4 Reasons Why the Honda Ridgeline Is Heating Up the Midsize Truck Market

There are a number of midsize trucks available on the market, but few have the flexibility and functionality of the newest Honda Ridgeline. It was redesigned for 2017, making it a leader among others in this segment.

Exterior Style

The outgoing model of the Ridgeline looked different from a typical pickup truck, and this was polarizing to some potential buyers. Honda transformed the exterior styling for 2017, introducing a truck that looks more traditional. Exterior features on the base model include LED taillights, halogen projector headlights, an incandescent cargo bed light, rear privacy glass, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

You can also opt for one of the higher trim levels to get extras like gray-painted wheels or six-spoke wheels, an acoustic windshield, heated side mirrors, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights with automatic high beam control and on/off feature, and chrome door handles.

Functionality and Handling

Most truck buyers want to know how the truck handles towing and payloads, as well as it how it handles on the road. Beneath the hood of the 2017 Ridgeline, you’ll find a 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out 280 horsepower, marking an increase over the previous engine’s 250 horsepower capacity. It pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission for smooth shifting and comes standard with front-wheel drive, although all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.

With all-wheel drive, the payload capacity is 1,584 pounds, making it the leader within the midsize pickup truck segment. When properly equipped, towing capacity is 5,000 pounds with the included 2-inch receiver trailer hitch, pigtail, and seven-pin trailer light socket. If you stick with the standard front-wheel drive configuration, the payload capacity drops slightly to 1,465 pounds and the towing capacity drops to 3,500 pounds, but these numbers are still ahead of many other similar trucks.

Interior Comfort

The ride of the 2017 Honda Ridgeline is also very comfortable, with high-end features that come standard. On the base RT model, you’ll get a 4.2-inch information screen along with a 5-inch display screen, Bluetooth connectivity, a multi-angle rearview camera, and cloth bucket seats. If you’d prefer an even more luxurious cabin, available options include tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, remote engine start, power adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and LED bed lighting.

Safety Features

The safety features available on the 2017 Ridgeline are innovative and impressive. As mentioned, every model includes a rearview camera that offers multiple angles of the back, helping the driver back up more safely. Other standard features include traction and stability control, airbags throughout the cabin, including side curtain airbags that have a rollover sensor, and antilock brakes. Opt for the high-end Black Edition or RTL-E to get forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with road departure mitigation and lane-keep assistance, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam control, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring.

The 2017 Honda Ridgeline is leading the pack of midsize pickup trucks for a variety of reasons. Take one for a test drive today to see firsthand how it stacks up against its competitors.

*Based on 2016 EPA mileage/highway estimates and driving range ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe/MPG and driving range will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors. For additional information about EPA ratings, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-PHEV-label.shtml

*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $835.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.