2022 Honda Ridgeline: The Most Comfortable Midsize Pickup Truck To Drive

The catalog for midsize pickup trucks has been gaining a lot of entry from different automakers. Midsize pickup trucks continue to gain interest from consumers because they’re easy to maneuver and offer utility and capability nearly on par with full-size pickup trucks. The competition is tough, with each model offering its unique features to entice the consumers. These vehicles need to stand out, and that’s where the Honda Ridgeline manages to make itself an excellent midsize truck to consider.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline maintains its reputation for being the most comfortable pickup truck to drive in its segment. The Honda Ridgeline has a unibody construction, unlike most of its competitors with body-on-frame construction. This unibody construction is paired with fully independent suspension allowing Honda Ridgeline to have an exceptionally smooth ride. Its driving and riding are comparable to sedans and SUVs. The size of Ridgeline itself offers excellent maneuverability, while its frame and suspension significantly improve its ride quality. It can confidently approach corners, keep itself in contact with the ground, and prevent body roll that has been a problem with most traditional pickup trucks.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that can generate an output of 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a standard nine-speed automatic transmission all-wheel drive. The fuel economy is rated 18 mpg for the city and 24 mpg for the highway, similar to the 2021 model. This truck is also considered one of the fastest pickups you can purchase. The amount of power the engine generates allows the Ridgeline to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.3 seconds.

Honda offers four trim levels for the Ridgeline. These include Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition. These trim levels are rugged and can be well-equipped with truck accessories that make them more capable of off-roading. The truck uses an i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system that works with Intelligent Traction Management. This system includes four driving modes: Normal, Mud, Sand, and Snow. This system enables the rig to tackle most of the challenging off-road terrains and trails. However, there is a limit with crawling due to the absence of real lock differentials and low-range gear.

The fully independent front and rear suspension allow the Ridgeline to traverse off-road trails smoothly. It provides better handling and control when the road gets uneven and rough. The Ridgeline also includes gray alloy wheels and all-season tires to make off-roading easier. Although, you can opt for wheels and tires of your choice that you think can fare better in harsh terrains.

In addition, the Ridgeline is ideal for winter driving due to its height and ground clearance. The height enables it to ford deep blankets of snow with ease. It is also packed with features that make driving in snow safe and comfortable. These features include the snow from the mentioned driving mode, antilock braking system, and traction control that prevents extreme wheel spin.

The truck has a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs which is a bit lackluster compared to the 7,500 lbs of some of its competitors. Although, ride quality can still be maintained while towing and hauling using proper towing accessories. However, the payload is quite generous, with a maximum capacity of 1,583 lbs, making it one of the midsize trucks with the highest payload capacity.

The cargo for Ridgeline is a class of its own. It comes with a 5-foot bed that can be extended into 7 feet when the tailgate folds down. This truck bed is a lay-flat design that maximizes the space by reducing wheelwell housing to accommodate 4×8 foot sheets of plywood. A power outlet of 150-watt/400-watt is included in the truck bed to enable the use of power tools and electronics. It also has an industry-first audio system that lets you enjoy music outdoors, ideal for camping and while staying off the grid.

The truck bed also features a lockable in-bed trunk that is waterproof and complete with drain plugs. This clever compartment is perfect for storing spare tires, off-roading equipment, and camping essentials like a tent and icebox without compromising bed space. The cargo is complete with a dual-action tailgate that opens down for bed loading or swings sideways for accessing the in-bed trunk.

When it comes to the interior, the cabin is quite spacious, with seating for up to five passengers and plenty of head and legroom for both front and rear seats. The interior has a deluxe finish with leather-trimmed seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel to complement the rugged exterior. You can configure the rear seat in various ways thanks to the 60/40 Split Lift-Up feature. This configuration adds extra storage space for groceries, tools and gears, and other personal items. The interior also features a one-touch power moonroof that lets you enjoy the view of the trail in new ways.

The Ridgeline is packed with useful technology like the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, which can provide 3-D render of terrains, buildings, road signs, and lane guidance. It comes in handy while overlanding and off-roading since its GPS can give information and details to places that your phone GPS cannot navigate. A 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen are also included. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are compatible with the screen for your entertainment. It comes with a seven-speaker sound system or an eight-speaker system for higher trim levels.

Furthermore, this midsize pickup truck is loaded with standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and a road departure mitigation system. It also has distinct safety and security features. The Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Monitor alerts you of approaching vehicles in the adjacent lane or whenever you’re in reverse. The Multi-Angle Rearview Camera is available for easy back up with the trailer hitch. Lastly, the Smart Entry with Walk Away Autolock enables you to unlock the door with a touch of the handle and lock the vehicle by shutting the door and walking at least 8 feet away.

The Honda Ridgeline offers plenty of amenities to make your driving experience more comfortable. These amenities include heated front seats and steering wheels, tri-zone automatic climate control, wireless phone charger, multi-information interface, 2nd-row USB charging ports, and remote engine start.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline is truly an underdog that keeps getting the attention of consumers. This truck appeals both as a workhorse and a lifestyle rig as it sticks with the formula that works. The 2022 Honda Ridgeline enjoys its place as one of the top vehicles on the list when it comes to the choices for midsize trucks for daily driving. This is all made possible by its excellent and smooth ride. The price for the Ridgeline starts at $36,890 plus $1,225 for the destination charge. The highest trim level, Black Edition, starts at $44,320.