[IanRTL]

Yes, better than expected. I saw the armrests as they panned through the Black Edition one, but they did, indeed, look more substantial. I'm not all about black vehicles in general because they're so darn hard to keep clean. I hope they offer that top-tier one in a few other colors. My live stream cut out before they brought the silver one on stage and came back on after it was already there. I'll try to see if I can watch it again when it's uploaded to Honda's site.

Nonetheless, I still can't decide if the front end is "truck" or "CR-V". From the front, it looks masculine. From the side, it looks too raked. front a 45 degree angle view of the front, it's all CR-V. I love the bed and the fact that its 6" wider and longer than before. Looks like the sliding rear window is there, but there's still no telling if it will be standard on all models. The dash layout looks really cool. The Apple Carplay and Android Auto functionality is great. Once again, I'm very intrigued by the in-bed audio system and how it functions. All things I will look forward to testing out when they hit the dealer lots. I can't see myself buying one for MANY more years as I'm running my 07 until it quits, but I won't write this 2nd gen truck off the list.

 

[IanRTL]

No but here is the transcript:

Honda Civic Civic Civic Civic Honda Civic Honda Civic Civic Honda Acura Honda.... Ridgeline.... listen to these speakers... cricket cricket... gotta go !

I'd agree on all counts except for it's RidgeRine. Get it right. :act024:

I know Honda has to get in its accolades and all that, but you're debuting the Ridgeline - not giving a 2015 yearly summary about how good all your other vehicles are. Civic, civic, HR-V, CR-V, HR-V, Pilot, Odyssey, Civic, Accord..... Ridgeline. In that order. Par for the course with Honda to overshadow the RL, though. The bastard child of Honda. And my goodness, I know Honda is a Japanese company, but if you're debuting a truck in the U.S. that's being built in the U.S., have someone who speaks decent English announce it!

 

[IanRTL]

And by the way, the plastic shroud around the rear window that overhangs the bed... terrible idea. I know it's probably for aero or keeping rain out of that area, but it's really dumb. If you use the truck like a truck, it will get scratched up and broken the very first time you move a piece of furniture.

 

[IanRTL]

I like the interior layout. It's clean and modern, but still seems ergonomic and simple. There is a nice mix of touch screen and buttons and seam to be many creative storage solutions. The rear seats look nearly identical to the Gen1 truck with the same function. the front seats do appear to have better bolstering, though. One thing my wife will NOT be happy about is the absence of the storage tray in front of the passenger seat. She puts all of her stuff there when riding in my truck.

 

[IanRTL]

Interesting note in the email I just got from Honda about the RL - it states the Trunk Bed Audio System (or TBAS) can only be activated when the truck is in Park or is moving at less than 9mph. I assume that means that it deactivates itself when you reach 10mph. It could be easily used while tailgating, while at a drive-in movie, while camping, or while in a parade. I don't know how many people are going to use their RL's in a parade, though.

 

[IanRTL]

Motor Trend claims that the tow rating is still 5000lbs. You'll have to scroll down past the 2014 RL info first.
http://www.motortrend.com/cars/honda/ridgeline/

Looks like fraugher beat me to it

Read the article one more time. In that section, they're specifically talking about the numbers of the new Pilot. They're simply guessing at the specs of the new RL based on what the Pilot has.

"Said Pilot was, of course, upgraded and relaunched last year as a 2016 model with a more potent, direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 with variable cylinder management and optional auto-start/stop. The new mill comes mated to a choice of new six or nine-speed automatic transmissions and a new variable-torque management (i-VTM4) all-wheel-drive system with rear torque vectoring and intelligent traction management that tailors the system to snow, mud, sand, or pavement. Trailer Stability Assist is also added to AWD models. The Ridgeline benefits from most of these upgrades, with minor tweaks..."

 

[IanRTL]

I don't think so.

"Output figures were not divulged, but horsepower is expected to match the Pilot’s, rising from 250 at 5,700 rpm to 280 at 6,000 rpm, and from 247 lb-ft at 4,300 rpm to 262 lb-ft at 4,700 rpm. Towing capability remains unchanged from the outgoing model’s 5,000 pounds, and max payload approaching 1,600 pounds."

They clearly went back to talking about the Ridgeline. The outgoing Pilot had a 4500lb tow rating and the "approaching 1600 lbs" comes right from the Honda press release.

