2017 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition - Redline: Review

Back on the market after a 2 year hiatus, Honda returns to the midsize truck segment with the second generation Ridgeline for 2017. Fortified with more power, courtesy of a direct injected i-VTEC V6, along with a bed that promises to be more useful and tailgate party friendly, all wrapped in the availability of the Honda Sensing safety package that allows the latest Ridgeline to practically drive itself down the road. Buyers shopping for a truck that doesn't follow the norm will find plenty to like with the new Honda truck, just be sure you don't plan to take it into serious off-road excursions.

[@ryanlittleton5615]

It's a truck for someone who is not really a truck person. And that's the best thing about it.

[@squidusn71]

That's me LOL, and I've had full and small(back when there's no such thing as medium) size BOF trucks. This sucker is perfect.

[@bamaboyburns8079]

Umm noo its a Honda so I'm sure its very reliable and nice overall you must be a typical Ford Chevy or dodge fan how boring

[@ryanlittleton5615]

@@bamaboyburns8079 What?

[@leeham6230]

@@ryanlittleton5615 He's a fanboy. That's how fanboys react.

[@cosmogang]

@@squidusn71 You stole the words from my mouth 😅

[@WhyPhi]

That little compartment in the truck bed is f**king genius. I've never seen that before.

[@chickendinner5572]

So fucking useful! God damn Japanese!

[@nocouponsforkaren8587]

honda knows how to make space where their isn't space. They create automotive narnia

[@stevecampisano3116]

I purchased the Black Edition for my wife and I must say it is a great vehicle. For a family that is not interested in going off road this is the truck to get.

[@ghettogates]

*car

[@JBM425]

It'll do just fine at a camp site, an athletic field, and other places where you don't need hard-core off-road capability. That suits most suburban drivers.

[@Loopsrainforest]

My father bought the first gen Ridgeline & I loved mocking him until I actually drove it in the snow. It is by far the best truck I have ever driven in a blizzard & my wife even enjoys driving it. He has now on his third model.

[@JBM425]

Now that it doesn't look as radical, it is very much on my radar now to replace my Avalon as both a daily driver and making runs to a campground or home improvement store. The AWD capability will come in handy in Pacific NW "snowmageddons."

[@z28kindaguy]

I really want this truck. Honda nailed. it.

[@amcb2035]

Omaha419: Did u got the Ridgeline

[@adonayhaddish]

As a Valet driver, this is one of the best trucks I've ever driven.

[@nickmerritt7278]

Totally an awesome vehicle. I just purchased one and it came with extra spare tires and rims. Completely has more than what I have asked for in a truck. God is simply amazing!!

[@TruthBTold-pt2ug]

Comprehensive fair review of Ridgeline G2. Purchased Ridgeline over Tacoma, don't need a work truck, prefer comfort of Ridgeline over agrarian drive of the Tacoma. Both are very nice mid-size trucks, but I much preferred the Ridgeline.

[@jasonprice9823]

For myself, looking for a 1/4 ton truck I always thought I’d buy a Tacoma.. until the day I sat in one. No way I’d spend the money on that vehicle with how small and claustrophobic it feels. That’s a personal opinion. People love them, I know that and I know they’re essentially the king of 1/4 ton. But sitting in this and knowing Honda history, I’d buy this over the Tacoma every day of the week.

[@str8up50]

Truck is growing on me. Damn Taco seating position killed me after awhile.

[@MNRick041]

I'm not a truck guy but I really like these, they drive nice and are very comfortable.

[@markmayhem5190]

Gay.

[@scottfurlong5475]

I went to the Toyota and Honda dealer today and had a look at the Tacoma and Ridgeline. No doubt about it, the Tacoma is more off-road worthy, rugged and I think it looks a little better but it doesn't fit me. I consider myself an average 6 foot man just a tad overweight at 250 lbs. and I felt absolutely crushed in the Tacoma crew cab. Very nice interior but confining. I have to set the seat on the floor to avoid hitting my head on the area above the door and there's not much arm room or leg room in the rear seat. I hopped in the Ridgeline and was very surprised at how close it was to feeling like my Ram 1500. The Ridgeline has a larger interior and has a much more comfortable seating position than the Tacoma. There's plenty of leg, arm and head room in the front and back. I like the composite beds in both but the Ridgeline has a more user friendly format. I'd like the Ridgeline to look a little tougher like the Tacoma but it's got my vote for replacing my current full size truck.

