If the 9-speed had the same reliability as the 6-speed, I wouldn't be driving a Honda.
If the 6-speed had the same reliability as the 9-speed, I'd choose a 9-speed because:

1. Pushbutton shifter
2. "Lower" first gear
3. Paddle shifters
4. Longer maintenance intervals
5. Better fuel economy than my 6-speeds

What I don't like about the 9-speed:

1. More expensive/complex fluid change procedure
2. The temporary loss of engine braking when downshifting from 5th using the paddle shifters
3. The cost of the tool to place the transmission in neutral in the rare situation where the engine can't be started

 

If the 9-speed had the same reliability as the 6-speed, I wouldn't be driving a Honda.
If the 6-speed had the same reliability as the 9-speed, I'd choose a 9-speed because:

1. Pushbutton shifter
2. "Lower" first gear
3. Paddle shifters
4. Longer maintenance intervals
5. 1 MPG better than my 6-speeds

What I don't like about the 9-speed:

1. More expensive/complex fluid change procedure
2. The temporary loss of engine braking when downshifting form 5th using the paddle shifters
3. The cost of the tool to place the transmission in neutral in the rare situation where the engine can't be started

As for #5...

Officially:
2017 - 22/19/26 combined/city/highway
2022 - 21/18/24

In my experience:
2017 - 19 city. 30 highway (1,200 mile trip with more than 25k on the vehicle)
2022 - 18 city, 24 highway (800 mile trip when new)

The 9 speed has lower MPG than the 6 for the most part.

 

My wife has 2015 MDX with 6-speed auto (same as RL’s 6 speed?). She has over 130k miles on it with just routine maintenance. I prefer it over the RL’s 9-speed.

I am simply not a fan of the ZF 9 speed. Too much weirdness in how it goes about its business.

A good transmission should learn MY driving behavior…….not the other way around!

 

As a 17 Ridgeline owner with 67k on it, my biggest gripe with the truck is the transmission. I did the 3X fluid change and filter and the shuddering got better. She shifts got slightly better. The fluid I removed was not dirty at all though. I really dislike the downshifting. It’s like I’m applying the brakes without changing the brake pressure and then it will downshift and feels like I pressed much harder. It’s just a jarring transmission and it’s a damn shame. Otherwise I love the truck.

 

...I really dislike the downshifting. It’s like I’m applying the brakes without changing the brake pressure and then it will downshift and feels like I pressed much harder.

I was very surprised to find that the weird downshift feel went away when I disabled VCM. I wasn't expecting that, but it put me back in charge of the deceleration profile. I think the "feels like I pressed much harder" thing is when you set the braking you think you need and VCM does the 3-cylinder thing which adds some engine braking on top of the braking you applied - then it's too much and you have to figure out how much to let off to get back to what you want. It's like two people are driving the car.

 

I dislike the 6 speed in that Honda does not give me much control over it. For example, when towing, I can’t stay in 5th gear and lock out only 6th. My Dodge minivan, in my opinion, has a better 6 speed transmission than the Ridgeline’s. Lacking control of the transmission is my biggest gripe with the ‘17 Ridgeline.

 

The 9spd is a little quirky but overall I like it. D mode works well for mild driving and S mode works well for more aggressive driving. I don’t like how down shifts feel different depending on what gear you are going into.

Overall the 6spd is more predictable and consistent. If the 6spd had reliability, paddles and driver selected shift modes, it would be very even to the 9spd. However, I would still take the 9spd due to the deeper 1st gear and larger ratio spread.

 

I have had my 2022 for a few weeks now and I am getting used to the ZF 9-speed. I do find that I can now notice and detect when the dog clutches are working. During the 4-5th upshift you feel the revs go up a bit and then drop after 5th gear is engaged. At least that is what I think I am feeling. Same thing when downshifting or using the paddle shifters.

The touch button controls are easy to use and become second nature after a few drives. I like the paddle shifters and ability to hold gears going up or down long grades.

I would have kept my 2017 had the 6-speed been reliable and had no issues. Made sense to sell before the warranty expired and upgrade to the 2022 and not have to worry about having to drop $10k on a new transmission.

What are the service intervals on the 9-speed?

 

The engine runs in 3-cylinder mode when coasting above 45 MPH, but returns to 6-cylinder mode below that speed.

