2009 Honda Ridgeline Review

About this Vehicle

Trim: 2009 Honda Ridgeline RT

MSRP: $28,200 Engine: 3.5L V6 Transmission: Automatic

Drivetrain: 4X4 Fuel Type: Gas Curb Weight: 4,504 lbs.

Review

You may not be sold on how the 2009 Honda Ridgeline looks, but you will fall in love with how it feels. The handling and ride quality of the Ridgeline are remarkably un-truck-like, and Honda’s cargo-management solutions are on the cutting edge. In addition to class-leading safety and quality, the Ridgeline also delivers a dent-resistant bed with an integrated, lockable trunk. On the downside, some drivers may find the V6 engine a tad weak. Read more results of our road test of the 2009 Honda Ridgeline in our review.

Improvements from the 2008 Honda Ridgeline

Changes to the Honda Ridgeline for 2009 are minor. Honda has modified the exterior and the interior of the sport utility truck slightly. Every Ridgeline model now comes with a trailer hitch, and RTL models receive a navigation system and a back-up camera. Finally, active front head restraints come standard for 2009.

Performance

The 2009 Honda Ridgeline is designed more for play than for work. The Ridgeline might not have a stellar towing capacity or off-road ability, but it does offer a soft ride and manageable handling. Car reviews frequently express disappointment that Honda does not offer any other engine options aside from the standard 3.5-liter, 250-horsepower V6. Especially in hauling and towing situations, the V6 can feel underpowered. On the other hand, drivers will appreciate the Honda Ridgeline’s car-like steering, quiet ride, and powerful brakes.

Exterior Features

Although reviewers frequently malign the styling of the Ridgeline, they do seem to agree that the design is highly functional. Handy features, such as the in-bed lockable trunk, make the Honda Ridgeline a very livable truck. Drivers might find the trunk hard to access when carrying a full load, however. Take a closer look at the design of the 2009 Honda Ridgeline in our gallery of photos. Standard exterior features include a power-sliding rear window, 17-inch steel wheels, remote keyless entry, and an integrated trailer hitch. Honda offers the Ridgeline in three trim levels: the RT, the RTS, and the RTL.

Interior Features

With a clean and functional design, the interior of the 2009 Honda Ridgeline receives praise for its roomy five-passenger capacity and endless storage possibilities. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, although many reviewers complain of the truck’s uncomfortable rear seats. Although the base model Honda Ridgeline is well-equipped, critics usually recommend choosing the top-of-the-line RTL model for a more luxurious feel. Standard interior features include full power accessories, air-conditioning, cruise control, a trip computer, a six-speaker CD stereo with MP3 capability, and a 60/40-split rear seat with storage underneath.

Safety and Specifications

The Honda Ridgeline is one of the safest trucks on the road, earning perfect scores in crash tests performed by the car insurance industry and the federal government. The 2009 Ridgeline did well in front- and side-impact testing. Standard car safety equipment includes stability control, active front head restraints, antilock brakes with brake assist, front side airbags, and full-length side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor. This is great news for consumers looking for cheap car insurance while driving a capable truck. An overview of the Honda Ridgeline’s specs is provided below.

• Car pricing: $28,200 - $34,180 MSRP; $25,557 - $30,961 invoice
• Engine: 3.5-liter, 250-hp V6
• Transmission: five-speed automatic transmission
• Acceleration: 0-60 mph about 8 seconds

Upgrade Options

Individual options available on the 2009 Honda Ridgeline include an integrated back-up camera, bed-mounted bicycle carrier, a motorcycle bed extender, and a navigation system with Bluetooth. Other options are available with upgraded trim levels, which are summarized below.

• RTS: tinted glass, 17-inch alloy wheels, premium seven-speaker sound system with six-disc CD changer, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and steering-wheel-mounted controls.
• RTL: foglights, leather upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, a moonroof, satellite radio, heated front seats, and a 115-volt power outlet.

How the New Ridgeline Compares to Other Sport Utility Trucks

The Honda Ridgeline is priced competitively for the sport utility truck segment and ranks at the top of its class. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranked the Ridgeline second of five sport utility trucks based on its performance in auto reviews. The 2009 Ridgeline offers a city/highway fuel economy rating of 15/20 mpg. A list of the Ridgeline’s competitors is included below.

• Chevrolet Avalanche
• Cadillac Escalade EXT
• Ford Explorer Sport Trac
• Hummer H2 SUT

New car guide websites approximate the 2009 Honda Ridgeline’s Intellichoice 5 year cost of ownership at $39,482, which is below average for an SUT. The 2009 Ridgeline received a solid score of 8.0 out of 10 on the JD Power Quality Ratings for predicted reliability. The Honda Ridgeline comes with three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Conclusion: Is the Ridgeline a Smart Buy?

Very few sport utility trucks can compete with the Honda Ridgeline’s agility, safety, and comfort. The SUT carries Honda’s reputation for quality and value, and its creative cargo management options put it at the top of the class. Of course, the 2009 Ridgeline only comes with one engine option, and its off-road abilities are limited at best. On balance, though, the 2009 Honda Ridgeline is a dependable and functional sport utility truck that will impress even the most exacting drivers.