2020 Honda Ridgeline Review

[@Bradhelton938]

I work at the plant that builds the Pilot, Passport, Odyssey, and Ridgeling. Our race team tows their race trailer and race car with the Ridgeline. They're good enough for what MOST people need daily. Obviously not everyone, but MOST.

[@Bradhelton938]

*Ridgeline

[@markcesena4670]

Can anyone tell me how to turn on the top , long LED DRL's,just can't turn mine on,thanks

[@Bradhelton938]

If the headlights are off, and the vehicle is out of park, they should come on automatically.

[@markcesena4670]

@@Bradhelton938 thank you I’ll try that,heard someone say that the new ridgeline sport,top rap around LED DRL’s are empty???

[@markcesena4670]

And that the higher trim,do contain bulbs inside??

[@johnlowell1734]

I live in MT and I have had Ram and Chevy 1/2 tons in the past. I have ‘19 Ridgeline and it is best truck I have ever had, no comparison. Not a rockcrawler, but for driving long distance at high speed on rough washboard dirt roads, it is way better than anything else. And on snow and ice in winter, it is equal to, or better than my Subaru. Combined with real good gas mileage, it is best light truck going. If you want to serious off-roading, or tow more and than 5,000 lbs., then get real 1/2 ton, otherwise look hard at the Ridgeline.

[@jimw544]

I agree. I looked and Chevy, GMC - they have nothing. I purchased a Tacoma and took it back the next day. Ridgeline RTL-E has it all, no add-ons needed.

[@leadnsteel1428]

I only wish it had a 4 cylinder diesel option.... diesels are great in trucks

[@seemo27]

I absolutely love my 2019 RTL-E. Not going to be off-roading, and can tow up to 5K, which is plenty for me. If I was probably a little younger would have considered something a little more off road capable, but I've towed, moved, slept in this with comfort.

[@EngineAdventures]

Did you see my off-road video of it? it's pretty capable off-road too!

[@slowsti0535]

do any other models come with black headliner besides the black edition?

[@EngineAdventures]

As far as I know it's just the black edition, but I can't say for certain.

[@ajmedeiros77]

Better ride, better build quality, composite bed, and the lockable trunk is the cherry on top! Especially given how small these mid size trucks are, storage is a premium

[@jaker1160]

When I’m traveling, i can keep my golf clubs, a carbon fiber pool cue, and an ar + more, in that “ trunk”. Pretty hard to beat.

[@johnoulton18]

Wow I’m impressed with the storage in the bed

[@EngineAdventures]

It really does have a lot of storage space in the trunk! It's quite a useful truck or maybe the ultimate crossover as it's a crossover between a crossover and a truck.

[@jonathansommer3243]

Love my 17 Ridgeline! Needed more space for my bands gear while traveling on weekends so I got a leer cap for it and it’s amazing. Great gas mileage for a truck and so much space. Perfect for what I need!

[@EngineAdventures]

Great to hear!

[@tuan056585]

Ridgeline look in and out is a perfect truck (or crossover if you want to call it) at least for me. All I want more from Ridgeline is: 1. An auto folding outside mirrors 2. A HUD (Head Up Display) 3. A 360 surround camera. 4. MPG and RPM analog gauges. (Honda engineers please read). I'm driving a Lexus at this time and would like to trade in for the Ridgeline just because I need a bed to carry something lite at HD or Lowes. Inside, The Ridgeline look nicer than Tacoma, but I wish it can add some more bells and whistles to attractive more buyer from driving luxury cars.

[@squidusn71]

Let's not drive up the price on useless extras for just a HD run because the fully optioned Ridgeline is already expensive as it is. This sucker doesnt even come with a side mirror blinkers but you get a useless sunroof.

[@jarrodmcdaniel]

I love the color combo with the blue exterior and light tan interior. This seems to be a great all around truck if you don’t want to go hardcore off-roading. I also like the fact that even with the bed full of ATV, you can put your gear below it in the waterproof storage area.

[@EngineAdventures]

True, I didn't even think about putting the stuff in the trunk before loading up the ATV. Great point!

[@billkiessel6682]

Jarrod McDaniel just don’t get a flat tire with the bed loaded up

[@jimbailey1122]

The interior is grey

[@cornmac1796]

Honda needs to give this thing a full size spare!

