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.
I have a 2009 Ridgeline and I installed a cold air intake. During the test drive it had more power and better gas mileage, but later the VTM4 and Check engine lights came on. Then it started to knock when shifting gears. I reset the ECU two ways but the lights still come back on. What needs to be done to get rid of these lights?
My 2009 Honda Ridgeline died yesterday while I was driving home from work. I was in traffic, so I was probably going less than 25 MPH. I had the car towed to Pep Boys and they told me it was the timing belt. He told me that the repair cost would be $1,100, but it might not actually fix the problem. He said there is a 50/50 chance that the engine has damage. Should I let them fix it and take the chance? If the engine is damaged, will I still have to spend the $1,100 in addition to the engine repair anyway? I'm trying to figure out the smartest way to do this. I'm keeping the car, so if I have to replace the engine, so be it. Not sure what to do. Thanks
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 100 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.1 · Rear brakes: disc
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.53 · Locking differential: rear
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome accents · Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Running boards: chrome · Tailgate: dual-action
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: folds up · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Size: full-size
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 23 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 18 · Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: front · Trailer hitch: Class III
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: power horizontal · Running boards: tube
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear · Wheel spokes: 5 · Width: 7.5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.1 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.53 · Locking differential: rear
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome accents · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Running boards: chrome · Tailgate: dual-action
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: folds up · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Size: full-size
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 23 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 18 · Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted alloy
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: rear · Trailer hitch: Class III · Trailer wiring: 7-pin
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: power horizontal · Running boards: tube
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear · Wheel spokes: 6 · Width: 7.5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.1 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: lockable trunk in bed · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.53 · Locking differential: rear
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome accents · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Running boards: black · Tailgate: dual-action
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: Auto off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: folds up · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Spare Tire
Size: full-size
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 23 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 18 · Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted alloy
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: front · Trailer hitch: Class III · Trailer wiring: 7-pin
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: power horizontal · Running boards: tube
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear · Wheel spokes: 5 · Width: 7.5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.1 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.53 · Locking differential: rear
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome accents · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Running boards: chrome · Tailgate: dual-action
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: Auto off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: sliding sunshade
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: folds up · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Spare Tire
Size: full-size
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 23 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 18 · Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted alloy
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: front · Trailer hitch: Class III · Trailer wiring: 7-pin
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: power horizontal · Running boards: tube
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear · Wheel spokes: 5 · Width: 7.5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent