2017 Honda Ridgeline

[2016 4Runner SR5]

It's as confused as the el camino was, just was less cool. It's a very sorry excuse for a truck or SUV or whatever they're trying to call it and far from off-road worthy. Honda makes a great vehicle, i'm sure it'll last forever, wouldn't take one for free though.

 

[4-Ripcord]

[MENTION=57546]4-Ripcord[/MENTION] didn't you help design the Ridgeline's suspension. Do you remember this story?

I did, but I left a few months after that project reached mass production (about a year ago) to work for King Shocks instead. So this story was after my time there. I will say that Honda has incredibly rigorous durability testing and requirements for the type of situations shown there.

 

[Thai]

I did, but I left a few months after that project reached mass production (about a year ago) to work for King Shocks instead. So this story was after my time there. I will say that Honda has incredibly rigorous durability testing and requirements for the type of situations shown there.

With what you were involved with, did you feel that the Ridgeline body construction and suspension were well designed?

 

[Thai]

It's as confused as the el camino was, just was less cool. It's a very sorry excuse for a truck or SUV or whatever they're trying to call it and far from off-road worthy. Honda makes a great vehicle, i'm sure it'll last forever, wouldn't take one for free though.

Is your 4runner 4x4?

You’re right. It is not for everyone. Certainly NOT an off-roader. But it will run circles around your 4runner in any weather condition. It will protect its occupants much better than your 4runner. It is more comfortable yet still practical. It is probably roomier than your 4runner.

But certainly not an off-roader.

 

[4-Ripcord]

If it was a truck that suited my needs, I would happily own one.

It's far superior than its competitors in comfort, practicality, and livability. Just not in capability.

 

[2016 4Runner SR5]

Is your 4runner 4x4?

You’re right. It is not for everyone. Certainly NOT an off-roader. But it will run circles around your 4runner in any weather condition. It will protect its occupants much better than your 4runner. It is more comfortable yet still practical. It is probably roomier than your 4runner.

But certainly not an off-roader.

Of course my 4R is 4x4, stupid to buy a truck that's not. Maybe it is safer but unlikey, maybe it is better in the winter but HIGHLY unlikely. Either way, it's disgusting IMO If you're such a ridgeline fan, why are you here?

 

[Thai]

Of course my 4R is 4x4, stupid to buy a truck that's not. Maybe it is safer but unlikey, maybe it is better in the winter but HIGHLY unlikely. Either way, it's disgusting IMO If you're such a ridgeline fan, why are you here?

You don’t know me too well. There is a reason i am here.

You think that your 4runner is safer? How so?

Better in winter? How so?

I welcome a discussion.

 

[Thai]

Your 4runner:

Ridgeline:

 

[2016 4Runner SR5]

You don’t know me too well. There is a reason i am here.

You think that your 4runner is safer? How so?

Better in winter? How so?

I welcome a discussion.

K
Let's hope I never have to find out how safe the 4r is. In terms of weather, ever see off-road testing of the sideline? All goes hand in hand with snow. The ridgeline is a car, not a truck. Very low to the ground, small tire, good luck in deep snow. 4R is an animal in the snow even on the stock junk tires. Fact is, ridgeline is not even on the same playing field as a 4R in looks, or performance. I'm sure it's just as reliable but it's just so damn ugly I could never be seen in one.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Do you have data or references to back up these claims? Until then you are just someone who hasn't actually driven it who is making unbased comments simply because you don't like it.

Looks are subjective, so I'm not gonna argue with you on that.

Now, I HAVE driven the Ridgeline and most of its competitors (t4r is not a ridgeline competitor, fyi) in many conditions. The ridgeline does have 1 size smaller tires than most of them, but its excellent AWD and traction control systems more than compensate for that in most adverse conditions. In actual off-road situations though, the tire size and poor approach angle are a disadvantage. But, offroading was not it's main performance goal... Again, those comments are based on actual comparisons I have done.

Ground clearance? Ridgeline is competitive there too.
Ridgeline: 7.8" minimum
Colorado: 8.1" minimum
Frontier: 7.6" minimum
Tacoma: 7.9" minimum
Ranger: 7.9" minimum

Fuel economy- I cannot find consistent data on this. but I do know that ridgeline is near the top of the class in that area.



Here is the real conclusion you should reach:
For a consumer who wants to do mid-sized truck things (carry moderate payloads, tow things, carry passengers) in comfort and safety, the ridgeline is a fine truck for that.
For a consumer who thinks that a truck needs a traditional frame and live rear axle to do those things or is focused on offroad performance, they can get one of its competitors. That's the joy of living in a free world.



*side note* I don't own a Ridgeline nor do I plan to, but arguing that it is not good at what it was designed for is just ignorant.

 

[Thai]

K
Let's hope I never have to find out how safe the 4r is. In terms of weather, ever see off-road testing of the sideline? All goes hand in hand with snow. The ridgeline is a car, not a truck. Very low to the ground, small tire, good luck in deep snow. 4R is an animal in the snow even on the stock junk tires. Fact is, ridgeline is not even on the same playing field as a 4R in looks, or performance. I'm sure it's just as reliable but it's just so damn ugly I could never be seen in one.