 

That makes the improved braking response at low speeds a mystery then, but it is none-the-less there - two cars, same response.

 

The 9 speed in my 22 has been butter smooth and getting better MPG than my 07 Ridgeline with the funky 40mph clunk and dump, my 09 Ridgeline with the slightly better 40 mph grind and jump, and than my 14 MDX with the 6 speed did. Noticably quicker on hard launches too. Aside from the ugly fascia correction, the 9 speed is the reason to go newer, though I'm not sure the rest of the truck's build quality is what Honda would like it to be.

 

The 9 speed in my 22 has been butter smooth and getting better MPG than my 07 Ridgeline with the funky 40mph clunk and dump, my 09 Ridgeline with the slightly better 40 mph grind and jump, and than my 14 MDX with the 6 speed did.

PRNDL clunk-and-dump. Perfect descriptor for that dated slushbox POS.

 

A bit hard to find the little push button D without looking down. I liked not having to look with the regular gear shifter on my Accord. Might seem trivial but after 5000 miles on my Ridgeline I still wish I didn't have to look down to "find" the button. Shouldn't have to. Should be able to do it easily by feel while looking forward.

Yes, the push button delay is annoying too at times. I wish this truck had a CVT; that's right, I said it. Honda's CVT + turbo is superior. There's no funky dog clutches needed, doesn't jerk at all, and breaking to a stop is completely smooth in a CVT, unlike in this 9 speed. But I mostly forget about it all and just enjoy the ride. These are minor gripes.

 

Is there any way to see when VCM is activated? I know there isn’t a light on the dash, but maybe through a basic scan tool or some other OBD plug in. I’d like to know what I’m feeling when cruising if it’s VCM or torque converter shudder. I’m thinking torque converter, because it got better with the 3X trans fluid change. U was getting a rough vibration between shifts sometimes before the change.

 

I wish it was like our 2007 Odyssey, a little indicator came on anytime it went from 6 to 3 cylinders. BTW, 225,000 on that van before we sold it, not a single engine problem while we owned it and it is still going for the current owner.

 

I was watching it this morning and according to my ScanGuage it would turn on while letting off the gas and it might have something to do with the harsher feeling down shifts. I wonder if we can be sure the SG programming is completely accurate.

It did seem to correspond with the modulation of the TCL readout, so I'm inclined to think the VCM braking is real.

 

I was watching it this morning and according to my ScanGuage it would turn on while letting off the gas and it might have something to do with the harsher feeling down shifts. I wonder if we can be sure the SG programming is completely accurate.

It did seem to correspond with the modulation of the TCL readout, so I'm inclined to think the VCM braking is real.

Ya I wonder too. My truck has not had the TSB for transmission judder either. I did the 3X change myself, but it mentioned new software for the transmission. Does anyone know if that software improves shifts or downshifts? Or is it just lock up of the converter?

 

This is all Honda has to say about the software update:

"A software update is available to maintain the transmission fluid temperature within the desirable range under all driving conditions and eliminate the potential for this judder."

Anything else you hear is speculation.

 

Which do you prefer and why?

Hands down the 9 speed. Couldve had a good deal on a 2019 but held out for the 9 speed 2020. Why? Full manual control over all gears, lower first gear, performance, and am used to paddles. Yeah the dog clutch 5>4 downshift is a little annoying but I understand its purpose (match road and engine speed) and am used to it. It's also a better towing transmission to boot, especially in the Rocky Mountains where I live.

 

The 9-speed worked exactly as it was supposed to for me yesterday. I backed the RL out of the garage (after installing dashcam) and wanted to move it over to the left side of the driveway. I got to the bottom of the driveway, with the bed of the RL sitting partly in the street, and shifted into drive. I pushed the accelerator and the RL did not move. I shifted into reverse, thinking maybe the truck was in an awkward position or bumping up against the curb, and the same thing happened, the truck would not move. It turns out the transmission was shifting back into park each time I took my foot off the brake and attempted to accelerate.

I was a little panicked by this time, at the thought of the transmission giving me problems. It turns out the driver's door was slightly ajar, since I did not close it tightly backing down the driveway. Next time I will know.

 

I've owned a 2019 with the 6-speed and now a 2021 with the 9-speed.

