After a two model-year break, Honda’s unique Ridgeline pickup returns as a 2017 model. Most obviously, it now looks more like a traditional truck; for example, the truck bed, instead of tapering downward toward the tailgate like it did before, is now a lot lower near the cab, making it easier to load from the side. The bed is also an important four inches longer and a half-inch wider, making it considerably more useful. But the bed is shallow, so you'll need to brush up on your knot-tying techniques for taller items.
Honda pleased many weekend warriors with the 2005 introduction of its previous Ridgeline, which was considered a smaller, lighter pickup than its work-bred competitors. Rather than following the decades-old formula of body-on-frame design and a live rear axle, the Ridgeline used unit-body construction and an independent rear suspension—borrowing underpinnings from the mild-mannered Honda Pilot SUV.
Despite that seemingly sound logic, the unconventionally-styled first-generation Ridgeline wasn’t a sales success. Maybe it just wasn't "trucky" enough. Maybe the design was too weird.
Undaunted, Honda has pressed forward with their second-generation pickup truck. The base, two-wheel-drive 2017 Honda Ridgeline starts at $29,475. While most trucks offer a variety of body styles, you can only get a Ridgeline as a four-door crew-cab. 

Driving Impressions

Despite the new look, the 2017 Honda Ridgeline retains some of the key ingredients that made this svelte truck so appealing—such as the innovative tailgate that can swing open like a door, or flip down in normal fashion. All Ridgelines also get a handy, lockable trunk-like cargo space beneath the bed floor. 
2017 Honda Ridgeline pickup truck
The Ridgeline's tailgate can swing down or to one side, giving access to the water-tight, in-bed trunk.
The independent suspension that makes the trunk space possible also contributes to a much more comfortable ride and better handling than all conventional trucks. It drives very much like a contemporary SUV rather than an antiquated load hauler—as the Ridgeline's basic platform is still shared with the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX. The interior is very quiet, even on an extended highway cruise.
The standard engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 280 hp (a 30-hp bump from the last version). It runs through a six-speed automatic transmission. And for the first time, the Ridgeline will be available with front-wheel drive, along with the usual all-wheel drive. EPA fuel economy figures show 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway for AWD models. This improvement was important, as the previous Ridgeline was really thirsty for its size and horsepower. 
Honda claims the Ridgeline outpaces traditional midsized trucks in towing capacity and cargo hauling, but like the first generation, towing is limited to 5,000 pounds. Competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado (nearly 7,000 pounds) and the Toyota Tacoma (6,400 pounds) have greater towing capacities. The 2017 Honda Ridgeline has some off-roading capability, but it wouldn't be wise to take this truck on a day of serious boulder hopping. This is where the independent suspension will fall short compared to traditional pickup trucks.
Advanced safety equipment like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning with automatic braking are optional, but only on the two top trim levels.
2017 Honda Ridgeline pickup truck
The Ridgeline has some off-roading capability, but it wouldn't be wise to take this truck on a day of serious boulder hopping.

Inside the Cabin

Inside, you'll find relatively comfortable seats and lots of handy bins and trays to hold stuff, including storage under the rear seat. All in all, it's a lot nicer in here than inside a Tacoma or Colorado. The layout of the 2017 Honda Ridgeline feels like a Pilot with a bed rather than a third-row seat. And all models come with keyless push-button start and a rear-view camera.
Higher-end models get an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system with navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. However, about that 8-inch screen: It’s a poorly-designed touch-screen that’s frustrating to use. There are no conventional knobs or buttons for the radio. It's just a sleek-looking pane of glass that reflects glare, the screen layout isn't intuitive, and the controls are hard to tab with your fingers as you roll down the road. We didn’t like this arrangement in the Honda Pilot, and we don’t like it here.
Lower trim lines have a 5-inch screen that’s easier to use, with more traditional knobs and buttons. 
2017 Honda Ridgeline pickup truck interior
The layout of the Ridgeline's interior feels like a Pilot with a bed rather than a third-row seat.

CR's Take

The new Honda Ridgeline has real appeal, thanks to its supple ride, relatively responsive handling, punchy engine, and a cabin and bed that are full of clever tricks. Whether it appeals to truck traditionalists more than the first one did is a big question. Just maybe it has moved ever cautiously toward the mainstream enough to broaden its appearance and utility to attract a larger audience. Likely it will attract current Honda owners who realize they need a larger space to tow their jet-skis, or to bring home their weekend's haul of antiquing. Check back with us once we finish putting it through the entire battery of Consumer Reports' tests.