2020 Honda Ridgeline Review
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2020 Honda Ridgeline Review
byRyan ZumMallen
Contributor
Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.
Pros
- Superior ride and handling thanks to independent rear suspension
- Unique two-way tailgate and large lockable in-bed trunk
- Sophisticated all-wheel-drive system provides multi-surface traction
- Spacious crew cab is comfortable and handsomely finished
Cons
- Frustrating touchscreen audio and navigation interface
- Lacks low-range gearing and underbody clearance of typical trucks
- 5,000-pound maximum tow rating drops to 3,500 pounds on front-wheel-drive version
- Sensitive driver aids are distracting
What's new
- New nine-speed transmission replaces outgoing six-speed
- Honda Sensing safety features and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now standard
- Available trims reduced to Sport, RTL, RTL-E and Black Edition
- Part of the second Ridgeline generation introduced for 2017
Overview
The 2020 Honda Ridgeline offers the most car-like experience in the midsize pickup truck segment. Credit goes to the Ridgeline's unibody construction, which helps it provide more noise isolation, ride comfort and interior room than its traditional truck-based rivals. You also get some cool storage tricks, such as a lockable in-bed trunk, that are exclusive to the Ridgeline.
Honda continues to offer the Ridgeline with a single engine option, a smooth-spinning 280-horsepower V6. New for 2020 is a standard nine-speed automatic transmission. It replaces the previous six-speed and promises incremental improvements in acceleration and fuel economy. Honda has also tinkered with the Ridgeline's trim levels this year. The biggest change is improved availability of the larger touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
So what's not to like? Well, the big knock on the Ridgeline is that it lacks the rugged off-road ability and attitude of its rivals such as the Chevrolet Colorado, Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma. Buyers of these trucks tend to want that stuff even if they don't plan on using any of it on a regular basis, if at all. But evaluated logically, the Ridgeline is undeniably the most refined, comfortable and roomy truck of the group.
Edmunds Expert Rating
great
8.4/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
The Ridgeline is for those who want the flexibility and utility of a truck, plus car-like sophistication and comfort. It doesn't ride or drive much like a pickup, but it does the job of one. The Ridgeline is the best truck in its class in terms of roominess, sophistication, and even cargo carrying. But it does give up a little ruggedness compared to its rivals.
Rated for you by America's best test team.
Which Ridgeline does Edmunds recommend?
We'd opt for the RTL-E because of its long list of standard equipment, as well as features not available on lower trim levels. In this near top-level trim, all-wheel drive is standard as is an uprated audio system, navigation, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a heated steering wheel. The RTL-E also includes a blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert and automatic LED headlights.
2020 Honda Ridgeline models
The 2020 Honda Ridgeline is offered in four trim levels: Sport, RTL, RTL-E and Black Edition. All Ridgelines are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine (280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque) mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on the Sport and RTL trim levels, and all-wheel drive (AWD) is an option. The other trims come standard with AWD.