Honestly, I never notice the transmission. Both my 2019 and my 2021 performed as expected. I guess I've put enough miles on old clapped out beaters that the Ridgeline feels like a Rolls Royce in comparison. Heck...it doesn't even smoke when you start it and all the window roll all the way up so I don't get wet when it rains.

 

I've had the 6 speed on a Ridgeline and the 9 Speed on a Passport. The 6 speed had limitations with few options to manually control it. The 9 speed took care of this something that's very helpful for someone that tows. However, the 9 speed has so many quirks. That tool needed to put it in neutral, starting off in second, the acceleration on downshifts when hitting a dog clutch gear, a crazy expensive and complicated fluid change procedure and let's face it this trans has been neutered, it's very very sluggish to inputs from your right foot. Sure there are ways around this but it's supposed to be an automatic, To me keeping the 6 speed around too long, having a stand in 9 speed instead of something that's a much better partner for the V6 has taken too long and time is up. I find it very difficult to drive fast or to pass with in heavy interstate traffic. I really notice this when I get out of other cars. With all that said though it's been around in RL, Passport and Pilot use and you read very little about failures and that may be enough for most folks. Bottom line, it's adequate but Honda used to be more that just adequate.

 

Try 'S' mode with ECON off & it's a different beast!

 

You must have a different 9-speed than I have. The one in my '21 Ridgeline is good enough to have totally changed my attitude toward it.

 

Me too.

I was reluctant to get the 9-speed in 2020 and went with a leftover 2019 model. The old "never buy the first year" mantra. But since getting my 2021...I rarely notice the transmission. It just does what it's supposed to do. I can't fathom what people must be doing to have any complaints about the 9-speed.

 

My 2 cents, although I think I'm mostly on the same wavelength as 14v6. I'm basing this on my personal experience after owning a 2G Ridgeline for nearly 6 years and having an extensive 2 week 'test drive' of a 9 speed Pilot.

I'll preface this by saying that if you do a lot of towing or actual off-roading the 9 speed is probably a better transmission - the wider gear ratio spread, the lack of overheating (at least I haven't seen any complaints yet) and the ability to hold a gear are definite benefits (although I would also argue there are better choices than the RL for those tasks in the first place). Also, the 9-speed is probably better if you live on a flat area with high enough speed limits where the transmission won't hunt as much and you can actually use 9th gear.

That said, the wife and I have been looking for a 3-row SUV and even though I was looking to break away from Honda, we feel that the Pilot is probably the best choice for us. Unfortunately we are limited to a pre-2021 EX-L trim or lower because neither of us like the 9-speed.

We live in a rural hilly area and the 9-speed just never stops looking for a better gear. And at the speeds around here we are constantly in that 3-4-5-6 zone where the shifts mostly feel normal except for that one disconcerting one that lingers or 'stumbles' a bit. My wife, who normally doesn't really care too much about that sort of thing, picked up on it right away, It is the same on our hilly highways (South PA/Northern MD I-83 for instance) except it is gears 7,8, and 9th. Mark describes it pretty well at the 12:05 mark

On the other hand, the 6-speed in the RL is normally in the right gear, or at least it isn't constantly looking for a better one. And when it does shift, the shifts all feel the same and there is no weirdness going on at any speed (other than VCM but that isn't the transmissions fault). If it has to downshift for a hill on the highway it drops one gear and stays there.

Even knowing the issues that others have reported about the 6-speed, and the ones that I had with mine ( TSB and flush/fill at 7k miles, another flush/fill at 40-ishK ) I'd rather go with the 6-speed. I'd rather know when something feels amiss (and likely taken care of with a cheap fluid change or a pressure switch) than constantly be wondering if that weird hiccup was something wrong or just the transmission doing what it does.

 

Even knowing the issues that others have reported about the 6-speed, and the ones that I had with mine ( TSB and flush/fill at 7k miles, another flush/fill at 40-ishK ) I'd rather go with the 6-speed.

You remind me of someone who smoked, had lung cancer, was cured, then started smoking again.

 

I wasn't sure about the 9 speed when I first got it and sort-of prefer my old 6 speed. But it has grown on me. Idle driving or cruising I find D just fine. But S is much better for a more spirited, responsive drive. BUT I do not use the paddles. Remembering the old 6, it would hesitate at rolling junctions, sluggish on long uphill highways and loud. Ignoring the quirky downshifts, I now prefer the 9. Just drive it in S for a while, no paddles, and you might change your mind.

