2017 Honda Ridgeline to take on the pick-up big boys

2017 Honda Ridgeline

Officially unveiled at the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, is the 2017 Honda Ridgeline. While the low-profile design is entirely new, the new Ridgeline is now larger and comes with various updates, including a front-wheel drive layout.

Measuring 137 mm wider and 101 mm longer than the previous truck, the Ridgeline is based on Honda’s Global Light Truck platform. The truck carries on with a unibody construction and next-generation ACE body structure, instead of a ladder frame platform favoured by other pick-up makers. The cargo area is also larger now, with a four-foot wide flat bed with a maximum payload capacity of 725 kg.

The composite, UV-stabilised bed is scratch resistant and it gets a dual-action tailgate that can swing downwards or sideways. Other features include a lockable In-Bed Trunk for secure storage, a drain plug, eight 158 kg tie-down cleats and a 400-watt power inverter. Also new is the in-bed audio system, which utilises six exciters inside the bed walls in place of conventional speakers, with up to 540 watts of power.

Inside the cabin of the midsize four-door pick-up truck, tri-zone climate control and a push start button can be found. Aside from available leather trim, a full-coloured eight-inch Display Audio touchscreen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility can be had. The second-row seats can be folded down to a 60/40 split for added in-cabin cargo space.

The new Ridgeline is powered by a 3.5 litre direct-injected i-VTEC V6, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Honda says that it has the best-in-class acceleration and fuel efficiency. Available in both front- and all-wheel drive configuration, the latter gets Honda’s i-VTM4 torque vectoring all-wheel drive tech, featuring Intelligent Terrain Management with normal, sand, snow and mud modes.

It’s also available with Honda Sensing technologies such as lane departure warning (LDW), collision mitigation braking system (CMBS), forward collision warning (FCW), road departure mitigation (RDM) and lane keeping assist (LKAS). Higher up the range, Honda LaneWatch or blind spot information system are available. All variants get a multi-angle rear view camera as standard.

The new 2017 Honda Ridgeline was designed and developed by Honda R&D Americas and will be produced in the United States by Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in Lincoln.


Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

Certified Pre-Owned - 1 Year Warranty

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Graham Chin

Having spent a number of years as a journalist for a local paper, a marketing executive for a popular German automotive brand and a copywriter, Graham, a true-blue Sarawakian, knew he had to take the leap back into the motoring scene - and so he did. To him, nothing’s better than cruising for hours along a scenic route, in a car that’s designed and built for that purpose.

 

Comments

  • Ng Zhi Lin on Jan 12, 2016 at 11:22 am

    Pleaseee come to malaysia! This right here is the ultimate urban pick-up. Please honda im begging u!!!!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 1
    • Jumban on Jan 12, 2016 at 11:46 am

      Wait for Proton Arena rebadge it selling at half price here !

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 11
    • karam singh on Jan 12, 2016 at 12:02 pm

      I think this gonna be on sale in US only.
      Big Displacement, not gonna sell well here in Malaysia.
      But love all the practicality shown by Honda, foldable seat
      Smart rear in-bed trunk is a must for all pickup now, as the pickup becoming family car.Now, pickup truck can carry 4 passenger with bags in the in-bed trunk with no concern of weather.
      nice one.
      really hope it come here in Malaysia with diesel engine to compete with others.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 0
    • hailthepurist on Jan 12, 2016 at 4:50 pm

      better than chinese copy..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 3
  • OMG…now u realize pick up has huge market globally…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • lavenderguy on Jan 13, 2016 at 12:09 pm

    should come to Malaysia and gives Hilux a run for its money…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
 

Add a comment

required

required