If the Japanese are competing for the record of who can offer the skimpiest number of configurations in trucks, Honda just won. Only one cab size: crew. One bed size: short. One engine (3.5 V6), one transmission (5-speed auto), one drive system (AWD), one purpose.
There are still three trim lines, and no, they're not DX, LX, and EX. It starts with the RT. For $2,375 more, the RTS adds an alarm, 8-way power driver's seat with lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control, outside temperature gauge, 6-disc CD changer and subwoofer, steering wheel audio controls, and a different cloth pattern on the seats. For $1,415 more the top-line RTL adds heated mirrors, leather seats (heated in front) and steering wheel, HomeLink remote system, and compass. It also grants access to buy a moonroof ($1,150) or navigation ($2,000); you have to spring for the former before the latter. DVD entertainment and XM radio are other accessories.
I'm afraid this mid-size truck comes with a full-size price. That base model RT starts at $28,250 (the RTS and RTL at $32,040 and $33,190), while similar versions of the Frontier, Tacoma, and Dakota list for $25,180, $25,680, and $26,980. For all the Ridgeline's unique points, it comes off as just that: unique, not necessarily better. True, it does ride better, handle better, have clever innovations and a vast back seat, but most of those traits came from a simple divergence in choice of design. The fact remains that the others stuck with the old way because some people still use trucks as trucks, and their advantages in towing, hauling, and off-roading count for something. As a final point, I found the totally trucky Nissan Frontier about as enjoyable to drive as the Ridgeline - not a great reflection on Honda considering the Ridgeline's head start.
At least the Ridgeline gives something to think about: is the best truck the one that's best at doing what it's supposed to do, or the one that's best at how people actually use it?
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