One of the best things about the Ridgeline is the 3.5-liter V6 engine. A smooth revver, it generates an effortless 280 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 262 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm.
This year, Honda pairs the engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It is the same ZF-sourced solution that has required a continuous program of improvement in the Pilot SUV, as Honda sought to improve shift quality. At this point, the transmission behaves well, though after selecting Park, it tends to let the truck roll a bit.
As part of this change, the Ridgeline adopts electronic transmission controls located on the center console, which could aggravate traditional truck buyers. But then, the Ridgeline isn’t made for that kind of person. It has paddle shifters, too, but unless you’re towing, you’re unlikely to use them.
Get Sport or RTL trim, and the Ridgeline is front-wheel drive. Honda’s Intelligent Variable Torque Management all-wheel drive (i-VTM4) is optional for those trims and standard with RTL-E and Black Edition versions of the Ridgeline. With i-VTM4, the Ridgeline’s ground clearance increases to 7.9 inches.
A sophisticated system, i-VTM4 can transfer up to 70 percent of the engine’s power to the rear axle. From there, 100 percent of the power can flow to a single rear wheel for added traction and, on the pavement, a torque-vectoring effect that makes the Ridgeline enjoyable to drive. At low speeds, an electronic Lock function evenly distributes power between both axles. Furthermore, the Ridgeline comes with Eco, Normal, and Sport drivetrain modes and an Intelligent Traction Management system with Snow, Mud, and Sand driving modes.
Collectively, these functions make the Ridgeline more capable off-road than you might guess. And based on my previous experience testing the truck on rugged terrain, it’s going to handle anything that most people are likely to encounter. With that said, it’s not going to win a capability contest when matched up with a Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, Ford Ranger Tremor (new for 2021), or Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.
Those trucks are not necessarily rewarding to drive on pavement, however, and that’s where the Ridgeline’s independent rear suspension, torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, and multi-purpose platform and engineering shine brightest. You can easily and comfortably drive this truck every day without any compromises in ride quality or handling, and then on the weekend, tackle most of what a conventional pickup can.
The frosting on the cake? The EPA says the Ridgeline all-wheel drive gets fuel economy of 21 mpg combined, and I averaged 20.9 on the testing loop.
If you are planning to tow or haul with a Ridgeline, you’ll want all-wheel drive. That upgrades the tow rating from 3,500 pounds to 5,000, while maximum payload increases from 1,465 pounds to 1,580.