Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Honda Ridgeline Sport, a truck that often flies under the radar but packs a serious punch. If you're in the market for a versatile vehicle that blends the utility of a truck with the comfort of an SUV, the Ridgeline Sport might just be your perfect match. We’ll cover everything from its design and performance to its interior features and overall driving experience.

Exterior and Design

Let's kick things off with the exterior. The Honda Ridgeline Sport boasts a unique design that sets it apart from other trucks in its class. It doesn't have that overly aggressive, macho look that some trucks sport, but instead, it presents a more refined and modern aesthetic. The front grille is sleek, and the headlights integrate seamlessly into the overall design. The body lines are smooth and aerodynamic, contributing to better fuel efficiency and a quieter ride. One of the standout features is the dual-action tailgate, which can either fold down like a traditional tailgate or swing open to the side, making it incredibly easy to access the bed. Speaking of the bed, it’s made from a composite material that’s resistant to dents and scratches, so you don’t have to worry about damaging it when hauling cargo. Plus, it includes a hidden trunk under the bed floor, providing secure and weatherproof storage for your gear. This is perfect for stashing tools, sports equipment, or even groceries. The Ridgeline Sport also comes standard with alloy wheels that enhance its sporty appearance. Overall, the exterior design is both functional and stylish, making it a great choice for those who want a truck that looks good and works hard. The design prioritizes practicality without sacrificing aesthetics, making it a well-rounded option in the mid-size truck segment. Available in various colors, the Ridgeline Sport allows you to choose one that best fits your personal style. Its unibody construction also contributes to a smoother ride compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks, further enhancing its appeal as a daily driver. The exterior is thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of both work and leisure, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of buyers.

Performance and Handling

Now, let's talk about what's under the hood. The Honda Ridgeline Sport is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers a robust 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission, providing seamless acceleration and plenty of power for both city driving and highway cruising. The Ridgeline Sport comes standard with all-wheel drive, giving you added traction and stability in various weather conditions. Whether you're navigating snowy roads or tackling light off-road trails, the Ridgeline Sport handles it with ease. One of the most impressive aspects of the Ridgeline Sport is its handling. Thanks to its unibody construction, it drives more like an SUV than a traditional truck. The ride is smooth and comfortable, with minimal body roll in corners. The steering is precise and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The Ridgeline Sport also offers a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, allowing you to haul trailers, boats, or other recreational equipment. Fuel efficiency is another area where the Ridgeline Sport shines. It gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, which is quite good for a truck of its size. This makes it a practical choice for daily commuting and long road trips. The engine provides ample power for merging and passing on the highway, ensuring a confident and enjoyable driving experience. The all-wheel-drive system enhances stability and control, especially in adverse weather conditions, making it a reliable choice for year-round use. Overall, the performance and handling of the Ridgeline Sport are excellent, making it a joy to drive in a variety of situations. The combination of a powerful engine, smooth transmission, and responsive handling sets it apart from other trucks in its class.

Interior and Technology

Moving inside, the Honda Ridgeline Sport offers a comfortable and well-equipped cabin. The seats are supportive and provide ample cushioning for long drives. The interior design is clean and modern, with high-quality materials used throughout. The dashboard is well-organized, with easy-to-read gauges and intuitive controls. The Ridgeline Sport comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display that houses the infotainment system. This system includes features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. You can access your favorite apps, make calls, and send texts using voice commands. Other standard features include a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a seven-speaker audio system. The Ridgeline Sport also offers plenty of storage space, with a large center console, door pockets, and a spacious glove compartment. Rear-seat passengers will appreciate the ample legroom and headroom. The rear seats can also be folded up to create even more cargo space inside the cabin. One of the coolest features of the Ridgeline Sport is the in-bed trunk audio system. This allows you to play music through speakers in the bed of the truck, making it perfect for tailgating or camping. The interior of the Ridgeline Sport is designed with both comfort and practicality in mind, making it a pleasant place to spend time, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a weekend adventure. The user-friendly technology and thoughtful storage solutions add to its appeal, making it a standout in its segment. The interior is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, with a design that is both modern and timeless. The attention to detail in the interior design reflects Honda's commitment to providing a high-quality driving experience.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety, the Honda Ridgeline Sport doesn't skimp. It comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Forward collision warning alerts you if it detects a potential collision with a vehicle in front of you. If you don't react in time, the system can automatically apply the brakes to help mitigate or avoid a collision. Lane departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane without signaling. Adaptive cruise control allows you to set a desired speed and following distance, and the system will automatically adjust your speed to maintain that distance. These features work together to help keep you safe on the road. In addition to these advanced safety features, the Ridgeline Sport also comes standard with antilock brakes, stability control, and a full complement of airbags. The Ridgeline has earned excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), giving you peace of mind knowing that you're driving a safe vehicle. The robust safety features make the Ridgeline Sport a smart choice for families and individuals alike. The advanced driver-assistance systems provide an extra layer of protection, helping to prevent accidents and minimize the risk of injury. The Ridgeline's commitment to safety is evident in its design and engineering, making it a leader in its class. The comprehensive suite of safety features ensures that you and your passengers are well-protected in the event of a collision. The combination of active and passive safety features makes the Ridgeline Sport a safe and reliable vehicle for all types of driving conditions.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the Honda Ridgeline Sport into its pros and cons to give you a clear picture.

Pros:

• Smooth Ride: Its unibody construction provides a ride quality closer to an SUV than a traditional truck.
• Versatile Bed: The dual-action tailgate and in-bed trunk offer unique utility.
• Standard AWD: Provides enhanced traction and stability.
• Comfortable Interior: Well-designed with high-quality materials.
• Good Fuel Economy: Respectable gas mileage for a truck.

Cons:

• Towing Capacity: Lower than some competitors.
• Truck-Like Appearance: The design might not appeal to everyone.
• Infotainment System: While functional, it's not the most cutting-edge.

Final Verdict

So, what’s the final word on the Honda Ridgeline Sport? It's a fantastic option for those who need the utility of a truck but don't want to sacrifice comfort and refinement. Its smooth ride, versatile bed, and standard all-wheel drive make it a practical choice for daily driving and weekend adventures. While it may not have the highest towing capacity in its class, it still offers plenty of capability for most tasks. If you're looking for a truck that's easy to drive, comfortable, and packed with features, the Ridgeline Sport is definitely worth considering. It’s a well-rounded vehicle that blends the best of both worlds, making it a standout in the mid-size truck segment. The Ridgeline Sport is a testament to Honda's commitment to innovation and quality, providing a unique and compelling option for truck buyers. Whether you're using it for work or play, the Ridgeline Sport is sure to impress with its versatility and performance. Its thoughtful design and engineering make it a top contender in its class, offering a driving experience that is both enjoyable and practical. Overall, the Honda Ridgeline Sport is a winner in our book, offering a unique blend of features and capabilities that set it apart from the competition.