[@EngineAdventures]

Typically I want a full-size spare as well, but in this vehicle I can't decide if that's what it really needs or not. Honda is not pretending to be something it's not with the Ridgeline, and given the space restraints of the spare tire location it makes sense.

[@fredmoss4540]

@@EngineAdventures The first Generation Ridgeline does have the space inside the trunk to carry full-sized spare. They reconfigured the trunk on the 2nd Generation so unable to carry full-sized spare. However there is a mounting location in the bed of the Ridgeline for a full sized spare. The 2nd generation location in front of bed behind rear window. The 1st is on side of bed.

[@squidusn71]

Nah no need for that as along as it has a spare. Many sports cars don't even come with a spare anymore so you'd have to call for a tow truck.

[@ChadHargis]

As a Ridgeline owner, I can add a few things. The Ridgeline has the widest bed in the class, so any other midsize truck isn't going to be able to hold an ATV any better. The interior of the Ridgeline is wider than any other midsize truck due to it being a unibody. You'll also notice there is no "hump" in the floor for the driveshaft even though the Ridgeline has a driveshaft that is always sending power to the rear differential. The spare tire can be mounted to the front of the bed if you have a heavy load in the bed that would prohibit you from opening the trunk. A trailer brake controller is not included in any package, but the wiring for the control is included in ALL packages. It's as simple as connecting 4 wires to the brake controller and plugging it in to the plug under the driver side dash near the parking brake. The rear seats lift up like any other midsize truck, but the difference is the flat load floor underneath them. This load floor is also usable with the seats folded down for storing things such as golf clubs.

[@EngineAdventures]

Good information! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@DJADP]

I love my 17 Ridgeline RTLT

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for weighing in, lots of people refuse to look at this wonderful vehicle, they don't know what they're missing!

[@billkiessel6682]

Dennis P. Looking at a few now, but I want the sliding rear window

[@avv2231]

I just bought a 2020 RTL. I can't believe how quiet it is on the highway. Also, my trailer and motorcycle together weigh only 1200 lbs so I am completely okay with the towing capability. Also, other than occasional dirt roads, I don't intend to go "off roading".

[@TeaTimeCorner]

I love the Ridgeline! Almost bought one, but decided on a Tundra since wanted the towing capability, but maybe get one someday. Ridgeline is as real truck as any truck in my opinion.

[@ScoobyFermentation]

Keep doing reviews like these and you will easily pass 100k subscribers! I’m in!

[@EngineAdventures]

Thansk! Fingers crossed!

[@davids1816]

my main complaint is that this is just too low to the ground. It needs minimum another 2 inches of ground clearance. I don't want to jump it but I want to be able to drive up a curb or on a trail and not worry that I'm going to tear up the front bumper.

[@EngineAdventures]

Even the half-ton and 3/4 ton trucks have super low front air dams now, unless you get an offroad trim or package.

[@davids1816]

@@EngineAdventures Right. But that's all that's close to the ground and that piece is flexible and doesn't damage if it does drag. For the Honda the WHOLE bumper is close to the ground. The thing has like 2 inches less ground clearance than an outback! I'm sorry, that's just not good for something that wants to be a truck. This is closer to a Camry in ride height than anything else with a bed. Both the Pilot and the Passport sit higher off the ground and have significantly wider tires. Honda has a great start here but they completely kneecap it by setting it up like an el Camino and not at least a passable facsimile of a truck's ground clearance. It needs a 2 inch lift and 255 tires. Neither would be radical, that's the size that a CX9 has, for example.

[@markcesena4670]

I will keep trying to get my lights working,I am going to ask if there is a club for ridgeline owners,some one there should know,thanks for your time,I am enjoying my new ridgeline,first time Honda owner.

[@TYGco]

My Favorite Truck On The Planet!

[@michalp2362]

And how exactly low beams make your fog lights useless???

[@EngineAdventures]

If you have to have your low beams on to use your fog lights, then your fog lights just become driving lights. I should clarify, they aren't useless, they are just useless as fog lights. A short Anecdote: I was once driving a 2nd gen pilot on the freeway in a blizzard, I tried to switch only the fog lights on as the light from the headlights was reflecting off the snow making for poor visibility. When I switched to the parking lights the fog lights turned off. I could see nearly as well with the parking lights on as I could with the headlights on, but I left my headlights on so other vehicles could see me better. Wish I could have had the fog lights on without having the headlights on.

