Honda Ridgeline - The BEST Daily Driver Midsize Truck

In this video, I review a Honda Ridgeline Sport G2 (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020) which I believe is the best daily driver and best midsize truck you can buy today. This midsize truck can handle anything you can throw at it and I'll show you what its capable of both on road and off road.
Here is the leveling kit I put on: amzn.to/2DyEgIP
Winter Driving with the Honda Ridgeline: • Off-Road Winter Drivin...

[@DriversOnly]

Check out the newest Drivers Only Rankings to see how this Ridgeline ranks vs the competition: driversonlyrankings.com/

[@JJbones88]

How much did the bigger tires effect your mpg

[@marka4483]

Hey bud, what is the offset of he 17" wheels?

[@jamesmeans6558]

@@marka4483 I run a 2" lifted 2019 Ridge. You need +35mm back spacing if you lift it. If you don't, you can run stock back spacing. (Lifting it actually draws the wheels inward a little) He's not running "just under 33" tires"... if he is, then he is rubbing the hell out of them when turning at full steering lock... and I mean bad rubbing. The biggest tire you can run is 30.5" unless you cut sheet metal inside the fenders. Even 30.5" tires that are really aggressive tread will rub just a little at full lock. I'm looking into cutting mine soon so that I can step up to a 32" tire - 33's will be out of the question for this truck. Hope that helps.

[@marka4483]

@@jamesmeans6558 Thanks James! I actually went with the Truxxx 1.5" front end leveling kit, 265/65/17 Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S's. Wanted to keep it clean. Also used Petrol Wheels with a 35mm offset

[@jackcampbell4465]

Love this truck! The Ridgeline represents how I would use it: 80% as a car, 20% as a truck. Nothing like it on the market.

[@DriversOnly]

Me too!

[@keithallen3119]

I bought a lightly used, off lease, 2020 Ridegline RTl-E model about a year ago. (I also have Ram 3500 "real truck") The V-6 is a great engine, reliability is amazing (have an 09 Accord coupe with over 100K and no issues) and good power without turbo 4 cylinder issues, which will decrease engine longevity. It is a strong all day driver, comfortable and quiet. I use mine as a truck, hauling bulk mulch and topsoil, no problem. I tow a 7x14 enclosed box trailer with motorcycles in it, no problem. This is in hilly W Pa, not flat lands. 5,000lb tow rating is more than most people need. Another youtuber put one throught an off road test and it did much better than expected even totally stock. It climbed a steep hill where 2 other mid-sized trucks didn't make the climb! (I won't name them so the haters are kept at bay) It's not a backcountry vehicle without the lift kit and bigger tires, then the ground clearance isn't an issue. I am a car and truck enthusiaist, have owned too many to count over the years. This one will be a keeper. I want to see 300k miles; I plan on testing that distance with the Ridgeline. Will be a first for me to keep a vehicle longer than 3 years. Don't be concerned about this truck. it's far better than most realize.

[@namliang-cf]

still own my 2006 ridgeline at 275,000 miles and it won't die anytime soon. love it! i'll get another ridgeline in 5 years.

[@mylifethrivingincanada7643]

khet Ly I have a 2011 Ridgeline and would like to buy a used 2017. However, my "pearl" just keeps being amazing... Maybe in another ten years i will be ready to upgrade.

[@arthursmith643]

My neighbor has 750,000 on his 07 Ridgeline. He told me he changes the oil when the OLM comes on. I have 119,000 on my 06 Ridgeline and I change my oil and filter when I can’t see the oil level lines through the oil. Best oil is clean oil.

[@mylifethrivingincanada7643]

Arthur Smith how often did you change the timing belt?

[@bobfuhrwerk2869]

@@arthursmith643 impressive. I just bought a 2006 for my wife - she originally wanted an Avalanche however, I was concerned about maintenance costs with Chevy's DOD and the Active Fuel Management issues that I read about. The only issue I saw with the Ridgeline was the Timing Belt/Water Pump issues.

[@futbol1972]

Hello dos the leveling kit and thoese big tires made u loose mpg? Thank j

[@christianalboroto7574]

That tailgate mechanism and also the trunk space is straight up genius.

[@LeeofChaldea]

Nice to see someone who understands this truck

[@DriversOnly]

Most misunderstood truck :).

[@dannyrbailey]

Not gonna lie that hidden trunk is the ultimate tailgate option. Throw some ice and cold ones in there then drain it when ur done

[@travelinben1966]

All the truck most people will ever need.Brilliant of Honda to be the first to offer a vehicle like this.

