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2018 Honda Ridgeline review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Honda Ridgeline highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Independent rear suspension provides great handling
  • Lockable in-bed trunk and two-way tailgate
  • Roomy cabin is comfortable and easy to get into

Cons

  • Touchscreen is difficult to use
  • Doesn't offer low-range gearing
  • Lower towing capacity than its competitors

Mileage (EPA estimate)

18 city, 25 highway, 21 combined

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2018 Honda Ridgeline is a well-rounded truck

You'd be hard pressed to find a more well-rounded midsize truck than the 2018 Honda Ridgeline. Its tow rating doesn't jump off the page compared to some of its competitors, and its low ground clearance means it isn't the truck best suited for crawling over boulders. But it is the most comfortable and versatile truck in the category, fending off challenges from the likes of the Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado.

The Ridgeline is built with an SUV-like unibody design and features independent suspension, which it can credit for its smooth, SUV-like ride. It also features a versatile 5-foot-long cargo bed: There's a lockable in-bed trunk, a two-way tailgate and room to lay 4-by-8 foot plywood sheets. That's in addition to an interior that's roomier than competitors.

Other midsize pickups may be more rugged and off-road capable than the Ridgeline, but you'll be hard pressed to find one more comfortable and versatile.

All Honda Ridgeline years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Honda Ridgeline generation from 2012 to 2026

What is new for the 2018 Honda Ridgeline?

  • The RTS trim has been discontinued for 2018.
  • Full Roof Rack and Bed Cover features are now available as options on select trims.

2018 Honda Ridgeline trims

Curious how Honda Ridgeline trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

RT:

  • 280-hp, 262-lb-ft of torque 3.5L
  • Smart Key
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Mirrors
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags

Sport:

RTL:

RTL-T:

RTL-E:

  • Includes all features available on the RTL-T
  • Sunroofs
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Memory Seats
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Parking Sensors
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • View our Honda Ridgeline RTL-E inventory

Black Edition:

Honda Ridgeline photos

What We Like

Comfort: The SUV underpinnings of the Ridgeline shines when it comes to comfort. The Honda is the most comfortable truck in the midsize category. It offers a smooth, quiet ride compared to its competitors, and comes with supportive seats.

Interior: The Ridgeline has the roomiest cab of any midsize truck, and it's also easy to climb in and out of thanks to a step-up height that's lower than the Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado.

Storage: The roomy cab makes for a handy place to store all your stuff, with plenty of spots to stash small items. The rear seats flip up, providing a flat area to throw all your gear. That complements the bed, which features a lockable in-bed trunk and a two-way tailgate.

What Needs Improvement

Truck stuff: The Ridgeline sacrifices some capability in the name of comfort. Those looking for 4x4 and best-in-class towing ought to keep looking. While Honda's pickup is a sensible all-around vehicle, it comes up short in towing and payload capacity compared to its competitors.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.7 out of 5

9 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Honda Ridgeline an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Honda Ridgeline 5th out of 8 among Midsize Trucks.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Honda Ridgeline

Honda Ridgeline features and specs

Curious how Honda Ridgeline trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

RT 2WD 4D Crew Cab

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bed Liner
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Tow Hitch
  • Traction Control

Optional Features

  • Bed Cover
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Parking Sensors
  • Running Boards

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.5L

Horsepower

280

Torque (ft-lbs)

262

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

19.5

Wheelbase

125.2"

Overall length

210"

Width

78.6"

Height

70.2"

Leg room

F 40.9"/R 36.7"

Head room

F 40.1"/R 38.8"

Front tires

P245/60HR18

Rear tires

P245/60HR18

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

350/3500 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Honda Ridgeline FAQ

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