[Jim Dale]

In March, would you consider the new 2026 Passport? The tech is good, boxy flat folding seats with awesome cargo space, flip up space, 6cyl, rides high but not difficult-high, sharp looking. Eh, just a thought.

Yes, I think that would come into the equation as it's not like I need a three rower.

 

[LDB415]

Get the Ridgeline, you won't regret it. $4 Bedrug and $180 soft rollup tonneau cover. 99% waterproof. Can fit most under the cover. Trunk lid opens fully since the cover rails are on top of the bed rails.

And with around 1,500 lbs payload and 5k towing, you have options. U-Haul trailers and weekend DYI rental equipment towing.

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$4 bedrug? Where is that from?

 

[LDB415]

Absolutely stuck on making a final decision: Ridgeline RTL or Mazda CX-5, both 2025s.

Couple things holding me back on the Ridge:

• Mpg rating of 18-24 vs. 26-30 on the Mazda
• Living with a truck bed. I grew up in a truck house, but never owned one of my own.
• Asking price is about $5k more than Mazda

Hold backs on the Mazda:

• My wife has a 2017, fantastic car but it may be a disadvantage for the two of us to have the exact same car
• Cargo gets a little tight sometimes

Ridgeline Pros

• Love how it looks! I see some people call it plain, but to me I love the understated simplicity and clean lines. Looks great in every color
• Drives like a dream (despite the 2024 anomaly I posted about earlier). Seriously one of the best driving vehicles we’ve ever driven.
• That V6 sounds and feels fantastic
• I do a lot of woodworking and diy home repair, wife does a lot of gardening. The idea of being able to haul pretty much anything without weight worry is very appealing

Mazda Pros:

• Looks fantastic! Still one of the best looking vehicles on the road
• Love that 2.5L engine, rock solid and has never let us down. Can be very fast when you need it, or hang back and be cool for cruising
• We regularly get 24mpg around town and 28-31 on highway trips
• Way more tech and amenities and $5k less
• 0.9% for 36 months vs 2.9% for Ridge

Don‘t think I can go wrong with either car really. One great thing about an suv is covered, dry storage. I can fit 8’ lumber inside and close the hatch no problem. Caveat is I can only hold so much and it comes up quite close to the dash. Same with buying soil, mulch and drainage rock…it fits, but sometimes you need two trips and you definitely feel the weight. But the rest of the time it’s nice not having to worry about tying anything down or whether it’s raining or snowing.

My heart is with the Ridge, but my practical brain is with the Mazda.

I went to my dealer to try and buy a Pilot. I came home with the RL. I had an Extang Trifecta folding soft cover installed so the bed remains dry although admittedly it doesn't carry 8' lumber covered. I am very happy with my choice so far. You can't really go wrong whichever choice you make. Good luck deciding.

 

[Pleease]

In March, would you consider the new 2026 Passport? The tech is good, boxy flat folding seats with awesome cargo space, flip up space, 6cyl, rides high but not difficult-high, sharp looking. Eh, just a thought.

I like the idea of that next-gen Passport - looks like a winner.

 

[snakebait6]

Great info thank you! Not sure if that’s your truck there with all the rock but that’s exactly what I’m picturing as being super helpful.

I don't think that is a $5.00 bed rug. I bought a throw in carpet at Walmart for $20.00 that fits pretty good but trunk lid will not stay open.

 

[CountryCruiser]

I don't think that is a $5.00 bed rug. I bought a throw in carpet at Walmart for $20.00 that fits pretty good but trunk lid will not stay open.

Luckily I have an Amazon returns auction house near me so I am able to get some deals once in a while. $4 bed rug score is well worth it. I might have paid full price now for how much I like it.