[@Bazemorefamily]

I have a 2017 black edition, its the perfect truck for someone who needs a truck but doesn't want a truck.

[@Al-yc4cn]

Well said.... i had a Acura RL but needed a truck..... The ridgeline is the best of both.

[@beezletrip6]

Morrell Bazemore love my 2019 ridgline black edition! All my buddies thinks its sick!

[@TomTomTom87]

so a beta male then.....?

[@DahkaShades]

A review from someone who owns it yes. To be honest its the best truck around for persons who want everything like me.😀

[@beezletrip6]

Did you get any off road tires for your OEM wheels?

[@Msalazar6sicVI]

You sir have completely changed my mind about this truck. Great job!

[@PapiDoesIt]

A buddy of mine bought one and we went camping in it. I was impressed. He said it's the perfect truck for someone who needs a light truck, but they hate trucks.

[@kimnewling5728]

I have a 2019 RTL-T and I just love it. What a wonderful ride! Very comfortable. What a versatile mid size TRUCK!

[@baitboy3191]

It’s controversial because it doesn’t have that “ I have a micro penis” look

[@DriversOnly]

LOL

[@250zazu]

So true haha

[@toyotahachiroku8509]

Jizanthapus it has the soccer mom pilot look

[@bliglum]

I don't think it's controversial because of the looks. The point of contention for me would be that it's actually a car. A crossover truck.. Pluses I'd imagine are better ride, better handling, better use of space (trick in bed storage).. But to be honest, thought the fuel economy would be better, Seems about the same as other mid size true body on frame trucks. In the end though, if you don't plan on towing a house, or running super hard off road. Ridgeline seems a more flexible choice.

[@TruckerJDub]

How many men does one need to sleep with to be able to judge penis size based on what a person drives?

[@codypendency9482]

If Honda made a full sized truck I wouldn’t hesitate to buy it their reliability combined with their ingenuity would make an amazing vehicle

[@DriversOnly]

I took a pic of my ridgeline next to a Silverado. Its 7/8 the size.

[@suttongriffin8154]

It really changes the whole look of the truck with the new wheels and tires! I like it a lot better now haha

[@Jae20818]

Let’s be real: this isn’t a truck, it’s a Sport Utility ‘Truck’. And it’s darn good at it! This isn’t made to be a truck! This is made for those suv & car buyers who could use a bed to hold more stuff, maybe keep it out of the cab, but don’t need as much as a truck can do & hate the bad mpg’s. Great for many things lot’s of truck owners won’t give it credit for. But this video shows it needs modification to (extra $) to come close for many in the midsize truck market.

[@deanvoss7098]

It's not a truck it's better😂

[@SJFilms80]

I have had over 5 trucks (gmc, fords) and I had this Ridgeline as a rental and holy shit was I impressed. It's incredibly smooth, just big enough, has a sweet slick look to it and I am actively trying to buy one! Highly recommend.

[@paulayala4816]

Good video. I have a 2014 Honda Ridgeline and love it. It does everything I need it to do. I use it to get to work (both plants and collections system). I can take my kids to school where it's size makes it easier to navigate the insane parking lot. I have taken it camping where you can pack a lot of gear in the trunk and still have plenty of space for two dirt bikes. The dual action tailgate, bed and trunk is probably one of the best ideas on the market. The last time I went our shooting, my buddies and I packed our firearms, ammo, targets in the locked up trunk, while at the same time we were able to bring out tables, canopies, chairs and coolers in the bed. They were amazed that we could fit all of that stuff in my truck and still have an uncluttered interior for all four of us.

[@wranglercody8422]

I’m a old school truck guy. But I still think it’s a great option for 80% of the truck buying demographic. Unless you are going hard off-road or hauling really heavy stuff the ridgline will fit your needs. Most people who buy trucks now ar buying em because they wanna seem more masculine or they think they are extra cool....especially the lifted diesel owners who half of them never tow anything defeating the purpose of buying a diesel in most cases.

[@DriversOnly]

I 100% agree with you. :)

[@cruzmascorro9277]

You see that a lot in South Texas. They never use there truck.

[@stevethompson9132]

I had a gen one Ridgeline... absolutely loved it .. sold it with almost 300k miles... it’s still being driven daily Awesome vehicle 👍🏻

[@CanadianFE]

Had a 2012 ridgeline and bought a 2017 last summer. Love these trucks. I’ll keep buying them as long as they keep making them.

[@DriversOnly]

NIce, me too :)

[@SS-es2us]

Love my 2019 Ridgeline LRT. The only time you see me off-road because I just had 12 beers.

