BajaNomad - Truck question: Honda Ridgeline for Baja?

"Larger truck" is not a Honda, is it?
Toyota, Ford, and Jeep seem the most popular truck makes here.

The Ridgeline has a larger interior/cab- it's a 4-door, with two full seating rows.
The Mazda has two small jump seats (which I removed for added cargo space)

Honda: slightly more HP than the B4000- but less towing capacity: 5K vs. 6K

Honda: Only a 5' bed and would require a custom shell (the Callen wouldn't fit)

The Mazda is 20 years old, and not 4WD (though it has great clearance).
Honda is AWD (they call it "on demand 4WD")

Honda has 22 gal. gas tank/300+ mile range, 17 MPG avg.
Mazda has 20 gal. and less range (esp w/a trailer), 15 MPG avg

So... I'm considering various options and pros/cons.

JZ - 10-17-2020 at 11:06 PM

Do not go with a Honda.

chuckie - 10-18-2020 at 03:47 AM

Go with a Honda.

PaulW - 10-18-2020 at 06:50 AM

Tire size and therefore clearance for the Baja rocks would tell whether it is suitable for any off road excursions. Most importantly is is AWD or 4x4 with a low range?
If you stay on highways then it would probably be a good rig.
with concerns with gas mileage for the big v6.
Reliability should not be a concern, but parts and service are only in the big cities. For sure it is not like the main brands, but workable.

caj13 - 10-18-2020 at 07:31 AM

Ok so I actually own a 2020 ridgeline. I went looking for a pick-up, was sure i would end up with a Tacoma. but driving the Honda - wow. For what I wanted it for - Travel (primarily to baja) it checked all the boxes. the interior was significantly larger that the Tacoma, and MUCH more comfortable. It was quieter inside, and had alot more convenience features. I love the "trunk" under the bed .

So - How is it in Baja? It has been exactly what I wanted, very comfortable, I'm getting 24 - 26 mpg on the highway, (400 miles on a tank) with zero issues. (I'm at 60K miles right now). The truck has taken 3 baja trips, La Bocana, Los Barriles, and i hauled a fairly heavy trailer (4500 lbs) down to Sheri in Bahia Asuncion, then continued down to Cabo Pulmo.

But it depends on what you are wanting to do. the thing is great on the highway, dirt and gravel roads, no problem, and for light 4 wheeling its fine. But when I head down with off road plans, launching boats, Hauling a heavy trailer, and beating myself up - well then, its the F-150 4 wd that I take.

So I guess my advise would be to make sure you know what you plan on doing with the vehicle, then choose accordingly.

David K - 10-18-2020 at 07:57 AM

caj, can you describe the four wheel drive system?
Part time 4WD or full time AWD, or selectable?
Is there a low range?
How about a traction system (like Toyota's MTS + CRAWL or A-TRAC)? Is there a locking differential (rear only or front and rear)?
Thank you... and tell us if you have actually have driven it yet where 4WD was needed, like in deep sand.

JZ - 10-18-2020 at 07:57 AM

Its car like frame is not meant for towing or going off road. AWD is not 4WD.

This article gives you a sense of who buys a Ridgeline.

Best truck for the city.

https://www.automobilemag.com/news/2020-honda-ridgeline-awd-...

"Just like no one needs a sports car, most people don't need a pickup truck. And just as with sports cars, you simply want a truck, be it for the utility or elevated height or because you think they look cool." Lol.

[Edited on 10-18-2020 by JZ]

pacificobob - 10-18-2020 at 08:09 AM

i have driven a ridgeline the length of the peninsula 3 times. i love those trucks.
the ergonomic qualities are remarkable..... under the bed is a huge hidden storage area. handy at times. a nimble and fun to drive. much nicer than the f150 i now use.

mtgoat666 - 10-18-2020 at 08:17 AM

caj, can you describe the four wheel drive system?
Part time 4WD or full time AWD, or selectable?
Is there a low range?
How about a traction system (like Toyota's MTS + CRAWL or A-TRAC)? Is there a locking differential (rear only or front and rear)?
Thank you...

You have a lot of nerdy questions! Why don’t you go read about the car at the Honda website, probably has lots of facts/figures to nerd-out on.

David K - 10-18-2020 at 08:27 AM

I would rather hear from a fellow Nomad and get his insights than from a magazine, which must speak nicely in order to keep getting new trucks to drive and review.

