The Ultimate Guide to the Honda Ridgeline for North Carolina Drivers

Author: Asheboro Honda Team

 

Choosing the right truck for life in the North Carolina Piedmont can feel like a major decision, but you’ve found the right experts to help. For over two decades, our team at Asheboro Honda has helped thousands of drivers find the perfect vehicle for their needs. Honda has a sterling reputation for building vehicles that are reliable, innovative, and perfectly suited for daily driving. This guide covers everything you need to know about the current Honda truck, the versatile Ridgeline. We will explore what makes this truck so special and help you decide if it’s the right fit for your life here in the Triad.

Key Takeaways (TL; DR)

• One Versatile Model: Honda’s truck lineup centers on one model: the mid-size Ridgeline, engineered for a smooth ride, innovative features, and everyday practicality.
• Car-Like Comfort: Unlike traditional body-on-frame trucks, the Ridgeline’s unibody construction provides a smoother, more comfortable ride, similar to an SUV.
• Exceptional Resale Value: Thanks to their proven reliability and high demand, Honda vehicles, including the Ridgeline, hold their value extremely well over time.
• Innovative Storage: The Ridgeline features an exclusive In-Bed Trunk® and a dual-action tailgate, offering secure, weatherproof storage solutions not found on other trucks.
• Standard All-Wheel Drive: Every 2025 Honda Ridgeline comes with the i-VTM4® All-Wheel-Drive System, providing excellent traction on wet roads around Greensboro or light trails in the Uwharries.
• Advanced Safety Comes Standard: Every Ridgeline includes the Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies to protect you and your passengers.

What is Honda’s History with Trucks?

Honda’s history with trucks in the American market is focused and unique, beginning with the introduction of the first-generation Ridgeline in 2005. Unlike other manufacturers with long histories of traditional body-on-frame pickups, Honda entered the market with a different idea. The goal was to build a truck that drove like a car, offered clever features, and met the needs of drivers who wanted versatility without the rough ride of a conventional truck.

This innovative approach set the stage for the Ridgeline’s reputation. It has always been about practical solutions and challenging what a pickup truck can be. The second generation, launched for the 2017 model year, refined this concept with better performance, more technology, and a more traditional truck-like design, while keeping the unibody platform that makes it so comfortable for commuting on I-40 or navigating busy High Point streets.

What Is Honda’s Philosophy for Building a Truck?

Honda’s philosophy for building a truck is centered on challenging convention and prioritizing the driver’s real-world experience. The core belief is that a truck should be comfortable, intelligent, and versatile enough for everyday life, not just for the job site. This means focusing on ride quality, practical innovation, and safety as much as capability.

Instead of following the body-on-frame formula, Honda opted for a unibody frame to give the Ridgeline superior on-road manners and a quieter cabin. The brand focuses on creating smart features, like the In-Bed Trunk® and dual-action tailgate, that solve common problems for truck owners. The goal is to create a well-rounded vehicle you can count on for a family trip to the North Carolina Zoo just as easily as a run to the hardware store in Lexington.

Why Is the Honda Ridgeline Known for Reliability and Value?

The Honda Ridgeline is known for its reliability and value because it’s built on a foundation of quality engineering and has a proven history of dependability. This reputation comes from using high-quality materials, advanced manufacturing processes, and decades of owner satisfaction, which all contribute to its strong resale value.

When you purchase a Honda, you’re investing in a legacy of excellence. Independent sources like Consumer Reports consistently give the Ridgeline high marks for reliability and owner satisfaction. This means you can expect lower maintenance costs and fewer surprise repairs, making it a smart choice for your wallet. Strong demand for pre-owned Ridgelines ensures they maintain their value better than many competitors, making it one of the shrewdest financial decisions in the truck market.

How Does the Ridgeline’s Unibody Design Affect Its Ride and Handling?