[@jasonbronson3528]

lift kit info? tire and wheel size?

[@grisa12345]

This truck is brilliant and meets the needs of more than 90% of the truck market. Ego and status are the only reasons these trucks don’t sell well.

[@grisa12345]

Earl Rogers your definition of a truck is irrelevant. The Ridgeline has comparable payload and towing numbers in its class. Plus a slew of features the others don’t. In bed trunk? SH-AWD? Great gas mileage? Composite bed? All Ridgeline exclusive.

[@grisa12345]

Earl Rogers You are moving the goalpost. Off road capability is not what defines a truck. Many “real trucks” are in fact sold with only rear wheel drive. Are they trucks? They won’t go as far off road as a Ridgeline. Certainly not in snow, mud or sand. The in bed trunk is a gimmick? How do you figure an enormous, waterproof locking trunk is a gimmick. You can hide and lock valuables, tools, etc. and still retain the use of the bed. Simply put, you don’t like the Ridgeline and you are immune to counter arguments proving it is, in fact, a truck. You’ve got nothing.

[@grisa12345]

Earl Rogers lol man you are really reaching. You pulled that definition out of your ass. I drive an F150, but have owned a Ridgeline before, as well as many other trucks. Open your mind to new information. It’s good for you.

[@thedriver5462]

I agree Greg. Too many 50k 2wd trucks out there which are used for nothing else than grocery shopping. Trucks became more of a status symbol than actual working tool. Ridgeline will do everything 90% of buyers need and on top of that it drives good, decent on gas and easier to park.

[@grisa12345]

Earl Rogers -Cool. Here’s one that is different.

[@Coquina17]

Just picked up a Forest Mist RTL-E a month ago. Really like it. I didn’t want a truck, in fact I hate trucks, but with a couple boats to tow any my boatbuilding hobby one made a lot of sense. . This one is different. Unibody, independent suspension. Drives like a nice sedan. Quiet, comfortable. None of that shake and shimmy a body on frame solid axle anachronism displays on a less that perfect road. Getting 26+ mpg on 87 Octane regular.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Nice video! I like your perspective and a lot of people dismiss the Ridgeline without giving it a chance. The wheels, tires, and leveling kit on yours make all the difference. It looks great. Although it shares almost everything with the Pilot, the Ridgeline actually has several components that are “beefed up”..I can’t remember what though. Great job and nice channel btw, keep it up!

[@scottanthony8823]

Struts, hub, control arms

[@stemnozzel542]

Its my daily driver, 2018 RTL-E, black, lots of chrome, lots of upgrades. Its fantastic. 14K miles in 13 months, no problems. Record gas mileage is 31 MPG over 400 miles this past summer : Ecomode, cruise control at 66 mph.

[@brianhahn9487]

Stem Nozzel thanks for driving on the freeway for 400 miles at 66mph. Let me guess, you are the guy clogging up the left hand lane by not accelerating to pass because you have your cruise set. I will speak for the 10 cars stuck behind you as you creep past that semi governed to 65... just hit the gas and get out of the way.

[@HeadShotPR]

Brian Hahn 🤣🤣

[@stemnozzel542]

@@brianhahn9487 Sorry stupid, that's why you shouldn't guess. With radar-controlled cruise, I just sit in the right lane and coast along about 50 years back from the car in front of me. Don't care if I go slower for a while; its all stress free. I'll let douche-bags race down the left lane, weave in and out of traffic, and play Mario Andretti. I'd rather relax and enjoy the ride.

[@brianhahn9487]

Stem Nozzel I didn’t know they had developed time travel yet... I need to read up more on Honda’s technology advances. Question though... do people even recognize you when you get to your destination and you are 50 years younger???? Thanks so much for making my point valid that you are the dude creeping past the semi in the left lane with your cruise set. News flash... sometimes you need to drive defensively with your gas pedal, not your cruise control.

[@stemnozzel542]

@@brianhahn9487 Wow, great comeback, knocking a typo. I suppose cretins like you with an IQ

[@brax0789]

Its perfect. I had my black edition for 2 years and i have 0 complaints. The fact i paid 50k after taxes with all the accessories, i dont regret paying that much, its a really useful truck

[@mtthaclipkilla]

Ouch!!!

[@gmcq1444]

Excellent review of the Sport trim. Your mods are all value added and practical.

