Honda Ridgeline Full Review (After owning it for over 1 year)

[@johngaffney8199]

The 300 lb tailgate rating is while the truck is moving. "dynamic load". It's more than triple that when not. (static load) Great review. Thank you!

[@HondaRidgeline110]

I wasn’t aware of that, thank you for the info 🙂

[@tigerrider6711]

I’ve definitely had 2 guys standing on the tailgate while a motorcycle is being unloaded, never had any issues.

[@TermlessHGW]

I had the cable snap in mine while two 200 lb + guys were sitting on it. Not a big deal. Forty something bucks from Honda for a new one and two bolts.

[@tigerrider6711]

@@TermlessHGW that sucks, it’s a thick cable that should be able to hold more than 400lb. I’ve overloaded mine in fact come to think of it, 2 motorcycle rear tires sitting on the tailgate the bikes are probably 450lb each. I did this for years without issues

[@MisterTomcat]

​@TermlessHGW you sure those guys aren't pushing 300?

[@charliej.2716]

Fellow Ridgeline owner 20 RTL-E. Love mine and looking forward to seeing a redesign similar to the 26 Passport. You did a great review and having the dog costar is awesome.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

I’m looking forward to it as well! Thank you very much, I appreciate it!

[@michaelm8754]

Thanks for the one-year review on your Honda Ridgeline. I own a 2023 Ridgeline and it's versatile, very comfortable, and I really enjoy driving it. I agree with you about the Lane Keeping Assist, it's not very aggressive in staying in-lane, and the Auto Cruise Control takes some getting used to.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Thank you for the comment Michael! I’m glad you like your truck! There are some cons with the truck, but overall I really enjoy it 🙂

[@munna1004]

such a comprehensive everyday driving review man. Thank you so much. been debating between the frontier and the ridgeline . guess the 4 cylinder turbo's and the high 50k$ price tags for the others have left me with only these two options . would love to know about your maintenance experience down the road.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

I appreciate it! I am happy to share my maintenance experience down the road, so far it’s just been oil changes and tire rotations, which is certainly a good thing! Thanks for the comment 🙂

[@HithereJimHerald]

Going to shoot a recommendation for a Frontier as that's what I have, mostly based on the cost (these newer Ridgelines are awesome but I think on the line of being a bit spendy, compared to what you can get a well loaded Frontier for) Ultimately both are great

[@spencerrs-e2g]

You may want to make your decision on what the primary use of your truck will be, and what climate you are dealing with. If 5,000lbs towing works for you, and the terrain clearance is not required, then consider the ride comfort, and things like heated steering wheel/seats, and AC seats. I don't think you can get a Frontier with a heated steering wheel, and look at the back seat room and angle of the back seats. The Ridgeline has a slight angle back, where all the other mid-size trucks are pretty much "Straight back", not comfortable at all. I really liked the Frontier and Nissan, but couldn't get the heated steering wheel here in Canada, and the smooth ride of the Ridgeline is unmatched. Good luck in your search!

[@moab67]

Great video. I have a great dane and will be picking up a 2024 Ridgeline in a couple days, so this video hits home. Great to see the GD fits well with the back seat folded up.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Thank you I appreciate it 🙂 Exciting getting a new truck! Is it your first Ridgeline? And yep he fits pretty good, just toss the dog beds back there and he sits down and lays his head on your shoulder

[@tomhockman6267]

I appreciate having the dog in the video. I have a 23 RTL and love the truck. Happy trails!

[@HondaRidgeline110]

He loves to help with everything I do 🙂 thanks for the comment, take care!

