If songwriters have taught us anything in the 1960s, it’s that “one is the loneliest number.” Alternatively, if the Lord of the Rings is anything to go by, sometimes all it takes is one thing to rule them all. In the case of the 2022 Honda Ridgeline, it’s more like the latter. Alright, comparing the Ridgeline to a fantastical ring or a catchy tune from your father’s youth is a bit far-fetched, but this truck currently serves as the only pickup truck manufactured by Honda. We’d like to take this moment to discuss the Ridgeline with you because if you’ve ever been asking about “Honda dealers near me?” you might be interested in one of these incredible automobiles. We’ve got all of the details surrounding the 2022 Ridgeline, and after reading, you’ll be more convinced that this year’s pickup truck is a worthwhile investment.
Starting with a brief look at the availability and pricing for this year’s Ridgeline model––the base truck comes in at a starting price of $37,640. While certainly not the cheapest in its class, the overall experience is well worth the cost of entry. This year, you’ll find four Ridgeline trims, and each one is a returning variation of years past. The Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and the Black Edition make up the selection, with Sport retaining its spot as the standard trim level. We remain impressed at the base level Ridgeline, but investing in one of the three succeeding trims makes the experience that much better.
Capable of Greatness
Powering the 2022 Ridgeline is the engine utilized since the Ridgeline’s reintroduction to the market in 2017. However, the 3.5L V6 engine is now paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, whereas models released between 2017 and 2019 utilize a 6-speed automatic transmission. Since last year’s Ridgeline was released, the pickup truck now comes standard with an AWD drivetrain, while models prior also offered an alternative FWD configuration.
The 2022 Ridgeline sticks with the same 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque as the past five years, which may hurt its chances against returning drivers. Customers investing in the Ridgeline for the first time will get to experience the generous levels of performance we’ve seen before, which includes the truck’s maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. Couple this towing capability with its 1,583 lb payload capacity, and you have yourself a capable automobile. And, with the one engine now being exclusively paired to an AWD drivetrain, its only EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings are 18 MPG city and 24 MPG highway.
We can’t discuss the Ridgeline without bringing in its standard off-roading capabilities. Every Ridgeline model comes with a built-in Intelligent Traction Management system. This system includes four modes to select from at the press of a button when the time calls for it. These four modes include Normal, Sand, Mud, and Snow, and by switching between these modes, your Ridgeline can handle more than just the pavement. Also standard with the Ridgeline is i-VTM4 (Intelligent Variable Torque Management), which functions like an electronic-locking rear differential, sending the proper amount of torque to each wheel as needed. The i-VTM4 system makes the truck more stable in off-roading tasks–such as taking a sharp turn, for example. Features such as the i-VTM4 system ultimately differentiate the Ridgeline from similarly priced pickup trucks on the market.
A World At Your Fingertips
Something that Honda has continuously done well has been with its interiors. More so than many other vehicle manufacturers, Honda’s vehicles are unlike any of its competitors when discussing the phenomenal technology nestled within its interior. It all starts with the center console, where you’ll find a decently sized 8-inch touchscreen that houses the infotainment center. Sure, infotainment centers are not inherently new, but their capabilities have improved ten-fold since they first began appearing nearly a decade ago. The technology built into the Ridgeline serves many vehicles within Honda’s lineup, so it’s not inherently exclusive to this pickup truck. However, an interconnected pickup truck can go a long way, and the Ridgeline has the honor of being the only available option from this esteemed manufacturer.
The software built into the infotainment center is intuitive enough for easy navigation through its menus. All of the apps and functions you’d want are easily accessible, and learning the software will take mere hours. Built-in navigation is complemented further by HondaLink––an exclusive piece of software. HondaLink is an assortment of connectivity features, and an available smartphone app ties it all together. With the HondaLink app, you can check on your vehicle’s health and metrics, create an appointment with a Honda service team, view your insurance report, and much more.
HondaLink isn’t just a clever name––part of its connectivity capabilities extend to other connected devices you likely already own. For example, Amazon Alexa has become one of the most recognizable brands over the past five years, and many households have one or more devices with Alexa. With Amazon Alexa, you can control various functions of your vehicle by simply asking your Alexa-connected device to do so. Let’s say you wanted to start your vehicle remotely from any room in your house, simply say, “Alexa, ask Honda to start my car,” and it’ll do so.
Aside from HondaLink and Amazon Alexa integration, the reliable Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make an appearance too. Connecting a compatible smartphone will reveal the true interconnectivity of the infotainment center. Both pieces of software allow you to use map apps for turn-by-turn direction if the integrated navigation software isn’t for you. And you’ll not only be receiving and making calls through the media console, but you’ll be perusing your phone’s music library through the infotainment center’s 8-inch touch screen. It’s also worth noting that you won’t be limited to specific music streaming apps––although this would be a good time to mention the available SiriusXM radio subscription service, which comes highly recommended.
Sounds Great, Doesn’t it?
Whatever your flavor, listening to music in your 2022 Ridgeline is a captivating experience thanks to a lush soundscape courtesy of not one but two integrated speaker systems. The primary sound system is within the cabin, boasting up to eight speakers and a 540-watt output. Whether it’s Country, Hip-Hop, Rap, Rock, or Metal––you name it, the 2022 Ridgeline’s premium sound system greatly enhances all audio. While it may not immediately occur to you, having eight speakers emitting a powerful signal within a relatively compact interior makes a difference. Additionally, with the added benefit of having speakers surround the cabin, every passenger can easily hear the music and will experience identical sound quality.
Now that we’ve discussed the primary audio system, how about the second? Unlike many other trucks, the Honda Ridgeline features a separate sound system built directly into the truck’s bed. What benefit would this have? While driving, it won’t have much of a use, but when it’s time to unwind and take the truck to a lake or camping site, the Truck-Bed audio system is truly unique. Those who have a basic understanding of how sound travels will be intrigued to learn that the music played throughout the bed’s speakers bounces off of the four walls of the bed. The result is audio that sounds more vibrant and impactful. In what essentially creates an acoustic environment for the speakers, it’ll be but one of the many features you should look forward to with the 2022 Ridgeline–a truck for everybody.