[@MrEricdgreat]

I have a 2017 Ridgeline and I love it 🥰

[@OBS_Austin15]

The second gen ridgeline has grown on me a lot, that being said I love the look of my 2014 RTL. I highly disagree about the 1 gen looking weird, it’s just different and you don’t see anything else like it. My 09 RTL has 400k and my 14 has 100k. I have a diesel truck for all of my heaving towing and my two ridges for everything else

[@ozelot250]

This might be exactly what I’m looking for a light truck/SUV without the harsh truck ride. I don’t need to tow anything really heavy or large. I don’t need to go serious four wheeling. I just need the practicality of a truck/suv and the ability to carry stuff in the bed.

[@jaker1160]

I just traded my 2018 Tacoma TRD Pro, for the 2019 Ridgeline (Black Edition), for pretty all much the reasons you just described. I am extremely happy with my Ridgeline!

[@whatfreedom7]

ozelot250 I own a Tacoma and my brother in law owns a ridgeline and I can say his drives smoother and more like a crv or carlike but has so much storage with climate control and lots of stuff my fairly loaded Tacoma didn’t have. I’m sure the Tacoma Trd or off-road pro is more offroad capable and might haul a little more the overall the ridgeline is a sweet truck for a daily driver.

[@jaker1160]

Earl Rogers am i to assume you’ve driven both?

[@jaker1160]

Earl Rogers not sure where you get your info on reliability; i’m sure both are solidly in the “reliable camp”. If off-roading is your thing; Jeep does a better job there. I had delusions of going going off-roading in the Tacoma, until I realized that I was driving a 50k+ truck.

[@Jae20818]

Earl Rogers the Tacoma isn’t perfect, man. I see many buy those great off-roaders just to drive them around town. A waste! This gives them everything they need with better mpg’s.

[@tadcobert1307]

Great review, perfect upgrades, looks just right, well done!

[@mixflip]

I love that bed trunck.

[@foolinsd6212]

Um "by default" the RL has 7.87in of ground clearance. Going from stock tires (29.6in) to 33in tires, you gain 1.5in. Add the leveling kit, you gain another 1.5in. Total gain after your mods is 10.87in. Thanks for sharing your review.

[@bobforpples]

fool insd, using your numbers, wouldn't the total gain in ground clearance be 3", not 10.87", as you stated?

[@bsfunk44]

@@bobforpples you know what he meant dipshit..

[@cydonianman]

@@bsfunk44 lmao

[@patricksullivan9713]

A leveling kit only raises the front so there is no clearance gain only from larger tires

[@justinhardt1]

@@patricksullivan9713 The front is lower. So the clearance measurement will be there.. BECAUSE IT'S LOWER.. so if you raise the front 1.5 inches, the clearance is raised. Tires. More clearance. Isn't that obvious?

[@franciscogutierrez8353]

Still waiting for the TypeR version to come out...😆

[@musicanoofficial7233]

Francisco Gutierrez so it can show Honda that people don’t actually buy the Ridgeline and that they are wasting production money? We need an Accord Type-R it has the engine already just needs some minor adjustments like transmission ratio, and suspension upgrades, and sportier looks. I have my 2018 Honda Accord 2.0T on a stage 2 hondata tune, and it’s so fun to drive I have wheel spin till third gear.

[@jetlee7743]

Lol

[@darrensoong593]

I have the 2019. Agree with everything you say. Choose this over Tacoma because I’m rarely off-road and this was so much more comfortable on long highway drives. Trunk is awesome.

[@DriversOnly]

Yup, much bigger and more comfortable. Tacoma rocks with aftermarket parts and off-road capabilities but daily driver the Ridgeline wins hands down.

[@mylifethrivingincanada7643]

Darren Soong we also test drove a Taco and chose the Ridgeline!

[@bigsportsguy6148]

Nice truck.. that trunk and tailgate are super awesome!! I have a 14' gmc denali truck myself with the 6.2 pushing about 450 horsepower. Love it!

[@DriversOnly]

Nice! Wish to get a Raptor in the near future.

[@mcscotty325]

Your truck is really nice. You modified very tastefully. Not overdone. Did you use the jsport lift from the dealer? How does it affect on road driving. Does it interfere with any of the Honda Sensing features?

[@brianoconner3090]

I have a 2019 Black Edition and I am planning to use to for many years to come.

[@tonwelling6633]

Dude you literally change my whole perspective about honda pick up trucks! I'm glad youtube recommended your video! Lol You gain a new subscriber. Keep it up!

[@DriversOnly]

Ton nice, glad I did! I love mine and still drive it everyday. Check out my other ridgeline videos, like the rear door hack or tailgate lock next :).

[@DustyCowdog]

I dig it. The wheels and leveling make it look great.