[@bobthebuilder372]

The Ridgeline very good truck that will meet the needs for the majority of owners in the mid-sized truck segment (aka commuters and city dwellers). I much rather have this truck over the competition.

[@albertcelini3413]

Don't care if its body on frame or unibody - its a fantastic utility vehicle. Drove , tacoma, colorado - no match for interior comfort , fit finish , tech and gas mileage. If you control your right foot a bit, I was able to get 30 mpg on the highway. No other vehicle of this size/functionality can match that. Hauls and tows fine for my needs. This is a fine truck for most people. I don't know many people who take their mid-size trucks off road - maybe 10% of market actually does, rest think they will, but will never see more than a gravel road. buy one, you won't be disappointed.

[@JayCeeSplash]

You can say what you want about this truck but you have to admit - it’s came a long way! Honda is taking the right strides in the truck segment

[@ichor20]

Buddy of mine has had one of these for a year and hes crazy about it. Constantly shows off the trunk storage, we always use it as a cooler. Having been in it, its crazy comfortable and quiet. Hes not an outdoorsy kinda guy and wasnt looking for a work truck. He just wanted a truck for the occasional big furniture purchase.

[@JBM425]

It's the ideal car for someone who needs a comfortable daily commuter vehicle but occasionally wants to haul something from the home improvement store or tow a small camper. That describes a lot of suburbanites, including me. It's now at the top of my shopping list over SUVs to replace my Avalon.

[@Lax10000000]

I'd buy this

[@ryankoga8202]

Great review (as always)! I have a 2016 Tacoma Limited (bought brand new) and am about to trade it in for 2019 Ridgeline Black Edition. I really enjoyed this review. From my research I’ve learned that the flying buttress was used to stiffen and strengthen so the body wouldn’t wrinkle as the G1 Ridgeline body was one solid piece of metal. The “cutline” for the bed and the rubber seal in the G2 Ridgeline is to allow for bed flex.

[@xitomatl7369]

Great review, first video of yours I've seen. Lots of original content and details, not just a list of features and drive commentary like most reviews.

[@TodayWithDustin]

Honda isn't my flavor but you presented this vehicle well. Awesome job.

[@phillipyeager3176]

Great job of reviewing. I just ordered the RTL-T Front wheel drive. I am in Mn, but I'm confident the front wheel will pull through moderate snow just fine. I was interested in getting the most mileage possible and I saved 2K. I was happy with my 2009 Sierra sLE 4 wheel drive, but it was time to trade. I love the way the Ridgeline handles. It will have no trouble towing my 2500# boat, and I am retired so I don't need to haul much with it. Once again, thanks for a great review. It confirmed my opinions.

[@xitomatl7369]