TMW - 10-18-2020 at 01:23 PM

How heavy is the trailer you'll be towing? I'm not familiar with the Honda engines other than my wife's Acura and it was great. I do know a 4L Tacoma can pull a 5000 lb trailer up a 7000 ft mtn no problem. I did it many times before I retired. If it's not a body on frame like most trucks and you drive it off road much it won't last as long. But what the heck it's your choice go for it and let us know how it works outs. Most peoples opinions are just that, opinions not based on facts.

bajatrailrider - 10-18-2020 at 02:12 PM

for what he said of the 2020 that is exactly what it is good for. if it has no low range then useless on hard 4x4 routes. As far as Atrac or all the other toyota stuff. haha David remember my diesel Nissan pole line run . It has none of that want to see if you guys can. Tow a 5000 pound bronco off road sand climbing. Only 2.5 diesel haha lets have contest V v6 toyota.

chuckie - 10-18-2020 at 02:38 PM

My son has a Ridgeline. Has just short of 200k miles on it...Daily driver used as Farm truck pulls trailers, quiet comfortable nothing has broken yet. Been to Baja a couple of times, been to Alaska a couple of times, went to Church today..Gets stuck where the other trucks get stuck..Amusing to read Jizzys comments..Last week he didn't know Honda made trucks...This week he is a Honda truck expert...

mtgoat666 - 10-18-2020 at 02:45 PM

My son has a Ridgeline. Has just short of 200k miles on it...Daily driver used as Farm truck pulls trailers, quiet comfortable nothing has broken yet. Been to Baja a couple of times, been to Alaska a couple of times, went to Church today..Gets stuck where the other trucks get stuck..Amusing to read Jizzys comments..Last week he didn't know Honda made trucks...This week he is a Honda truck expert...

touché!

del mar - 10-18-2020 at 02:50 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

touché!

lol....I'd get one of those 550hp ones like JCR put on B1K podium! :lol:

JZ - 10-18-2020 at 03:09 PM

Tell your son to get a real truck. Not whatever this thing is:

chuckie - 10-18-2020 at 03:26 PM

DUH! He doesnt want nor need a new truck...

Whale-ista - 10-18-2020 at 05:36 PM

Thanks for all the feedback.

Update on Ridgeline shopping: I took a used 2007 Ridgeline (for sale near me) on a short test drive. New tires, recent brake job, original owner, garaged, in great condition & serviced by Honda dealership- but lots of miles: 260K. Not sure what the engine "lifespan" is on these trucks.

Mechanically: It has a "4WD" logo on the rear: locking rear differential that can be activated manually as needed, and a "responsive" AWD that activates automatically when internal sensors determine it's needed.

Smooth ride- a bit like driving a car, but up high like my bouncy B4000. Interesting blend.

Owner claims he's getting low-20s MPG with the 3.7L V6, which is better than my 4L V6- and it has more HP.

A friend who has sold cars for a living for many years suggested getting it examined at a local shop he uses for pre-purchase checks, and the owner agreed to meet me at the shop, so that's the next step.

To be continued...

caj13 - 10-18-2020 at 06:04 PM

Good questions David. It has an AWD drive system that engages automatically when it senses tire slippage. But it also can be manually engaged with a single button, you can select sand, snow or gravel .

It does not have a locking differential. i haven't driven it on bury your axle sand, it has been fantastic in snow, and on loose sandy roads as well.

when i really need 4 wd capability for tough stuff - thats why I have a yamaha wolverine side by side. i tow it on a 3000 lb trailer, dont even know its there behind the ridgeline, and I pull it off the trailer when I want to explore/ play in the rough stuff.

The ridgeline only has about 9.5" of ground clearance - so you have to be aware of that.

del mar - 10-18-2020 at 06:16 PM

Quote: Originally posted by caj13

what are you talking about, thats about the same as a 4wd Tacoma!

caj13 - 10-18-2020 at 07:05 PM

Quote: Originally posted by del mar

Quote: Originally posted by caj13

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=95227

what are you talking about, thats about the same as a 4wd Tacoma!

shush, i know, but Im trying to maintain some macho guys T levels, so i pretend its inferior! good for their artificially inflated ego.

David K - 10-18-2020 at 07:52 PM

The stock 4x4 Tacoma has 9.25" of min ground clearance. At least that was what I measured. With my tires, 9.75" at the lowest points (rear diff & exhaust crossover pipe).
My truck is a 2010, so new models could be different.

