2009 Honda Ridgeline Review

On a limestone-littered trail slicing through Texas Hill Country, our 2009 edition of Honda's Ridgeline sport utility truck (SUT) applies torque from a powerful V6 engine to all wheels so tire treads maintain a keen grip as we bump over so many sharp-edged stones.

The vehicle doesn't slip or slide as the wheels, suspended independently front and rear, dribble across the rocky steps.

A tall stance, with eight inches of ground clearance, allows Honda's SUT to trudge over a lot of lumpy ground far from the comfort of a paved road.

Further, it carries an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system labeled VTM-4, meaning Variable Torque Management Four for four-wheel-drive. The mechanism is constantly engaged and directs the engine's muscle to all the wheels when needed in order to maintain traction on the tires and keep the vehicle rolling forward.

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