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2009 Honda Ridgeline Features Review

July 4, 2009

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

All Ridgeline audio systems are now MP3/WMA capable
Car and Driver

features...something that's not standard on most so-called entry-level trucks, a power sliding rear window
Cars.com

New for 2009 is the coupling of a backup camera with the nav system
Motor Trend

The 2009 Honda Ridgeline isn't cheap for a truck, but you will get a lot of desirable features for your money. TheCarConnection.com's research and driving experiences with the Honda Ridgeline show that Honda's model-year improvements are particularly noticeable in terms of available standard and optional features.

The latest and greatest version of the Honda Ridgeline offers a few more standard features than could be found on previous iterations of this 2009 Honda pickup. Car and Driver notes that "all Ridgeline audio systems are now MP3/WMA capable, and all but the entry RT model gain auxiliary-input jacks." Cars.com points out that this is one of "the most [welcome] changes" to the Honda Ridgeline, which in base RT form comes with a "trip computer...tilt steering wheel, cruise control, and something that's not standard on most so-called entry-level trucks, a power sliding rear window." TheCarConnection.com's editors find that stepping up to the mid-level 2009 Honda Ridgeline RTS trim will get you nicer wheels and door handles, as well as an upgraded 160-watt sound system. For those who want only the best, Cars.com states that the Honda Ridgeline RTL brings "leather upholstery, heated front seats and a power moonroof," as well as "satellite radio, a Homelink universal garage door opener and a 115-volt power outlet."

In addition to the standard features found on the various trims of this 2009 Honda, a number of optional features and accessories are available to consumers. Car and Driver reports that the 2009 Honda Ridgeline RTL "can now be optioned with 18-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and power lumbar support." Motor Trend reviewers add that the 2009 Honda Ridgeline offers a "backup camera with the nav system option," while Cars.com notes that, "in typical Honda fashion, the 2009 Ridgeline isn't available with any packages per se." However, individual accessories can be added on to the Honda Ridgeline, including a "$225 full-size spare tire that replaces the standard spare."

Conclusion

Individual options are available, but the 2009 Honda Ridgeline lineup comes well equipped enough in its standard trims to keep most buyers satisfied.

FEATURES | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:All Ridgeline audio systems are now MP3/WMA capableCar and Driverfeatures...something that's not standard on most so-called entry-level trucks, a power sliding rear windowCars.comNew for 2009 is the coupling of a backup camera with the nav systemMotor Trend The 2009 Honda Ridgeline isn't cheap for a truck, but you will get a lot of desirable features for your money. TheCarConnection.com's research and driving experiences with the Honda Ridgeline show that Honda's model-year improvements are particularly noticeable in terms of available standard and optional features. The latest and greatest version of the Honda Ridgeline offers a few more standard features than could be found on previous iterations of this 2009 Honda pickup. Car and Driver notes that "all Ridgeline audio systems are now MP3/WMA capable, and all but the entry RT model gain auxiliary-input jacks." Cars.com points out that this is one of "the most [welcome] changes" to the Honda Ridgeline, which in base RT form comes with a "trip computer...tilt steering wheel, cruise control, and something that's not standard on most so-called entry-level trucks, a power sliding rear window." TheCarConnection.com's editors find that stepping up to the mid-level 2009 Honda Ridgeline RTS trim will get you nicer wheels and door handles, as well as an upgraded 160-watt sound system. For those who want only the best, Cars.com states that the Honda Ridgeline RTL brings "leather upholstery, heated front seats and a power moonroof," as well as "satellite radio, a Homelink universal garage door opener and a 115-volt power outlet." In addition to the standard features found on the various trims of this 2009 Honda, a number of optional features and accessories are available to consumers. Car and Driver reports that the 2009 Honda Ridgeline RTL "can now be optioned with 18-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and power lumbar support." Motor Trend reviewers add that the 2009 Honda Ridgeline offers a "backup camera with the nav system option," while Cars.com notes that, "in typical Honda fashion, the 2009 Ridgeline isn't available with any packages per se." However, individual accessories can be added on to the Honda Ridgeline, including a "$225 full-size spare tire that replaces the standard spare." ConclusionIndividual options are available, but the 2009 Honda Ridgeline lineup comes well equipped enough in its standard trims to keep most buyers satisfied. 2009 HONDA RIDGELINE STYLING | [5 out of 10] Automobile Magazine: "It'll attract crossover owners who hanker for a cargo bed" Cars.com: "There are some problems with the Ridgeline's styling and design" Motor Trend: "Some slight changes to the gauge shaping and to the choices of type ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2009 Honda Ridgeline competes with a wide range of compact and mid-size trucks, most of which have more traditional layouts with burly frames and unforgiving leaf-spring rear suspensions. The Explorer Sport Trac is the closest in concept to the Ridgeline; it has a shorter bed, but there's an optional V-8 that outdoes the Ridgeline, at least for low-speed hauling. Even though the design is dated, it's still quite attractive. The Nissan Frontier is another possibility; it's especially rugged in look and feel and comes in a variety of trims, including an off-road-focused model. Those considering the Frontier should also take a look at the Equator, which is mechanically identical to the Frontier but with styling that many would judge more attractive. The Equator also has a better warranty. The Toyota Tacoma is another possibility; it's the choice for the frugal, thanks to its strong resale value and decent performance with the economical standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. Another possibility is the Dodge Dakota, but the mid-size Dakota handles and maneuvers like a larger truck. Although the 2009 Ridgeline is priced higher than many of these models, all the heavy-duty towing components come standard; otherwise you'll have option boxes to check.

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See the Honda Ridgeline in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

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