Why the 2017 Ridgeline Is the Truck to Own This Year

After a two-year hiatus from the market, the 2017 Honda Ridgeline looks poised to take the mid-sized truck market by storm. A striking redesign and new, improved features make it more appealing to truck buyers. The emergence of pickups from non-American auto manufacturers makes it sure to garner more attention. This year, don’t underestimate one of the newest entrants to the North American truck market. Instead, take a look at all the 2017 Ridgeline has to offer.

New Exterior Aesthetics

Previous incarnations of the Ridgeline failed to excite American truck buyers, as it exhibited more of a truck/SUV hybrid style than a traditional pickup. However, Honda picked up on these critiques and vastly altered the exterior to entice truck drivers. The most noticeable change is the C-pillars from the body to the bed which are markedly vertical, as opposed to the slanted lines of the first generation Ridgeline. The pickup’s bed grows by four inches to accommodate more cargo, while the entire length increases by three inches. Unlike competitors, the Ridgeline will still have unibody construction and have a front-end similar to that of the Honda Pilot.

Engine Upgrades

One of the concerns of truck buyers is an engine that’s up to any task you can throw at it. This year’s Ridgeline answers those questions with a tough and rugged 3.5-liter V6, capable of 280 horsepower and up to 262 pound-feet of torque. This vastly increases the power of earlier versions of the Ridgeline, which boasted only 250-horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Ridgeline goes zero-to-60 in a mere 6.6 seconds, while topping out at 112 mph. In addition, it can pull up to 5,000 pounds, putting in on par with other mid-sized trucks.

Unique Features

Another stellar aspect of the Ridgeline is that it features amenities exclusive to the brand name. The first ingenious feature is a two-way tailgate, which swings down like a traditional version, as well as out, making it easier to load and unload. It also sheds wheel wells in the bed for enhanced cargo capacity.

The rest of the features of the 2017 Ridgeline make it a tool of tailgating ferocity. With an available 150/400-watt outlet, you can plug-in a television to catch the football pregame show. There are also in-bed speakers, which can use the cabin sound system or Bluetooth to offer tunes or sports talk radio. To top off your pregame celebrations, the Ridgeline boasts a lockable in-bed trunk, which provides 7.3 cubic feet of space to keep your food and drinks ice-cold without stealing valuable cargo space. All in all, you’re equipped to become a legend in the tailgating game.

Increased Fuel Economy

Even though the Ridgeline sports a more powerful engine, you won’t miss out on increased vehicle economy. Even with the 3.5-liter V6 under the hood, expect the Ridgeline to get 25 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway and 18 mpg in the city.

With top-notch features, one-of-a-kind amenities, and beautiful exterior styling, the Ridgeline is the truck to have in 2017. Expect to see it on Honda dealerships at the end of the year or in early 2017.

*Based on 2016 EPA mileage/highway estimates and driving range ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe/MPG and driving range will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors. For additional information about EPA ratings, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-PHEV-label.shtml

*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $835.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.