Thanks for the details, caj13.

AKgringo - 10-18-2020 at 08:11 PM

What ever stock truck you are driving, isn't part of the fun in making it go places, and do things that exceed what it was designed for?

It is never a good idea buying a used truck from me, because I do that!

mtgoat666 - 10-18-2020 at 08:14 PM

9.25”, 9.5”, 9.75”,...
When women say size doesn't matter, they really mean it.
(But don't tell little jizzy, he wont believe you anyways)

bajarich - 10-18-2020 at 09:30 PM

Did I miss where you described the trailer you would be hauling to Baja with a Ridgeline? It does make a difference how big and heavy it is. A Ridgeline is a small truck, so I assume you also have a small trailer.

chippy - 10-18-2020 at 09:34 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajarich

Did I miss where you described the trailer you would be hauling to Baja with a Ridgeline? It does make a difference how big and heavy it is. A Ridgeline is a small truck, so I assume you also have a small trailer.

bajarich - 10-19-2020 at 06:20 AM

Did I miss where you described the trailer you would be hauling to Baja with a Ridgeline? It does make a difference how big and heavy it is. A Ridgeline is a small truck, so I assume you also have a small trailer.

chuckie - 10-19-2020 at 06:35 AM

I don't know how one defines a "small" trailer..? We hauled a 17 foot Prowler to Alaska and back loaded with the usual Guy junk. Prior to leaving we used the "Kansas Farmer" load test.Hook it up,put it in D gas it. If it moves? Drive to Alaska.....

Whale-ista - 10-19-2020 at 02:02 PM

Re:the AWD vs. 4WD- here are the specs from a 2006.

It has a locking rear differential (interesting discussion about that here: https://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/threads/is-the-honda-vtm...)

Here's specs re:the trailer.
Acc to manufacturer:
It weighs 2213 lbs (dry).
Hitch is 200.

My current truck (Mazda B400) is rated to tow 5880 lbs (per original owner's manual). It does have a Callen shell on the back, so that has to be taken into account.

Honda Ridgeline towing capaciy: 5000 lbs.

More specs/interior photos of the trailer. The table converts to a queen size bed, and there's a bunk above the table that folds up for travel.

The plan is to start with something small and relatively easy to tow, park, etc., I'll use it on various trips, and if things go well, may consider upgrading to larger space.

PaulW - 10-19-2020 at 02:25 PM

It appears that the RL is an refinement to a Passport type vehicle. But the drivetrain is not what truck drivers expect.
No transfer with 4lo. Limited slip transfer and limited slip rear Diff is pretty much means it is not what is expected in a truck.
Not a consideration when there are so many trucks in the same category the operate like a truck.

JZ - 10-20-2020 at 01:06 AM

It appears that the RL is an refinement to a Passport type vehicle. But the drivetrain is not what truck drivers expect.
No transfer with 4lo. Limited slip transfer and limited slip rear Diff is pretty much means it is not what is expected in a truck.
Not a consideration when there are so many trucks in the same category the operate like a truck.

And it has a car frame. Not a truck frame.

Plus, it looks like a car.

chuckie - 10-20-2020 at 03:37 AM

Thanks for your input Jizzy. Cold hard fact remains that it works..He doesn't lay awake at night worryin about a QUARTER or HALF inch of ground clearance.....We like the way it looks....AND IT WORKS...And its PAID FOR...It is totally stock.. Except for maybe shocks...Dunno whats on it....AND IT WORKS...Get that part? IT WORKS.

mtgoat666 - 10-20-2020 at 06:10 AM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ

And it has a car frame. Not a truck frame.

Plus, it looks like a car.

Why does it matter what it looks like? It’s just a vehicle. Only insecure people buy cars based on what they look,like. People that focus on cars appearance are shallow and not worth the time.

bajatrailrider - 10-20-2020 at 08:27 AM

Are you drunk this morning or hung over. Or both with that statement

Hook - 10-20-2020 at 06:33 PM

The new Ridgeline has figured out that previous models look too much like a car. So, they changed that. It "looks" more like a truck than it ever has.

I havent seen a new one, except in pics, but the ground clearance on past models has not been great. That can be an issue in Baja.

As far as having a "4WD" badge on it (instead of AWD, which is really what it is), it doesnt have 4 low. Many other mfgrs. pull this same ruse. It's not a traditional 4WD, but, technically, it IS 4WD.

