2019 Honda Ridgeline AWD Black Edition – Test Drive

The Civilized Import Pickup

It’s more than just the color. The Black Edition is the highest trim you can get in the 2019 Honda Ridgeline lineup. That gets you larger 18″ wheels, Black Edition leather stitching, projector-beam LED headlamps and a Truck-bed audio system that can play music during your tailgate ventures.

It’s a fortunate irony for a truck built tough. Because the Ridgeline is smooth, capable and even luxurious enough to almost trick you into thinking it’s an Acura. There’s even a pack full of tech and safety features making the Ridgeline a great road-handler and a comfortable everyday commuter.

Technologically Advanced

Its road-handling capability is explained by its powertrain standard across all trims. Power feels adequate with a 3.5L i-VTEC V6 producing 280 horsepower and 262 lbs.ft of torque with a towing capacity of 5000 lbs. You’ll get a 6-speed automatic transmission with that.

In lieu of a more conventional 4×4 system with limited slip differential, the Ridgeline opts for a more advanced i-VTM4 AWD system. The technology advantage lies in the ability to not only distribute torque between the front and rear driveshaft, but also distribute up to 100% of the rear torque between the left and right wheels; otherwise known as torque vectoring. The result is improved traction and cornering capability.

Luscious Interior

The interior appoints an all-black leather cabin that feels soft, smooth and durable to the touch. A conventional gear shift lever is replaced by a more modern flat-pannel button one and a latch-adjustable arm rest keeps the driving position comfortable within. Rear seats double up as extra cargo space with 60/40 rear folding seats and available storage in the underneath compartment.

There’s no shortage of tech features either. An 8″ center console infotainment screen offers all the latest digital media jazz and comes with Android Auto and Apple Car Play for seamless mobile phone connectivity. A 150 Watt AC inverter built into the rear truck-bed is also available for powering any 120V appliance or tools.

The Drive

Torque vectoring, AWD and independent suspensions all translates to a smooth, fun and easy truck to drive. It’s even got best in class fuel economy at 12.8/9.5/11.3 L/100km city highway and combined. But the Ridgeline doesn’t leave other competitors behind. A strong contender is the Toyota Tacoma with a higher towing capacity of 1590 lbs and at a price point of just $37,840 compared to the base Ridgeline Sport at $40,990.

It’s a job well done in our books. We just wished Honda threw in more of their in-house bread and butter mainly their 8-speed Dual clutch transmission. Still, the civilized and luxurious nature of the Honda Ridgeline is unique and hard to beat, especially comparing to the big dogs in the domestic market such as GMC, Chevorlet and Dodge. Our 2019 Honda Ridgeline Black-Edition comes priced in at $49,990

Specifications

Vehicle : 2019 Honda Ridgeline
Model : Honda Ridgeline Black Edition
Price as Tested : $49,990
Vehicle Type : Quad Cab Pickup
Seating Capacity : 2+3
Powertrain Configuration : i-VTM4 AWD
Engine : 3.5L i-VTEC V6
Transmission : 6-speed Automatic
Horsepower : 280
Torque: 267
Fuel Economy: 12.8/9.5/11.3 L/100km city highway and combined

Pros

Smooth and refined driving experience
Excellent handling capability for a truck form factor
Comfortable and luxurious interior
Easy car to drive with loaded safety tech features

Cons

6-Speed automatic transmission makes the drive feels dated
No low-crawl/high-torque mode found in other 4×4 trucks.
Lower power output and towing capacity compared to its competitor

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