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F150 owner test drive review of the Ridgeline

60639 Views 194 Replies 82 Participants Last post by  zroger73, 
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I own a 2016 Ford F150 XLT supercrew 4x4. It is a great vehicle, but very difficult to park at my work. I hated the way the 2016 Tacoma drove, and I didn't bother looking at the Colorado/Canyon because of poor reliability ratings. I've been following the Ridgeline carefully as a mid-size truck seems like a great fit for me.

Well, I finally got to test drive one today. It was an RTL trim with AWD. The MSRP of the Ridgeline RTL is about $3000 less than my F150 sales price. I wanted to test drive one that cost near the same as my F150, but my choices were limited. A closer comparison with my truck would probably be the RTL-T or RTL-E Ridgeline since my XLT came with the 302a "luxury" package from Ford. I don't need to tow much, and my hauling is mostly kids, bicycles, groceries, and large items purchased from home improvement stores. The Ridgeline is enough truck for my needs.

Here is what I think after a test drive:

1. Handling: The Ridgeline has nice acceleration and handling. It drives more like a car than the F150. Getting around in traffic is a breeze. On the down side, the Ridgeline driving position is lower, giving less view of the road. Winner: Ridgeline

2. Comfort: The front driving position is comfortable in the Ridgeline, but my Ford is more comfortable. The Ford has more adjustments (telescoping steering wheel, adjustable pedals, and more adjustments on the power seats) to get the best driving position. The Ridgeline soaks up bumps in the road better and doesn't seem to hop like my Ford does when taking bumps on a turn. The back seats in the Ridgeline are awful in comparison to my Ford. I'm tall, and my knees were in the seat back when sitting in the rear. Winner: F150

3. Parking: This was my main reason for looking at the Ridgeline. It is easier to park, but surprisingly not much easier than my F150. The RTL doesn't have back up sensors, and my Ford does. I nearly backed into a post with the Ridgeline because I was using my side mirrors to squeeze into a spot. I was focused on the sides and not what was directly behind me. The Ridgeline seems as wide as my Ford. The Ridgeline is definitely shorter, through. A higher trim Ridgeline with back up sensors would be better. Winner: Ridgeline (not by much though)

4. Truck bed: The Ridgeline in-bed trunk is clever, but the lack of a locking tailgate is awful. My Ford has a bedrug carpet bed liner and tonneau cover. When I lock my tailgate, the entire volume under the tonneau cover is like a trunk in my F150. The Ford box-link system gives more options for cargo in the F150 bed. The F150 bed is deeper and therefore has a bigger volume to store stuff below the sides of the bed. The little storage compartment on the side of the Ridgeline is useless because the cover is made of flimsy plastic and it doesn't lock. Winner: F150

5. Electronics: The Ford Sync 3 system doesn't (yet) have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. My F150 trim level doesn't have navigation. For fairness, a higher trim level Ridgeline that costs as much as my F150 would have these things. The RTL trim does not. Ford Sync 3 will have these things in 2017. My F150 also has a lot more power options, including TWO standard 115 volt 400 Watt outlets in the cab, more usb charging ports, and other charging ports. Winner: Tie

6. Towing and payload: The F150 has significantly higher tow and payload ratings. My F150 also has trailer backup assist that makes it easier for a novice to back up a trailer. Winner: F150

7. Off road: The F150 has a traditional 4x4 system that is manually selectable. The Ridgeline AWD system is always on and the computer handles everything. The F150 has higher ground clearance and a full sized spare tire. I would much rather have the F150 if I were heading out into the wilderness. On city streets with light snow or ice, the Ridgeline would probably be better. Winner: F150

8. Cost to buy and maintain: The sales prices are actually similar. Ford has a higher MSRP, but sells at deep discounts from that. The Ridgeline gets slightly better gas mileage than my F150 with the 2.7 L turbo 6 cylinder. The F150 body is aluminum, so it won't rust, but will likely cost more to repair after a collision. Honda has a reputation for reliability, but there is no information yet on the Ridgeline reliability. The F150 is rated fairly highly on reliability from Consumer Reports. Winner: Tie

So there you have my opinion. I think the Ridgeline is a good product that can compete against the Tacoma and Colorado/Canyon. The Ridgeline offers a far better driving experience than the Tacoma that I test drove. The Ridgeline is even competitive in a number of ways for customers like me who have purchased full sized trucks given the poor choices in the mid-sized segment.