[@brianbreezy8382]

Can you test the ivtm awd system on all terrains

[@EngineAdventures]

My video with my regular off-road battery of tests covering the Ridgeline i-VTM should be up this Saturday. I may have a bonus video up on Wednesday of the 2012 VTM-4 system if I'm able to get it done in time. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jaymontange8260]

I love the Ridgeline I had 2008. I wanted a total no compromise truck so I bought a low mileage 2018 King Ranch FX4 all options for the price of a 2020 RTL-E and I couldn’t be happier. Max tow 13,200 # and I feel I can travel Padre Island Natl. Park and go to Mansfield cut.

[@markcesena4670]

Can you show how to turn on LED DRL's?

[@EngineAdventures]

This was a media vehicle that I don't have anymore and I don't know that answer off the top of my head, sorry!

[@mandyohiotv3629]

I love my 2022 Honda Ridgeline sport

[@Combat556]

Would someone at Honda America please answer this question: why hasn’t the factory in Alabama figured out how to properly apply seam sealer to the backside of the cab? It’s 2024, and the water leaks are still occurring! Good grief, work on quality control, or design a truck from the ground up and not as an afterthought.

[@EngineAdventures]

I hadn't heard of that issue before, I'll have to look into it

[@Combat556]

@ it doesn’t happen to all of them, but if it’s yours, the trouble shooting process involves tearing out the interior of a new truck. Thank you 😊

[@leadnsteel1428]

I wish the Ridgeline had a 4 clyinder diesel option because I would be t the dealer tomorrow....and a bigger gas tank.... 19 gallons is a bit small. My Colorado has 21

[@62pumas]

A perfect truck for those that they don’t need a truck but they won one

[@Idahoguy10157]

Isn’t that most truck owners?

[@squidusn71]

@@Idahoguy10157 what the OP meant was, most "real" truck on the roads are nothing but pavement princesses. Why have them only to do nothing but pay for more gas and a harsh ride.

[@Idahoguy10157]

Squid Usn .... I agree

[@MrTkshiu]

@@Idahoguy10157 i think you just sold me on this

[@ajmedeiros77]

Tailgate is cool but the trunk is the best part of the truck! Space and storage is limited in any midsize truck and that trunk is a game changer. And big deal you have to move a couple of things to get to the spare tire. Like how often are you using the spare tire?!

[@EngineAdventures]

Good point! I'll probably never own a Ridgeline personally, but it seems like the perfect midsize truck for many people.

[@jsboening]

Can anybody comment on the comfort of the rear seat? I’d like to use this to drive up north for a few hours with my older kids to go snowmobiling, but the rear seats look very upright and uncomfortable.

[@tuoitreomaha9096]

You guys making me consider this. I was thinking tacoma

[@billkiessel6682]

Tuổi Trẻ Omaha me too

[@squidusn71]

I had a Tacoma. You can't go wrong with a Tacoma. You would have to own a Tacoma or other trucks before you can see the real appreciation of the Ridgeline and once you see it, there's no turning back. Unless you need to go on serious off roading, then get youself that Tacoma.

[@justinfontaine5539]

Unless you need to go serious off roading.. JUST GET THE RIDGELINE....No brainer unless you don't want to be comfortable after an hour in the truck..

[@squidusn71]

@@justinfontaine5539 serious offroading isn't for comfort regardless what you drive.

[@foff1972]

I own a 2019 Ridgeline, bought it new and have 56k miles. It's an overall great vehicle but no it's not a real truck. It's good gas mileage, wonderful ride quality, great V6 engine but it's LIGHT DUTY. Can't tow, can't carry concrete blocks, etc. 5 foot bed. Great vehicle overall

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@MrTkshiu]

Does Honda sell bed covers for this?

[@EngineAdventures]

Not sure if Honda does, but you can certainly get one aftermarket.

[@cindybernd263]

are you sure your tailgate locks???