What Ripcord said.

Just a quick reminder of Ridgeline AWD...it is AWD with TORQUE-VECTORING rear diff that is also lockable.

A stock Ridgeline vs. 4runner = shitty OEM tires. 4runner is an animal with stock tires? Yeah, you’ve been watching too many Toyota propaganda!! Let me guess, you think that the 4runner has 9.6” of ground clearance too?! LOL. Don’t worry, not so long ago, Toyota stated that 4runner had 11” of clearance!

But, unless you spring for the Limited 4runner, you have a part-time 4WD system, which is basically RWD. And unless you have TRD or Off-road, you have OPEN differential.

So, yeah, in deep deep snow, BOTH are stuck.

But in winter driving, i can guarantee you that Ridgeline with its AWD and torque-vectoring rear differential will literally run circles around any 4runners.

Looks? Subjective. Performance? Off-road? YES. Handling? Not even close dude. 0-60? Nope on that too. Crash test? Yikes!!

 

[2016 4Runner SR5]

What Ripcord said.

Just a quick reminder of Ridgeline AWD...it is AWD with TORQUE-VECTORING rear diff that is also lockable.

A stock Ridgeline vs. 4runner = shitty OEM tires. 4runner is an animal with stock tires? Yeah, you’ve been watching too many Toyota propaganda!! Let me guess, you think that the 4runner has 9.6” of ground clearance too?! LOL. Don’t worry, not so long ago, Toyota stated that 4runner had 11” of clearance!

But, unless you spring for the Limited 4runner, you have a part-time 4WD system, which is basically RWD. And unless you have TRD or Off-road, you have OPEN differential.

So, yeah, in deep deep snow, BOTH are stuck.

But in winter driving, i can guarantee you that Ridgeline with its AWD and torque-vectoring rear differential will literally run circles around any 4runners.

Looks? Subjective. Performance? Off-road? YES. Handling? Not even close dude. 0-60? Nope on that too. Crash test? Yikes!!

Considering I keep nothing stock for more than a week after buying it, and won't buy a truck (car in the case of the ridgeline) that I can't lift, this is all irrelevant. Like I said though, why are you here? Troll for Honda maybe? Next you'll say the Ridgeline is better stock for stock in than Jeep.......... Not today's junk, yesterday's Jeeps to be clear.

 

[Thai]

Considering I keep nothing stock for more than a week after buying it, and won't buy a truck (car in the case of the ridgeline) that I can't lift, this is all irrelevant. Like I said though, why are you here? Troll for Honda maybe? Next you'll say the Ridgeline is better stock for stock in than Jeep.......... Not today's junk, yesterday's Jeeps to be clear.

For a lot of folks, Ridgeline is better stock for stock than a Jeep. For off-roaders, Jeep is KING...more so than your 4runner. And if i wanted to modify a vehicle for off-roading, 4runner won’t be at the top. Give me a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.

It all depends on needs. But being ignorant of other vehicles is not something i believe in. YMMV.

Yes, i am a Honda and Jeep troll. You got me dude. You’re relatively new here...you need lots of catching up with the long time members here.

EDIT: i have been on this forum even before you can legally drink!

 

[4-Ripcord]

Thai is the OG, he's the man

 

[2016 4Runner SR5]

For a lot of folks, Ridgeline is better stock for stock than a Jeep. For off-roaders, Jeep is KING...more so than your 4runner. And if i wanted to modify a vehicle for off-roading, 4runner won’t be at the top. Give me a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.

It all depends on needs. But being ignorant of other vehicles is not something i believe in. YMMV.

Yes, i am a Honda and Jeep troll. You got me dude. You’re relatively new here...you need lots of catching up with the long time members here.

Agree hands down, Jeep is a better off road vehicle than Toyota however the ONLY real jeep left on the road is the Wrangler. All others are mommy mobiles sadly. Jeep lost it's way many years ago. If they didn't, I would have bought one over the 4Runner. To start at the beginning, I went car shopping early 2016. I was looking for a pickup, not an SUV. Not because I need a pickup but because I like the look and like having the bed as an option. I drive the Frontier (POS), drove the Canyon (nice trucks, just didn't love it), drove the Ridgline (absolutely hated the car, low to the ground feel but did drive nice), and drove the Tacoma. Tacoma IMO was the nicest compromise between rugged and looks and also has an incredible aftermarket support which for me is very important. After only 3500 miles behind the wheel in about 8 months ( I don't drive a lot due to having a company vehicle) I sold the Tacoma. The 3.5 with the 6 speed auto is a terrible combo and doesn't belong is a truck. IMO the truck was beautiful but that engine and transmission combo killed it for me. I then changed my mind, which I often do because in all honesty, I'm never happy with anyone. I went shopping for an SUV. The only one on the market that fit my needs was the 4Runner which I actually considered before buying the Tacoma but unfortunately shrugged off and never test drove. Well after driving it, I fell in love with it. 4.0 is no beast by any means but it's more than enough and it does the job. Not looking for a race truck, looking for something comfortable, reliable, nice to look at, and a heavy aftermarket support behind it. Everything you get with the 4Runner IMO. Bought it and haven't looked back since. The only thing I wish it had was solid front axle rather than IFS but that can be had if I want it bad enough. For me, fuel economy is meaningless and the same goes for 0-60 to an extent. I'm going to kill any economy that it may have had anyway by the time I'm done with it. The Ridgeline may be better on gas, may be more comfortable (not in my opinion), and obviously has an appeal to some but I'll never understand it. Yes, Honda makes a very reliable vehicle in all respects but this is a total fail in terms of looks and always has been since the day it was made. I'll stick with my 4R for many years and many miles and many more modifications and smile all the way down the road.