[@steveferris6793]

I have a 2023 Black Edition and absolutely love it as does my wife which never happened on my Tundra or Tacoma. We have kayaks, bikes, and the need for occasional dump runs and live in the Northwest where it snows and this truck does everything I need a truck to do. It’s the most comfortable daily driver truck out there in my opinion, been digging it since the day I bought it.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

I’m happy to hear you’ve been enjoying your truck! And great that your wife likes it too! Thank you for the comment, I’m excited to get mine in the snow again this winter

[@stevenyoung6415]

Thank you for the great personal review of the Ridgeline! I have the Ridgeline as the #1 on my list of choices for my first pickup.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

You are welcome and thank you for your comment! I think you have chosen a great truck as your first 🙂

[@TexasSlamFishing]

Great review I just switched from 2007 ridgeline to 2013 and I'm loving it so far! Feels like driving a nice car. I tow a 1000lb jet ski behind with fishing gear in back so it seems like the best option for me!

[@HondaRidgeline110]

That sounds like a perfect setup!

[@spencerrs-e2g]

Nice to have a previous "Full size truck owner" being upfront on the pluses of the Ridgeline. Love mine, 2021. Just two notes of interest on systems in the truck. First, the switch left off the steering wheel that was referred to as the intermittent wiper control is actually the heat for the heating liner in the windshield where the wipers rest in the park position, to keep them free of ice when needed. Second, on the lights inside the cargo bed. They will come on when the tailgate is dropped down "If" the Bed Light switch left of the steering wheel is turned on. (Even when the truck is turned off). If the lights are left on they will turn off automatically after 30 minutes. Nice follow up review.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Thank you for the info! Actually very helpful, I had no idea on the wipers so that is really neat to know. And also thank you for the tip on the cargo lights, that was driving me nuts! I appreciate your comment, take care🙂

[@johnstapler5956]

21 RTLE here. Love it. Had a Gen 1 06, too. RAM 1500 in between. Didn't trust the motor because a pronounced dreaded hemi tick.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

There’s nothing worse than not trusting your vehicle to get you to where you need to be. I’ve had plenty of those during college 😂 but tell you what, that rusted out 01’ Caravan always got me there! Thank you for the comment

[@jamesbarker619]

Although I’m a diehard Toyota man! I don’t care about going off road or pull a lot of weight. I really do like the newer Ridgelines like you have. And believe me I don’t really care what other people think.😂😂

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Thank you for the comment! Have you had a Colorado or Tundra? The new tundras are looking pretty sweet! And haha I’m glad 😂🙂

[@jamesbarker619]

@ I had a 2000 Toyota Tundra. Bought it new and sold it in 2013 after getting laid off from my job of 25 years. It had over 240,000 miles on it when I sold it. Didn’t leak or use any oil at all. By far the best vehicle I’ve ever owned. Gas mileage wasn’t good at all. It had the 4.7 V8 engine in it. The only thing on it that wasn’t original was the tires and battery.😂😂

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Wow that is extremely impressive! I was looking into those, thinking about getting the equivalent of a ZR2, would that be the TRD? I thought the quality of Toyotas would be great so I could have it for a long time and They are awesome looking and perform!

[@fritty9927]

Fantastic review. I’ve owned or driven about every truck or SUV on the road. Two of them were Ridgelines: two of best trucks I ever drove.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Thank you for the comment! Glad to hear it compares so well against the others

[@fritty9927]

Everyone who drove it commented on the smooth car like ride it had and the back seat room was great. It was the first generation, but pretty sure not much has changed.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

It does have a good amount of space in the back seat, I was pleasantly surprised the first time riding back there. Yeah they haven’t made many changes for a long time!

[@kevincoyle6160]

I’ve had 3 200+ lb guys on the tailgate as well… this was prior to knowing the limit. It can handle it but I’m always sketched out now. Its a 2021 and the tailgate still works fine

[@HondaRidgeline110]

That’s good to hear there is a little room to spare! It just blows my mind that it is rated so low, got to be careful with it I guess 😂

[@rickringler5021]

What people don’t realize is the starter, alternator and battery are designed to facilitate the start stop feature. Not the same starter being asked to do more.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

That makes a lot more sense, thank you for the info!

[@wadejones1227]

I own a ridgeline, this is a awesome review!

