What Is the Best Year for a Used Honda Ridgeline?
The Honda Ridgeline is a popular pickup truck with a reputation for offering the best qualities of a pickup in a package that drives more like an SUV. The Ridgeline offers a smooth ride on the road, is easy to handle, and has a bed with the utility you need in a pickup truck. If you’re looking for a used Honda Ridgeline, you have several model years to choose from. First-generation models ranging from 2009 to 2012 are known for their reliability, but second-generation models ranging from 2018 to the present are also good choices.
Honda Ridgeline Model Year Overview
In a highly competitive pickup truck market, the Honda Ridgeline stands out for its drivability. It first arrived in 2006, and unlike many other midsize pickups, it was built on a unibody frame instead of a body-on-frame platform. The Ridgeline is now in its second generation. The first generation ran from 2006 through 2014, and after a short break, it returned in its second generation with the 2017 model.
The Ridgeline was the first pickup to have an in-bed trunk, giving you a place to securely store your items in the bed. The 2007 model arrived with a new RTX trim. The next big change came in 2009 when the top-level RTL models gained a navigation system with Bluetooth and a backup camera.
For 2012, the Ridgeline received a refreshed look for the front end, and a new Sport trim joined the lineup with a black grille and matching black wheels. 2014 was the last model year for the first-generation Ridgeline, and it arrived with a new top-level SE trim. This model came loaded with technology, including navigation, voice recognition, and Bluetooth.
After a three-year absence, the Honda Ridgeline returned with an all-new generation. The 2017 model had a sleeker and more aerodynamic look as well as an upgraded 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 280 horsepower under the hood that could tow up to 5,000 pounds. It also added a unique dual-action tailgate. The second-generation Ridgeline also gave you seven trim levels to choose from.
The 2018 and 2019 models received minor updates, but for 2021, Honda updated the exterior design to make it look more like a truck instead of an SUV.
Top Model Years
There are good model years in both the first-generation and second-generation Ridgelines. If you like an older model vehicle, the 2010 through 2014 model years are good choices, but there are plenty of more recent models worth considering.
2010
The 2010 model year carried over from 2009 without any significant changes. It’s available in the RT, RTS, and RTL trims and comes standard with a trailer hitch for all trim levels. The top-level RTL has an integrated navigation system, active front head restraints, and a backup camera.
2014
The 2014 Ridgeline stands out for its redesigned trunk compartment for extra storage. The innovative design features a 5-foot bed and a dual-action tailgate that can swing down or swing open like a door. This Ridgeline comes with a variable torque management four-wheel-drive system, an integrated trailer hitch, and a power-sliding rear window.
2017
The 2017 model year is an excellent choice. As the first model of the new generation, it has lots of updates. Even the base RT comes well equipped with alloy wheels, push-button start, and a 4.2-inch driver information display. It also comes with Bluetooth and a 5-inch touch screen for the infotainment system.
2020
The 2020 model year is a good choice because of its excellent ride quality, spacious interior, and easy handling. This was the year Honda replaced the six-speed automatic transmission with a new nine-speed and made the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver aids standard.
2021
The 2021 Honda Ridgeline won the Car and Driver Editor’s Choice award. It received a significant refresh, updating the exterior design and the materials in the cabin. The Ridgeline HPD, featuring the Honda Performance Development Package, also arrived in this model year.
Comparative Analysis
If you’re considering a first-generation Honda Ridgeline, the 2006, 2007, and 2008 model years have the original 3.5-liter engine with 255 horsepower and were only offered with the crew cab. Once you get to the 2012 or higher model years, there are more options available, and you can still find a used one for $13,000 to $19,000. The 2017 model is much better equipped and offers a better selection of trims. You can find a used one for between $33,000 and $34,000.
Why the Honda Ridgeline Stands Out in the Mid-Size Truck Market
One of the key features that sets the Honda Ridgeline apart from traditional mid-size trucks is its unibody construction, which is based on an SUV platform rather than the typical body-on-frame design used by competitors. This unique construction makes the Ridgeline perfect for everyday driving, offering a smoother, more comfortable ride compared to other trucks in its class. It also enhances handling, making the Ridgeline more agile in urban environments while still delivering the utility you need from a used pickup truck. Whether you’re looking for a vehicle that can handle work tasks or weekend adventures, the Ridgeline strikes the right balance between comfort and functionality.
