Honda claims the Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and to prove it, they let us hitch up a twin-axle trailer filled to max load capacity and turned us loose on a paved slalom course. The 3.5L struggled a bit to get up to speed, but road feel and roll stability remained exceptional (despite our being a tad over the rated tongue weight), even when stuffing the Honda into corners at speeds we'd normally never attempt while towing. Honda equips the Ridgeline with auto-tranny and power-steering coolers from the factory, so this truck was built with more than passenger hauling in mind. The Honda's 5x4-foot bed, while small, has ample storage space, with a waterproof underbed compartment that can accommodate the spare tire, coolers and/or tailgate goodies (it's got a drain plug), and the bed's six tie-downs and swingdown/swingout tailgate should make loading and unloading bed toys a snap.
While we won't be seeing the Ridgeline at our 2006 Four Wheeler of the Year test (sorry-no low-range, no invite), we're sure we'll be seeing plenty of them on the road in the coming months. With a competitive base price ($27,000)-not to mention Honda's loyal consumer base and worldwide reputation for build quality and resale value-the Ridgeline figures to attract plenty of buyers looking for the work ethic of a pickup truck, the road manners of a fullsize sedan, and the mileage and safety features of a minivan. Honda forecasts sales of 50,000 units, in three trim levels, for the coming model year.
SpecificationsGeneralVehicle model: '06 Honda RidgelineBase price: $27,000
EngineType: : 60 aluminum V-6Displacement (liter/ci): 3.5/214Bore x stroke (in.): 3.50 x 3.66Valvetrain: SOHC: four valves/cyl. Compression ratio: 10.0:1Aspiration: MPFIMfg.'s hp @ rpm: 255 @ 5,750Mfg.'s torque (lb-ft) @ rpm: 252 @ 4,500
DrivetrainTransmission: Five-speed automaticRatios (:1)
| First | 2.693 |
| Second | 1.566 |
| Third | 1.023 |
| Fourth | 1.000 |
| Fifth | 0.531 |
| Rev | 1.889 |
Axle ratio: 4.553Low-range ratio: N/ACrawl ratio: 12.261
Frame/BodyFrame: Integrated unibodyBody: Stamped steel
Suspension/AxlesFront: IFS, coilovers, stabilizer barRear: IRS, coilovers, trailing arms
SteeringType: Power rack-and-pinionTurns (lock-to-lock): 3.38Ratio: 18.5:1
BrakesFront: 12.6-in. discsRear: 13.1-in. discs
Wheels/TiresWheels: 17x7.5JTires: P245/65R17 105S
Fuel EconomyEPA city/highway mpg: 16/21
Dimensions/CapacitiesBase curb weight (lb.): 4,503Wheelbase (in.): 122.0Overall length (in.): 206.8Overall width (in.): 76.3Height (in.): 68.1Track f/r (in.): 67.1/66.9Minimum ground clearance (in.): 8.2Bed dimensions (LxWxH) (in.): 60x21x50Max interior cargo volume (sq. ft.): 41.4Approach/departure angles (deg.): 25/22GVWR (lb.): 6,050Payload (lb.): 1,549Maximum towing capacity (lb.): 5,000Fuel capacity (gal.): 22.0Seating, persons: 5