2011 Honda Ridgeline Overview Change Vehicle

This 2011 Honda Ridgeline overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2011 Ridgeline, and includes Honda Ridgeline safety, reliability, and fuel economy information.

Honda elects to refrain from fixing what isn’t broken, and the 2011 Ridgeline definitely isn’t broken. Therefore, the pickup carries over into 2011 without change.

You can get a Honda Ridgeline in one of three pre-packaged flavors, and, with the exception of a navigation package on the top trim level, options are installed by the dealer. The least expensive path to Ridgeline ownership is the RT model, which comes standard with power windows, power side mirrors, power door locks with remote keyless entry, cruise control, a trip computer, a tilt steering wheel, and a stereo with CD/MP3/WMA playback capability. The rear cab window feature power sliding operation, a trailer hitch with 7-pin trailer harness pre-wiring is standard, and buyers in cold climates will appreciate how the wiper blades are designed to rest on a heated area of the windshield. The Ridgeline RT is equipped with 17-inch steel wheels.

If you want alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear glass, the Ridgeline RTS is the right model for you. In addition to these features, the RTS includes dual-zone automatic climate control, an upgraded stereo with a CD changer and an auxiliary audio input jack, steering wheel audio controls, an 8-way power driver’s seat, all-weather floor mats, and a 7-pin trailer harness.

At the top of the lineup is the Ridgeline RTL, identified by its attractive 18-inch alloy wheels and fog lights. Inside, leather covers the seats, and the front chairs are heated. Other RTL features include a power moonroof, satellite radio, a compass, Homelink, a 115-volt power outlet, and carpeted floor mats. To get Bluetooth hands-free calling, you’ve gotta pay extra for the voice-activated navigation system, which also includes a rearview camera, Zagat restaurant ratings, and a virtual breadcrumb feature to help you back-track to civilization when you’re traveling off the beaten path.

A 3.5-liter V6 making 250 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 247 pound-feet of torque at 4,300 rpm is standard on the 2011 Honda Ridgeline. Not only that, it’s the only engine available. A five-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels through Honda’s Variable Torque Management four-wheel-drive system (VTM-4), which delivers power primarily to the Ridgeline’s front wheels under normal driving conditions. When the going gets slippery, the VTM-4 system engages the rear wheels for added traction and a VTM-4 Lock setting provides a constant stream of power to both rear wheels (at speeds up to 18 mph) under more challenging conditions.

Downsides, of course, are that the Ridgeline can’t tow really heavy loads or go really far off the pavement. The Ridgeline’s towing rating is 5,000 pounds, it can haul up to 1,100 pounds of payload in its five-foot composite cargo bed, and ground clearance for its four-wheel independent suspension is 8.2 inches. Fuel economy is also disappointing, as the Ridgeline is rated to return 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

But Honda makes up for these deficiencies with the segment-exclusive in-bed trunk, which measures 8.5 cubic-feet and includes a drain plug. From a practicality perspective, the in-bed trunk is a big differentiator for Honda. The Ridgeline’s dual-action tailgate is also useful, able to drop down or swing to one side depending on the requirements of your cargo. Designed to hold up to 300 pounds even when the Ridgeline is underway, the tailgate allows the truck to haul motorcycles and ATVs with ease. Honda also offers a variety of attachment systems that can securely handle everything from skis and snowboards to mountain bikes and surfboards.

Honda installs a heavy-duty anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist into every Ridgeline it builds, because every Ridgeline is equipped to tow. Dual front airbags, dual front passenger side impact airbags, and dual side curtain airbags with rollover sensors are also standard, along with stability and traction control.

For 2011, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has completely overhauled its crash-testing program, and the federal agency has not assessed the Ridgeline in its new, more stringent program. The only rating that carries over from 2010, then, is the Ridgeline’s 4-Star rollover resistance rating.

Crash-test results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) remain valid for 2011. As in years past, the Ridgeline gets a Good rating (the highest possible) from the IIHS in the offset frontal test, side impact test, and rear crash protection assessment. The IIHS has not conducted a roof crush strength evaluation on the Ridgeline, precluding its inclusion as a Top Safety Pick for 2011.

As for dependability, both Consumer Reports and J.D. Power and Associates predict that the Ridgeline will prove reliable over time. J.D. Power gives the truck an above average prediction in this regard, while Consumer Reports provides the Honda with its highest possible rating for predicted reliability.

To find out how a Ridgeline works as a daily driver, Vehix tested a Ridgeline RTL and took it on a family vacation to San Diego. With Mom, Dad, and two kids in child seats aboard, we fully expected to be carrying some luggage in the exposed cargo area, but that didn’t happen. The full-size stroller fit into the locking in-bed trunk with no problem, and the luggage easily slid beneath the kids’ dangling feet on the rear floor. Excellent.

Thanks to a wide degree of adjustment, the Ridgeline’s driver’s seat is exceptionally supportive and rises high to provide an excellent view out. The front passenger’s seat is also very comfortable, and sits high enough off the floor to give proper leg support. The door panel and center console armrests are deeply padded, and the one in the center slides forward for added comfort. The steering wheel is also a pleasure to grip. The cabin is loaded with spots to stash stuff, a variety of covered and uncovered cubbies, trays, and bins that is a rarity in any vehicle and perfect for a road trip.

Got kids? The back seat is wide and roomy, divided by a fold-down center armrest with cup holders, and while legroom might be an issue for folks over six feet tall, the rear bench affords terrific thigh support and a panoramic view of surroundings. Our little ones really enjoyed the view out. And because the Ridgeline sits so high off the ground, loading kids into and out of car seats is much easier on your back.

This is also a fun truck to drive. True, the Ridgeline isn’t capable of serious trail running, but it goes where few crossover SUVs will tread, as we discovered on a moderately difficult and somewhat overgrown mountain trail. Just take care to avoid whacking rocks on the lower suspension bits, especially in back.

On pavement, the Ridgeline isn’t a chore to drive like many other pickup trucks, thanks in part to its independent rear suspension. Instead, it drives like a typical Honda, meaning it feels surprisingly athletic and responsive in town or on a country road, and can effortlessly cruise at 80 mph on the freeway. After three hours in the saddle, we were ready to keep on truckin’ into Mexico, but Sea World and Legoland beckoned.

Plus, because the underpinnings are designed to take some abuse, the Ridgeline pounds crumbling city pavement into submission with authority. We took the truck into downtown Los Angeles, where the city streets are falling apart in many areas, and the Ridgeline took every crack, hole, rut, and upheaval in stride.

Granted, the Ridgeline is rather unconventional in appearance and execution. But after using it as a trail explorer, a family road-tripper, an urban assault vehicle, and a suburban grocery getter, the only complaint we have is a 17.4-mpg fuel economy average. Honestly, if you don’t need more than half a ton of payload capacity or more than 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, you should seriously consider buying one of these Hondas.

Typically, people need a vehicle that can carry up to five people, that can haul stuff of varying sizes from time to time, that can tow a trailer on occasion, and that can keep on going when faced with torrential rain, a raging blizzard, or the end of the pavement. Additionally, it would be nice to be able to blend this kind of versatility with long-term dependability and favorable safety ratings. Hey. Guess what? The 2011 Honda Ridgeline is the right tool for the job.

By Christian Wardlaw