2011 Honda Ridgeline Review
2011 Honda Ridgeline Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Above-average ride and handling
- roomy and comfortable cabin
- dent-resistant bed with innovative trunk compartment and two-way tailgate.
Cons
- Modest off-road and towing capabilities
- lackluster power and fuel economy from V6
- only one body style available
- longish braking distances.
What’s new
The 2011 Honda Ridgeline is unchanged.
Edmunds says
The 2011 Honda Ridgeline doesn't have the muscle that serious truck buyers demand, but its combination of a carlike ride and pickup utility make it all the pickup many buyers will ever need.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 Honda Ridgeline RT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.5L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$225/mo for Ridgeline RT
Ridgeline RT
vs
$244/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
Entering its sixth year of production, the Honda Ridgeline continues to be the alternative choice of the pickup world. It's not trying to be a truck normally found at construction sites, rodeos or in beer commercials. Built with a unibody structure and independent front and rear suspensions, the Ridgeline combines the ride quality of a sedan with workhorse utility.
Those workhorses just happen to be smaller horses. The Ridgeline's V6 puts down 250 horsepower and a modest 247 pound-feet of torque. That might not be enough grunt to free tree stumps from their roots, but it's enough to pull a 5,000-pound trailer or 1,500 pounds of mulch in its 5-foot-long bed. And with 8 inches of ground clearance and an all-wheel-drive drivetrain that shifts power to the rear wheels during low-traction situations, the Ridgeline makes a fine choice for most situations.
While the 2011 Honda Ridgeline is all the truck many pickup buyers will ever need, it's not for everybody. First off, there's only one body style, so if you're looking for a regular- or extended-cab truck, the Ridgeline's no help. Also, the lack of low-range gearing and the light-duty suspension make this Honda unsuitable for serious off-roading. And while the V6 is adequate in normal driving, it's noticeably less punchy than the V6s and V8s available elsewhere.
As such, more demanding shoppers should compare the Ridgeline to more traditional choices like the midsize 2011 Toyota Tacoma or full-size trucks like the 2011 Ram 1500 and 2011 Ford F-150. Chevy's Avalanche is another option given its innovative configurable midgate design. Still, outside of the rodeos and beer commercials, the Ridgeline will surprise you with its ability to get the job done.
Performance & mpg
The 2011 Honda Ridgeline offers only one engine choice, a 3.5-liter V6 generating 250 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. Power flows through a five-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system. In testing, we recorded a 0-60-mph sprint of 9 seconds flat, which is slower than most other midsize V6 pickups as well as V8-powered full-size trucks.
EPA estimated fuel economy is 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined, which is mediocre considering the truck's modest power. The Ridgeline can handle payloads up to 1,550 pounds and tow trailers up to 5,000 pounds, both of which are a little below average for a V6-powered midsize pickup.
Safety
Every Ridgeline comes standard with antilock brakes (with brake assist), stability control, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor and front seat active head restraints.
The 2011 Honda Ridgeline has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash-testing procedures. However, its 2010 scores (which aren't comparable to the new tests) were a perfect five stars for occupant protection in both frontal- and side-impact crashes. The Ridgeline did equally well in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests, receiving the organization's highest "Good" rating in both frontal-offset and side-impact crashes. In Edmunds 60-0-mph brake testing, the Ridgeline required 141 feet to stop, a disappointing figure for its class.
Driving
By pickup standards, the 2011 Honda Ridgeline is pleasant to drive. The suspension provides decent handling and a smooth ride on the pavement, though it lacks the travel and ruggedness to handle serious off-road excursions. The V6 is refined and provides adequate power for everyday driving, but it lacks low-end torque and generally feels less lively than rival V6s, let alone the big V8s available in full-size trucks.
Interior
Controls and surfaces inside the 2011 Honda Ridgeline run big -- as in Tonka big. Big climate control knobs, a bulbous knob on the column-type shift lever, puffy square pads for steering-wheel-mounted controls and a big speedometer are what you'll find here. No need to pull off the work gloves; just reach down and grab a couple fingerfuls of A/C blower. There's something charming in the Ridgeline's rugged, work-ready eagerness to please.
The cabin also features storage spaces aplenty, including 60/40-split-folding rear seat cushions that when folded, make room for large items you'd rather not leave in the bed. Then there's that 8.5-cubic-foot lockable trunk under the bed, a compartment that's large enough to hold a few sets of golf clubs, though long drivers may pose a challenge. Drain plugs in the bottom allow it to double as a supersized cooler for tailgate parties and such.
One downside to this bed design is that the spare tire is located underneath the floor, which means you may be faced with the prospect of unloading your cargo to get to it if you have a flat.