Am I going to trade in my F150? No. The Ridgeline just doesn't offer enough of a compelling reason to take the financial hit that I would take on a trade. The F150 is more truck than I need, and I may eventually trade it for a Ridgeline when I am not regularly hauling kids in the back seat and when the Ridgeline has made some improvements (hopefully a locking tail gate and a way to securely carry a full sized spare tire).
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silkiechicken
@2017BE and @RogersRTS I think you two have articulated very well why the RL works for it's targeted audience.

I LOL'ed out loud at the comment "...it doesn't look like it wants to punch the Prius in front of it, in the face." hahahaha

That's a good one!

Speaking of appearance, I had a guy in an 18 wheeler tell me "nice truck" at a rest stop. So it can't be all that bad.
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N
People cross-shop because of price, not because they are in the same class of vehicle. If you've got, say, $35K to spend, what can I get? That's why there are inevitable comparisons. They just both happen to be trucks, which makes it seem even more likely.

I also find it amusing how some folks think those who chose the RL are logical, wise, and in tune with their needs. And those who chose big trucks are foolish, all about image, and compensating for something. Could we let that silliness go already? Most people are just like RogersRTS, they assess their needs, and buy what meets them, along with what they like, and works with their budget. This is not an exclusive trait of only folks who buy an RL. :wink:
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NSIDER said:
People cross-shop because of price, not because they are in the same class of vehicle. If you've got, say, $35K to spend, what can I get? That's why there are inevitable comparisons. They just both happen to be trucks, which makes it seem even more likely.

I also find it amusing how some folks think those who chose the RL are logical, wise, and in tune with their needs. And those who chose big trucks are foolish, all about image, and compensating for something. Could we let that silliness go already? Most people are just like RogersRTS, they assess their needs, and buy what meets them, along with what they like, and works with their budget. This is not an exclusive trait of only folks who buy an RL. :wink:
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True. That's usually saved for people who buy Teslas, $100K+ M-B's/BMWs/etc..., and other high-dollar exotics.
:wink:
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14v6
There is a lot to like about an F-150. They sell tons of them so there is a huge dealer network, aftermarket parts/accessories and ability to negotiate on price. Problem is that it doesn't fit in my garage. It would have been a consideration otherwise. If they get the Ranger right it will put this Ford Honda comparison more Apples to Apples. I had a Ranger and the only thing I hated about it was that everyone wanted to borrow it. During those years I had a 5.0 Mustang GT and a Ranger, those were good times. Then came minivans and kids and now am back to a Ridgeline and a V6 Accord, good times again.
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lbjgh
The F150 and all frame on body trucks are basically hay wagons with an engine. Good for hauling manor and cinder blocks and comfortable enough on smooth roads but not the best tool for 90% of users. Most people haul fresh air and buy pickup trucks to intimidate other drivers.

I cross shopped the F150 with the RL based on price but the back-to-back test drive really showed the limitations of body on frame.

The RL for me is a glorified car that I can occationally use for hauling stuff.
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H
One of the deciding factors for me (my RTL-E is on order) was safety. Compare the small offset IIHS crash test videos and see how much more damage occurs with the F150. That sold me on the Honda.

Honda
iihs ridgeline crash video - Bing video
F150
iihs f150 crash video - Bing video
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C
As mentioned above, I became a RL owner after 15 years with the same F150.

I asked myself how many times I truly needed the capacity of the F150. Over 15 years, it was probably less than 5 times...and I live on a small farm!!! Even when I was hauling a horse to a show, the towing weight was under 5K lbs.

I'm going to keep my F150 around for a year, just to see how much use it gets. I'll bet it won't be much, if any.

But thats just me. Other's mileage may vary.
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NSIDER said:
People cross-shop because of price, not because they are in the same class of vehicle. If you've got, say, $35K to spend, what can I get? That's why there are inevitable comparisons. They just both happen to be trucks, which makes it seem even more likely.