It really doesn't matter what it's called. It looks like a truck but obviously departs from traditional truck engineering when it comes to frame and body. That is not automatically a negative. Complaints regarding price are clearly misguided. Go outfit a midsize pickup from GM or Toyota with similar equipment and you'll see. Complaints that it is not rugged are vague and touch on a a deeper issue in the complainants. Honda is renowned for their reliability, so surely rugged doesn't have to do with build quality. Rugged as in having off-road chops? True, it's not nearly as good for that -- but that's not what this is made for. It has the ability to drive across old forest trails or a farm field, but not climb rocks. Anyone who wanted a rock crawler would know not to buy this truck, and those people are a tiny portion of buyers of midsize trucks. The market this "truck" (who cares what we call it?) SHOULD appeal to is not a small niche -- that is, suburban drivers who want the versatility of a truck but live in a house in the burbs, not on a farm, and who don't tow 30 foot trailers or go off roading for recreation. That is a VERY big market. The only reason it wont take over the market segment, or probably even do "well," is because it lacks a rugged appearance and comes from a brand most known for making family and economy vehicles -- not the image most truck drivers wish to project. Most truck buyers are vain men and they want a truck for the rugged appearance, as an extension of their own desire to project strength, manliness, and sexual dominance in a world filled with other men like them. They don't want to be seen at the gas station filling up a supposedly emasculating Ridgeline when a bigger man rolls in with a Tunda TRD Pro, F150 King Ranch, or a Ram Rebel and looks down upon them as some sort of metrosexual wimp, or even, in Hick parlance, a "faggot." No, the Ridgeline is not for these countless men. It's for people (men and women) who are comfortable with their sexuality and expression of gender and do not need their truck or any vehicle to help them edge closer to alpha status or attract a mate, and who would like to be able to carry a load of young trees and landscaping bricks or other large, heavy, cumbersome, or potentially-damaging-to-car-interior items home without soiling or damaging the back of an SUV or other non-truck-like vehicle. Unfortunately for Honda the actual market for this vehicle is not nearly as large as it should be, because a great many men (and let's face it, most truck buyers are men) are not that comfortable and confident in their own personal gender and sexual identities or their ability to attract a mate on their own intrinsic merit, and do require that their vehicle reassures those around them that they are entirely, 100%, no question about it straight as an arrow; their genitals are more than adequate; their strength abounds; that they are able to provide; and they have a real truck to prove it all.

[@MBTUE]

WOW!

[@errhka]

this level of insight is almost too good for youtube - bravo!

[@GX2re]

Yep, looks feminine and that's why I don't want it .

[@markmayhem5190]

Oh, WOW! .....Gaaaay

[@MrTheGrabber]

KZbin doesn't deserve this level of insight

[@A_guan]

You could probably mod the Honda link system so you can play music in the truck bed while moving

[@SOBIsHobbies]

I was debating between Tacoma and Ridgeline. I went with 2017 Tacoma TRD Off-road with premium package, because it is an actual truck and I don't live in city anymore. If I was still living in city, then I would definitely consider this Ridgeline. Great video!

[@DisneyMusicVideos]

My dad bought a 2017 Ridgeline RTL-T last week in the white diamond pearl exterior with the beige leather interior! Amazing vehicle! I would buy a Black Edition if I ever bought a Ridgeline cause it's similar to my 2015 Toyota Camry XSE V6 with the black interior/red stitching combo which I love very much!

[@ben_southern00]

I don’t see how you can hate on this if you love trucks, this is supposed to bring everyone together 😁

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

A truck with VTEC is always a pleasure to listen to~ :D Honda's VTEC engines are just insanely good

[@steviedee71]

I like it I'm get sick of the big pick ups that's a perfect size . I kind of liked how the 1st gen looked but I think I was just used to it and this will grow on me as the interior is beautiful too that black edition is my next truck 👍

[@jesusmontenegro7226]

Ojai is so close to me. Love the reviews man. Great job as always.

[@congausa1]

4 doors nice interior with ton of room and Honda reliability. Great!

[@bombardierrecreationalprod1023]

Reliability ? Why do people keep saying that? Toyota is very reliable and Honda is somewhat reliable !! Get your facts straight people 😁!!

[@mikefed3363]

Both equally reliable. I’ve seen honda’s last well over 300k miles and toyota’s do the same. Both great brands!

[@Hexenmeister77]

Nice review, thanks. I just bought one of these, and it rides better than any vehicle - car or truck - that I have owned, and I have owned many. Very practical for someone like me who can easily live with the 5000 pound towing capacity.

[@phronesismeister]

What trim level did you purchase?

[@jakespeers6835]

great vid! wish you did more truck reviews! more specifically the ram ecodiesel, new f150, and new silverado ;) keep up the good work

[@rayray4084]

Good review!!! ... keep up the awesome work coming 👍🏻

[@armandojuan64]

Your reviews are awesome . keep it up .

[@misterle7026]

thanks for the review, I personally don't like the volume knob. both my tl and mdx volumn hasn't been touch since it left the lot. however, everything else, you have nailed it.

[@mudstone6497]

This truck drives great and looks fantastic!