Used Honda Rideline Trim Levels
If you’re in the market for a used Honda Ridgeline, it’s essential to know the differences between the various trim levels. The Sport trim, for example, is a great starting point for drivers who want solid features like the all-wheel drive system and intelligent traction management modes without all the bells and whistles. Meanwhile, the RTL and RTL-E trims add comfort-focused features such as leather seating and advanced technology like parking sensors and wireless phone charging. For those who value aesthetics and exclusivity, the Black Edition trim adds striking visual elements, such as black leather interiors and ambient red LED lighting, making it stand out from other pickups on the road.
A Versatile Pickup Truck for Outdoor Adventures
The Honda Ridgeline isn’t just for heavy-duty work or off-road adventures; it’s also ideal for city drivers. Thanks to its independent suspension system and refined interior, the Ridgeline offers a quiet, smooth ride, even in urban environments with stop-and-go traffic. This combination of SUV-like comfort and truck functionality makes it a versatile option for drivers who want a vehicle that can handle everything from grocery runs to weekend camping trips. And with the available dual-action tailgate and lockable in-bed storage, you get both convenience and practicality in one package.
Safety and Technology in the Honda RidgelineÂ
For buyers prioritizing modern safety features, the second-generation Ridgeline, particularly from 2017 onward, is an excellent choice. Newer models come standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies that includes forward-collision warnings, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. These features add peace of mind, whether you’re navigating busy city streets or traveling on long highways. Additionally, tech-savvy buyers will appreciate the 8-inch infotainment touchscreen and tri-zone automatic climate control, making the ride enjoyable for both drivers and passengers alike.
Choosing Between a Used Honda Ridgeline RTL-E and the Black Edition
When considering a used Honda Ridgeline, deciding between the RTL-E and Black Edition trims comes down to personal preference. The RTL-E offers excellent value, combining advanced technology with comfort features like heated seats and a premium sound system. However, if you’re drawn to a more premium, high-end aesthetic, the Black Edition delivers with its gloss-black alloy wheels and a unique blacked-out interior. Both trims come with the same advanced safety and tech features, so the decision ultimately depends on whether you prioritize style or cost when choosing your ideal Ridgeline.
Buying Tips
Since the Ridgeline has been around since 2006, there are a lot of used models available. The 2014 one received high reliability ratings, and even an older 2007 model is high on the list of reliable models.
The current generation is a better choice because it has more standard safety technology, and the engine upgrade gives it more power. The second generation received high ratings for reliability, and if you like the idea of modern tech features, you’ll get plenty of them in the 2017 through 2021 model years.
Finding Your Ideal Ridgeline
The best way to determine which used Honda Ridgeline is best for your budget and lifestyle is by conducting thorough research. Check out the Ike Honda website, where there is information about the Ridgeline models we have in stock. You can then come to the dealership to get a closer look at each of the models and take your favorite out for a test drive. Once you get behind the wheel, you can get a better feel for how the truck drives.
Are You Ready To Take the Next Steps Toward Buying Your Next Ridgeline?
If you want the practicality of a truck but a more comfortable and economical option, the Honda Ridgeline is the perfect solution. A used model offers all the capabilities and features you need for any ride and comes with a lower price tag than a new one. Come by Ike Honda in Marion, Illinois, and we can fill you in on all the features and equipment you can get with the different model years and the differences between the two generations.
Honda Ridgeline RTL 2017 by RL GNZLZ Â is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED
4 comment(s) so far on What Is the Best Year for a Used Honda Ridgeline?
I am relocating from sarasota fla to mid vermont,i would prefer to purchase a ridgeline from the south due to obvious corrosion ,road salt, etc,hevent tead much about hondas a ability to navigate deep snow suggestions have been to upgrade to snow tires for winter use only i will be towing a few snowmobiles not an issue any suggestions i considered a toyota 4 runner as well?
With its all-wheel-drive system and a set of snow tires, the Ridgeline should perform well in deep snow and harsh winter conditions. It’s also more than capable of towing snowmobiles, so that won’t be an issue.
If you’re planning on using it regularly in challenging winter weather, the snow tires will make a big difference in traction and safety.
I have a 2017 Ridgeline that I absolutely love. I’m passing it on to my grandson and wondering if the new Ridgeline are as well built as my 2017? Also, I buy, I don’t lease… will the 2024 hold up without serious repairs for the next 7 years?
Thanks for your comment! Glad to hear you’re enjoying your 2017 Ridgeline and passing it on to your grandson – that’s awesome!
As for the 2024 model, it’s built with the same Honda reliability, so it should hold up well for the long haul. If you keep up with regular maintenance, it should serve you well for the next 7 years without major issues.