They're entirely guessing at those numbers because they don't have any facts to use. More max towing was a priority for the designers, as pointed out by Joe. I would assume we'd see tow ratings of 5500-6000lbs. even though the max towing number is all but useless. If you need to tow something that heavy, chances are you won't be looking at a midsize. Joe also said that the RL will be tuned differently to have better torque numbers lower in the RPM band. If Honda's goal is to have the quickest accelerating truck in the mid size market, they're going to need that extra pull in the low end. Overall, the auto magazines aren't exactly great sources of factual information. There is a lot of speculation that turns into the general public thinking it is fact.

 

[IanRTL]

Yes, the surprise was the in-bed audio system and inverter.

It's definitely a cool feature that will gain the "wow factor" when an owner shows it to someone, but it's more of an "oh, that's kinda neat" feature. I doubt it would be used often by most owners - maybe a half a dozen times a year at best. It's certainly something no one else has, so it's interesting. I feel the more electronics and moving parts are in a vehicle - the more can go wrong. I just hope the truck is built really well and no huge first-year issues arise as happened with the Pilot.

 

[IanRTL]

300+ pages, more than 3,000 posts in the old forum, and no one, repeat no one, ever mentioned in bed speakers as something they'd want in their next truck.

Ram and Nissan have gone diesel, GM is diesel and monster V8 with 8AT, Ford has a 360 degree camera and will back up a trailer by itself, and after ten years, the big innovation Honda comes up with is in bed speakers. Incredible. Absolutely incredible.

If you really need in bed music, just plug your i-whatever speaker system into the in bed plug. Then put it in the truck when you're done.

I said a few pages back that the in-bed audio system was neat, but just a frivolous feature - not a game-changer. It would be convenient to have the few times a year I got to a tailgate or campfire in the woods, but I have a Rigid Jobsite radio that provides great sound, connects to and charges my phone and runs for 4-5 hours off of a single battery charge. It doesn't put any strain on the vehicle electrical system and fits nicely in the trunk when I want to lock it away. Oh, and I picked it up on Ebay for $90.

I get it, Honda. You want to try to do something unique that no one else has. Well, you're looking in the wrong direction. Instead of adding these frivolous features, concentrate your time and effort on making the entire truck unique. Looking at a picture of the Pilot's dash and the RL's dash, they are EXACTLY the same. There is no difference whatsoever between the two. I understand cost-cutting and the need for assembly efficiency, but you literally took an incredibly unique vehicle and made it into a ho-hum, just-like-everything-else truck. I like the overall styling of the exterior and interior with a few exceptions - the worst offense being the soft, rounded front end and hood. The functionality and features are great. You've done a decent job at delivering most of the good qualities of a good mid size truck. I think it will probably be a marginal seller for you, but just know that you've killed the soul of the original Ridgeline.

 

[IanRTL]

Is that a true dual exhaust or simply dual outlets? I haven't seen a true dual exhaust lately except on some of the V8 performance cars (Corvette, etc.) What appear to be dual exhausts is often a single exhaust pipe (after the headers join into a single) that splits into twin outlets somewhere around the back half of the vehicle.

And does the Honda 4 cylinder have a single exhaust manifold with a 4 to 1 exhaust pipe or is it a split manifold with dual exhaust pipes running to the back?

Most passenger vehicles that have two exhaust tips these days do NOT have true dual exhaust. The exhaust manifolds feed into a single downpipe, follow one exhaust pipe back to a transverse muffler and then two outlets come out of the muffler into the two tips. I've also seen the exhaust pipe split into a Y and go into two separate mufflers, but it's rare to find anything other than this setup on anything but a true performance car (Camaro, Corvette, Mustang, Charger/Challenger, etc.). As was said, adding more than what the RL needed as far as exhaust would only add weight. That hurts performance, mileage and handling.

 

[IanRTL]

You are right on the money wrt varying perspectives/impressions of the terms (AWD vs. 4WD). I guess Honda has gauged the AWD to be the better to use.

In MY mind, AWD has always been a 'lesser' feature than 4WD... regardless of how it's employed, since methods are all over the map. The implementation & evolution of AWD was pretty weak (less capable) in the early days (frequently only marginal power to secondary axle), but maybe those impressions/perspectives are deemed as long gone. I guess if it's good enough for Audi.....

You see, even saying that sends me back to the 'sense' that AWD is for non-truck vehicles, while 4WD in a truck should be labeled as 4WD. It just seems like you're backing in with something less capable, which is not the case here. Seems just the opposite, which is why this bugs me. Perhaps they are deliberately trying to distance themselves from the blue-collar man-truck connotation of 4WD, while adapting to a more sophisticated notion of AWD?????? (e.g. Audi or Subaru-like implementation) I'm confused.

