines to versatile and practical transport, with a unibody construction, fully independent suspension, and some innovative storage solutions. It was targeted not at existing truck customers but at buyers looking to shift from sedans, minivans, and SUVs. Yet it still features some truck-like features, such as a 5,000lb tow rating and a five-foot-long bed.

If you’re after a workhorse, then the Ridgeline likely isn’t for you, but if you’re looking for a halfway house between truck and SUV, and the added comfort that brings, then it’s absolutely worth a look.

Right from the start, the first-generation Ridgeline introduced the in-bed trunk and the dual-action tailgate as standout features, as well as a list of standard equipment that left the competition for dead.

The Honda Ridgeline trim levels at launch started with the RT, then progressed through the RTS and RTL. The RT model had the essentials—steel wheels, manual climate control, cloth upholstery, and a radio/CD system, while RTS added alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and a better audio system with six speakers and a subwoofer. It featured keyless entry and a power driver’s seat. For a real premium feel, the Honda Ridgeline RTL had heated, leather-clad seats, a power moonroof, and a further uprated premium audio system.

The RTX trim was added between RT and RTS in 2007, bringing alloy wheels and a tow package with a trailer hitch, but it was discontinued in 2009 for the mid-cycle refresh. That year brought a few minor visual tweaks, Bluetooth on the audio system, and the option of navigation in the RTL trim.

In 2012, a new Honda Ridgeline Sport trim was added, sitting above the RT, which had 18-inch black alloy wheels and smoked light housing, with a black grille for a stealthier look

In 2014, the SE was introduced as a new top-tier trim, with 18-inch alloy wheels and special badging—essentially with all the optional equipment available in the RTL, but as standard.

Power came from a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 247hp and 245lb-ft, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Power was beefed up to 250hp and 247lb-ft from 2009.

The Ridgeline generally reflects Honda’s excellent reputation for reliability but, as all versions of this first-generation model are at least a decade old, there are some things you should watch for in a used example. Suspension wear was an issue, particularly with early models from 2006 to 2008, as the control arms, the bushes, and the ball joints could wear prematurely. Keep an eye on the transmission, too, especially in high-mileage examples, and make sure the fluid has been changed regularly to prevent future issues. Rust can be a problem due to age, as can electrical issues, so check everything works as it should.

An early 2006 Ridgeline could be yours for around $8,000 to $9,000, while prices for the 2009 facelifted model tend to range from $10,500 to $12,000. Top-condition 2014 models generally go for between $16,500 and $18,000 depending on the mileage and the condition.

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Phill Tromans has spent more than 15 years as a motoring writer for the likes of Auto Trader, Autocar, Fleet News, CarGurus and more, covering everything from road trips and road tests to industry news and interviews.

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