[@cloudsleyfalconbridge]

The Ridgeline looks WAY better than it used to. And overall, looks pretty damn cool

[@kenryu364]

I was hesitant on buying this truck but the 2021 updated front end and seeing you lift it higher I may be interested. I was worried it was too low.

[@ihateoutube]

More people need to see this, the Ridgeline is an amazing vehicle and Honda should be very proud. Just because Americans have to buy the biggest thing in the world and overlook the Ridgeline when truck shopping doesn't mean it isn't a success Honda! Nice video!

[@Bamboosh00ts]

John Hurst I agree. I’d trade my Accord in for one in a heartbeat if they weren’t so darn expensive!!

[@FANADICALCOWHEAD]

As a landscaper any truck that cant handle two buckets of topsoil is pretty useless.. Its truck its meant for hauling not for being completely useless. I own a truck for work and car for driving.

[@Bamboosh00ts]

​@@FANADICALCOWHEAD And that's why you select the right truck for the job. Toyota Tacoma's were certainly useful for SOF overseas during the early days of the war in Afghanistan. But it can't haul two buckets of topsoil. Doesn't mean it's a useless truck.

[@bsfunk44]

Agreed

[@madjackgamingandfitness498]

As someone that bought a half ton. No not the biggest thing in the world. The honda truck is still honestly terrible. You are paying for a very weak truck that offers 0 benefit over the companies that have been doing trucks for decades. What i looked up i pretty much paid the same on my truck for a higher towing weight, more hp, more torque, almost very similar fuel economy. Look if you want a truck get a truck if you want a honda, buy what honda is actually good at.

[@bradjd6957]

The wheels and tires with leveling kit makes your Ridgeline look awesome

[@DriversOnly]

Thanks!

[@johni6138]

Excellent video. I have a 2019 stock black edition with 52,000 miles so I've driven a LOT in the time I've had it and totally agree with it being a great DD while still affording the benefits of a truck. Only thing I've towed is a 45' boom lift (~2500 lbs) but no problems at all (it's rated for 5000 lbs). Biggest complaint is the entertainment system interface--hate it. Overall, I love this truck--and this with experience of owning several F150s over the years and last was a 2002 F250 3/4 ton 4x4 (gas not diesel). Unless you're a builder or are in some sort of trade profession for 95-99% of anything you do this truck can handle it with ease. No regrets. FYI another less oft mentioned plus of this truck is that you can lay a full 4'x8' sheet of plywood flat in the bed without hitting the wheel wells (there are no wheel wells in this bed) which is terrific for weekend workshop warriors. Sure the bed is shallow compared to most other trucks but I can tell you from experience I've loaded the bed to well over cab height when taking junk to the dump so even for a 5' bed it can carry way more than it appears on first look. In my honest opinion the Ridgeline is an ugly duckling compared to other midsize trucks but with what you get in terms of performance and reliability it's features are pretty swan-like.

[@hammer326]

Coming from a 90's Nissan SUV and currently driving a RAM, after one week of trying to park the latter anywhere even remotely tight and 2 small accidents later, I know something like this is definitely more for me, great video!!!

[@DriversOnly]

Yea I think most guys would love to get a full-size truck. They look darn cool and have all the utility one would ever need...that is until you try to daily drive it and try to park them in narrow parking garages or jam-packed parking lots.

[@John-ep4in]

sold my 1st gen with 200k on it, great truck and never let me down. Those who don't get it never will. I have had many leased trucks for work for the last 10 years, every generation of chevy, dodge and ford in all trim levels. For my own truck I went with Ridgeline cause it's a smart choice and 99.9% people who think they need offload capability never do.

[@anthonytromp6265]

Reliable,This is the best thing about Honda.I had a Honda CRV and it never gave me one days trouble .If I lived in the States I would buy that car or the Toyota.

[@efx-mj8me]

It's nice to see a small truck. Not everyone is fat and wants a big ass truck. I really like the small trucks. Both of my cars are two seaters but would like a small double cab small truck one day to move stuff around when I need it. Not to mention I don't care for high trucks. The beds don't even get used much on something you can't reach.

[@evolvep2747]

i do finish carpentry. just bought the 2021 RTL. its perfect for my work.

[@stevegordon5243]

Nice review! I had a 2013 Ridgeline RTL-E I purchased new which I liked very much but purchased a 2019 RTL-T last May and love it even more. This is my daily driver also and I don't 'need' a truck 90% of the time so this truck works perfectly for me. My son purchased my 2013 and loves it also. They are great trucks!

[@DriversOnly]

I totally agree. Perfect daily driver and has the bed when I need it.