But many people never really need 4 low. AWD with traction control settings can do really well in loose conditions like snow and sand.

If the intended use is for light dirt road driving and mostly pavement, it's not a bad option with it's economy and cab comforts. The below bed storage is pretty cool; surprised more companies haven't done this. Secure, invisible storage. Not easy to accomplish in a truck.

A Ridgeline would be a significant upgrade over an old Mazda or a Ranger, especially in terms of reliability, IMO.

How much horsepower does that engine have? How many gears? Nice to have at least five gears, if you are towing with a six cylinder engine.

Whale-ista - 10-21-2020 at 12:18 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Hook

How much horsepower does that engine have? How many gears? Nice to have at least five gears, if you are towing with a six cylinder engine.

From Edumunds:

"The Ridgeline draws power from Honda's 3.5-liter single-overhead-cam V6, already used in the Pilot, MDX and Odyssey. The cylinder heads are tweaked to provide more power, and variable-length intake runners help boost bottom-end torque. Output is rated at 255 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 252 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. A heavy-duty five-speed automatic with a transmission cooler is standard. An all-wheel-drive system (dubbed VTM-4 for Variable Torque Management four-wheel drive) is also standard. Tow capacity is 5,000 pounds, and the Ridgeline can haul 1,550-pound payloads in its bed."

https://www.edmunds.com/honda/ridgeline/2006/review/X

Ken Cooke - 10-21-2020 at 03:58 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Whale-ista

Quote: Originally posted by Hook

How much horsepower does that engine have? How many gears? Nice to have at least five gears, if you are towing with a six cylinder engine.

This problem affected my 2006 Pilot with 3.5l V-Tec
Engine Knocking Noise

PaulW - 10-21-2020 at 05:22 AM

AWD? I drive a Honda with the so called AWD. It really is part time AWD. When front wheels are detected to slip then a clutch engages the rear wheels. Not full time AWD like all the competitors have.
Having said that it works fine for that stupid place - like sand and it will drive out of trouble.
The Ridgeline has improved the AWD from the sedan/SUV version so it will work better.
Beware of loading the thing to 1550 lbs and adding a 5000 lb trailer. Those two numbers probably won't work together.

mtgoat666 - 10-21-2020 at 05:44 AM

The Honda can tow that light trailer fine....

BajaMama - 10-21-2020 at 08:00 AM

Don't know how big your trailer is, but the Chevy Colorado ZR-2 Bison AEV, a mid-size truck, has 5,000 lb. towing capacity, 2WD, AWD, 4WD Hi & 4WD low, front and rear lockers, 31" tires but we will upgrade to 33" with re-gearing. We have had it off road in the Sierras, does very well. Will take it to Baja as soon as non-essential travel is legal. We finally sold the 2006 Ford F 250 diesel 4x4, was just too much truck for us older folks.

[Edited on 10-21-2020 by BajaMama]

[Edited on 10-21-2020 by BajaMama]

PaulW - 10-21-2020 at 10:57 AM

The new Ford Ranger has the same details as the Colorado and will tow 7000 lbs.
My F350 wad replaced with a HD F150. Big trucks are hard to live with.

chuckie - 10-21-2020 at 11:38 AM

I guess I cant figure out why you are talking about FORDS?...My personal car is a Lincoln Town car....looks nothing like a Ridgeline I am having Tuna for lunch....

bajatrailrider - 10-21-2020 at 12:38 PM

That aboy Chuckie like that.

JZ - 10-21-2020 at 12:46 PM

The new Ford Ranger has the same details as the Colorado and will tow 7000 lbs.
My F350 wad replaced with a HD F150. Big trucks are hard to live with.

Wouldn't get rid of my 2500HD for anything. Cruises on MX1 in comfort better than any car or truck. Smooth as butter.

Once you have cooled seats you'll never go back.

[Edited on 10-21-2020 by JZ]

bajatrailrider - 10-22-2020 at 10:19 AM

bottom line The Honda is perfect for what it is made for. Just not for everyone like anything else. full size diesel trucks great but not for all. That's why I have both

Hook - 10-23-2020 at 03:11 PM

The new Ford Ranger has the same details as the Colorado and will tow 7000 lbs.
My F350 wad replaced with a HD F150. Big trucks are hard to live with.

They DO get hard to live with. I have lived with one for 15 years now. A non-luxury diesel model with four leafs. How much more can 67 year old organs take? Best if they are a second or even third vehicle.

