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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Honda Ridgeline

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Overview

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2013 Honda Ridgeline Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.7

Though Toyota and Nissan jumped headlong into the compact/mid-size pickup-truck market, Honda took a decidedly different approach. Rather than bringing another body-on-frame pickup to the market, Honda created a unit-construction crew-cab configuration based on its popular Pilot SUV. The Ridgeline is a 5-passenger truck with a car-like ride, good handling and fuel efficiency on par with most mid-size SUVs. The Ridgeline also features a very clever mini-trunk beneath the bed's floor, something no other pickup offers. The 2013 Honda Ridgeline continues the original Ridgeline's success, with features consumers want in a package that is the only vehicle of its kind in the segment.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you need the open-bed utility of a pickup truck, but you don't want the rough ride, clumsy handling and fuel-thirsty engine that often accompany such beasts, the 2013 Honda Ridgeline could be just the thing.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you need to tow more than 5,000 pounds or haul really heavy loads, you may want to look to a full-size V8-powered crew cab. The 2013 Honda Ridgeline's standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup is not ideal for serious off-road adventuring.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.7
Driving Dynamics

8.1
Comfort & Convenience

8.5
Design: Interior & Exterior

5.7
Value

6.9
Safety

7.8

How It Ranks

#4

out of 12

MPG

#17

out of 17

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

9.2 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2013 Honda Ridgeline Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

After a facelift last year, the Honda Ridgeline gets few changes for 2013. A rearview camera is now standard across the line.

Driving the Ridgeline

2013 Honda Ridgeline Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Because its body and frame are formed as a single unit (as opposed to a separate body bolted to a separate frame, as are other pickups in this market), the...

2013 Ridgeline can easily incorporate a sophisticated independent suspension. The Ridgeline's suspension is the principal reason it drives so well, with excellent steering response, minimal body roll and a comfortable, controlled ride. The 3.5-liter V6 engine is a proven powerplant that has no problem moving the 4,500-pound truck. Occasionally, the transmission seems to hesitate before responding to full-throttle input, and shifts can sometimes feel abrupt. Fuel efficiency is on par with V6-powered trucks from Toyota and Nissan, although we should point out that Ford's current V6-powered F-Series pickup truck actually gets slightly better mileage (15/21 mpg for the Ridgeline vs. 17/23 mpg for the V6 F-150).

Favorite Features

VARIABLE TORQUE MANAGEMENT (VTM-4) 4WD
Few technical features inspire confidence like 4WD. And, despite its lack of a low range, the 2013 Honda Ridgeline's VTM-4 does an admirable job of navigating the logging trail, winter snow or seasonal downpour. Diverting up to 70 percent of available power to the rear wheels aids towing.

IN-BED TRUNK
If more trucks offered independent rear suspension (rather than a live axle), more trucks could offer an in-bed trunk. You have a cooler full of beverages? Put it back there! Need to conceal valuable items too messy to place in the cab? Put them back there!

2013 Honda Ridgeline Details

2013 Honda Ridgeline Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

While the Ridgeline's interior design is rational, the plastics Honda uses are hard and dull, devoid of any warmth. It creates a vaguely industrial feel reminiscent of designs from a decade ago. Things warm up when leather seating is added, though that's available only on the top-of-the-line RTL trim. In any case, the 2013 Honda Ridgeline's interior is highly functional, with lots of little storage bins throughout the cabin and a rear seat bottom that can be folded up to create an additional cargo space.

Exterior

The unconventional 2013 Honda Ridgeline pickup truck shares much of its angular skin (and the platform underneath) with the Honda Pilot SUV. Most striking are the wide, flared C-pillars that add necessary rigidity to the structure but also create blind spots for the driver. The 2013 Honda Ridgeline's 5-foot bed can accommodate most dirt bikes or a single ATV, while the clever lockable under-floor trunk can hide a large cooler. Adding to the Ridgeline's flexible bed is a dual-hinged rear tailgate that can be folded down normally or swung open to the left.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

For active folks with a taste for adventure, Honda Variable Torque Management 4WD (VTM-4) is the most significant feature on the 2013 Honda Ridgeline. Generous comfort and convenience amenities, of course, are also included in the window sticker, even on the base RT. Standard equipment includes A/C, cruise control, an integrated trailer hitch, power windows and door locks, power-sliding rear window and 6-speaker, 100-watt audio system.

Optional Equipment

Honda, as usual, keeps it simple with just four well-equipped trim levels: Base RT, new Sport, mid-level RTS and up-market RTL. The RTS adds alloy wheels, 160 watts of audio, dual-zone climate control and an 8-way power driver's seat. The RTL includes leather seating, 18-inch alloy wheels, moonroof, Sirius/XM satellite radio and HomeLink remote. On the RTL navigation with voice recognition is available. And there are dozens of available dealer-installed accessories.

Under the Hood

The 2013 Honda Ridgeline's 3.5-liter V6 offers ample horsepower (250), but that power arrives relatively high in the engine speed range: 5,700 rpm. In the big-pickup marketplace where everyone is talking V8s, HEMIs and EcoBoost turbocharging, the Honda's modest V6 might seem inadequate. But, over the road, with your biases left behind, you'll enjoy the V6's car-like refinement and oh-so-reliable longevity. It works with a 5-speed automatic transmission and Honda's Variable Torque Management full-time 4-wheel-drive system.

