It is a Kansas Cruise Control, works well on flat level ground only. Yes the surging is a pain.
I find no acceleration when engaging. I bring the car up to the speed I desire hit set ( the lower button not accel the top one) the control will smoothly capture and hold that speed if you are on level ground. I even noted that it surges on decents, it decelerates, kicks in and accelerates then cycles again. On my Accord I almost alway drove with cruise control, feet flat on the floor it would accelerate and decelerate smoothly. Not so with the Ridgeline.
I would be much happier as well if they would have used the same transmission control as on the Accura line where you could select and hold any gear you desire like a manual trans. This would include 4th, not a posibility for us. It is a computer controlled transmission, I do not know why it could not be retrofitted.
There are certain hills that are a pain when the transmission is hunting and 3rd is to low.
Steve