Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline rethinks what a midsize pickup can be. Built on a car-like unibody rather than a body-on-frame ladder, it trades hardcore rock-crawling for a smooth ride, a roomy crew cab, and clever everyday utility. A standard V6 and all-wheel drive give it credible capability, while the lockable in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate solve problems traditional trucks ignore. It won't out-tow a Tacoma, but for families who want a usable bed without the punishment, it makes a compelling case.

On the road, the Ridgeline feels more like a tall SUV than a pickup, and that's the whole point. The 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 pulls cleanly through its nine-speed automatic, and the independent rear suspension soaks up bumps that leave rivals jittering. Steering is light and accurate, body roll is well controlled, and cabin noise stays low at highway speeds. For commuting, school runs, and weekend hauling, few trucks are this easy to live with.

Utility is where Honda's engineering really shows. The composite bed resists dents and scratches, the dual-action tailgate swings out or folds down, and the lockable, drainable in-bed trunk is genuinely useful for groceries, gear, or a cooler of drinks. The crew cab seats five adults comfortably, and the flip-up rear seats free up flat cargo space. A 5,000-pound tow rating and roughly 1,580 pounds of payload cover most family and light-work needs.

The trade-offs are real, though. The Ridgeline's unibody design means it can't match the towing, ground clearance, or low-range gearing of body-on-frame competitors, so serious off-roaders and heavy haulers should look elsewhere. Fuel economy is average for the class at around 21 mpg combined, and pricing now starts high because all-wheel drive is standard across the lineup. The single powertrain choice also limits buyers who want a more efficient or more powerful option.

Inside, the cabin is sensibly laid out and well built, with a clear infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and intuitive physical controls. Material quality is good if not lavish, and Honda Sensing driver aids come standard. The TrailSport adds rugged styling and modest off-road hardware, while the Black Edition tops the range with red-accented leather. It's a polished, thoughtfully equipped truck that prioritizes refinement over ruggedness.