[@motorhead_jt21]

I’m only 3 seconds into the video, but I like the beefy tires on your Ridgeline.

[@DriversOnly]

Thanks!

[@KrisGaskins]

@@DriversOnly Do you know the wheel offset or can you post a link to those rims?

[@FriENTlyFire]

This thing is perfect for today's market. cuvs and pickups are the only thing that sell in this combines the two, it's an easily daily double or livable truck for the 90% of truck owners who don't do extreme use case truck things with them. I've been looking for a 1st Gen for a while

[@GotterAdventure]

The VTM-4 system in my 2007 Honda Pilot is awesome off-road. I bet this Ridgeline would be awesome off-road too with a 2” lift, all terrain tires, and sway bar disconnects.

[@misterrichardson7490]

Worked with Honda/Acura for 15 yrs or so. It's a unique and versatile truck. Good choice!

[@NCSUFutbol]

Finally a truck I can convince my wife to drive

[@dcartier100]

great review. I have been in the market and now considering the Honda. If they are like any other Honda they last FOREVER !!!!

[@DriversOnly]

Thanks! So far zero problems with mine.

[@llaarryy180]

The truck bed inner trunk 👌👌👌👌👌 I wish Rams had that along with the bed side storage compartments just so that you can store things with out needing a truck bed cover and tool box

[@insanityistruth]

If I’m not mistaken but the bed and the cab are one. They just put the weather stripping there to imitate the separation. Overall decent truck/suv

[@arthursmith643]

I own a 06 Honda Ridgeline. Really a nice vehicle. My neighbor has an 07 RL with 750,000 miles. Same engine it came with. No rebuild.

[@febp85]

Just bought the 2019 Ridgeline, it is an awesome truck!!! I would also recommend you install some fender flares to give it a more aggresive look.

[@DriversOnly]

I looked into it for a long time and I hate the look of the honda ones where it's just a flat gray piece. Would love to have someone come out with ones that bulge out a few inches.

[@febp85]

Thank for the heads up, I was planing on getting them with the splash guards to try and give it a little more aggressive look. Also do you have the honda running boards? If so how do you like them?

[@DriversOnly]

@@febp85 Unless you're having trouble getting in, I would avoid running boards. They just hit your feet everytime.

[@dougharvey3594]

33s? They don’t rub?

[@stacder3]

I have a 2018 Ridgeline with Sport trim level. Love the truck, and to the deniers, yes it's a truck.

[@vladprud8760]

John Jones big doubt there

[@videoyourmind]

I have a 2019 RTL-T. Hands down best vehicle I have ever owned. I use it as a daily work truck hauling trash, appliances, landscaping material, etc. I keep a large tool box in the "trunk", which prevents it from rolling around in the bed. Pulled my 20 ft. boat with ease. It drives like a high end sports car and is smooth as silk, Easily fits four grown adults. Do yourself a favor and get the roof rack. Makes a world of difference in giving it a sporty look. Even with everything I haul, i'm averaging 21.5 mpg. Just give it a test drive and you'll be sold.

[@DriversOnly]

100% agree. Think most "truck" guys like to bash it by saying it's not body on frame or it doesn't have low gear yet it can handle most of what the other trucks can do and more.

[@trxmigz450]

Great review of a great truck that basically most truck shoppers should buy. I like going on trails and going over obstacles in which you need a more capable drivetrain so I got Tacoma trd off road. Otherwise the ridgeline would’ve been my choice.

[@johnlopez3001]

I like what you did to your truck , it should have came from the factory like that .When my 2008 Ridgeline wears out I'll be looking at the Gen 2 , setup like yours with black trim around the headlights . Thanks for posting.

[@DriversOnly]

Appreciate it.

[@Midnight7thgen]

That trunk underneath the bed is nice man nice place for ice and beers 🍻🤫😂😂

[@Jeff-or6em]

Just bought 2021 black edition Ridgeline in White pearl. Getting Jsport leveling kit put on and putting 265/60/18 on Stock rims😍

[@cbcsucks2205]

I live in Newfoundland. They're very popular here. It is a proper 4x4 when you turn off the VSA and lock the hubs. Sooooo much fun drifting and playing in the snow.

[@gregorz46]

How do you turn off the vsa and lock the hubs?

[@stephaniebravo7773]

Love my tail gate! It makes it easy for me to open.

[@woodswalker1111]

Love my 06 Ridgeline so much, I'm going to drive it until it disintegrates. I will, however, get the new model Ridgeline as a second vehicle in the near future.

