Well, my first Honda is a fine machine. Took delivery this past June, and just got back from the first long trip of 3000 miles (4800 km), spanning northern Wisconsin to Texas and back. Combo of back roads and Interstate-35. Even some gravel and dirt washboards for the Trailsport’s “off road” mode.
When I finally got over ~2k miles on the odometer, I decided I could dip into the output a bit. Good grief, this thing sounds terrific under harder throttle! Kickdown to pass on winding back roads gets a rapid downshift from the odd-numbered 9 speed, though I did feel what some here in the owner’s group declare as slight hesitation – maybe feeling those dog clutches and taller overdrive gears? Plus I’ve finally dipped into VTEC mode a few times, and the snap and sounds are great. Didn’t notice until now how the 2024 digital tachometer actually lights up just the rev band it recommends, that is, some numbers are greyed-out depending on mode.
Steering and general handling were the biggest surprises. I’ll get my car cred revoked for saying it, but the Honda feels as good on a twisty road as my old BMW X-5 SUV did! But, both had good output 6-bangers, AWD, and fully independent suspension. If this thing had performance tires rather than ATs, I bet it would feel like a Grand Touring vehicle? Plus, it felt like the TS’s slightly softer tuned shocks helped the Ridger soak up those awful repetitive concrete slab thumps on some highway sections.
Notably, I have been able to compare the robot nanny systems between two modern vehicles from two different major manufacturers. The Honda’s lane keeping is far more desirable than our Subaru’s, much less grabby and intrusive. I’m not a fan of a power steering pump with attitude. The adaptive cruise is pretty much the same in both, and I found it to be quite effective for the long stretches of Interstate.
The fuel use was as expected, getting 27 MPG if I behaved, and 23 MPG if I didn’t. As I gave up a Ram diesel for the Trailsport, it took a few tries to train myself to stop looking for diesel pumps. Honda’s Eco switch didn’t seem to have significant impact on mileage, maybe +1 MPG, even when I tried to slow down.
As I now have a new but dirty & dusty Honda, it’s off to get after it with a vacuum and then a trip to the wash.
When I finally got over ~2k miles on the odometer, I decided I could dip into the output a bit. Good grief, this thing sounds terrific under harder throttle! Kickdown to pass on winding back roads gets a rapid downshift from the odd-numbered 9 speed, though I did feel what some here in the owner’s group declare as slight hesitation – maybe feeling those dog clutches and taller overdrive gears? Plus I’ve finally dipped into VTEC mode a few times, and the snap and sounds are great. Didn’t notice until now how the 2024 digital tachometer actually lights up just the rev band it recommends, that is, some numbers are greyed-out depending on mode.
Steering and general handling were the biggest surprises. I’ll get my car cred revoked for saying it, but the Honda feels as good on a twisty road as my old BMW X-5 SUV did! But, both had good output 6-bangers, AWD, and fully independent suspension. If this thing had performance tires rather than ATs, I bet it would feel like a Grand Touring vehicle? Plus, it felt like the TS’s slightly softer tuned shocks helped the Ridger soak up those awful repetitive concrete slab thumps on some highway sections.
Notably, I have been able to compare the robot nanny systems between two modern vehicles from two different major manufacturers. The Honda’s lane keeping is far more desirable than our Subaru’s, much less grabby and intrusive. I’m not a fan of a power steering pump with attitude. The adaptive cruise is pretty much the same in both, and I found it to be quite effective for the long stretches of Interstate.
The fuel use was as expected, getting 27 MPG if I behaved, and 23 MPG if I didn’t. As I gave up a Ram diesel for the Trailsport, it took a few tries to train myself to stop looking for diesel pumps. Honda’s Eco switch didn’t seem to have significant impact on mileage, maybe +1 MPG, even when I tried to slow down.
As I now have a new but dirty & dusty Honda, it’s off to get after it with a vacuum and then a trip to the wash.