[@HondaRidgeline110]

I appreciate it! Have a good one 🙂

[@jaymoar3561]

I don’t own one but these are underrated trucks, super reliable.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

I agree with you!

[@MrKnightoflight]

Thank you for the review! I have a 2019 RTL, and really like it! My favorite truck. It did not come with Honda Sensing, and now I am glad it does not, per your experience. 👍

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Thank you for the comment! I’m glad you like your truck, they are pretty great! And yes I think you dodged a bullet on this one 😂

[@fraglo]

Great review. Thanks. I love your copilot.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

I appreciate it! he’s great at keeping me company 🙂

[@greghatfield4216]

Thank you so much. I don't hear a lot about the paying attention to the timing belt. I guess I'm gun shy of that because of a Volvo I owned, belt broke and engine was toast. However, with that in mind, I am really thinking this is the truck for me. I owned a Sierra for many years and many times at the pump. Thanks again.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Thank you for the comment! Wow that sounds terrible about the Volvo, crazy how fast an engine can go. I think you might like this truck, little bit less time at the pump 🙂

[@billseiler4952]

This is a great truck. I got to drive one as a loaner from Honda. Possible 2025 in my future dependent on the economy and job situation

[@HondaRidgeline110]

That’s exciting to think about for the future! Thank you for the comment 🙂

[@JimLBon]

This is the best small pickup on the market. I only drive my F250 2-3k miles per year. If I had to drive more and needed a commuter this would be it. What it lacks in hauling and towing capacity is easily made up for other ways.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

I completely agree with you! Great all around truck for sure

[@donot6185]

My 2019 sport is the best truck I have owned over 40 years. Don't care for the VCM and feel it kicking in at highway speeds on cruise control only. I can live with it. The engine shut down at idle with the newer Ridgelines is the problem I see, push that button to disable and push button transmission. I Like my shift nob and no button to push! It Tows my GeoPro 19' RV trailer 4000lb loaded pretty easy. The key and most important thing with the 3.5 engine is to keep up on the maintenance. Oil changes, transfer and rear differental oil change which I do myself, plus Transmission oil which I change every 20,000-25,000 miles. The 6 Speed appears to be holding up well at this point with 55,000 miles. So I think as with most honda's, Maintenance is key.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Thank you for the comment! And I am happy to hear you are enjoying your truck and it has been working well for you. I haven’t towed anything with that much weight so I’m glad to hear the truck performed. Have a good day 🙂

[@MegaGuitarpicker]

Great job! I’m looking at the 2025 and wonder how previous models fair out. Love the big pooch! Seems like you like it. Thanks!

[@HondaRidgeline110]

I appreciate the comment! I haven’t had any issues with mine so far, so hopefully that continues 🙂

[@von20808]

Nice truck, but I’m in love with the dog.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Thank you! He is a sweet little fella 🙂

[@jw4111]

Good review! Weird that automatic braking sometimes brakes with oncoming traffic. Is there any fix other than turning off?

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Thanks for the comment! I’ve had people commenting that it might be a calibrating issue, so I am going to do some looking into that. I would like it to work so I’ll get to the bottom of it 🙂

[@lasfitvehiclelife]

Awesome update and review! Did you ever change the floor mats? Wonder if you'd like to review our all-weather floor mats and the bed mat?

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Thank you I appreciate it! I actually did get new floor mats right away, but in the rear seat area they are curled already so not thrilled with them. I could feature them in some of my videos but I don’t think I would do a video specifically to review them. Thank you!

[@lasfitvehiclelife]

@@HondaRidgeline110 No problem, I'll appreciate it if you'll share the honest feedback with your own style and make the video. Excited to work together and hope our floor mat will satisfy you. Btw, I can not comment our contact here successfully under the policy, could I get your email and discuss about details?

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Thank you for the reply, my email is [e-mail]

[@jeichas]

Everyone talks about the drain plug and using the trunk as a cooler. Isn’t it more logical the engineers intended it to allow washing out the trunk space easily?

