I feel that Honda decided to forego the truck requirements in the name of technology. There was a lot of tech that the G1 Ridgeline was lacking compared to others on the market. Hell, the F150 can park itself, massive sunroof, 360 degree cameras, Bluetooth streaming, etc. It was time for the Ridgeline to finally catch up to their domestic & import counterparts. In doing this they took away all the "truck" and just slapped the Pilot overtop.
Things that Honda took away that I think were a big no no: #1 Heat Dials - Dudes wear gloves or winter gloves, turning those babies were so easy. Now you have these little up and down dials. #2. 3 on the Tree - Well, not 3 but you get the jist. Why put a console in the middle with no walk through? This was awesome for getting out the other side, putting my Mcdonalds tray of drinks so they won't spill and stretching out when you want to have some fun with the misses
. #3. Storage. Where's my arm rest storage for my toonies, pens, business cards, etc. Where's the 3 pockets in the pass dash for the wife to put her makeup and other womany things. Not 100% sure but I think it's still missing an additional 2 storage bins in the center dash. #4. Towing only 5000LBS?? Yes, if you didn't see on any of the reviews that everyone did on the new Ridgeline at the auto shows, there is a safety sticker with max tow rating of 5000lbs on the back. This is a legal requirement for DOT/TC approved vehicles and the show vehicle was road legal. Interest rates are super low and I got money to spend, why would I buy 2 seadoos when I can afford a large boat!! To me 5K isn't cutting it now a days for a pickup. My QX60 tows that and it fits 7 people. Hopefully I'm wrong on that when official word comes out from Honda.#4. No dials on audio - When I have dirty hands or gloves on that screen is going to be 1 big mess. #5. Throw the F'ing 9 speed in it! #6. Too much exterior plastic - Use some dam paint!! The bumper isn't even painted, it's just hard black plastic. Fender flares, plastic. Roof Rack, black plastic only option. #6. Rear Entertainment - Don't know anything yet, but I'm leaning towards a lack of. Probably no DVD in the headrests / Roof mount. #7. Bed Lighting - Correct me if I'm wrong, from what I've seen only 2 pueny lights in the bed. Old one had 4 and two were positioned to shine in the bed trunk for visibility. #8. Low turn signals - I think they are at the bottom next to the fog light. If they are wait till it hits a Canadian winter and see if they blink. #8. Small grab handles. Where are my huge grab handles that my mom uses to get in and out of the truck cause she's 5'3. #9. Auto running boards. Ford & GM have it. GM took it a step further and it swings back.
Things I like about the new Ridge from what I've seen in the videos. #1. Rear child mirror in the sunglasses holder. Yes my kid sits in the back and I need to look at him from time to time. #2. Tech. Desperately needed, that etch-a-sketch Navigation unit is horrible. Not a big fan of those lane assists and cruise assists but blind spot is good, sensors all around and hopefully it has Honda's right turn camera feature. Great for missing those bicycle people in Downtown Toronto. Push Button start & memory seats..Yeah! Sound, this system better kick ass. #3. Bigger bed & flat in bed trunk...nuff said, bigger is better. Flatter is better. #4. In bed audio - Nice touch for the work site. I work close to my truck. Charging box with AC power is pretty good too. #5. Under seat storage - I couldn't fit my clubs under the seat, nice to have now. #6. LED or HID lights, finally. #7. Black Edition - Like the stitching and hides the exterior plastic well.
Enough of my ranting. I use my Ridge for 30% work related duties, 70% Urban living. Would I get a new one...possibly. Test drives, fooling around with all the tech and testing it out. Maybe the new car smell and fact that I have to change my timing belt and water pump on my current Ridge may force me into a new one?? Who knows.
FYI..this website has some cool pics of current vs new Ridgeline.
2017 Honda Ridgeline vs first-gen Ridgeline - Old vs New