The 4-door 2009 Honda Ridgeline pickup offers a unique configuration, with room for 5 and a 5-foot cargo bed with half-ton hauling capability. The bed comes with tie-downs and bed lamps, and there's also an 8.5-cubic-foot in-bed trunk that provides enough space for a large cooler or 3 golf bags.
The Ridgeline comes in 3 different trims. The base RT includes common comfort and convenience features such as air conditioning, a 6-way power seat, cruise control, power windows and locks. Keyless entry is also standard, as is a power-sliding rear window and 6-speaker, 100-watt CD sound system. The RTS model adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a unique grille, body-color door handles, dual-zone climate control, an 8-way power driver's seat and a 7-speaker, 160-watt sound system with a subwoofer, 6-disc in-dash changer, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. At the top of the range is the luxurious RTL, which upgrades to leather upholstery and includes heated front seats, a moonroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, a garage-door opener and XM satellite radio. A navigation system with rearview camera is available as an option on this model.
All 3 Ridgeline models come with a powerful 250-horsepower, 3.5L all-aluminum V6 engine with VTEC variable valve timing and lift for a broad torque curve. The shifting is done by a 5-speed automatic, and all models come with transmission and oil coolers, plus dual radiator fans.
A road-oriented all-wheel-drive system, called VTM-4, is standard; it reverts to front-wheel drive in dry pavement conditions but sends power to the rear wheels when traction is needed with the help of the stability control system. There's also an in-dash button for the rear differential lock, which may help improve traction in some conditions.
Unlike most pickups, the Ridgeline has unit-body construction, which gives the Ridgeline its strong rigidity. And, with a 4-wheel independent suspension, improves ride and handling along with safety. The Ridgeline comes with standard 2-row side-curtain air bags with a rollover sensor, anti-lock brakes, front seat active head restraints and electronic stability control, and it has earned 5-star federal safety ratings in frontal and side crash testing.
Ride And Refinement
Handling
Outstanding Safety
1,100-pound Load Capacity.
The Honda Ridgeline has been given a host of exterior changes for 2009, including an updated grille, revised bumpers and new headlights and taillights. The interior gets a new steering wheel as well as updated switches and instrumentation. A trailer hitch, daytime running lights and active front-seat head restraints are now standard across the line. The RTX trim level has been discontinued. The RTS now includes a 115-volt power outlet, and the RTL now comes with fog lights, 18-inch alloy wheels and an iPod jack. Both the RTS and RTL feature a trailer harness with a 7-pin connector. When equipped with navigation, the RTL now also features a rearview camera. Gear ratios in the 5-speed automatic transmission have been modified, and the 3.5-liter V6 now sports 250 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque thanks to larger valves, an updated intake manifold and a revised camshaft profile. Despite the slight increase in power, fuel economy remains the same as last year. New accessories include a bed-mounted bicycle attachment and a motorcycle bed extender.
The Honda Ridgeline again offers unique packaging for a pickup for 2009, with a 1,100-pound payload capacity paired with room for 5 adults. Unit-body construction provides improved ride and handling compared to most pickups. With its comfortable, quiet interior and good safety record, it's an excellent choice for those who need to haul less frequently but will rely on the truck for daily passenger duty.