3.5-liter V6
250 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm
247 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/21 mpg

Pricing Notes

You might have seen domestic pickup dealers offering thousands – or tens of thousands – off window sticker prices. That's yet another way the 2013 Honda Ridgeline is not your typical pickup truck. The base RT has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting just over $30,000, while the top-of-the-line RTL with navigation takes you past $38,000. In an era of $50,000-plus Ford F-Series, this may look like a bargain. Conversely, if your last Honda purchase was a 1989 Civic, you may blow a gasket. The point is, the Ridgeline is neither a conventional pickup truck nor a conventional Honda. Check kbb.com's Fair Purchase Price to see what consumers are paying in your area. The Ridgeline should hold its value pretty well over time, about on par with 4WD crew cabs in the category of the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier, and a few percentage points better than the Chevrolet Avalanche.

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2013 Honda Ridgeline Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 575 Ratings for the 2006 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.2/10

Quality

9.4/10
Reliability

9.5/10

Performance

9.2/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.1/10

4.5 yrs 90k+ miles love it!

By bille (MO) on Sunday, May 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 164,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "weak a/c, very limited room in truck bed."

Cons: "comfort, ride, functional interior, reliability."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Has been a great truck/car and friend to me. I have enjoyed it and it's been very reliable for me. Honda builds a great product and this has been no exception. Would like to have better fuel economy, but for a vehicle this size it's about what to be expected. i average about 19. love the GPS and satellite radio. A/c is a little weak when it gets extremely hot. Very comfortable seating and interior, rides like a luxury sedan. Highly recommended!"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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The best Honda Creation ever!

By Reggie (MD) on Saturday, April 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great new styling, usability, durability."

Cons: "Mpg while towing and in congestion"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Im in the USAF. I purchased my Ridgeline in Dallas two weeks before I PCS'd(Permanent Change of Station) to Maryland/DC Metro. I always wanted a Ridgeline but me relocating to Maryland was the perfect reason, due to their snowy winters. Plus I needed to tow my 3,000 pound 300zx behind me. Some people wouldve shipped it, but not me. I wanted to see what me New RIdgeline could do. With the trailer and my Z I was right at the towing capacity. Right around 5K pounds. So with a 1200 mile ride ahead I made my trip. It exceeded my expectations in every way. Gas mileage wasnt that great, but that was expected. The ride quality was still great through the rigid flatlands and had more than enough torque in the mountains of tennessee. The VTEC V6 did its job and more. Even the brakes did great to stop 10k pounds of force rolling down a mountain. We made it safe and now its been 6 months living in the DC metro area. Its the perfect truck for this congested environment. Notice i said truck, a honda insight would be better overall for this traffic. But as for trucks its great, Ive seen my friends trade in there Tundra's and Ram's. I get 24mpg on the highway, thats almost as much as the sedans I see riding down the road. For the space, gas mileage, practicality and relialbility. Nothing can beat a Honda Ridgeline."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Best little Pickup

By Sarge (WI) on Monday, April 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 27,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great ride, feels solid, great storage"

Cons: "thin skin body, hood, tailgate and door alignment"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my second Ridgeline RTL 2011, I also had the 2008. I love this thing. Such a nice ride and no mechanical problems. The storage features are great. I don't know what people are complaining about with the acceleration. I think it has great power. I pull a 26ft pontoon and don't know its there. Great in the snow. Not recommended for off roading, its a car not a truck."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Great value

By Roy (MA) on Sunday, April 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 94,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "good value"

Cons: "can't think of any"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"the 2007 looks just like the 2013 and has every year in between. The truck runs good, looks good and always looks like a new model, because they don't change."

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Best vehicle

By Jett (Canada) on Wednesday, February 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 65,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "handling and comfort"

Cons: "acceleration, visibility and plastic accessories"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Most "pro" ratings give poor marks to the Ridge because of the lack of options. If you are looking for a 4 door, 4wd short box with all the safety features it cannot be beat. I drive in the winter with snow tires (no chains) and the truck reacts perfectly, no spinning, no skiding no slipping! The only thing that could be better is acceleration at medium speeds on the highway. The interior has good finish but I have had a few plastic parts break (cup holder, console storage and seat retract). The truck has had no mechanical problems in the 8 years I have owned it. That is surprising for the first model year of a new design."

12 people out of 14 found this review helpful

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very functional for work and pleasure

By Leafy (FL) on Saturday, January 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 42,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "no major problems since owning it"

Cons: "bubbling on leather of driver's seat"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The Ridgeline is a replacement for a 1994 Ford Ranger. I bought the Ranger used and had a gazillion problems with it, even though I kept regular maintenance on it. I know that I had the Ranger towed about 12 times due to engine light coming on and it not starting. I finally got tired of paying new money on an older vehicle and on older parts. The Ridgeline has been so wonderful to not have any major problems in the last 4 years that I have owned it. I bought the Ridgeline used in 2009 with only 7,800 miles on it from a local Honda Dealership. I have only replaced the battery and I have had the back brakes replaced, along with all the scheduled oil changes, maintenance and auto butler. Auto butler has been wonderful in keeping the exterior paint looking like new. Florida sun can really fade an exterior paint on a vehicle. The driver's side seat's leather has bubbled in a small area. I had the seat reupholstered while under warranty. The seat bubbled again in the same spot. Honda dealership wanted nearly $900.00 for a reupholster. I ended up just putting a couple of band aids on the area so it wouldn't rip further. The cargo space under the bed holds all my tools for work, except for my brooms and small rakes, which fit under the back seat storage. The front seats are extremely comfortable for long rides. I put buying the Ridgeline in my 5 top best things I ever did for myself category."

9 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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