[@EngineAdventures]

Yup, all 2020's have that feature. If you open the glove box there is a switch on the left side that you use to turn the tailgate lock on or off.

[@DeL-sm8bl]

Awesome that you had a car seat to demo with. I have two kids both still in car seats so that's great to see. I need a vehicle to be able to move regular items around town without needing a full size truck. I wanted to go to home Depot and realized i cant even buy a storage box for my deck cause I have no way of getting it home easily. I'm really thinking the Ridgeline is to go. I'm just worried that the bed is too short Hmm.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@oscarcorleone5465]

Subaru Baja, do not smoke that. The Subaru is was way smaller than the Ridgeline.

[@EngineAdventures]

What I meant was that it's a unibody truck with 4 doors. There might be others, but as far as vehicles available in the US, the Baja is the closest thing to a Ridgeline I can think of.

[@62pumas]

yes by definition

[@rotaryenginepete]

Yes by definition it is not a truck.

[@squidusn71]

@@rotaryenginepete how so?

[@rotaryenginepete]

@@squidusn71 all trucks, even hand trucks, by engineering definition, have ladder style frames. The Ridgeline is a modified version of the uni-body Pilot crossover, with a transverse mounted engine. Honda engineers claim they uniquely welded a "frame" to it, but subframes are commonplace in unibody architectures. That is why the Ridgeline doesn't have near the towing or hauling capacity of real trucks which are similarly sized. This doesn't make the Ridgeline a bad vehicle (it's a fine crossover), but it also doesn't make it a truck.

[@squidusn71]

@@rotaryenginepete ladder frames doesn't define a vehicle as truck in general. The El Camino has a frame and a unibody with a bed or cargo so it's both a truck and a crossover by your definition. A 1965 impala among other 50s through 70s cars, also has a frame and a unibody. So, again, by your definition, those are trucks also. Towing capacity does not define a vehicle as truck also.

[@rotaryenginepete]

@@squidusn71 lol I think you need to look up the definition of unibody.

[@craighatch3221]

I’m looking at my next TRUCK, an I’ve had about everything on the market.

[@SLee-vj4px]

sound like you have not had Ridgeline... lol. if I am in market for a pickup, Ridgeline! no doubt

[@sanmanDC050]

It’s funny complaining it’s not big enough but yet still got it when you needed a full-size truck? Then bash it because it’s not what you needed? Here’s the deal It’s the best midsize truck I ever had.

[@EngineAdventures]

I'm an automotive journalist, I had it for a week to test. I agree it's the best midsize truck for those who don't need to tow or offroad regularly. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@saliston]

I love mine so far. I have a 2022 RTL-e and it does all the truck i need. Its offroad capabilities are underrated.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@GAMER_PUNK247]

Fisheye lense..? Come on

[@premiercconstruction]

Drive it 😅

[@EngineAdventures]

Check out my other video on this one, it gets driven pretty hard!

[@paulm6481]

Smart truck with best ride and interior material and quality in business. Bad traits are now a weak nine speed, horrible infotainment still lacking knobs for volume and tuning. Engine is one of best in businesss, only time will tell how reliable that herky jerky nine speed is.

[@jimbailey1122]

That nine speed is not weak.

[@squidusn71]

They've worked out the grimlins on the 9 speed. You dont hear bad things about them anymore not like 3yrs ago with the 2016 Pliot or MDX. I have a 2017 Pilot with 9speed with 33k miles and my coworker has a 2016 with 65k miles, no issues whatsoever. Knobs??? Still complaining about knobs??? Engine is the best??? With direct injection only = carbon diposits and still sporting that timing belt...i dont think so on that one.

[@concernedpatriot9314]

We don’t like the fish eye lens, it makes us sea sick 🤒

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for the tip!

[@gopes23]

Why can't Honda make some proper arm rests for their Ridgelines, Pilots, and Passports

[@jla3rd]

Agreed even test drive the black edition and it was kind of a joke

[@paulh6517]

You have such a bias against this vehicle. Your review is not objective in the least.

[@johnossendorf9979]

I can't get it with a manual transmission, so I will never buy one.

[@EngineAdventures]

Which eliminates every full size truck currently available in the U.S. as well. It's sad but true.

