2018 Honda Ridgeline Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

As far as mid-sized trucks go, the 2018 Honda Ridgeline leaves the competition in the dust. While a few of its technological features are a bit finicky and it doesn't get as much ground clearance as other trucks on the market, the Ridgeline boasts an impressive array of safety features, an incredibly well-tuned rear suspension, and an all-wheel drive that provides excellent traction over any terrain.

What's New for 2018?

The 2018 Honda Ridgeline is essentially unchanged from the 2017 model. The only noticeable difference is that the RTS trim has been booted out of the lineup for the year. Features once found on the RTS are now equipped on the Ridgeline's Sport trim.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Honda Ridgeline – The Pros

1. Precision Steering and Handling

Honda has revolutionized the way its vehicles handle for 2018. The Ridgeline's steering is direct and precise, inspiring confidence in its drivers. There isn't much guesswork to be made when the truck handles a sharp turn, and the independent suspension lends a lot of refinement and stability to how the Ridgeline drives. Turning is a breeze, and the truck shows very little in the way of body roll.

2. Spaciousness

No other truck in its class offers as much room throughout the cabin as the 2018 Honda Ridgeline. There is plenty of head, shoulder, and legroom in the front and rear seats. Also, those with wider hips will find that they fit comfortably into any of the seats since there is plenty of width.

3. High-Quality Interior Materials

Taking a peek inside the Ridgeline's cabin, it is obvious that Honda used high-quality materials when designing the vehicle. The seats are well-cushioned for comfort, and the trim adds nice detailing throughout the cabin. The interior also has a family-friendly feel to it, especially with LATCH anchors on all three rear seats.

4. The Two-Way Tailgate

The Ridgeline is an excellent cargo hauler, and it is even better thanks to a two-way tailgate (which is an innovative design that allows you to open the tailgate from the top-down or from the side). The Ridgeline also has an in-bed trunk, which makes the Ridgeline truly stand out.

5. Swift Acceleration

The 2018 Honda Ridgeline has a surprisingly speedy acceleration for a vehicle in its class. In fact, this truck can get from 0 to 60 mph in 7 seconds, outperforming other trucks and many SUVs.

6. Plenty of Cargo Space

The Ridgeline is perfect for those needing creative ways to haul cargo, and there is certainly plenty of cargo space to be found. If you need extra space in the cabin, you can flip the rear seats up and load items into the rear. Groceries and even a child's bicycle can fit back there without a problem.

7. Easy to Drive

The best thing about owning a Honda is that it is easy to drive. The Ridgeline is surprisingly easy to get in and out of, the vehicle handles well across most road surfaces, and the controls are all clearly labeled and put in places that are easy to reach.

8. Adjustable Seats and Steering Wheel

Drivers of any size will not have a problem finding a comfortable seat position. The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel makes adjustments even easier.

9. Almost No Road or Wind Noise

All doors on the Ridgeline are sealed three times, and the insulation in the cab does an excellent job of keeping road and wind noise at bay. Even at highway speeds, you won't hear much coming from the outside.

10. Smooth Transmission

The 2018 Honda Ridgeline comes equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission which shifts smoothly between gears. It is extremely predictable and solid, so you won't notice any jolts between gears.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Honda Ridgeline – The Cons

1. The Touchscreen Interface

As is typical of Honda's current infotainment setup, the touchscreen is, for lack of a better word, touchy. Drivers who aren't tech-savvy will find themselves accidentally pushing the wrong button, and the setup itself is pretty confusing.

2. Low Road Clearance

Unlike other trucks in its class, the Honda Ridgeline does not get much in the way of road clearance. This makes off-roading a bad idea, and drivers will have to be cautious while driving over loose gravel and other rough road surfaces.

3. Only 3,500-pound Towing Capacity on FWD

On the AWD, you get a 5,000-pound towing capacity, which is pretty average. However, it will cost you more than the standard FWD, which gets only 3,500 pounds of towing, placing it below the industry standard.

4. Finicky Driver Assist Features

Some of the driver aids are touchy. These aids tend to only come on the higher trim levels, so you are paying extra for features that you might not really like using. While these features (such as the forward collision warning system) are great when they work, they tend to issue too many warnings when none are needed.

How it stacks up to the competition:

2018 Honda Ridgeline vs. 2018 Chevy Colorado

The 2018 Chevy Colorado is a comfortable and user-friendly mid-size truck that beats the Ridgeline's modest towing capacity and has a responsive steering and handling system. However, the Colorado lacks the Ridgeline's innovative use of storage space, and its front seats are not constructed for bigger adults. Like the Ridgeline, the Colorado hovers low to the ground, so its minimal clearance makes it off-limits for off-roading.

2018 Honda Ridgeline vs. 2018 GMC Canyon Denali

The 2018 GMC Canyon Denali is another top competitor for the year. Since it is a Denali, drivers can expect to find the truck to be highly stylized and chic. Like the Colorado, the Canyon Denali has a good towing capacity that puts the Ridgeline to shame. It is also smooth and easy to drive. However, the Canyon Denali suffers the same problems as the Colorado, as it has low ground clearance and does not offer as much in-cab storage as the Ridgeline.

Conclusion

The 2018 Honda Ridgeline has its flaws, especially with its low ground clearance being less-than-ideal. Honda lovers are also hoping that the company will finally make the touchscreen interface, navigation, and driver aid features less touchy in 2019. Its pros, however, outweigh the cons for many drivers. Overall, Honda's innovative tailgate design, adjustable seating, and focus on precision steering and handling make the Ridgeline a top contender among mid-size trucks hitting the market in 2018.