2011 Honda Ridgeline models
The 2011 Honda Ridgeline midsize pickup truck is offered in a single four-door crew-cab body style with seating for five. There are three available trim levels, ranging from base RT to midrange RTS and top-of-the-line RTL. The entry-level RT is reasonably well equipped with standard features that include 17-inch steel wheels, a power-sliding rear window, air-conditioning, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat with under-seat storage, full power accessories, cruise control, a trip computer and a six-speaker CD/MP3 stereo with an auxiliary audio jack.
The RTS adds 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat and an upgraded seven-speaker audio system with a six-CD changer and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. Spring for the top-of-the-line RTL and you get 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a 115-volt AC power outlet and satellite radio.
The Ridgeline's factory options list is limited to a Navigation System package that includes Bluetooth hands-free cell phone compatibility and a back-up camera. Only the RTL model is eligible for this package.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Honda Ridgeline.
5 star(79%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
42 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Great truck
Sheila, 11/21/2015
2010 Honda Ridgeline RTL 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB w/Navigation (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Bought my ridgeline to replace my 2003 silverado. I was very pleased. The Ridgeline is far more comfortable for passengers. We take it in
Long trips and the ride is comfy. It's a truck for all purpose - towing a boat, hauling kayaks -lots of tie off cleats in the bed, hauling stuff. Interior compartments are great for hiding valuables. Split Back seats lift and lock up for lots of … interior stacking space or room for a big dog. Love the locking bed, mine has a retractable cover, love the full size trunk space. If there was one thing I wish I had was a backup sensor or camera. The higher back end (nice look and allows for trunk ) creates some visual obstruction. But don't let that stop you from buying. It's strong enough for a man, but made for a woman - that's me:-)
5 out of 5 stars
I will keep it as long as I can
RidgyInMaryland, 09/23/2017
2011 Honda Ridgeline RT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
This Ridgeline 2011 is great! When I bought it there were rumors that it would be discontinued, but after a test drive and all good reviews at that time, I decided to get it. Best decision ever. I think all those Ridgeline customers saying that they would buy a new one finally did it, so Honda did not discontinue this model. After having a nightmare called Chevy Colorado 06, I was having … in mind a Toyota Tacoma or Nissan Frontier, the Ridgeline was a little bit over my budget, but because all the good reviews, I changed my mind. Only complain is the poor gas mileage. After 6 years I have only 50,000 miles on it, did not need to do anything but oil change and recently tires and break replacement. I was expecting to replace it with the new Ridgeline model, but the new design is not appealing for me, looks like a CRV with open bed. I just hope Honda get a better design and keep the very reliable system from the old Ridgeline on future models. Keep in mind that this is not a heavy duty truck, it is a sport utility truck for light cargo but with great comfort inside and comfortable back seats!!
4.5 out of 5 stars
Second Ridgeline and an Improvement
Artback, 05/31/2010
2010 Honda Ridgeline RTL 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB w/Navigation (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Just traded up from an '06 RTL with Navi and many features have been improved. Some complain that we have not yet seen a complete redesign of the RL, yet I couldn't be happier. New Bali Blue color is the best yet. Improved gauges and touch points versus the '06. Integrated fog lights, slight horsepower gain (feels like substantially more), better software, "tweaked" transmission, … bluetooth and information center. Interior design improved (toned down those metallic door handles), and carpeted floor mats versus the rubber of old. I'm in the business of mechanical devices (I drive a RL to move them), and can attest that several years into a platform enhances reliability.
4 out of 5 stars
Very useful vehicle for most anything
DaleB, 08/07/2015
2010 Honda Ridgeline RTL 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB w/Navigation (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
It is not a full size truck, it is a vehicle with a smaller truck capability, closer to mid size in cargo and weight capacity. It is a truck you can take a very comfortable long trip in, or make short trips to a lumber yard and lay down 4 x 8 sheets of drywall, flat. It is a truck that easily fits into a 2 car standard garage.
It has a 4 wheel drive system that automatically provides … superior traction on demand. The rear diff can be locked for low speed pulls for starting on slippery or very angled grades.
It is quite easy to maneuver on and off road. The ride is very stable and firm enough while never jarring. And despite commentary to the contrary, there is a mounting hole for spare tire on the right hand bed rail. For those convinced they will get a flat tire when loading up the bed, and making it difficult to access the in-bed trunk. That trunk by the way has a screw in plug for draining water is you decide to fill it up with ice to keep your recently caught trout fresh.
Or use it to keep the brewskis and champagne cool, depending on the journey.
There is rear sliding window, both rear seat sections fold up and away leaving generous floor space.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Honda Ridgeline, so we've included reviews for other years of the Ridgeline since its last redesign.
2011 Ridgeline Highlights
RT
Base MSRP | $29,150 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $225/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover14.3%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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