Honda Ridgeline

The Ridgeline is Honda's unibody mid-size pickup truck — unique in the segment for being the only crew-cab unibody (not body-on-frame) midsize pickup currently sold in North America. Two generations across the run. 1st gen YK1 (2006-2014): launched 2005 as 2006 model year. Unibody construction sharing platform with the original Acura MDX / Honda Pilot. Transverse-mounted 3.5L SOHC J35A9 V6 (255 hp 2006-2008, 250 hp 2009-2014 due to revised SAE testing) / 247-250 lb-ft. 5-speed automatic. Standard Variable Torque Management 4WD (VTM-4) with active rear differential — co-developed with BorgWarner. 5-foot composite SMC bed with 1,100 lb capacity. In-bed trunk (8.5 cu ft, lockable, drainable) — a Ridgeline signature. Dual-action tailgate — opens conventionally downward or hinged sideways. 5,000 lb towing. Built at Alliston Ontario Canada (2005-2009) then Lincoln Alabama (2008-2015). Production ended early 2015. 2nd gen YK2/YK3 (2017-present): returned 2016 as 2017 model year after one-year hiatus. Global Light Truck Platform shared with 3rd-gen Pilot / 3rd-gen Passport — 73% common parts with Pilot. 3.5L direct-injection J35Y6 V6 (280 hp / 262 lb-ft) — 30 hp more than 1st gen. 6-speed automatic 2017-2019, 9-speed automatic 2020+, AWD standard from 2021 (FWD was optional 2017-2020 lower trims). i-VTM4 Intelligent Variable Torque Management AWD with terrain modes. Continues in-bed trunk + dual-action tailgate from 1st gen. TrailSport trim added 2024 with off-road suspension and all-terrain tires. 2021 mid-cycle facelift updated styling toward more conventional truck aesthetic. Currently 2025 lineup: Sport, RTL, TrailSport, Black Edition, $40-47k MSRP. Built at Lincoln Alabama. The Ridgeline is targeted at the 18% of Honda owners who also own pickups — not stealing sales from F-150 / Ram. Now 9-year-old 2nd gen due for 3rd gen replacement, expected 2026-2027.