 

[Thai]

Agree hands down, Jeep is a better off road vehicle than Toyota however the ONLY real jeep left on the road is the Wrangler. All others are mommy mobiles sadly. Jeep lost it's way many years ago. If they didn't, I would have bought one over the 4Runner. To start at the beginning, I went car shopping early 2016. I was looking for a pickup, not an SUV. Not because I need a pickup but because I like the look and like having the bed as an option. I drive the Frontier (POS), drove the Canyon (nice trucks, just didn't love it), drove the Ridgline (absolutely hated the car, low to the ground feel but did drive nice), and drove the Tacoma. Tacoma IMO was the nicest compromise between rugged and looks and also has an incredible aftermarket support which for me is very important. After only 3500 miles behind the wheel in about 8 months ( I don't drive a lot due to having a company vehicle) I sold the Tacoma. The 3.5 with the 6 speed auto is a terrible combo and doesn't belong is a truck. IMO the truck was beautiful but that engine and transmission combo killed it for me. I then changed my mind, which I often do because in all honesty, I'm never happy with anyone. I went shopping for an SUV. The only one on the market that fit my needs was the 4Runner which I actually considered before buying the Tacoma but unfortunately shrugged off and never test drove. Well after driving it, I fell in love with it. 4.0 is no beast by any means but it's more than enough and it does the job. Not looking for a race truck, looking for something comfortable, reliable, nice to look at, and a heavy aftermarket support behind it. Everything you get with the 4Runner IMO. Bought it and haven't looked back since. The only thing I wish it had was solid front axle rather than IFS but that can be had if I want it bad enough. For me, fuel economy is meaningless and the same goes for 0-60 to an extent. I'm going to kill any economy that it may have had anyway by the time I'm done with it. The Ridgeline may be better on gas, may be more comfortable (not in my opinion), and obviously has an appeal to some but I'll never understand it. Yes, Honda makes a very reliable vehicle in all respects but this is a total fail in terms of looks and always has been since the day it was made. I'll stick with my 4R for many years and many miles and many more modifications and smile all the way down the road.

I can agree with most of what you wrote. But, the 2017 Ridgeline is very different than the Ridgeline that you drove. Your points are well taken.

I can see how Ridgeline looks are boring for some folks.

But FYI, you do realize that Toyota’s legendary reliability may have gone down the tube the moment that you modified your rig.

Good post though.

 

[2016 4Runner SR5]

I can agree with most of what you wrote. But, the 2017 Ridgeline is very different than the Ridgeline that you drove. Your points are well taken.

I can see how Ridgeline looks are boring for some folks.

But FYI, you do realize that Toyota’s legendary reliability may have gone down the tube the moment that you modified your rig.

Good post though.

Highly upgraded suspension over stock in all aspects. Yes I will wear out some components such as tie rod ends and ball joints faster than if it was stock but i'm totally fine with that. Just gives me a reason to upgrade them to something stronger. Well worth it for the significant improvement is looks and drivability over stock.

 

[AKmoney]

The Edmunds article about Racetrack Road in Death Valley National Park was pretty interesting. I've driven that very road in my 4Runner. At the time, my truck had about 100K miles on the clock and it still had the stock XREAS suspension.

That road is no joke. I was out there with a buddy of mine who had a Land Rover Discovery II. At one point I was following him and I could see the rear axle of his truck bouncing up and down with the washboard so fast it looked like a blur. In retrospect, it's pretty amazing that neither of our trucks had any mechanical breakdowns on that road. It was the second time he'd driven; the first time, he got a flat.

Since then, I've replaced the XREAS shocks with Bilstein 5100s. After reading the Edmunds article, I don't feel confident the Bilsteins would survive. It's tough to say, however. Road conditions change, especially that one. It's possible that when we drove it, it was in better condition with less of a washboard. It was still pretty brutal. I bet a Ford Raptor would be best equipped to handle a road like that.

 

[Thai]

Highly upgraded suspension over stock in all aspects. Yes I will wear out some components such as tie rod ends and ball joints faster than if it was stock but i'm totally fine with that. Just gives me a reason to upgrade them to something stronger. Well worth it for the significant improvement is looks and drivability over stock.

Well, for me, i would be more concern about stress on the transmission, brakes, and possibly engine.

 

[2016 4Runner SR5]

Well, for me, i would be more concern about stress on the transmission, brakes, and possibly engine.

4.56 gears take care of those concerns. Yeah, may wear through pads a little faster than if it was stock but that's a small price to pay IMO