The Honda Ridgeline’s unibody construction is the secret to its exceptionally smooth ride and responsive handling. Unlike traditional trucks that have a separate body and frame, the Ridgeline’s body and frame are one single structure, just like a modern SUV. This provides much greater structural stiffness.

This rigid platform allows for a sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension, something most other trucks lack. Instead of the bumpy, often harsh ride of a solid rear axle found in conventional pickups, the Ridgeline glides over bumps on roads like US-64. For drivers in Winston-Salem or Asheboro who spend more time on pavement than on rugged trails, this translates to a quiet, comfortable, and controlled ride that is unmatched in the pickup world.

What Makes the Ridgeline’s Bed So Unique?

The Ridgeline’s truck bed is one of its most celebrated and innovative features, designed with clever solutions you won’t find anywhere else. It’s not just a box for hauling; it’s a multi-functional tool. Two key features make it stand out from every other truck on the market.

First is the In-Bed Trunk®, a lockable, 7.3-cubic-foot storage compartment hidden beneath the bed floor. It’s weatherproof, includes a drain plug so it can be used as a cooler, and is perfect for securely storing tools, groceries, or gear away from prying eyes. Second is the dual-action tailgate, which can be lowered like a traditional tailgate or swung open to the side, giving you easier access to items in the bed and the trunk.

Exploring the 2025 Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline is a mid-size pickup truck that perfectly blends SUV-like comfort with the utility of a truck bed. For 2025, it continues to offer a single powertrain: a smooth and reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivers confident acceleration for merging onto I-85 and solid performance for everyday tasks.

Every Ridgeline comes standard with the i-VTM4® torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, which enhances stability and traction in all weather conditions. The Ridgeline is built on a unibody platform, which gives it a composed and comfortable ride that sets it apart from its body-on-frame competitors. With a spacious crew cab and advanced technology, it’s the perfect truck for those who value practicality and refinement.

What are the 2025 Honda Ridgeline Trim Levels?

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline is offered in several distinct trim levels, each designed to meet different needs and preferences. Whether you want a well-equipped base model or a rugged off-road adventurer, there’s a Ridgeline for you.

Sport

The Sport trim serves as the robust entry point to the Ridgeline lineup, proving that “entry-level” doesn’t mean basic. It comes standard with the sophisticated i-VTM4® all-wheel-drive system, providing confident handling in various conditions, alongside stylish 18-inch alloy wheels. Crucially, it includes the full Honda Sensing® suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, such as Collision Mitigation Braking System™ and Road Departure Mitigation System. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile, capable, and safe daily driver that offers exceptional value.

RTL

The RTL trim elevates the Ridgeline experience by adding a significant touch of luxury and enhanced convenience features. Drivers will appreciate the refined feel of a leather-trimmed interior, the comfort of heated front seats, and the open-air ambiance provided by a power moonroof. Practical additions include a power sliding rear window for easy access and improved ventilation, and the Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitor for greater awareness on the road. This makes the RTL a highly popular choice for families and discerning drivers seeking a more premium and comfortable ride for both daily commutes and longer journeys.

TrailSport

Newer to the lineup and designed for the adventurer, the TrailSport is Honda’s dedicated answer for those craving superior off-road capability. This trim is distinguished by its durable all-terrain tires, mounted on unique Pewter gray alloy wheels, providing enhanced traction on unpaved surfaces. Its off-road-tuned suspension offers greater compliance over rough terrain, soaking up bumps and improving articulation for a smoother experience when venturing off the beaten path. Steel underbody protection shields critical components from trail hazards. Inside, the rugged theme continues with exclusive orange stitching throughout the cabin and prominent TrailSport logos, creating an interior that matches its enhanced capability for exploring challenging environments like the Uwharrie National Forest.

