Introduced for the 2006 model year, the Honda Ridgeline broke the mould of the traditional pickup truck. It had a unibody construction and offered a smooth, car-like driving experience that was previously unheard of in the truck world. High standard equipment levels and innovative features such as an independent suspension, an in-bed trunk, and a dual-action tailgate that opened downward or sideways added icing to the cake.
Honda Ridgeline Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability and the Best Years to Buy
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Its mechanical platform, shared with Honda’s SUVs such as the Pilot and the Passport, only underlines that the Ridgeline has become a compelling choice for drivers who want the utility of a truck without the rough ride and other compromises often associated with traditional body-on-frame pickups.
Over the years, the Ridgeline has evolved to offer advanced safety features and modern infotainment and tech systems. Despite its unconventional approach, it’s gained a loyal following among those who value comfort, innovation, and reliability. It’s a worthy rival to the Toyota Tacoma, the Ford Ranger and the Chevrolet Colorado, while carving out its own niche. And for a few years of the first generation up until 2009, the Honda Ridgeline was built in Canada at Honda of Canada Mfg.’s assembly plant in Alliston, Ontario.
Honda Ridgeline Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Honda Ridgeline Pros and Cons
- Honda Ridgeline Generations
- Second Generation (2017-Present)
- First Generation (2006-2014)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Honda Ridgeline years are the best?
The second-generation Honda Ridgeline, beginning in model year 2017, is widely regarded as the best because of its improved design, technology, and enhanced safety features. Models built from 2020 onward are particularly sought after because they benefited from a mid-cycle refresh that updated the styling, upgraded the infotainment system, and added even more standard safety features.
What are the worst Honda Ridgeline years?
For all that they revolutionised the market, the early first-generation Honda Ridgelines faced minor issues such as premature suspension wear and occasional transmission problems. Although they’re reliable overall, early models also lack the modern technology and refinement found in later versions.
Is the Honda Ridgeline a good deal?
A good used Honda Ridgeline can offer exceptional value for buyers who prioritize comfort, practicality, and the utilitarian capabilities of a light-duty truck. The Ridgeline has some innovative features and a strong reliability record, which makes it a smart everyday choice as long as you don’t intend to use it for heavy-duty tasks. It holds its value well, too.
Honda Ridgeline Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Car-like handling
- Innovative features
- Reliable and efficient
Cons
- Limited off-road capability
- Lower towing capacity than rivals
- Unibody construction may not appeal to traditionalists
Honda Ridgeline Generations
Second Generation (2017-Present)
The second-generation Honda Ridgeline, known by the codes YK2 and YK3, made its debut for the 2017 model year. It sported a complete redesign with improved refinement, technology, and versatility. It shares a mechanical platform with the Honda Pilot and the Honda Passport and blends utility with comfort. It’s also lighter than the first-generation model with a more rigid structure.
The Ridgeline’s trademark features, such as the dual-action tailgate and in-bed trunk under the main bed, were carried over. Meanwhile, new safety technologies and a more fuel-efficient powertrain were brought in to expand the Ridgeline’s appeal. The in-bed trunk is a weatherproof storage compartment integrated into the bed, great for throwing in smaller items. There’s underseat storage in the rear seats thanks to bases that lift up to reveal a compact cargo area.
All models are powered by a 3.5-litre V6 with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, which represents an upgrade over the first-generation Ridgeline’s 250 hp and 247 lb-ft. It promises fuel economy of between 11.3 and 11.6 litres per 100 kilometres combined depending on the model year and trim. Early models used a six-speed automatic transmission, while models from 2020 onward enjoy an upgraded nine-speed unit for smoother shifts and better fuel efficiency. In Canada, all-wheel drive (AWD) has been standard throughout this generation.
The spacious interior is well-equipped. Most trims include tri-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel and, on higher trim levels, leather upholstery, heated rear seats, and a much-improved infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety features that includes forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, a lane-keeping assist system and collision mitigation braking, is standard along with a multi-angle rear-view camera.
A further refresh in 2021 added rugged styling cues and new alloy wheel designs, and introduced a standard wireless phone charger. Blind-spot information system and rear cross traffic monitor systems were optional on higher trims until 2021 when they became standard across the range.
Five trim levels were initially offered in Canada: LX, Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Black Edition. The LX was dropped for 2019. In 2024, a new Honda Ridgeline TrailSport trim replaced the EX-L.
