General Overview
- Model Years: 2006–2014 (sold as 2006 MY through early 2015 production) motortrend.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15en.wikipedia.org+15
- Body Style: Crew Cab midsize pickup with unibody (closed-box) frame, fully independent suspension global.honda
- Seating: 5 passengers
- Drive System: Standard AWD with VTM-4 (Variable Torque Management) edmunds.com+1edmunds.com+1global.honda+1carsforsale.com+1
Engine & Powertrain
- Engine (2006–2008): 3.5 L J35A9 V6 — 247 hp, 245 lb‑ft torque autonews.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15en.wikipedia.org+15
- Engine (2009–2014): 3.5 L J35Z5 V6 — 250 hp, 247 lb‑ft torque reddit.com+7en.wikipedia.org+7reddit.com+7
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic (Honda H5) en.wikipedia.org+1en.wikipedia.org+1
- Fuel System: Multi-point (early), later with direct injection on updates
- EPA Fuel Economy: ~15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined mpg (AWD) en.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org+11edmunds.com+11edmunds.com+11
Dimensions & Capacities
- Wheelbase: 122.0 in
- Length: ~206.8 in (varies by year) edmunds.com+7en.wikipedia.org+7edmunds.com+7
- Width: 77.8 in
- Height: ~70.3 in (RTL higher at ~71.2 in) edmunds.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2carweek.com+2
- Ground Clearance: 8.2 in edmunds.com+1carweek.com+1
- Curb Weight: ~4,490–4,504 lb en.wikipedia.org
- Bed Size: 5 ft (60 in) length, expands to 6.5 ft with tailgate down; 4.1 ft width between wheel wells global.honda+2en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2
- In-Bed Trunk: 8.5 cu‑ft lockable and drainable en.wikipedia.org+3en.wikipedia.org+3global.honda+3
- Payload Capacity: 1,475–1,559 lb carsforsale.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15edmunds.com+15
- GVWR: 6,050 lb motortrend.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2edmunds.com+2
- GCWR: 10,085 lb motortrend.com+1en.wikipedia.org+1
- Maximum Bed Load: 1,100 lb; tailgate rated 300 lb dynamic load
- Fuel Capacity: 22 gal edmunds.com
Tires & Wheels
- RT/RTS (base): 17″ wheels, P245/65R17 tires edmunds.com+4netcarshow.com+4motortrend.com+4
- RTL (2009+ upgraded): 18″ wheels, P245/60R18 tires netcarshow.com
Trim Levels (Typical Across Years)
- RT: Base—cloth seats, 17″ wheels, standard features
- RTS: Adds alloy wheels, dual-zone climate, lumbar support
- RTL: Leather seats, heated front seats/mirrors, 18″ wheels
- Additional options across RTL include moonroof, navigation, and entertainment packages
Towing
- Standard Towing: 5,000 lb capacity — supported by transmission and cooling systems
- Pickup Capacity: Real-world owners stress caution:
“I towed 6800… no issues but… stranded braking” reddit.com+2reddit.com+2reddit.com+2
“Technically it can tow 5000 lbs but that assumes two people + cargo.” reddit.com+1reddit.com+1
Suspension & Handling
- Front: MacPherson strut
- Rear: Independent multi-link
- Stabilizer Bars: Front and rear
- Offers car-like ride and capable AWD handling autonews.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15motortrend.com+15reddit.com+1global.honda+1
Safety & Features
- Safety: VSA stability control, traction control, full airbags, ABS
- Unique Features:
- Dual-action tailgate (drops or swings open)
- In-bed trunk
- Dual-action tailgate (drops or swings open)
- Convenience: Standard AWD; RTL and up include heated features, keyless entry
Owner Feedback & Reliability
- Known for durability and longevity:
“Mine… recently sold… about 265k miles […] widely considered bullet proof.” global.hondaen.wikipedia.org+15en.wikipedia.org+15en.wikipedia.org+15reddit.comreddit.com
Some rust issues in older frames have emerged reddit.com+1reddit.com+1 - Towing caution: Some owners avoid max tow, especially on steep grades reddit.com+2reddit.com+2reddit.com+2
Summary
The 2005–2016 Ridgeline is a midsize, unibody, AWD truck powered by a dependable 3.5 L V6, with up to 5,000 lb towing and ~1,550 lb payload. It offers car-like comfort with truck-like utility—spacious bed, in-bed trunk, and independent suspension. Trim levels (RT, RTS, RTL) progressively add features like leather, heated seats, and alloy wheels. Owners appreciate its reliability and real-world towing flexibility, though some advise staying below max ratings and checking for rust as mileage ages.
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