But I am keeping it. They might be very valuable when Joe and Kamala and AOC institute the Green Screw Deal. Only electric trucks starting at 90K will be allowed. :lol:

PaulW - 10-23-2020 at 03:49 PM

It is hard to knock the Ridgeline. I perfectly suits someone who does not want to move up to a full size truck. Even the mid size trucks are very different and more truck like. The Ridgeline fits nicely below those rigs with similar capability. And it has better manners for the highway and for the people inside. It is a good step above the SUV where its design came from.

David K - 10-23-2020 at 05:08 PM

Subaru made two "passenger pickups":
In the late 1970s and the 1980s was the BRAT (Bi-Drive, Recreational, Al-Terrain, Transport).

It was an adaptation of the very popular Subaru 4WD Wagon and resembled a mini Chevy El Camino or Ford Ranchero. It had Front Wheel Drive (FWD) to Four Wheel Drive (4WD) with a shift of the lever. In the mid-1980s, they even offered a low range gearbox. I owned three 4WD wagons and a girlfriend had a BRAT that I loved driving. It was very balanced and quite the surprise off road. We even took it to the Matomi waterfalls in 1979. The first generation BRAT had rear-facing seats in the bed with seatbelts and grab handles. This cute feature allowed the BRAT to be imported as an RV instead of as a pickup, avoided some kind of tariff tax and keeping it cheap. A BRAT was featured in the movie Smokey and the Bandit (remember the driving backwards scene?).

In the 1990s, Subaru changed marketing strategies away from the off-road, part-time 4WD models and to the full time "All Wheel Drive" (AWD) format. They no longer offered a low range, either.
From the popular AWD Subaru Outback wagon came the Subaru BAJA! A four-door vehicle with a bed.

chuckie - 10-24-2020 at 04:28 AM

Doesn't even look like a ridgeline! Why is it on this post?

pacificobob - 10-24-2020 at 07:06 AM

i have been a brat fan for years....not to mention Subarus in general.
IMO there is no better winter driving rig. in Alaska i would toss on some steel studded tires and cruise through winter conditions that have pickups all over the road.

BajaGlenn - 10-24-2020 at 02:26 PM

We have two ridgelines an 06 with 77k and a 13 with 33k miles --Love them both --Never a problem--has switch to lock all 4 wheels under 20miles an hour which i only use when pulling other people out of the sand!! :bounce:

[Edited on 10-24-2020 by BajaGlenn]

[Edited on 10-24-2020 by BajaGlenn]

David K - 10-24-2020 at 02:42 PM

Doesn't even look like a ridgeline! Why is it on this post?

The Ridgeline has no frame like a typical truck does (mentioned above my submission) and the Subarus are also unibody. That is the connection.
Sometimes you can't judge a book by its cover!

PaulW - 10-24-2020 at 05:14 PM

Toyota learned a hard lesson with the unit body on the FJ Cruiser. It cost them a huge amount ro repair the things. Don't sell them anymore, who knows why?

mtgoat666 - 10-24-2020 at 06:09 PM

Toyota learned a hard lesson with the unit body on the FJ Cruiser. It cost them a huge amount ro repair the things. Don't sell them anymore, who knows why?

Ugly car did not sell well.

Also, it was large car, but had bad cargo capacity — SUVs out sold it. Hard to climb into back seat. Hard to drive with such bad blind spots.
It was a dud.

[Edited on 10-25-2020 by mtgoat666]

John Harper - 10-24-2020 at 07:57 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Toyota learned a hard lesson with the unit body on the FJ Cruiser. It cost them a huge amount ro repair the things. Don't sell them anymore, who knows why?

Ugly car did not sell well.

Also, it was large car, but had bad cargo capacity — SUVs out sold it. Hard to climb into back seat. Hard to drive with such bad blind spots.
It was a dud.

Agreed. Some much potential, so little success.

John

BajaGlenn - 10-25-2020 at 07:56 AM

Doesn't even look like a ridgeline! Why is it on this post?

The Ridgeline has no frame like a typical truck does (mentioned above my submission) and the Subarus are also unibody. That is the connection.
Sometimes you can't judge a book by its cover!

I just looked sure looks like a frame to me on both

bajatrailrider - 10-25-2020 at 08:37 AM

I don't know why anybody worries about. If the Ridgeline has a frame or not . it is light duty works perfect for that so it does not work for all. Nothing does

Ken Cooke - 10-26-2020 at 08:55 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666