[@yardbird253]

I also added the 1.5in Truxxx leveling kit, 265/65R18 all-terrain tires, and wheel spacers on my 18’ Sport and it transformed the look of the RL to more of an aggressive truck look! Kept the dark gray Sport wheels and have got nothing but positive comments from a lot of people! Great review!

[@jmasoncars4452]

How did it effect the ride and handling?

[@yardbird253]

jmasoncar s wider tires and the front leveling kit will cause your tires to rub and all terrain tires will add a little bit of road noise but that’s what happens when you mess with what the car manufacturer never intended for.

[@jmasoncars4452]

@@yardbird253 I have a Tacoma with A/T tires on it but it never drove like an SUV per say to begin with. I dont want to kill the "car like" dynamics of the ridgeline. Would you say it made that big of a difference on yours?

[@yardbird253]

jmasoncar s Honestly I recommend getting an all-terrain tire for the RL. I would say the ride quality only changed with minor road noise. Also improves the looks of the RL to more of a truck loom appearance.

[@jmasoncars4452]

@@yardbird253 I'm happy with the ko2's I have on my Tacoma. Road noise is much better than expected

[@nicklarson657]

I love the Ridgeline! The way you have yours set up the front end doesn't bug me. The main reason it bugged me at launch is because it seemed out of proportion. It's growing on me even though I think the front end could have a refresh. I'm positive this will be the future truck I own in the next 10 to 15 years when it is time to get a new one again! Great video and love how your Ridgeline looks. Love Honda...my #1 favorite automotive company.

[@DriversOnly]

Thanks!

[@guerro327]

"Now, this is a game changer. It has an ice chest/trunk thing." Ehrrrmehgherd!!!!

[@IamGroot786]

It's also worth mentioning that this isn't just any AWD system. This the same SH-AWD that you'd find on Acuras. I for one completely under estimated how capable this system is. I can take those interstate ramps at incredible speeds without fighting the steering wheel because it is a torque vectoring system. Unfortunately, yes folks love to hate on the Ridgeline but I'm enjoying mine to the fullest! Great fuel economy, awesome on the snow, quiet comfortable ride, it just rocks!

[@DriversOnly]

Very true, its a very capable AWD system.

[@Jonb01z28]

Awesome Ridgeline and I 100% agree wheels/tires and leveling kit totally transform this truck. While I do love some of the new fullsize trucks as the motor/trans combos make them total beasts they are a dime a dozen and on every corner. The RL on the other hand is unique and stands out from the crowd, you add wheels, tires, and leveling kit and its damn near one of a kind. I own a first gen Ridgeline and have 20in wheels with 285/50/20 tires and a 2 in lift kit and I can honestly say I have never seen another remotely like it in real life in my 7 yrs of owning it. I have thought of ditching the RL for chevy or possibly the new ranger but the bed, tailgate and trunk are a huge selling feature for me as I use them all the time and honestly would miss those features if I went with a competitor.

[@jerrylor60]

To be honest I like the "sheet metal " on the bed from the gen1.

[@NormandyFoye]

Thank you very much for this video. I’m definitely sold now and I’ve been researching midsize and full-time trucks now for quite some time since I’m in the market. Those bigger tires and the leveling kit Showed me what can be added and how useful it really is for off-road applications. The only thing I would also add would be the Honda OEM truck bed extender kit. In the reliability of this truck is even better than Toyota products.

[@Pekk79]

Thanks for the very detailed review. Looks great!

[@genius-no5sl]

This truck is brilliant

[@johnfranktullo3463]

Had a first gen rl great truck only downfall was mileage. Look if u need a truck for heavy duty towing or serious off roading it’s not for u but the ride on it is awesome it’s my next truck no need for a suv

[@KarlBerlin]

That looks bad ass 👍

[@elderkev]

Excellent review, especially for non automotive type people. Your examples were real world

[@DriversOnly]

Thanks!

[@mattr2281]

This is a truck. Period. Unless you work for the EPA or an auto manufacturer's marketing team, you don't get to redefine what a truck is or isn't. From reading some of these comments, I get the impression that everyone talking smack about this truck are body on frame truck owners with fragile egos. It seems like for some reason they've tied their balls to the image of the vehicles they drive and can't stand to see a manufacturer take a different approach by offering what 99% of truck owners actually need.

[@DriversOnly]

Well said Matt

[@nodak81]

What a truck is and isn't was defined over half a century ago. Just because a manufacturer wants to pretend that giving a *car* a few inches of ground clearance somehow magically turns it into a truck, doesn't make it so.

