Acceleration
"Better than adequate go, thanks in part to smooth, responsive transmission. Ridgeline on par with rival compact pickups with V6s--but behind Dodge Dakota with its available V8. V6 also may be taxed when asked to meet Ridgeline's 5000-lb towing capacity or 1550-lb maximum payload. "

Value
"Ridgeline blends pickup utility with carlike civility in a solid, sensible, Honda-style package. The light-duty design won't suit hardcore truckers, but should meet the needs of families and recreational users, as Honda intends. Innovative pickup features and Honda's typically strong resale value enhance its Recommended status. "

Ride
"Exemplary for a pickup. Comfortably controlled, spoiled only by minor thumping on washboard surfaces. Class-exclusive independent rear suspension cushions bumps better than most solid-axle-equipped competitors."

Economy
Test RTLs averaged 16.2-18.3 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Ridgeline uses regular-grade fuel.

Noise
"Again, impressive for a pickup. Refined V6 rises only to muted, classy growl at full throttle. Road noise no worse than in most cars. Wind rush below the pickup norm at highway speeds, even with sliding rear window open."

Comfort - Front
"Head room 6-footer adequate with RTL-available sunroof, ample otherwise. Fine leg room, though tall drivers may wish for more rearward seat travel. Rear-roof design hinders over-the-shoulder vision, but no problems elsewhere. Step-in slightly elevated vs. cars and minivans, but low for a pickup."

Comfort - Rear
"Apes Pilot with good rear-seat room for two adults, three if necessary. But seat padding is a bit thin for best comfort, the cushion is rather flat, the backrest too upright. No-strain entry/exit, though door openings could be larger."

Controls
"Honda-typical gauges, plus large, simple, handy controls. Optional navigation system easy to use, doesn't absorb climate controls. Ridgeline has steering-column-mounted transmission shift lever like Pilot--and with the same slightly imprecise movement that allows it to overshoot Drive from Reverse or Park. Cabin pleases with metal-look accents, inviting soft-touch surfaces, high-grade materials."

Cargo Room
"Cargo bed carries 4x8 sheets flat with tailgate dropped. Even then, floor length is just 6.5-ft, and most rivals offer long-box options. But tailgate's swing-open feature is nifty. Ditto the in-bed ""trunk"" with 8.5 cu ft of covered, lockable space--enough for three regular golf bags, Honda says. Useful in-cab cargo space beneath rear seat becomes generous with cushions flipped up. Ample small-item storage, too."