Here’s the problem with the Honda Ridgeline: It does a lot of things exceptionally well. But for some reason it does ’em all exceptionally dorky. And that in a nutshell is why so many people can’t take the Honda Ridgeline seriously… but maybe they should. Let me elaborate…

Is the Honda Ridgeline a real truck or not?

In some ways yeah. And in other ways no. But here’s the real point: It doesn’t matter what label you put on it. Because the kinds of people who would potentially buy a Honda Ridgeline don’t especially need a ‘real truck’ in the traditional working-man’s sense. What they need – is a versatile lifestyle vehicle *with a bed* that can tow a lil bit (5,000lbs). And that’s a valid market. Besides, if we’re gonna cast stones: A lot of the people saying ‘it’s not a real truck’ drive country-club trucks, ride e-bikes, and buy sit-down jet skis.

The real issue with the Honda Ridgeline…

Is Honda’s approach. Honda missed the market with the styling of this thing. They went way too Ned Flanders… when they should’ve channeled more Otto Mann. In other words – Honda needs to add some visual excitement to their overly dry sensibility. The butterball styling of the Honda Ridgeline has turned a large part of the buyer-poole away. And honestly, that’s a shame for all of us, because underneath its skin…

The Honda Ridgeline is a great truck (Point 1)…

I’m serious! The adaptive 4wd system works flawlessly in real-life scenarios. And it responds instantaneously to changes in grip/traction without having to manually select 4-wheel-drive. The Ridgeline is plenty capable on light-to-moderate trails. It’ll get you to trailheads, campsites, beaches, overlooks… all that stuff. And – it’s comfortable on-road as well for the long-hauls & daily commutes.

I know comfort ain’t cool. But coming from a lifted Jeep & modified car/s owner… comfort matters in a family vehicle. The Ridgeline doesn’t drive like a truck… because isn’t one remember? And that works to its advantage sometimes. It’s not over-sprung in the rear. It corners, it responds, it maneuvers tight spaces and… it efficiently eats up long-distance mileage effortlessly. All while keeping your passengers comfortable & cozy.

The Honda Ridgeline is a great truck (Point 2)…

The Ridgeline may not have the biggest payload on the planet, but damn if it’s not seriously useful 362 days out of the year for most people. First-off: The tailgate opens normally AND it also opens sideways. That’s game-changer IRL, as you don’t have to reach OVER the tailgate to grab your gear (or load your mulch). Next: The Ridgeline’s bed has a trunk in it! Yes, there is a deep & spacious covered/sealed/rugged trunk under the bed of the Honda Ridgeline. It’s large enough for a full-size suitcase & then some. OR probably $600 worth of groceries with today’s prices. If it’s stored in the trunk, you don’t have to worry about it blowing out of the bed, getting rained on, or being seen/stolen. And, there’s also a drain-plug in there, so you can use it for wet/muddy/sandy/smelly recreational gear. You can even use it as a cooler. Man, this whole ‘not a real truck’ thing ain’t bad lol. I used the absolute heck out of BOTH the sideways tailgate AND the trunk in the bed.

The Honda Ridgeline is a great truck (Point 3)…

Argument 3 is the engine. In modern times of obscene vehicle over-complication, the Honda Ridgeline uses a tried-&-true N/A V6 with VTEC. You ever put straight-pipes on VTEC Chase Matthew??? (jk I’m a fan, but where’d the ‘S’ in your name name go?) Seriously though, the Ridgeline uses an engine with no hybrid & no turbos… just a proven-reliable power plant with less electronics & fail-points than most. Isn’t a ‘real truck’ supposed to be durable, functional, reliable, and long-lasting? And aren’t these modern ‘real trucks’ seeing more recalls than ever before? Come to think of it – weren’t the Big-3 forcing us into a political agenda of electrification just a very short time ago… or whatcha wanna call it?

In Conclusion…

I can’t defend the styling of the Honda Ridgeline. All I’m saying is – beneath the Russell the Junior Wilderness Explorer design is an otherwise exceptional vehicle (truck or not). I’ll give the Ridgeline this much: The TrailSport model along with the face-lifted front, rear tailgate, real exhaust pipes, and center console definitely helps… but not enough lol.

Obviously, the Honda Ridgeline is not designed for heavy-duty hauling. But that’s fine because I can only afford a small boat. Likewise – it’s not designed to go to the ends of the earth like a Jeep. We get it. But for some reason, the Ridgeline gets under people’s skin & everyone likes to talk about what it’s NOT… and not what it is. I see an emerging/growing market of recreational-type, truck-like vehicles that are designed for owners with active lifestyles. And if you need more than that, let’s be honest, you’re not seriously looking at a Honda Ridgeline anyway.