Pros:
- Exceptionally smooth driving experience for the midsize truck segment.
- Smart use of dead space in the cabin and cargo box for extra storage.
- Comfortable passenger seating in front and rear seats.
Cons:
- Stopping power feels weak compared to some rivals.
- The multi-media system is configured in an unfriendly way.
- Low towing capability.
Would we buy one? Definitely!
Vehicle Type: Four-door midsize crew cab pickup truck with seating for five.
Price Range: Starting at $34,995 MSRP pricing, before options, going to $44,615 MSRP pricing for the top-tier trim.
A $1,095 destination charge is included.
Powertrain: All trims receive a 3.5-liter V-6 making 280 horsepower and 262 pound-foot of torque.
Front-wheel drive is standard on all trims with all-wheel-drive as an option.
9-speed automatic transmission across all trims.
Competitors: Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier.
Overall Score: 8.7/10
Safety Features: 9/10
Honda is very safety conscious and has built a reputation around this image. For the 2020 model year Ridgeline, they didn't deviate from their standards.
Basic safety features on all Ridgeline models include expected ABS, stability control, traction management, and airbags.
Advanced safety features come standard now with Honda's robust Sensing Suite which includes safety equipment like active lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, parking sensors, collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, road departure mitigation, and lane departure warning.
The International Institute for Highway Safety designated the Ridgeline with Top Safety Pick and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives five out of five stars overall for crash safety ratings.
Value: 8/10
The Honda Ridgeline is a good value for cost-conscious shoppers looking for a new car, as well as offering some solid upgrades and higher-tier trim packages for people seeking a little luxury with utility.
There are four trim levels for the 2020 Ridgeline: Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition.
The entry Ridgeline Sport trim starts at $34,995.
The RTL is $37,790 and the Honda Ridgeline RTL-E is $43,140 starting.
Finally, the Honda Ridgeline Black Edition is $44,615 starting.
All prices include a destination charge, before options.
We like the Ridgeline RTL trim because it includes some luxury features like power-adjustable front seats, leather-trimmed interior touches, and heated front seats. It performs well with the four-wheel-drivetrain configuration for more load and tow capacity as well.
Tech Features: 7/10
There were few changes to the infotainment system for the 2020 Ridgeline.
The biggest change was a new, bigger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes standard on all 2020 Ridgeline trims, replacing the previous smaller non-touchscreen. The new system comes stocked with modern connectivity applications like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB ports.
A truck-bed audio system is an interesting touch for tailgate parties.
Practicality: 8/10
Excellent rear seating for the segment. Passengers will find ample legroom and headroom in the back seat and front seat alike.
An interesting addition is the in-bed trunk in the cargo box which we found to be a smart design and use of space.
If towing is a priority for you, we think Honda did a good job with the AWD variant drivetrain of this mid-size pickup that has a hefty towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and can haul as much as 1,580 poungs vs. the front-wheel-drive models' lesser tow capacity of 3500 pounds.
Styling & Design: 8/10
Honda maintained the same stocky cab-forward design for the 2020 Ridgeline built off the Honda Pilot, adding the Black Edition trim, with sleek exterior stylings like black wheels, moonroof, stylish grille, led headlights, and unique ambient lighting in the cab.
Consistent interior detailing of soft-touch fabrics, perforated leather driver's seat, even paneling, and overall tight build, make the Ridgeline an effectively attractive midsize truck that feels a little like a luxury car or minivan.
Some functionality has changed in 2020 for the Honda Ridgeline with the addition of easier to exit rear doors and a remote locking tailgate.
Driving Experience: 9/10
Honda put some attention into performance with the Ridgeline, so it does not necessarily feel like a more weighty mid-size work truck with a big engine when it takes off. It accelerates briskly, smoothly transitioning through the nine-speed automatic, even with light payloads.
Handling on the pavement as a daily commuter and light-duty work truck is where the Ridgeline shines. Its responsive steering and soft comfortable ride, thanks to its independent rear suspension, is unmatched by rivals like the rougher Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado. Aside from the notably weak braking, the Ridgeline makes a fairly unique addition to the segment with its superb crossover SUV-like performance while retaining off-road capabilities.
Fuel Efficiency: 7/10
The 2020 Ridgeline is fair on gas consumption for the segment. Some rivals get a little better gas mileage, but the Ridgeline models are definitely not the worst when it comes to fuel economy.
For the 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 280 horsepower, EPA estimated gas mileage is 19/26/22 MPG city/hwy/combined with the 2-wheel drive system. The all-wheel-drive configuration gets 19/24/21 MPG city/hwy/combined according to EPA estimated.