 

[BreakingWind]

My 2 cents. First 40 years of my driving life I've had a pickup DD, a weekender, and a family car. Occasionally hauled and/or towed. Last 10 years no pickup but have family and friends with them and can borrow or bribe use if needed.
A tree fell on my Firebird DD and it came time for a choice, pickup or not? Asked wife's opinion and she said, "you've been without for 10 years, look back at them years and you'll have your answer". Even though it's rarely needed, having that utility available to use, when I want, without relying on others was the right decision. I also desired a nice driver and was taken aback by the ride quality of a used, low mileage, exceptionally clean, well priced Ridgeline RTL. The wife has a Ford Escape Titanium that is 6 years newer and prefers how Honda drives. You say you've never owned a pickup. I didn't realize how much I missed have a pickup capability until I went without. If you get the RL you'll find ways to use it.

 

[markk53]

My 2 cents. First 40 years of my driving life I've had a pickup DD, a weekender, and a family car. Occasionally hauled and/or towed. Last 10 years no pickup but have family and friends with them and can borrow or bribe use if needed.
A tree fell on my Firebird DD and it came time for a choice, pickup or not? Asked wife's opinion and she said, "you've been without for 10 years, look back at them years and you'll have your answer". Even though it's rarely needed, having that utility available to use, when I want, without relying on others was the right decision. I also desired a nice driver and was taken aback by the ride quality of a used, low mileage, exceptionally clean, well priced Ridgeline RTL. The wife has a Ford Escape Titanium that is 6 years newer and prefers how Honda drives. You say you've never owned a pickup. I didn't realize how much I missed have a pickup capability until I went without. If you get the RL you'll find ways to use it.

And you didn't even have to sacrifice having a trunk with the Ridgeline either.

I'm half way thinking of making mine a bit more SUV street vehicle since I'm not gonna do any kind of off road stuff. I'm still kicking around the idea of the 2" drop with the Good Win spring set. I liked the reasonably lowered trucks on the road and at the Goodguys show in Columbus. I like the look and having had a lowered 96 Ranger, I like how much more accessible the bed is when the truck is lowered a bit. No ground draggers or low riders, just more like what Chevy did on some of the old S-10s. A couple inches.

We did a 2" drop on my father's S-10 and it made it easier for him to get in and out, plus easier to reach in the bed for stuff.

But I'm rambling and digressing. Welcome to the group and glad to hear you like the Ridgeline.

 

[Radley]

I went from a CX-50 to a Ridgeline. The primary reason is the bed, and I have used it a number of times. The other advantage of the Ridgeline is the ride quality.

 

[p220sigman]

My 2 cents. First 40 years of my driving life I've had a pickup DD, a weekender, and a family car. Occasionally hauled and/or towed. Last 10 years no pickup but have family and friends with them and can borrow or bribe use if needed.
A tree fell on my Firebird DD and it came time for a choice, pickup or not? Asked wife's opinion and she said, "you've been without for 10 years, look back at them years and you'll have your answer". Even though it's rarely needed, having that utility available to use, when I want, without relying on others was the right decision. I also desired a nice driver and was taken aback by the ride quality of a used, low mileage, exceptionally clean, well priced Ridgeline RTL. The wife has a Ford Escape Titanium that is 6 years newer and prefers how Honda drives. You say you've never owned a pickup. I didn't realize how much I missed have a pickup capability until I went without. If you get the RL you'll find ways to use it.

I kind of did the process, except having my car crushed by a tree. My wife and I had essentially the same conversation and I came to the conclusion that I missed having a truck available when I needed it.

 

[graystroke]

Over the last several months I have hauled 400 cedar fence pickets (4 trips of 100 each), 90 bags of mulch and dirt (3 trips), 4 tires and 4 whees/tires (2 trips), 6 trips to deliver cedar planters, etc...

Sure I could have done this work in the SUV or my wagon, but a truck is always inherently more useful when you have one. Suddenly moving things is easier and I find more uses. I am less worried about damaging the interior. I added a BedRug and a Tonneau cover which gives me the flexibility I need. But the best accessory I have for my Ridgeline is the OEM Cargo Bed Net. Heavy Duty and perfect for securing things in the bed more than ratchet straps....

YMMV.

Good luck!