 

ZF's 8-speed is an outstanding transmission - truly world-class. It's durable and flexible enough to be smooth as glass in a luxury car or DCT-like snappy in a sports car.

 

I love my 9 speed. It shifts so smoothly that it amazes me at how well it juggles all those gears.

 

I agree…in D mode, it is very smooth…almost like it neuters the engine to achieve that…and then when its time for engine braking…..it neuters that too!

 

I have 2017 RL, and I can tell you a couple benefits you may not have notice with the 6spt. It’s awesome on snow covered roads for slowing down without having to break. The other is you don’t wear out brake pads as fast, I have 58,000 miles and sill have 75% break pads left, had them checked last month. When I was told, I said 75% worn? They said no, 75% left, I was like wow!

 

I have 2017 RL, and I can tell you a couple benefits you may not have notice with the 6spt. It’s awesome on snow covered roads for slowing down without having to break. The other is you don’t wear out brake pads as fast, I have 58,000 miles and sill have 75% break pads left, had them checked last month.

The 9-speed can do that even better because you can manually select any of the 9 speeds using the paddle shifters. The 6-speed is limited to automatically shifting from 1-2, 1-4, or 1-6.

It is also important to note that in the case of the Ridgeline we are comparing nearly 4-6 year old trucks and all of the miles they have accumulated to trucks that have been on sale for just over 2 years (most of which was during a time where people curtailed their travel) A much better look at this is on the Pilot, MDX and TLX forums where these transmissions have been in service for a lot longer.

Also, don't forget that the Ridgeline started with the 9-speed that had hardware and software improvements and debuted in the 2019 Pilot.

 

I had a 2017 RL for 5 years and have had a 2022 RL for a little over 6 months.

Observations: I liked the overall performance of the 6-sp until it failed @78K miles. The 9-sp seems slightly faster, the dog clutches are noticeable, especially during deceleration -annoying to me, love the ability to select and remain in a certain gear in off-road situations and for engine breaking. The push button delays are slight negatives as far as I’m concerned. If each had the same reliability, I’d likely choose the 9-sp.

Which do you prefer and why?

My 15yr old gen 1 4 speed is solid as a rock. 60 yrs of 3 or 4 speed auto tyranny's with zero failures. More gears = more complexity = grief.

~ Old school

 

The CVT + 1.5 liter turbo has very few problems regarding the CVT , even in high mileage cars, as I understand it. I know it's not a truck - I'm talking CR-V & Accord. Sure, you get oil dilution possibly, but just change the oil more often. I'm definitely gonna test drive a 2023 CR-V if it ever comes out. I like my 2022 Ridgeline - it's just so heavy, guzzles gas, has loud wind noise in crosswinds, but mostly I miss that CVT feel. I think Honda has minimized that rubber band-type feel along with the Turbo lag, so that it's pretty responsive when you suddenly gas it. Test drive a 2022 if you can find one. I'm telling you Honda really has the CVT / 1.5T combo DIALED IN. It's a JOY to drive. I almost bought one and decided last minute on the Ridgeline. I like this Ridgeline too. But the CR-V just seemed so balanced in every way. Only bad thing I saw was the rotten in fotainment system, just like in the Ridgeline. But maybe they will update it for 2023 CR-V.

 

Have you considered looking at a hybrid? No turbo, no 1.5t/CVT to deal with and better mpg's. I have a RAV4 hybrid very versatile vehicle, instant throttle response and an E-CVT is a different animal than a CVT. I had a CRV loaner while the CVT in my 15 CRV was being replaced and it was a nice package but the hybrid mpg's make ICE only consideration in that segment a negative.

 

If i am going to buy hybrid, Toyota is the way to go.

 

One word of caution with the Toyota AWD Hybrid. There is no rear driveshaft, only an electric motor. The cable to this motor has had instances of rusting out in salty areas mostly Canada. There is no way to get this part warrantied past the 3/36 and it's about $6500 Canadian to fix. More data and time is needed to determine if it's a big problem. Toyota has investigated but up to this point they made a revision to the part but have not extended any warranty protection past the 3/36. The issue is starting to get media attention.