[@HondaRidgeline110]

That is a fair point! That might make more sense than the cooler 🙂

[@gradystarkey4498]

When I sold Hondas it was a selling point to talk about the cooler

[@jeichas]

@@gradystarkey4498 ok, I stand corrected, thank you

[@tigerrider6711]

@@jeichas there’s no insulation at all so it would be just as good of a cooler as a rubber maid bin full of ice lol

[@jeichas]

@@tigerrider6711100% - my thought as well

[@jmiller3792]

Good overview. You should consider getting your safety system calibrated, it works great on mine so I bet something is a bit off on your Ridgeline.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

That’s a great idea! I’ll ask them about it next time I’m getting an oil change. Thanks for the comment!

[@gnd111]

I ran my headlight down 2" and no more issues, also switch to traditional cruise

[@HondaRidgeline110]

I’ll have to give that a try, I appreciate it!

[@mikephotos225]

With CarPlay, it will not connect if your phone is locked, but it will charge as you mention. Just unlock your phone and it should connect. (It took me a while to learn this too)

[@HondaRidgeline110]

I wasn’t aware of that, thank you for the info!

[@gtc1961]

Nice review, I'm picking mine up this week or next. BTW..you need to fix your soffit!

[@HondaRidgeline110]

I bet you are excited, I hope you like it! The house is actually a rental 🙂

[@gtc1961]

@HondaRidgeline110 hahaha.. yes, I figured, considering you have Florida plates on the truck! Yes, very excited.

[@cwa107]

On your Carplay cabling issue.... you are experiencing a situation where the cable isn't suitable for data transmission, but it's capable enough for charging. Not all cables are created equal, so Apple has an "MFi" certification that they will bestow upon aftermarket cables to signify they meet the needed spec for reliable data transmission. Also, note that you need a relatively short cord - it shouldn't be more than 2-3' in length. Also, some of your complaints about the lane keeping assist and automated braking suggest that your camera isn't properly calibrated -OR- you've replaced the windshield with an aftermarket windshield, which is known to cause calibration issues.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

I appreciate all the info! I will check into getting a new cable, I can’t recall where I got my current one or what brand it is. I will also ask to have the camera recalibrated next time the truck is in the shop. Thanks for the help🙂

[@tomtripptree5079]

How did you turn off the breaking. I also want disable the cruise control function that allow a certain amount on space between cars

[@HondaRidgeline110]

The breaking you should be able to shut off with one of the buttons to the left of the steering wheel, close to the button to turn on the outlet in the bed. You can turn off the ACC by pressing the button on the steering wheel that is right above the circular cruise control buttons. Hope this helps!

[@arcowo]

FYI, you can change the sensitivity of the parking sensor using the settings menu.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

I wasn’t aware of that, I will give that a try! Thank you!

[@na2305]

They don't dampen the tailgate because of the dual open design. And I'm assuming it only uses one cable on the left to support the tailgate so I see why weight would be limited. We really want one qnd I'm betting it will be a great daily driver. Just waiting for a slightly more lifted version

[@HondaRidgeline110]

That is a great point on the tailgate! They are great daily drivers, but it would certainly be nice if they were a bit taller. Thanks for the comment!

[@arthurcayer6630]

Some Ridgeline owners have installed lift or leveling kits. Search on KZbin.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

I will take a look, thanks!

[@MrEd-kk7uj]

Well done sir.....

[@HondaRidgeline110]

I appreciate it!

[@tomhockman6267]

For the Apple play problem have you tested different cords?

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Yes I have, they all end up doing the same thing. I little bit of a headache :/

[@alano_onala]

Not Ridgeline related, but what brand of First Aid kit do you have in the trunk bed?

[@HondaRidgeline110]

I actually made the first aid kit, I modeled it off of different first aid kits and put everything I might need in it. It ends up being expensive but I actually use it all the time

[@65Jessev]

I find it hard to believe that this truck isn't bluetooth capable. Should be capable with syncing with apple or android. Am I wrong?