[@johnossendorf9979]

@@EngineAdventures That's why l plan on driving my 2010 Tacoma TRD Offroad 4.0 6 speed for the rest of time.

[@wurly164]

John Ossendorf why would anyone want a manual any more

[@bennyb6071]

@@wurly164 stop drinking soy, only then you'll understand

[@wurly164]

@@bennyb6071 don't drink that crap and I stand by what I said, now back to your mom's basement

[@RobertJLessard]

If just having a bed makes the truck then an El Camino is a truck so it's gotta be more than that. For me I think it has to be high payload/towing with low range transfer case and a bed then it's a truck. 😁 If I didn't need a truck though this would be a great utility type vehicle. I'd take this over any SUV.

[@squidusn71]

It's all about technicality. Everything else are just opinions.

[@EngineAdventures]

It has roughly the same payload as the Frontier, Colorado, and Tacoma. The Ranger has up to 400 lbs more capacity than it's rivals. No low range transfer case is a downside, but the transfercase actually has a slightly taller gear for the rear making the rear a little over 2% faster than the front. This allows for the rear to have torque vectoring by applying more power to the outside rear wheel to help push the Ridgeline around a corner. Like you said there are trade-offs for everything, and this truck is more El Camino or Subaru Baja than it is Dodge Power Wagon (the first rear truck in my opinion).

[@davidmueller2780]

Far from a Subaru

[@eks_0]

Based on a minivan😂😂😂😂that's literally a grocery hauler

[@EngineAdventures]

It's based on a crossover that's based on a minivan :). Joking aside it is better at doing most things when compared to other midsize trucks. It's roomier, smoother, less expensive for similar equipment, and has a few tricks that aren't as gimmicky as I thought they would be. Not saying it's the truck for you, but it is certainly more than a lot of people need.

[@squidusn71]

I see a lot of f150s, ram, Silverado/Sierra being used as grocery getters only, no towing, no hauling, no off roading, no mudding....

[@GiordanDiodato]

isn't that what most trucks are used for?

[@VIVADUDE07]

Nice try X............................not really

[@maximilianrockefeller8854]

My 2018 AWD Ridgeline Sport: a) Can tow my two motorcycles from Ohio to North Carolina without breaking a sweat. b) Haul all the lumber and drywall to help my buddy add two bedrooms to his finished basement for his middle school kids. c) Accommodate me, my better half and our two rowdy pits to and from the nature preserve to go run laps. d) Is more comfortable than any body-on-frame truck I've owned in the past ('06 Sierra, '96 F250, '70 C10,) . e) Is fantastic in the snow here in Ohio. Would I want this as a tool as a professional contractor? Probably not, but maybe. I'm a smart man - I use the right tool for the right job and work smart, not hard. Keep telling me it ain't a truck. It does everything I need a truck to do and is way, *way* more comfortable than anything else out there doing these jobs I need it for. You can keep your body-on-frame dinosaur design - I'm living the good life over here. \m/ -_- \m/

[@itzOLE3]

Saw the title and had to click... to say... no, it's not a real truck.

[@Nico10659]

Diseño👎

[@wilfriedgronau5052]

blablabla

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

It is a real car though.

[@tonychau1983]

A van

[@j.r.arnolli7494]

And real truck functionality, so best of both worlds. Buy a bigger truck when You want to tow more than 5,000 pounds.

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

J.R. Arnolli It’s actually the worst of both. Poor mpg, hard to park, and no more capability than most midsize SUVs. Interior storage is a must in some areas. Tailgating in the rain is easy with an SUV. This is basically a car with a tiny trunk and worthless shallow bed.

[@squidusn71]

@@user-tb7rn1il3q clearly, you know nothing about the Ridgeline lol.

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

Squid Usn I’m very familiar with the RL. Someone had one at work.

[@Timezulu557]

Honda ridgeline is not a truck it's a car not a truck

[@VIVADUDE07]

OK whatever.........................................LOL

[@j.r.arnolli7494]

Never tried one? Because........

[@danhughes1814]

I will never not be amazed at how sensitive "truck guys" are

[@VIVADUDE07]

Yes it is.. welcome to the 21st century........

[@Timezulu557]

@@VIVADUDE07 if that's so then a Toyota Camry is a t EU ck bc its 2020