Notable features include an innovative truck-bed audio system, which essentially turns the bed into a massive speaker setup—but only when the transmission is in park. This was dropped for the 2024 model year. The Honda Ridgeline Black Edition, as the name suggests, has black styling elements and is loaded with features. All new models are fitted with Honda’s Intelligent Traction Management system, which allows the driver to toggle between normal, snow, sand, and mud settings to adjust the Ridgeline’s traction control to the conditions.
The second-generation Honda Ridgeline is known for its reliability, but there are still a few things to watch out for. The six-speed transmission in early models is generally reliable, but it’s important to ensure the fluid has been changed regularly to minimize the risk of long-term problems. On your test drive, check that the AWD system engages smoothly and that maintenance has been carried out as recommended.
While it’s less of a reliability problem but more of a design quirk, test the touchscreen and the smartphone integration. Early models didn’t feature physical volume knobs, and many customers found them annoying to use.
The Ridgeline has been subject to a number of recalls, including issues with the fuel pump and the wiring harness, so make sure they’ve been addressed on any potential purchase. Trucks from model years 2020 to 2024 had issues with their rearview cameras not displaying an image, which led to a recall of more than 187,000 vehicles, so make sure any remedial work has been done.
New Ridgelines had a starting MSRP of $54,636 including fees in Canada at the time of writing. You can pick up a high-kilometre 2017 Honda Ridgeline from around $16,000, while lower-kilometre examples start at around $25,000. Post-2021 models begin at around $38,000 and can go as high as $60,000 for a newer low-kilometre truck, which is nearly the same price as buying new. As you’d expect, higher trims command higher prices.
First Generation (2006-2014)
The first-generation Honda Ridgeline, codenamed YK1, was a bold departure from traditional pickups. Honda’s first venture into the truck market shifted the focus from rugged, working machines to versatile and practical transport with a unibody construction, fully independent suspension, and some innovative storage solutions. It was targeted not at existing truck customers but at buyers looking to shift from sedans, minivans, and SUVs. Yet it still features some truck-like features, such as a 2,268-kilogram tow rating and a five-foot bed.
If you’re after a workhorse, then the Ridgeline likely isn’t for you. But if you’re looking for something halfway between truck and SUV and the added comfort that brings, then it’s absolutely worth a look.
Right from the start, the first-generation Ridgeline introduced the in-bed trunk and the dual-action tailgate as standout features, as well as a list of standard equipment that left the competition for dead.
The Honda Ridgeline trim levels at launch in Canada were LX and EX-L—L stood for leather in this case—with the latter being available optionally with a sunroof and on-board navigation. Standard features included 17-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, keyless entry, a heated wiper bay, a power rear sliding window, cruise control, and a CD player.
In 2009, the Ridgeline received a mid-cycle refresh. That year brought a few minor visual tweaks, Bluetooth on the audio system, and a light trim shuffle with LX being renamed DX and a new VP trim added. In 2012, new Honda Ridgeline Sport trim became available. A rearview mirror-based rear camera became standard in 2013. In 2014, the Special Edition was introduced as a top-tier trim for the final model year with 18-inch alloy wheels, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and special badging.
Power initially came from a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 247 hp and 245 lb-ft of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Power was beefed up to 250 hp and 247 lb-ft from 2009.
The Ridgeline generally reflects Honda’s excellent reputation for reliability. However, as all versions of this first-generation model are at least a decade old, there are some things you should watch for in a used example. Suspension wear was an issue, particularly with early models from 2006 to 2008, as the control arms, the bushes, and the ball joints could wear prematurely. Keep an eye on the transmission, too, especially in high-kilometre examples, and make sure the fluid has been changed regularly to prevent future issues. Rust can be a problem due to age, as can electrical issues, so check everything works as it should.
Due to the aforementioned rust issues, first-generation Honda Ridgelines are becoming scarce on the Canadian used vehicle market, although they’re well distributed across central and western Canada. Expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 for a very high-kilometre example of an early base truck to $20,000 for a later-model unit with less than 150,000 kilometres in good shape.
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by Stephanie Wallcraft
Stephanie Wallcraft is a multiple award-winning professional automotive journalist based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In addition to CarGurus Canada, her byline has appeared in major Canadian publications including Toronto Star Wheels, Driving.ca, and AutoTrader.ca, among others. She is a Past President of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada and was named 2024 Canadian Automotive Journalist of the Year.
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