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Sorry I wasn’t clear with that, it is Bluetooth capable, you can play music using Bluetooth but you are not able to use Apple carplay via bluetooth. Thanks for the comment!

[@magley64]

3 prong vs 2 prong... The 3rd prong is an earth ground. Not something you can honestly get without driving a rod into the ground. If you need 3 prong, you need to park and drive a copper stake then use a 2 prong to 3 prong adapter. Fun fact, you can pry a ground prong off with your thumb.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Thank you for the comment and the fun fact 🙂

[@jeffreydavis8826]

Practical low key post. Liked it for content, subscribed to keep tabs on the pupper (bee-key??)

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Thank you for the sub and comment! His name is Mako (mako shark), but I call him Makey🙂

[@sleepy8403]

Nice vid Come to chick fil a tomorrow at dodge and I got you with some free eats

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Thank you I appreciate it! And haha you got a deal!😂

[@daveholte7658]

Great video. Have same 19K miles You read my mind. I call mine my $48K grocery go getter go cart… lol Numerous times I park I my shop put fob on bench and hours later go to leave. Position fob at start stop button to maybe help find it? Hit start with foot on brake. Nothing…, It is stuck in Accessory Mode. I hit unlock and lock button. Hit Stop. Nothing Get out of Vehicle. Get back un and starts. Has happened a times. Dealer can’t diagnose. Frustrating At 7000 miles in a town hotel. Got locked out. Couldn’t get in with fob or dummy key.,,, Had to call lock smith for $100. Honda Link App Customer Service was no help at all. Went to nearby Honda dealer they found an update needed? Did that and haven’t been locked out again. Hopefully. Would I buy another Ridgeline? Probably not. I like more ground clearance and a bigger truck ride. Just saying

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Wow that sounds extremely frustrating! If that was my experience with the truck I don’t think I’d be lining up to buy another one either. Thank you for the comment and I hope the truck starts behaving a little better for you 🙂

[@misterh1]

One thing I notice on the highway with the lane alerts on. You move left to pass an 18-wheeler. The 18-wheeler is kind of drifting closer to your lane, so you float a little left, maybe on the shoulder a hair -- the lane assist starts shaking your steering wheel, but if you're running cruise control, it stops holding speed too. So I'm kind of in a hurry to get around this stupid trucker, but my car is cutting power! Also, on the adaptive cruise, when a slower vehicle in front of you exits the highway (oh thank heaven) it takes several seconds before it starts re-accelerating to your set speed, and even then, the acceleration on cruise is a bit sluggish. Third issue is the range. I've grown accustomed to having 400 miles on a tank as my standard, so reducing that by almost 25% is mildly annoying.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Thank you for the comment! In those instances I’ve started to just hit the gas and override the adaptive cruise control. The cruise control isn’t very helpful when you have to still manage it yourself!

[@Hammerdak]

I adjusted my lights down about 5 degrees( not much, I know ) because of the same “ other driver “ issue. All it takes is a 11” long Phillips screwdriver, put in the radiator shroud hole that says U and D with arrows. Simple fix.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

That’s a great idea! I might have to do that, it gets a bit annoying getting brighted all the time. Thanks for the comment!

[@huie1983]

I had a 2022 RTL-E for about a year. I loved the utility but the trucks electronics were its downfall for me. I'm not sure if it affects all Ridgeline's but the Safety Sense on mine was way too sensitive. It would false alert and tap the brakes at nothing. This was really bad on 2 lane highways around curves in the road. It would think the car in the opposite lane was in my lane and nab on the brakes, it could be dangerous. Common complaint in the forums. Mine also had lots of other quality issues unfortunately. Hoping to check them out again when they update the drivetrain to the 10 speed auto and better electronics.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

My truck absolutely does the same thing, not only annoying but I’m waiting for the day that it hits the brakes unnecessarily and I get rear ended. Hopefully they fix this! Thank you for the comment 🙂

[@raymondmullins4763]

I have a 2018 and the lights in the box turn on if I pull the gate down or by the side

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Really?? Sounds like they either switched something or my tailgate is a bit messed up. Thanks for the comment!