I also find it amusing how some folks think those who chose the RL are logical, wise, and in tune with their needs. And those who chose big trucks are foolish, all about image, and compensating for something. Could we let that silliness go already? Most people are just like RogersRTS, they assess their needs, and buy what meets them, along with what they like, and works with their budget. This is not an exclusive trait of only folks who buy an RL. :wink:
Click to expand...
There plenty of people here who have no real need for a pickup truck yet bought the Ridgeline. There are also a bazzillion people out there driving full size pickup with absolutely no need for the hauling ability, towing ability or off road ability. Both types are not buying what they need and IMHO are rather foolish. Still, for the poser crowd, the Ridgeline is alot easier to live with on a daily basis, making it a smarter less foolish choice.

Basically I would disagree that MOST people who buy pickups in the good ole USA "assess their needs and buy what meets them" I think that at least for the non commercial use market that you are being way too generous . . .
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HuggieBear said:
One of the deciding factors for me (my RTL-E is on order) was safety. Compare the small offset IIHS crash test videos and see how much more damage occurs with the F150. That sold me on the Honda.

Honda
iihs ridgeline crash video - Bing video
F150
iihs f150 crash video - Bing video
Click to expand...
You do realize both trucks scored "Good" in that test, yes? I will beat this dead horse one last time: THE RATING IS BASED ON CRASH TEST DUMMY DATA, NOT HOW THE VEHICLE LOOKS. *sigh*



eurban said:
There plenty of people here who have no real need for a pickup truck yet bought the Ridgeline. There are also a bazzillion people out there driving full size pickup with absolutely no need for the hauling ability, towing ability or off road ability. Both types are not buying what they need and IMHO are rather foolish. Still, for the poser crowd, the Ridgeline is alot easier to live with on a daily basis, making it a smarter less foolish choice.

Basically I would disagree that MOST people who buy pickups in the good ole USA "assess their needs and buy what meets them" I think that at least for the non commercial use market that you are being way too generous . . .
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Don't forget the rest of my quote...." along with what they like." Last time I checked, you could still do this, in the good ole USA. :wink:

And thanks for the compliment, I have a few friends that *might* agree with you! >:)
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Danke
Out here if you drive by a Ford dealership the lot is full up of F-150s. If you were an alien you'd think that Ford only made one model.

Most of them wind up as daily drivers in the logging industry but no doubt there are more than a few that never see truck type use. Even the local haridresser drives one and it doesn't see heavy duty use.

Any of the guys that I know tend to be very pragmatic about their trucks with minimal brand loyalty. Since they're work tools they see heavy use and need heavy service. If it's not a a F-150 it's the Dodge or GMC equivalent and without reservation they all very much like what the Ridgeline offers. If I pull up at a trail day and start pulling gear out of the trunk they're all over it with wishful eyes. The Ridge is just too small for what they have to haul on a daily basis so it gets set aside as unreachable. You'll definitely get a lot of respect from real truck fans.
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NSIDER said:
Don't forget the rest of my quote...." along with what they like." Last time I checked, you could still do this, in the good ole USA. :wink:
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Sure, but that doesn't make it less foolish, at least in my way of looking at things . . .
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H
No bed lock and no radio volume knob are just the kind of things that make you just want to wait till they figure out how stupid that is before even getting close to being serious. I sure hope the 2018 model fixes this along with great headlights for all trim levels. The F150 just gets better and better every year. I'll go with one or the other as soon as I see the 2018 RL and if they fixed this. The non full size spare is annoying but not a deal breaker.
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O
How come seemingly nobody here cross shops the RL against a midsize pickup, instead of a F150 or a RAM 1500?

The GMC Canyon Denali seems to be a good candidate for cross shopping.

2017 Canyon Denali: Small Pickup Truck | GMC
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noside85
No bed lock wasn't reason enough for me to want to wait. I do plan on getting the Pop n Lock when it comes out. I find that the G2 is much better than the G1, although I never had a G1 but I have read comparisons.

