Honda has been trying to establish itself as a strong contender in the pickup truck segment, but the Honda Ridgeline hasn’t achieved the success many expected. Despite some advantages, it has faced several hurdles that have kept it from gaining wider appeal. Here’s a breakdown of the main reasons why the Ridgeline has struggled in recent years.
1. Unibody Architecture
One of the most unique features of the Honda Ridgeline is its unibody construction, which sets it apart from most other trucks that use a traditional body-on-frame design. While this architecture offers a smoother, more car-like ride, it comes with some significant drawbacks.
Traditional body-on-frame trucks are better equipped for heavy-duty tasks like towing and off-roading. Trucks like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma are designed for greater durability and ruggedness, which is what many pickup buyers look for. The Ridgeline’s unibody construction limits its ability to compete in this area.
2. Limited Towing and Payload Capacity
Because of its unibody design, the Ridgeline’s towing and payload capacities fall short compared to its competitors. With a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs and a payload of 1,583 lbs, the Ridgeline struggles to keep up with trucks like the Ford Ranger, which boasts a towing capacity of 7,500 lbs, and other midsize trucks like the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon that offer even greater capacity. This makes the Ridgeline less appealing for buyers who need their trucks for more demanding tasks.
3. Outdated Engine and Transmission
The Ridgeline is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, but this engine has become outdated compared to newer, more efficient engines available in competing models.
Many competitors offer turbocharged and hybrid engine options that deliver better fuel efficiency and higher performance. In addition, the Ridgeline’s nine-speed automatic transmission has been criticized for being clunky, particularly at highway speeds, further affecting its overall driving experience.
4. Mediocre Fuel Economy
When it comes to fuel economy, the Ridgeline is not the most competitive option. It offers 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway, which is decent but falls short compared to newer models like the Ford Maverick, which delivers an impressive 42 MPG in the city thanks to its hybrid engine.
As fuel efficiency becomes more important to truck buyers, the Ridgeline’s average numbers are a disadvantage.
5. Competition from New Unibody Rivals
The Ridgeline once had the advantage of being one of the only unibody trucks in the midsize market, but the rise of new models like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz has significantly increased competition.
These new unibody trucks offer better fuel economy, more modern designs, and a lower starting price, which appeals to many buyers looking for trucks that are easy to drive in the city but still capable of light-duty tasks. The introduction of these models has diminished the Ridgeline’s unique position in the market.
6. Price Concerns
One of the biggest challenges the Ridgeline faces is its high starting price. Priced at over $40,000, it is significantly more expensive than competitors like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma, both of which start around $30,000.
This makes the Ridgeline a tough sell for buyers who are looking for value, especially since many competitors offer similar or better features at a lower cost.
Conclusion
While the Honda Ridgeline has its strengths, including a smooth, car-like ride and excellent standard features, its limitations in towing capacity, engine performance, fuel economy, and price have made it less competitive in the midsize truck market. As new competitors continue to enter the market, the Ridgeline will need significant updates to stay relevant and regain a competitive edge in the pickup truck segment.