[@pcthayer]

When looking into the Ridgeline, I realize you need to change the timing belt around 60-90K but I was surprised that the differential fluid had to be changed so often every 7-15K, so maintenance sounds like it will be a little more costly than other trucks?

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Thanks for the comment! I don’t think it would end up being more costly than other trucks, even after paying to have the differential fluid changed that often, I believe that you’d be spending more on other trucks as they seem to have more issues. To my knowledge anyway 🙂

[@pcthayer]

@@HondaRidgeline110 I believe Honda gives you free maintenance for a year or two so that softens the blow a little. I have an old pickup truck I use for yardwork, etc. and also an SUV for everyday driving, I was thinking of combining the two vehicles down to one with the Ridgeline. (The Santa Cruz and Maverick's beds are just too small to be considered.)

[@HondaRidgeline110]

That is helpful that they give you the free maintenance, softens the blow for sure. And I think the Ridgeline would be a great mix of the two and hopefully can do all you need it to. I almost got a maverick initially but I’m sure glad I didn’t now that I see the size of them in person!

[@MeltingRubberZ28]

Differential is every 30k and even that's more often than necessary. The first change is pretty early on though.

[@donays8241]

How is the real city MPG? THANKS

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Thanks for the comment! I would say I normally get 22-23 in the city

[@rocklobster5074]

12:24 ruff 🐶 13:07 council 😂

[@patrick03819]

No inbed audio for 2025. I had it in my 2019 and wished that they would keep it for 2025.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

They got rid of it?!?! I wasn’t aware of that! That’s too bad, I didn’t think I’d use mine much but I sure do

[@DaveS987]

The tailgate opening to the side fails after a while in northern conditions.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Oh really?? I have not heard that yet, what does it end up acting like when it fails? Thanks for the heads up and the comment!

[@DaveS987]

@@HondaRidgeline110the tailgate will still drop down but the mechanism for side opening gets corroded from the salt on the roads. I’ve lubed it several times and freed it up but just to have it fail again. Not a deal breaker as my wife still wants a new Ridgeline, just something to be aware of.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

I appreciate the info, I’m in Nebraska currently and visit my family back home in MN frequently… I hope I don’t experience that!

[@DaveS987]

@@HondaRidgeline110make a habit of spraying it with a good lubricant during the winter months.

[@rickyarmstrong9267]

I know all is gone to button or dial shift i dislike that but I not worry about it new ones cost to much for me

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Do you mean the new ridgeline costs too much for you? And it does seem like most vehicles are going that way with the buttons or dial, too much work to move a lever to put it in drive 😉

[@andrewcolpo7593]

have you considered lifting it a bit with larger tires?

[@HondaRidgeline110]

I did consider that, but I wasn’t sure if that would affect the smoothness of the ride. It would be nice to have more clearance!

[@JamesJudnic]

The auto dimming headlights are not very good dim at every road sign dealer says no fix for it.

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Ahh yes I forgot to mention that! You are absolutely correct on that one. Thanks for the comment!

[@dane5896]

I have a 2019, received a recall in January. Ten months later, they still do not have the fuel pump to repair my truck. 😠😠😠👎

[@HondaRidgeline110]

That is terrible!!! I wonder if they will ever get the pump?

[@carsoncoffman7889]

I consider my 2013 civic as a truck

[@HondaRidgeline110]

It’s pretty close!

[@sleepy8403]

OMAHA❤

[@HondaRidgeline110]

Omaha is a little chilly right now 🥶

[@Vicki3930]

Could I get your car page on IG?

[@HondaRidgeline110]

I actually don’t have an Instagram associated with this KZbin, just a hunting, fishing, camping one 🙂