The lack of volume knob was not a deal breaker either, I would be pretty picky if that was. No knob vs comfortable ride, trunk, etc etc....I would rather go without the knob.
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onerailunder
Not to put to fine a point on it, but if a volume knob, different headlight bulbs, and a $100 tailgate lock are more important than intelligent full time all wheel drive, independent rear suspension and uni-body construction and a vehicle that can actually handle decently...by all means go for the F150.
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J
I don't miss the volume knob--- got used to using the steering wheel buttons pretty quickly.

My old car had a radio knob but few if any things in my house have a knob anymore--haven't had one on my TV for about 10 years and nothing in my kitchen has a knob either---everything is pushbuttons now.

I do miss knobs but it's not a reason for me to not like a vehicle since everything else has gotten rid of them---it was inevitable vehicles did as well.
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onerailunder said:
...intelligent full time all wheel drive, independent rear suspension and uni-body construction and a vehicle that can actually handle decently...by all means go for the F150.
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And the above points are all non sequiturs as each decision is dependent upon WHAT the proposed vehicle will be used for. Let's compare the vehicle handling capability off road of the RLII to this:

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Uncle Festus
I read these threads, and I always end up wondering why so many truck haters bought a Ridgeline instead of an eminently more practical minivan that would fit their needs better. After all, you can haul 99% of the stuff in a minivan that you can in a Ridgeline, all you have to do is pull out the easily-removable seats or fold them flat. A minivan is more efficient, more practical, safer, more maneuverable in town, provides a better ride and handling, has similar ground clearance, seats more people, blah blah blah blah.

I see Ridgelines all over the place here in Texas, and I can count on one hand the number of times I have ever seen anybody towing or hauling anything with one. The vast majority of the ones I see have only one person in the truck and the bed is empty - what a complete obscene waste of resources.

NOBODY really needs a Ridgeline instead of a minivan. Anybody that buys one is just foolish, trying to intimidate other drivers, or compensating for a small weenie. They should have bought a minivan.
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14v6
Uncle Festus said:
I read these threads, and I always end up wondering why so many truck haters bought a Ridgeline instead of an eminently more practical minivan that would fit their needs better. After all, you can haul 99% of the stuff in a minivan that you can in a Ridgeline, all you have to do is pull out the easily-removable seats or fold them flat. A minivan is more efficient, more practical, safer, more maneuverable in town, provides a better ride and handling, has similar ground clearance, seats more people, blah blah blah blah.

I see Ridgelines all over the place here in Texas, and I can count on one hand the number of times I have ever seen anybody towing or hauling anything with one. The vast majority of the ones I see have only one person in the truck and the bed is empty - what a complete obscene waste of resources.

NOBODY really needs a Ridgeline instead of a minivan. Anybody that buys one is just foolish, trying to intimidate other drivers, or compensating for a small weenie. They should have bought a minivan.
Click to expand...
You are right and wrong. I went from a Mustang GT and a Ranger then got married had kids and went to a Taurus and an Odyssey. The minivan did everthing the Ranger could and more. However, if you need AWD then your are limited to the Sienna. I drove 2 Odysseys for 14 years and you know what, I just got tired of it. My wife only used the vans for girl Scouts and the dreaded in-law visits and you get stuck driving all the time. They were great for the stroller years and vacations and you didn't have all the hassle of a cap or a tonneau cover. I also got tired of the drywall and plywood making marks on the weather stripping and seat belts. And it's a real PITA cleaning the inevitable crumbs, dog hair and removing the seats. I do say though that if you had to have only 1 vehicle, it should be a CRV or an Odyssey. They really can do it all. Sedans make no rational sense. What's the real reason we get new cars? It's because we get tired of the ones we have. I can say that even today I still miss the Mustang (when I see the new ones I just feel old) and whenever I go to the Depot (hundreds of times) I missed that Ranger. I never got tired of those vehicles I can see myself having a Truck for the rest of my driving years. There is just something exciting about a truck. Most folks myself included are not rational.
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noside85
You can drive a minivan, I won't.

It's a bit (a lot) easier to clean a truck bed after hauling stuff like say....a Christmas tree, mulch, trash, etc.
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