The VTM-4 system in the Gen1 RL was an automated 4WD system. It had the ability to shift torque from the front axles to the rear axles depending on traction needs, but not independently to each wheel. The new iVTM-4 system is a true AWD system capable of sending different amounts of torque to each wheel. So, yes, it's now AWD in the 2nd Gen truck and was 4WD in the 1st Gen.

 

[IanRTL]

There's one interesting thing that I haven't seen anyone mention, and when I ask questions I don't get any answers. Take a look at the pic below. Above his left hand you'll notice what appears to be a wiring harness with something attached to the end that's threaded thru the upper bed tie down. Nothing in the Press Kit about it either.

At the risk of racial profiling, since this is a Japanese company and the truck has in-bed audio, it's Honda's new IBKS - In-Bed-Karaoke-System. Perfect for parties in the garage and terrible renditions of "She Bangs", "YMCA" and "Coalminer's Daughter".

 

[IanRTL]

I agree it could use more, but I believe Gen 2 actually comes with 8.

Also echo sentiments about losing half of the number of bed lights.

Gen 2 is stated to have 8 tie downs each carrying a load rating of 350lbs.

Only two bed lights is a terrible idea - especially where they are actually located. They're on the sides of the bed walls. If you have anything loaded in the bed in that spot that is taller than 12", you won't have ANY light in the bed whatsoever. At least with the Gen1 truck's high-mounted ones on the sides of the "sails" in the bed, lighting was never a problem. It wouldn't have taken much from Honda to wiring in two LED strips on the bottom side of the shroud around the rear window. If the strips were point at a downward 45 degree angle, they would illuminate the entire bed and would darn near eliminate the need of the bed side lights altogether. I would venture a guess that one could easily tap into the factory bed light wiring, run wire through the bed panel up to this point and add such lighting. It's still frustrating that Honda would skimp on this feature.

 

[IanRTL]

Those jalopnik articles pretty much sum it up perfectly. Only the practical truck buyers will be interested in the RL. Those appear to be few and far between judging by the public comments about the new RL on Facebook, C&D, etc. Oh well. They can say what they want and keep driving their oversized, overpriced, lifted truck machine things while "getting 12mpg" and "occasionally hauling a chair".

 

[IanRTL]

For the record... there is no way in hell I would ever pay $40,000+ for this truck. I don't care how many doo-dads or gadgets it has. I could easily afford it, but that's just not happening. I might be a buyer of a 2018 RTL-E in 2020-21, but that's still a stretch. As long as there's still life left in my 07, even if I have to do major repairs, it's worth it to keep it on the road. It's been paid off for several years now and doesn't make financial sense to move on from it.

 

[IanRTL]

Some of us use our Ridges for work. Mine will rub up against 300,000 miles this year. I don't plan on going over and because of the reliability of this present one I'll have another probably before year end.

I totally understand that. My 07 is mostly a commuter vehicle, but it gets regular workouts hauling furniture, mulch, concrete, lumber, tools, etc. for various projects. I'm going to be turning over 151k miles this evening and it's been wonderful for me for the last six years. I bought it in 2010 with 75k miles on it and paid half of the original sticker price. I can understand the idea of wanting to be the only one to have ever owned the vehicle, but paying sticker price for a vehicle is something I've never done. I'm a firm believer in finding quality pre-owned vehicles and running them for many years. Even then, if I were in the market for a brand new pickup, $40,000 wouldn't even be in my vocabulary for a mid-size. $30k is hard enough to swallow. It's outlandish what the MSRP's of pickup trucks are these days.

 

[IanRTL]

The new GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate will be around $60,000 and higher.
GMC will sell every single one they build, no doubt.

Because there are people out there with WAY more money than sense. That same luxury truck will be worth half that price in less than 4 years. When I was selling cars back in 2006, I remember a guy who bought a brand new 2005 Dodge Ram with all the goodies for $38,000. One year later, he wanted to get rid of it and was only offered $20k for a trade in. It lost nearly half its value in ONE YEAR. He was so far upside down he was forced to keep it and pay on it for a few more years until he could get out of the loan without owing money.

The residual on the RL has always been high. The only problem will come when a customer sees he can purchase a new 2017 RL for just a few thousand more $ than a comparably equipped three-four year old one. That will bring used prices and demand down a bit.