[@cab0316]

Great in depth quality review

[@donroni1]

Excellent review. Very informative .

[@Hexenmeister77]

One more thing. I insisted on the dealership replacing the back door checkers with the Pilot checkers. That resolved the issue with the the back doors not opening wide enough. Just a tip for those who might be in the market for a Ridgeline.

[@JremV]

car and driver got the black edition from 0-60 in either 6.5 or 6.6 seconds

[@MrFerrarifreak8]

The separation between the cab and the bed is actually more practical from a repair standpoint - the rear bed fenders are replaceable on Gen 2. Where as on Gen 1 they were not.

[@michaelwong8692]

A truck for people who want a versatile vehicle, rather than sheeple who want a truck for the truck image.

[@JamesDavidsonPhoto]

If you want the rear doors to open wider, you can purchase a set of the door supports for the front doors and swap them for almost 90 degrees of travel in the back.

[@kaisertuumalo6850]

Honda killed it. Awesome Truck.

[@TheNonGamer1]

I have the 2007, really reliable.

[@rondail5675]

It's now Dec-2018, do you have a video on the improvements made on the 2019?

[@lbjgh]

the Honda 10spd auto is suppose to be available in the 2018 Ridgeline. BTW, I also purchased the black edition and love it. the Canadian models come with heated and cooled seats and a CD drive under the HVAC controls.

[@Password450]

they plan to use an 11 speed on the 2018 civic is what I've heard

[@davidfowler1022]

thats crazy that you can have cooled seats in Canada but it's not an option if i wanted it here in Texas.

[@e5m956]

The perfect life would be to own a Type-R Civic and a Ridgeline Black Edition!

[@nexgenp2.0]

I have a type R and getting ready to buy this truck tomorrow as we speak!!

[@eastcoaster3943]

Type-R Ridgeline lol

[@e5m956]

@@eastcoaster3943 Now only if I was a millionaire to be able to afford such a vehicle!

[@eastcoaster3943]

E5m I know right, vehicles are way too expensive these days. Even if I were to buy a big off-road capable vehicle I still wouldn’t go off roading with it; because it cost too much to do that to a vehicle

[@timwarheit4908]

Man, that's a nice sounding V6......

[@LiLFlipppp]

Honda has come quite a long way. Not a bad truck at all. Another great review! When will you review the 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport in 6MT!?

[@alextran8188]

only thing is, it's basically a pilot with the back chopped off, and it's a unibody design. (Hense the fact it's based off the pilot.

[@bobthebuilder372]

The vast majority of mid-sized truck owners don't need more than what the Ridgeline offers. Honda presented some very interesting numbers regarding how many buyers tow and take their trucks off road in the segment. Most use their truck for their daily commute, which the Ridgeline is much better at than anything else in the segment.

[@lbjgh]

the Ridgeline also has upgraded suspension components over the pilot for the heavier duties.

[@Teekly]

I wouldn't mind having this as my dd, it's convenient and simple

[@harleyteng2502]

Honda is the best for lifetime Awesome truck

[@donroni1]

Awesome truck

[@texastacoma6224]

Nice truck-Honda builds solid vehicles

[@DaGr3atest]

Good review however in the Kelly Blue Book review he played the truck bed sound system while driving which you stated cannot be done? Sorry bruh.

[@travelingrailfan4634]

Can we see a review on the 2020 with the 9 speed ZF? Just picked one up and would love your opinion on it. I know tow rating is the same but I believe with the ZF transmission being a German gearbox and a 9 speed on top of that it may tow better.

[@taufiqsuhamin3220]

the vtec kicks in... love it. it's a light truck lol

[@AJFlip]

Hi Sofyan. When does the 2020 come out and what changes will be made to it?

[@OregonDuckz]

Hey bud i love the videos but wanted to tell you that when you remote start the Hondas you only need to hold the start button til the red flashes. Just something i noticed.

[@sebastiancrabill444]

the dash looks like my accord. maybe they should build a touring edition with led headlights

[@anmolramchandani5282]

Love the review man, but still getting the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro lol

[@jariusspear]

Anmol Ramchandani my 2017 raptor will kill off tacomas

[@Eeaotc02]

It's a different class you fool. No one cares about your Raptor.

