2009 Honda Ridgeline

When you first see the Honda Ridgeline, you are aware that it is clearly a pickup truck. What kind of pickup truck? Well, that's another story that starts out with Honda building on an already-great vehicle. Ridgeline has an in-bed storage system all of the truck manufacturers should heed. Its innovation and great ride are only better with the new 2009 version.

An appealing form, innovative features, a pleasing ride that borders car-like, and the ability to support active lifestyles have been the Ridgeline's key attributes ever since Honda entered the pickup segment several years ago.

But don't look for this Honda to haul extreme loads or pull your fifth-wheel trailer. It's not designed for that. But, the four-door, five-passenger Ridgeline does offer a 5,000-lb towing capacity and it has the most unique and innovative in-bed storage system available in a pickup.

The likable in-bed trunk is weatherproof and large enough for a 72-quart cooler or three golf bags. The trunk is at the rear of the bed. It's easily accessed thanks to a dual-action tailgate that swings down traditionally, or to the side when storing or removing items from the trunk.

Another likable feature is that Ridgeline's spare tire isn't mounted outside and underneath the vehicle. Instead, it's mounted under the bed, ahead of the trunk and it's isolated from the elements. That's a welcome idea, especially if you've ever had to deal with a rusted, frozen, or snow-packed spare tire mechanism on a typical pickup.

The downside, to the in-bed trunk and/or spare tire, comes when the bed is loaded with materials. Accessing either the trunk or spare tire with a fully-loaded bed would require emptying the bed first.

Ridgeline's 5-foot-long composite cargo bed provides a half-ton payload rating of 1,100 lbs and two additional bed tie-downs have been added to the 2009 model, bringing the total to eight. There are four cargo area lights to illuminate both the bed and the in-bed trunk. New accessories for 2009 include a motorcycle bed extender and a bed-mount bicycle attachment, in addition to a wide variety of existing accessories that are designed to accommodate motorcycles and ATVs.

Built for those who like the outdoors, the 2009 Honda Ridgeline has undergone minor styling enhancements to give it a more chiseled overall appearance. I liked the way the old Ridgeline looked, but I especially like the revisions to the current model.

Powering all 2009 Honda Ridgelines is Honda's venerable 3.5-liter V-6 engine. Rated at 250 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, power has been slightly increased (+3 horsepower and +2 lb-ft of torque) for 2009 thanks to a new camshaft profile, larger intake valves and a revised dual-stage intake manifold.

When lightly-loaded, the Ridgeline's sophisticated and refined V-6 is adequate. But those looking for a V-8, or more hauling capabilities will need to look elsewhere. Mated to Ridgeline's V-6 is an ultra-smooth shifting five-speed automatic transmission.

The transmission's gear ratios have been modified for 2009 in an effort to provide better acceleration, especially for gears three and four.

All Ridgelines feature Honda's fully automatic all-wheel drive system known as VTM-4. This system provides confident, sure-footed operation, while also improving on-road and towing performance by distributing torque to all four wheels as needed. The system operates predominately in front-wheel-drive during dry-pavement cruising conditions and continuously proportions torque to the rear wheels during acceleration and low traction situations.

Ridgeline is loaded with many standard features including anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, side-impact airbags, air conditioning with air filtration, full power and more.

The cabin is roomy and accommodates five passengers. Three trim levels are offered: RT ($28,200), RTS ($31,305), and RTL ($34,180). Unfortunately, only the top-of-the-line RTL can be had with the available touchscreen navigational system.

I like the adjustable center console and there are three 12-volt power outlets. The RTL adds a 115-volt outlet in the center console. There is a fair amount of hard plastic on the dashboard and door panels, but I wouldn't let that stand in the way of choosing the Ridgeline.

The ride is pleasing, refined, and feels almost car-like. Ridgeline provides excellent comfort for a family of five and their gear.

2009 Honda Ridgeline RTL NAV

Engine: 3.5-liter (250 hp) V-6

Transmission: 5-speed automatic

Drive type: AWD

Fuel economy: 15 city/20 highway

Base price: $36,330

As tested: $37,000 (including $670 for destination)

Web site: www.honda.com