Black Edition

The Black Edition stands at the pinnacle of the Ridgeline lineup, offering an exclusive and undeniably sophisticated styling package that exudes boldness. This trim is defined by its striking black-out exterior trim, which includes the grille, bumper skid garnish, door handles, and mirror caps, creating a seamless and aggressive aesthetic. It rides on distinctive 18-inch black alloy wheels that further enhance its commanding presence. Inside, the luxury continues with a premium black leather interior accented by vibrant red stitching and ambient red lighting, creating a dynamic and inviting cabin environment. The Black Edition combines all the advanced features and comforts of the RTL trim with this unique, aggressive, and highly desirable look, making it the ultimate statement Ridgeline.

What Are the Safety Features of the Honda Ridgeline?

Every 2025 Honda Ridgeline comes standard with Honda Sensing®, a comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies. This system uses sensors to monitor your surroundings and can intervene to help you avoid a collision. It provides peace of mind whether you’re in stop-and-go traffic in Greensboro or cruising down a country road.

The key features included in Honda Sensing® are:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™): Can help bring your Honda to a stop by automatically applying brake pressure when the system determines a frontal collision is unavoidable.
• Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM): A small camera sees road markers, alerts you if you’re about to leave the road, and can take action to keep you from doing so.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Helps you maintain a set following interval behind a detected vehicle for highway driving.
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS): Subtly adjusts steering to help keep the vehicle centered in a detected lane.

For more details on how these technologies work, you can visit the official Honda Sensing® page.

What Advanced Technology Features Are in the Honda Ridgeline?

The Honda Ridgeline is equipped with modern technology designed for convenience and connectivity. The infotainment system is centered around a responsive touchscreen that serves as the hub for entertainment and vehicle settings.

• Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Compatibility: Seamlessly integrate your smartphone to access maps, music, messages, and more directly from the truck’s display. Both wired and wireless connections are available depending on the trim.
• 9-Inch Touchscreen Display: The Ridgeline features a clear and easy-to-use touchscreen with customizable feature settings and smart shortcuts.
• Truck-Bed Audio System: An available industry-first feature that uses exciters to turn the bed walls into speakers, perfect for tailgating at a game or enjoying music while working outside. You can get more information from reputable sources like Edmunds.
• Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™: An available navigation system with voice recognition and Honda HD Digital Traffic helps you get where you need to go without using your phone’s data.

What Does the Future Hold for Honda Trucks?

The future for Honda’s truck lineup will likely focus on continued refinement, efficiency, and potentially electrification. While Honda has not officially announced a hybrid or all-electric Ridgeline, the company is heavily invested in its hybrid technology, as seen in the CR-V and Accord hybrids. It’s reasonable to expect that some form of electrification could make its way to the Ridgeline in the coming years.

Honda will also likely continue to innovate with smart features that enhance the truck’s practicality and user-friendliness. The brand’s strength lies in understanding how people use their vehicles daily. Expect to see further advancements in safety technology, connectivity, and clever storage solutions that uphold Honda’s reputation for building intelligent, reliable ve

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the Honda truck models?
Honda currently offers one truck model in the United States: the mid-size Honda Ridgeline. It is a four-door crew cab pickup truck known for its comfortable ride and innovative features.

Is the Honda Ridgeline a real truck?
Yes, the Honda Ridgeline is a real truck, though it is built differently from most other pickups. It has a truck bed, a 5,000-pound towing capacity, and standard all-wheel drive, making it capable of handling many truck-related tasks. Its unibody construction gives it a smoother ride than traditional trucks.

Is Honda making a new truck?
For the 2025 model year, Honda is continuing with the current generation of the Ridgeline, which was significantly updated in recent years with refreshed styling and the rugged TrailSport trim. There has been no official announcement of an entirely new truck model at this time.

Does Honda have a small truck?
The Honda Ridgeline is classified as a mid-size truck. It is smaller than full-size trucks like the Ford F-150 but larger than compact trucks from a few decades ago. It offers a good balance of maneuverability and useful capacity.

 

Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Perfect Honda Dealer in Asheboro, NC

 

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