[@5.7_TY]

The raptor ain't out yet. Lies

[@steviedee71]

Ty White LMAO what a ass clown ! Good call out bro 👍

[@wilmermendoza7752]

u really sound like a crown. ford are shitty ass cars Tacoma trd sport will whoop that shitty ford. ford trash nigga..

[@TheJorgern]

I want one!

[@jthompson6189]

I feel like truck buyers rarely bring up the idea of buying a Honda. I live in a truck city and ive seen maybe 2 of these trucks on the road. It feels a lot an SUV with a truck bed, which is fine if that is what you want. Maybe a shop owner in the city, just need a bed to carry things - this is a great option. Want to buy a camping trailer and heavy toys - probably not. Not to mention the stigma...buy one of these and drive it your shop or oil site, prepare to be mocked.

[@karangrewal2711]

That's a nice little truck, like it.

[@TonyTube407]

A couple of quick mods would really help this truck look much better. Hood deflector and fender flares.

[@garysandhu5082]

Would you please do a review of the 2016-2017 Vw golf R.

[@mudstone6497]

If truck plates are required, it’s a truck! Just bought the touring trim level, pick it up in a month or so!

[@smdanny1]

might be a great "truck" for the Canadian market. most of Canadian households only have 1-2 vehicles, and if ppl have to choose a suv or truck as a second car that's easy on gas around the city and not for actual construction work, the ridgeline is a great option for carrying tools and kids

[@tropicalvevo1094]

In NY they use most of the Honda models as Taxi/Uber which is kind of a turn off but I think that this pickup is the perfect vehicle to get because who's gonna Uber in a pickup?

[@jp554731]

@ 6:22 when you press the rubber button to lock the car, is the engine on? Can I do this with the type r? Is there an option to press this button on the type r to lock the car while the engine is running?

[@ericcioffi7309]

I have owned a Tundra TRD Pro Crew Cab and currently drive a Sierra Denali Crew. I don't Off Road or use it for work or towing. I head north every weekend to ski in the winter and haul my fishing gear to the boat, family to the beach, and pick up stuff at Home Depot and the local nursery. Typical suburban stuff. Il love that I can just hose out the bed if it gets dirty. I use my truck as a daily driver Sport Utility Truck. The Honda checks all those boxes for me. Yes it is not a bad ass truck. I love my 6.2 V8 but the mileage is killing me. When I downsize the Honda will be on my list. Any word on the Ranger Raptor?

[@JamesDavidsonPhoto]

I currently drive a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with about 700lbs of steel..I'm tired of 14mpg and getting beat to hell on every bump. I'm very surprised that the Ridgeline is at the top of my list to swap to in the next few months. Tacoma is the safe bet if I want to still get off road some, so it's still up in the air.

[@_Hao_Nguyen_]

very good alternative to traditional truck... I like my taco because stick shift & off-roading though :p

[@parkerstephens1355]

If I could afford a new vehicle this would be one I would highly consider

[@TypeRyRy]

God, it looks a million times better than the old Ridgeline.

[@freddiev6050]

Because of it's "car like" feeling, I would consider buying this vehicle (not being a truck guy); it's like a modern EL CAMINO.

[@brianlugo2440]

Best pickup in the market

[@samestuffdifferentday5712]

A non good old boy truck. I like it. I'm black and want a truck but dont want to look like a good old boy with the big truck with oversized tires and loud muffler. No thanks. Honda nailed it for non good old boy truck wanters.

[@PweezyG81]

ASW ASW Hahah Funny comment man, and true

[@cp-mv5up]

Is that key fob a two-way remote starter?

[@1232bluejays]

he likes that huge deep storage bin

[@MrCN173]

Its a practical commuter for people who love trucks and want to drive a "truck"

[@BeanieNinjay0]

The ridgeline is the weirdest looking truck out there. It doesn't look like a truck. It looks like a minivan with the rear end cut off. It also kind of reminds me of those car/truck hybrids in Australian.