[@mattr2281]

@@nodak81 Yes, it literally does. That and the fact it has a bed plus a 5k lbs towing capacity (which is more than my 04 Tacoma had) but those two features don't technically matter anyway. So far the only two arguments I'm seeing against this truck are 1. It's not body on frame and 2. "iTz NoT mAnLy EnuF aNd iTz 4 GuuRLz!!". Whether it's body on frame is totally irrelevant. The first passenger cars used to be years ago, and even the Corvette used to be as recently as the 90s. Does that make a Corvette a truck? No of course not. Body on frame is a method of construction, nothing more. I don't know where the use of body on frame came about as an arbitrary standard for defining what is a "real" truck. Also, the amount of pure childish sass, like from the commenter above you just lends credence to my personal theory about "real truck" guys and their insecurities.

[@Vffr1]

I like the truck. The leveling kit and wheels you've added absolutely make a difference. Coming from a 2018 GMS SLT and I do want the Honda. I do wish the bed was at least 4" longer, not sure if my motorcycle will fit with the tailgate down. Triple

[@oceanhedonist265]

I think that i'm going to be driving one of these sometime this year. 😎

[@dougfielding8215]

I still love my 2006 Ridgeline with lots of miles. Great truck that does all I need it to even more so than a new ForChevRa and still runs like brand new. I' m also partual to the looks of the first gen Ridgeline. Tons of rear seat area room and comfort. I use the swinging tail gate and hidden trunk all the time. ForChevRa does'nt have these features and I don't need the added hauling and towing. Though it hauled a heavy fridge and stove 600km with no change in stance, ride and perceivable power. My Ridgeline is phenominal in the snow also. All told, one of the best purchases I've ever made.

[@LTZ_Z71]

Nice video. What size tires are you running and what are the specs on the wheels? Specifically, what is the offset of the wheels?

[@Twize]

I’ve own several Honda’s in my life and really want this “truck” to succeed. I’ve been hesitant on pulling the trigger to purchase due to the high reports of the transmission overheating easily (from slow climbs on fire roads to towing well below max weight up mild but long grades.) I’m hoping the 2020 9-speed doesn’t experience this issue. Honda please address this. Too many owners reporting this. This would be a commuter car with the occasional need for the bed.

[@fultzjap]

Great video man. I love those tires! Are these General Tire AT-2, size 245/65R17? I think Ima get these and similar rims in 18" for my '17 BE.

[@richrappa7906]

Nice review! Do you have any problems with tire rub with full turns?

[@Madn3ssMan]

Hey I just picked up a Ridgeline and really like the look of yours with the leveling kit, what’s the name of it I’m quite interested !? Thank you great video 🙏

[@dustinalexander156]

Deffanantly a game changer in the truck world. I'd like to see them take over the 1 ton truck market. I think that they could come up with the same innovative designing techniques and absolutely blow gm and dodge out of the market. I've never really been a ford fan so I will minimize my f word usage. I think for most Americans it comes back down to what use to be built u.s.a. tough, and while for many years now that's not been the case, it's still wear gm,ford, and dodge came from. Keep up the good work honda...

[@DriversOnly]

Tundras have more parts built in the US than the big three...the irony. :) The US truck market is dominated by the big three simply because the loyalty is there and that's not a bad thing. Ridgelines serve a different niche, one that I think most people would enjoy.

[@dustinalexander156]

@@DriversOnly couldn't agree moore.

[@pierosanchez2010]

Those wheels really look good. I was on the fence worse the ridge line and a canyon. I ended up with the canyon and I’m very happy with it but if I got the ridgeline I believe I would be just as happy. Maybe on the next one I’ll get the ridgeline if they come out with a 3rd gen. In the future

[@miltonind]

Can you please give a link or description of the actual tires and rims you used. They look great! Nice video

[@DriversOnly]

General Grabber 265/65/17 AT tires. Forget the series but they are XD 17" rims.

[@jetlee7743]

Nice tires and rims ..looks more masculine. How did you find the grabbers on summer or winters?

[@plague1313]

The thing I like the most is the bed trunk.

[@kws4733]

Which kit? Also, any increased tire noise with those tires? I'm in a Tundra, after owning 2 separate G1 Ridgelines . . . thinking about getting back into a midsize . . .

[@DriversOnly]

Yes a bit increased tire noise but not bad. I had a tundra before, the awd blows the 4wd in a tundra away! Here is the leveling kit: amzn.to/2DyEgIP

[@suchasreallife]

I really like these, most trucks especially cummuters aren't hauling much so this is perfect tried to get my gf to get one it