Overview
The 2022 Honda Ridgeline is incredibly versatile, mixing some of the best attributes of both mid-size trucks and crossovers. The cargo box is obviously its defining feature, and it includes an underfloor trunk and a short-but-wide bed. Despite some truck-like styling cues, Honda’s pickup can’t hide its unibody construction, which limits its off-road capability and maximum tow rating but optimizes on-road comfort. Sure, the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and Jeep Gladiator can go almost anywhere, but—like most other mid-sizers—their back-seat space and ride quality can’t match the Honda. With a dutiful V-6 powertrain and standard all-wheel drive, it moves with purpose, and its independent rear suspension delivers poised handling. Consider the 2022 Ridgeline’s many standard driver assists and comfy and quiet interior and you have a truck that’s desirable and useful.
What’s New for 2022?
The 2022 Ridgelines receives the smallest of changes, with the introduction of the newly available Sonic Grey Pearl paint color. Otherwise, the truck continues to be offered in four trim levels, all with the same V-6 powertrain, and standard all-wheel drive.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
This segment of mid-size trucks has become oversaturated with traditional body-on-frame pickups that provide ample towing and capable off-roading. However, the Ridgeline caters to folks who want a more comfortable and fuel-efficient alternative. While the priciest models have the fanciest features, we think the RTL has the best mix of desirable equipment and value. Likewise, the Ridgeline RTL receives better standard features than the lesser Sport trim level. These include heated front seats, a leather-trimmed interior, and power-adjustable front seats.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The lone powertrain is a 280-hp 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 262 pound-feet of torque and hooks up to a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The engine feels smooth, and throttle response is especially receptive when you call for hard acceleration. An untraditional pickup in many ways, the Ridgeline surprises from behind the wheel. On the road, it is well-mannered and feels extremely competent. Its coil-sprung independent rear suspension contributes to a carlike ride quality not available with the leaf-sprung, solid-axle setups used by the competition. Body lean in corners is minimal, and small bumps are barely noticeable. The electrically assisted steering feels appropriate. The Ridgeline’s braking performance stands out as its lone dynamic blemish. Its braking distance from 70 mph to zero is on the long side, and we thought the brake pedal felt soft and had too much travel during normal use.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The Ridgeline is quick, but when it comes to towing, it’s lacking. All Ridgelines come standard with all-wheel drive and are rated at 5000 pounds, which is between 2000 and 2500 less than V-6 rivals such as the Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger. The Ridgeline is capable of hauling almost 1600 pounds of payload, which is about on track with the Colorado but less than the Ranger’s maximum.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Ridgeline’s engine is the most fuel-efficient V-6 in its class at 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. On our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which simulates real-world highway driving and is part of our extensive testing regimen, an all-wheel-drive Ridgeline earned 28 mpg. That figure matches our results for a GMC Canyon with the diesel engine and all-wheel drive, which is impressive considering the Honda’s gas engine. For more information about the Ridgeline’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Ridgeline’s interior is tops in its class in terms of practicality and comfort. As with most other mid-size pickups, the Honda features hard plastics below the dash level. Otherwise, the materials are above average. Rear-seat passengers will enjoy the most space of all mid-size rivals. Fold-down armrests on both front seats are a welcome addition, especially since the center console sits low between them. The Honda pickup has only one bed length, 5.3 feet, which lines up with competitors’ short beds and has the second-lowest volume at 34 cubic feet. The antidote to this disparity is its locking, weather-tight in-bed trunk with a 7.3-cubic-foot capacity. There’s one more advantage: with 50.0 inches between its bed’s wheel wells, the Ridgeline is the only mid-size pickup that can fit a sheet of four-by-eight-foot building material flat on the bed floor. Clever features continue inside. The rear seat splits 60/40 and, when flipped up, provides room to fit a full-size bicycle. Unfortunately, loading large items may be difficult, as the rear doors don’t open very wide.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Ridgeline comes standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It now features a physical volume knob and screen icons that Honda says are easier to use than its predecessor was. However, we haven’t had a chance to test this claim or the updated Display Audio system for ourselves. The Ridgeline also comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, certain models can be equipped with an in-bed audio system that can liven up any tailgate party. Using actuators that vibrate, it turns the cargo bed into a huge speaker.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Honda pickup truck also includes a host of standard driver-assistance technology. For more information about the Ridgeline’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
While Honda has competitive limited and powertrain warranties, nearly all of its competitors are more favorable because they offer complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
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