[@clover7359]

Sofyan, the 9-speed auto is for Front Wheel Drive (and FWD based AWD) applications only. That is why you don't see it on the ridgeline.

[@theredline]

The Ridgeline offers FWD if you don't option for AWD.

[@clover7359]

A Front Wheel Drive pickup. Well in that case, I'm equally perplexed.

[@decarloswilliams6099]

I agree. Love Honda, but they can't compete with the domestic offerings in this market.

[@ME-bz9fd]

I am waiting for the 2021 Honda ridgeline review

[@georgiadacres5199]

The drivetrain on these trucks are bulletproof

[@flair8099]

Does it have vtac though ( intinional misspelling)

[@travelinben1966]

I have a feeling that Honda is going to restyle the front end on the Ridgeline since it’s lack of “aggressiveness” seems to put off alot of potential buyers.The Tacoma isn’t even a consideration with it’s subpar drivetrain and lack of rear disc brakes.

[@maclac48]

I think I like it? Not a bad truck at all.

[@lukehoisington4236]

have you reviewed a Colorado?

[@Kdog8888]

Test drove one yesterday and heard wind rushing in. Honda still cannot figure out how to seal doors properly. Also needs more sound insulation.

[@sferris33]

is it possible to get this truck with just a normal key start? does anyone know is there any truck that can be started by key without a chip inside?

[@travelinben1966]

This is a light to medium duty vehicle which will fulfill those duties nicely and comfortably.Unless you have very deep pockets,no-one would consider beating up any vehicle off road that is approaching $50k msrp.Get a beater for that.

[@paulpjr3224]

Damn I been looking for a classy style truck that isn't bad on gas but powerful enough to pull a boat. This one seems more classy and luxury but which it had more meat to it. Minivans have some power though and can race around very good. I was looking toward a GMC Canyon for classy but that is bad on gas I think. Why can't trucks get better gas like cars now? I mean can't they get 30mpg as a norm if it's a small/mid truck now in 2017?

[@fordfocuschik820]

What is the drivetrain on this?

[@kirklazarusiii3875]

could you please do a review on the 2017 Acura nsx?

[@markmayhem5190]

You can't afford it. Review over.

[@sspain2149]

Mark Mayhem lmao right

[@mikematt67]

They should of kept the old front end from the original Ridgeline for this truck to make it more Butch looking ,they would of sold a lot more if they did . But as it looks now I'd have to be constantly defending it to my friends . even tho it's a good truck I'd never be able to win them over.

[@Veyronp87]

i like this truck. acutally fits what most people use trucks for. but the side profile is just weird to me. front half is completely van/crossover and the back half is truck.

[@NinjaPickups]

Im late and im noticing that it has a lot of comfort features that other trucks dont so im guessing this truck is for ppl who just want a truck to drive not to use as a traditional truck

[@nickmotsarsky4382]

New-gen Direct Injected 3.5, only makes 10 more hp than it does in the Accord. Brilliant!

[@JremV]

the accord v6 makes 278 this is 280.

[@JremV]

this weighs about 1000 more than an accord v6 but is only 7 tenths of a second slower to 60 with 2 hp more. impressive to me. the 4300 lb pilot elite will do 60 in 6.0 seconds which is 800 lbs more than accord with 2hp more and 0.2 seconds slower to 60. waiting to see how this engine will perform when migrated to the new odyssey

[@andrewdiamond2697]

0-60 is a faster than Taco, Canyon/Colorado or Frontier. What are you looking for?

[@JremV]

id rather have the ridgeline. ive never owned a pickup but i like the car like ride and handling. either that or a f150 ecoboost or ram 1500 hemi

[@andrewdiamond2697]

Joshua Remnant I rented a Ford F150 Eco Boost - quad cab short bed. It is a really nice truck - very well thought out. The only thing is that I live in a city, and driving and parking was kind of a pain. My wife wouldn't drive it. I need something I can maneuver and park and my wife will drive.

[@karlpalabricaphilippines]

I suggest Honda will offer a turbodiesel engine to the Ridgeline to add more toughness of the truck, and all terrain controls to give reliability while off-roading.