The 50 changes made to the 2009 Honda Ridgeline may not be apparent to the average driver, but if you look hard enough, you'll find them. Most noticeably, the four-wheel-drive half-ton pickup improves power, changes its fascias, and adds some minor features to its upper trims.

Starting outside, a new grille with integrated headlamps looks more and more like that of the Pilot SUV. Front bumpers extend over bigger wheel arches, creating an angular and muscular look. Daytime running lights are now standard on all trims, while the top-line RTL gets foglights. All trims carry a standard Class III trailer hitch, helping to achieve the pickup's maximum 5,000-pound towing capacity. The RTL gets 18-inch alloy wheels. Moving inside, the 2009 Ridgeline revises the steering wheel and dash buttons and refashions the gauges into a more three-dimensional look. It adds a new trip computer and includes an iPod jack in the RTS and RTL. The audio system is now MP3-compatible. RTLs equipped with the navigation system come bundled with new Bluetooth and a rearview camera.

On the safety side, the 2009 Ridgeline adds active front head restraints to reduce recoil in crash impacts. True to Honda's strong safety profile, the pickup earns five stars in front and side crash tests and four in rollovers. ABS brakes, traction and stability control, dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows, rollover sensors, and 17-inch wheels with a tire monitor make up the bulk of the standard equipment. RTLs boost the wheels to 18 inches.

The 3.5-liter, 24-valve V6 engine has been tweaked, given larger intake valves, new camshafts, and a dual-stage intake manifold. This adds 3 horsepower, boosting its rating to 250 hp, with 247 lb-ft of torque. The result is better off-the-line power than the 2008 Ridgeline and improved throttle response, with more power across a wider RPM range. Paired with a 5-speed automatic, the powertrain gets a disappointing 15/20 mpg. The Variable Torque Management four-wheel-drive (VTM-4) system defaults to front-wheel drive, but automatically sends torque where needed. It features a locking rear differential.

The four-door pickup seats four with 60/40 split-folding rear seats. The 5-foot cargo bed can be equipped with a new optional bed extender and bike attachments to carry motorcycles. Its 4 feet of width nicely accommodate oversize objects. The bed features eight tiedowns and a lockable storage box. Extra storage can be found inside the cabin in the front console, overhead console, and a compartment under the rear seats.

Base RT trims start with full power features, tilt and telescopic steering, wheel-mounted cruise control, remote entry, and a CD/MP3 player. The midrange RTS adds an 8-way power driver's seat with new power lumbar settings, wheel-mounted audio controls, a 6-speaker 6-CD changer, power rear window, and a maintenance reminder. If you're looking for a luxury pickup, the RTL offers leather upholstery, a sunroof, a 7-speaker sound system, satellite radio, and programmable locks. The RTL can be equipped with a voice-recognition navigation system that includes restaurant and real-time traffic information.

Early reviewers of the new 2009 Ridgeline appreciate the power boost, which improves acceleration and passing performance. The independent front and rear suspension helps it handle more like a car than a truck, making it easier to maneuver around town. Professional reviews also mention its comfortable front seats. On the downside, critics cite the lack of both a V8 engine and longer bed options, which can be found in other pickups. Its poor fuel economy, another negative, is to be expected in a pickup, but not necessarily one made by Honda. Many reviewers also find the 2009 Ridgeline downright ugly.