Are you happy with the Ridge's off-road ability? I'm slightly disappointed, I think it needs a factory availble 2" lift, and skidplates.

I didnt buy the RL to go offroad. i got that out of my blood back when I was 20 and driving Jeep's.

With the above said, it can handle construction sites, rutted roads, and hauling wood off my property without issue.

Buyers who want a heavy duty off-road mountain climber are not the target consumer. But those are people who also are not enjoying the ride and comfort that the Ridgeline provides.

How many of the family-owned trucks and SUVs on the road do you figure ever touch dirt? 5% ? 10% ? Honda is not stupid, they evaluated what people wanted in a truck and gave it to us. Which is a superb truck on the road with handling and power and a capable trail rider.

The truck is perfect for my needs. It comes down to "what do you want to use your truck for?"

I didnt buy the RL to go offroad. i got that out of my blood back when I was 20 and driving Jeep's.

With the above said, it can handle construction sites, rutted roads, and hauling wood off my property without issue.

Chisoxjim,

Like you I got the off-roading for off-roading's sake out of my blood when I was in my early twenties. And you're right about construction sites and rutted roads. Getting down some of the logging roads on my property to retrieve wood etc. leaves me wanting a lift kit and skids though. It would be so easy for Honda to do, I just don't understand it.

Gvac,

I could see the mods you are talking about being important to you in regards to navigating your property without risking damage to your truck. Luckily where I haul wood/other items in from @ my place is not that rough of terrain that the RL could get damaged.

Good luck with those mods.

Are you happy with the Ridge's off-road ability? I'm slightly disappointed, I think it needs a factory availble 2" lift, and skidplates.

Overall I am very pleased, so much so that I'll be getting another one when my lease expires. I think the lift and skidplate offering would be nice but it is not a deal breaker for me and I have run mine offroad alot through some very nasty mud with out ever having to clean the seats.;)
As Chi said, get a Jeep if you want a mudder or rock climber. At my age I enjoy our RL's civilized on road ride and handling.:cool:

leaves me wanting a lift kit and skids though. It would be so easy for Honda to do, I just don't understand it.

I've read that a skid plate would nullify some of the safety features in a head-on accident. Thats just what I've read.

I think what Honda needs to do is make a new design with a more off-road package in mind. As others, I purchased my truck for a commuter vehicle. One that handles bad weather in New England well and one that is safe to transport my family. The few occasions I found myself off road, on dirt and gravel and sand, I have been more than pleased. I honestly think there is a trade off between a good off road vehicle and one that has the fine road ride the Ridgeline provides. Hard to get the best of all worlds. So I think the Ridgeline is perfect just the way it is and would not compromise safety, smooth driving and tight handling for a little better off road ability. :D

Just my opinion...;)

For any light duty off-road work...the Ridge is perfect! I didn't buy it for weekend off-road warrior activities, for me it was purchased for it's awd capability for those times I hit the mountains for skiing. Meets my needs in every way I intended and then some.

I also did not buy it to go 4wheeling. To nice of a truck. I had alway bought Toyota's when I was in my 20's and when i had kids i drove a sedan for several year. Now that my kids have grow i wanted a truck again and looked at the Taco but did not like sitting on the floor. The ride is so much better that a Taco.

Hay does the Nav work for 4Wheeling?:rolleyes: Just kidding.

At my age I enjoy our RL's civilized on road ride and handling.:cool:

As someone who drives 25-30 K a year, I sure do as well! :)

I tried to use my Honda Ridgeline under tough conditions and I got convinced. With summer wheels and tricky surface I got around in areas I'd never tried with another car, like Avalanche or similiar car. You might watch my video here (http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZCCjwq3Qv34)

I tried to use my Honda Ridgeline under tough conditions and I got convinced. With summer wheels and tricky surface I got around in areas I'd never tried with another car, like Avalanche or similiar car. You might watch my video here (http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZCCjwq3Qv34)

Wow! You sure put it through it's paces. Have you tested on the beach in sand? How well do you think it would do?