2010 Honda Ridgeline

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Summary

The Honda Ridgeline is both a truck and an SUV at the same time. This alone makes the 2010 Honda Ridgeline unique compared to most in its class. The Ridgeline represent Honda's only pickup truck, and it represents the automaker well. Consumers looking for truck hauling capability along with SUV cabin capacity should take a look at this model.

2010 Full Review

The Ridgeline for 2010 comes in three trims, named RT, RTS and RTL. For power source they get a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission; Honda's Variable Torque Management four-wheel drive system (VTM-4) and a limited-slip lockable rear differential are also standard. The ridgeline has a maximum towing capacity of 5000 pounds. Standard safety features are impressive, they include active anti-whiplash front head restraints, a tire pressure monitor, anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, and airbags throughout.

2010 Trims

The RT is the base trim and comes standard with a power-sliding rear window, and a 100-watt, six-speaker CD sound system. The RTS represents Ridgeline as the midlevel trim. It adds to the exterior with machine-finished alloy wheels, body-colored door handles and mirrors, and privacy glass. The Ridgeline RTL, at the top of the lineup, offers  XM Satellite Radio, 18-inch wheels, fog lamps, a power moonroof, and heated mirrors.

Driving Impressions

The 2010 Ridgeline is a car-based truck, meaning its ride is smooth and comfortable. This Honda model is driven by a 5-speed automatic transmission and a heavy-duty transmission cooler, as well as 4-wheel drive and a locking rear differential. There is a 4-wheel drive system available, and it can send up to 70% of the power to the rear wheels when the rear diff is locked, which can be pretty handy in the mud and on slippery surfaces.

If you need a heavy-duty work truck, the Ridgeline may not be the perfect match. But if you are looking for a compromise between the convenience and utility of an open pickup bed and the comfort of a car, Ridgeline does the job.

2010 Honda Ridgeline Features

For power, the Ridgeline comes with just one engine/transmission combination. With a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine, a five-speed automatic transmission, and Variable Torque Management four-wheel drive, the Ridgeline gives great acceleration and passing response on the highway. For those in wintry climates, the Ridgeline is superb when it comes to handling slippery snow-covered roads. Although the Ridgeline is not necessarily designed for serious off-roading, it includes a rear diff lock (VTM-4) mode for speeds of up to 18 mph.

With a fully independent suspension, the 2010 Honda Ridgeline has a smoother ride and much better handling than other compact or mid-size trucks. Well-weighted steering helps the Ridgeline handle like the more car-oriented SUVs, with a great on-center feel, and it unwinds neatly coming out of corners. There's only one body style, too. The Ridgeline is only offered in a crew-cab layout, with space for five. Front seats are supportive, if not that soft, but there's plenty of space, and in back two adults will fit just fine. The split-folding, tumble-forward rear seat has an integrated storage area for carrying smaller items securely, and if that's not enough, there's also a sealed 8.5-cubic-foot compartment within the cargo bed, good enough for a large cooler. An optional bed extender includes more tie-downs and can handle mounting accessories for ATVs, snowboards, surfboards, bikes, and the like.

The Ridgeline has been a longtime overachiever in safety, and that continues for 2010. Front side airbags, rollover-sensing side-curtain bags covering both rows, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control are included across the model line. The Ridgeline achieves top "good" ratings from the IIHS, and is one of just a few pickups getting the group's Top Safety Pick designation.

Interior Design and Styling

Honda designers know how to run with a theme, and on Ridgeline the theme is horizontal. The dash is composed of several horizontal rectangles, with the lion's share going to the driver's side. The passenger's side features three rectangular bins above a big glove compartment, crowned by two horizontal rectangular air vents, all part of the theme.

A multi-functional center console provides a variety of storage and organizational options. One great aspect of the Ridgeline is its lockable, watertight 8.5 cubic foot trunk that hides beneath the load floor. A 60/40 split bench seat conveniently folds up flush with the bed wall and locks into place, leaving a roomy, flat load floor behind the first row. The pickup bed is completely usable. It is 60" long with the tailgate closed, open the gate and you've got a flat, supported surface that's 49.5" wide between the wheel wells, and 79" long.

2010 First Conclusions

The industry has given positive reviews of the Ridgeline. "Wow. Despite my indifference at the time of its launch, I'm actually impressed with the Ridgeline. In no way do I think it will draw people away from full-size trucks on refinement alone (perhaps the new coil-sprung Ram will do that), but I do think it'll attract crossover owners who hanker for a cargo bed." says Automobile Magazine "If you are looking for a crossover vehicle based on a car that is rugged, tough, and fun to drive while maintaining the functionality of a truck. The 2010 Ridgeline is certainly worth a look."