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

One would think that to be true, but it hasn't played out that way. I've been monitoring the price of gently used RL's, Pilots and Toyota Tacoma/Highlanders over the past few years. The quality pre-owned ones that are just two years old and have 20-30k miles on them have not dropped in price even though it's commonplace for buyers to fork out $38-40k for a new one instead of buying the $35k used one. My wife wants a Highlander as her next vehicle. We will probably pull the trigger this summer. Of course, she wants the Limited model which has a sticker of around $42k for a new one. Since the 2014 total update, the 2014, 15 and 16 models are essentially the same. Most of the 2014 models with 30, 35 or even 40,000 miles or more are still listed for $36,000. I know the actual purchase price would be lower with negotiation, but, at that point, spending $5-6000 more to get a brand new one makes financial sense. Same can be said for the RL. A 2013 or 14 RTL with 30k miles will be listed for no less than $29-30k when a brand new one (when available) could be had for $35k.

 

[IanRTL]

For those frustrated with the same 5000lb. tow rating, it's not surprising at all. Honda uses a standard Class III hitch on both the Pilot and the RL. The maximum trailer weight for a Class III hitch is 5000lbs. I have no doubt the new RL COULD tow more than than, but the engineers have to give a max tow rating that is safely within the mechanical limits of the equipment on the truck. Bottom line is that huge tow ratings on a mid-size truck are pretty useless. As I said, a RL, Tacoma, Colorado, Canyon or Frontier likely COULD tow 6000lbs. or more, but you really wouldn't want to do so. It would be unstable and would put extreme stress on the vehicle. I think 3500 or even 4000lbs. would be ok with the new RL, but you won't want to push it past that. If you have a need to tow more and buy a RL, you've purchased the wrong tool for the job.

I'm way more worried about capability, utility, comfort, reliability and "does it fit my needs". Even after reading Joe's posts of frustration and general disappointment that the new RL is basically a Pilot with a bed, I'm still looking forward to getting behind the wheel to test drive one. Then and only then will I know if it's something in which I'm interested in putting in my garage. I'm sure it will be better than the 1st gen RL in so many ways, but if the essence of what the RL was/is has disappeared, I can't say I'll be a buyer. If it does fit, I'll likely look to buy a pre-owned 2018 or 2019 model sometime in 2021-22. My 07 has just been too good to me.

 

[IanRTL]

Clarification for above: Class III hitch limit (for class III category) is 6000 lb. or 10000 lb. with weight distribution (NOT 5000 lb). This is for this class, NOT for a particular hitch, which will have it's own limits defined & posted, based on it's individual design.
Some of the Honda OEM hitches had 6000 lb. limit if I'm not mistaken. (round tube vs. square tube designs)
A specific vehicle will have it's own design limits, and the hitch that's installed with have it's own specific limits. You will be limited by the lower of the two. Class designation does not determine the limit of your set-up.

I apologize. My source of information was showing 5000lbs., but I do see a few other reputable sources showing a max of UP TO 6000lbs. and tongue weight of up to 600lbs. It is most certainly dependent upon the design of the hitch itself as well as how it's attached to the truck. I guess it's pretty obvious that Honda engineers don't want people attempting to tow too much weight with this vehicle, so they place a 5000lb rating on it. It could likely do 6000-6500lbs if it had to, but the "safe" range is up to 5000lbs. Honda is pretty much famous for understating capabilities to make its owners impressed when the vehicles are able to surpass them (e.g. the ability of the Gen1 truck to achieve 23-24mpg on the highway when it's only rated for 20mpg). I know the stated rating for a certain few models of the Colorado/Canyon is 7000+lbs. I'd really like to see someone try to tow that much with that truck. It's just not smart.

 

[IanRTL]

I am loyal to my wife. I am loyal to the company who signs my check. That pretty much covers it. Life's too short to be loyal to anything else. Never settle.

I'm loyal to people and things that earn and continue to deserve my loyalty/respect. I'm open to all options for most things. If it doesn't work out, I typically won't try whatever it is again. My current RL has been fantastic. I'm not going to rule out the 2nd Gen until I drive it and see how it holds up over its first few years of production. Knowing the direction Honda has gone in building this truck and ignoring many of the wishes and suggestions of the people who actually own/drive a 1st gen, it's already got a demerit from me. Nonetheless, all options are open. I'm not going to make a decision to buy or not buy this truck solely on the existence of a crappy shift lever and arm rests or the non-existence of a console lid (although I pretty much hate all of it). I'm going to be as level-headed as I can about it, weigh the pros and cons and make an informed, educated decision. The bottom line here is that there still isn't another vehicle out there that can come close to meeting my daily driver/weekend duty needs better than the RL.