Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Honda prices 2012 Ridgeline Sport from $29,995*

We knew Honda's load-lugging curiosity, the Ridgeline pickup, was getting a modest refresh for the 2012 model year, and we even knew there was a new Sport model waiting in the wings. But now we have more details – including pricing.

For 2012, the Ridgeline range starts at $29,250* for the entry-level RT model and zooms all the way to $37,180* for the top-shelf RTL with navigation. The sweet spot, however, might just be the new Sport model shown above. At $29,995* it's only $749 more than the base RT, yet includes such visual niceties as 18-inch alloys (the base RT rolls on 17-inch steelies), blacked-out honeycomb grille and matching light bezels, as well as fog lamps and tinted rear windows. Inside, there's a leather-wrap wheel with audio controls, an aux input on the stereo and floor mats. (*All Ridgeline models are subject to a $810 delivery charge).

Range-wide changes for 2012 include a new front grille and various small aero improvements that help net the genre-straddling pickup a revised fuel economy rating of 15 city and 21 highway, an increase of 1 mpg on the interstate. The rest of the range remains basically unchanged, including the 3.5-liter V6 that offers 250 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque and its trademark in-bed trunk.

Despite consistently slow sales, Honda recently pledged that the Ridgeline still has a future. While we haven't seen or heard anything official out of the Japanese automaker about a successor, it has been rumored that the new-for-2012 CR-V could spawn a light-duty pickup variant at some point down the road, an interesting idea about which we won't hold our breath.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/04/h...t-from-29-995/

blacksc400

iTrader: (4)

The blacked out SE model looks good, but the whole ridgeline design is getting old. The 2012 refresh doesn't look much difference. How many years has it been on the market now?

Lil4X

Honda is going to have a tough sale for their "almost a pickup" Ridgeline against, for example, a GMC Sierra 1500 SLE Crew Cab with 4WD and a 4.8L V8 that delivers 14 cty/19 hwy mpg and still stickers for $32K. While the Ridgeline is a well-packaged vehicle, it is still a minivan with a BIG sunroof out back.

caddyowner

I've always rather liked the Ridgeline for it's functionality. The roomy, locking trunk eliminates the need for a bed box for hauling and towing supplies. The option to swing open the tailgate makes bed access much easier than reaching across the lowered tailgate. The interior is comfortable and roomy. However, the MPGs are mediocre and it can't haul / tow really large or heavy loads. Then there's the "Hit-with-the-ugly-stick" styling...

mmarshall

Yes, I agree. I've always liked the Ridgeline's build-quality, versatility, and functionality. I disagree with the many negative comments from posters on-line. However, it is true that, for those who want the beefiness, towing-capacity, and off-road/part-time 4WD system of many full-size trucks, the Ridgeline is probably not for them.

The Ridgeline, BTW, unique among American-market-pickups, incorporates a "Unibody-on-Frame" design, which is not a traditional full-rail-frame, but uses a unibody-shell with frame-stiffeners underneath it. Because of its smaller (mid-size) and V6 engine, it doesn't have the big tow-capacity of a traditional full-size truck, but is a very stiff design, and helps with the uniqueness of the driving experience.

trukn1

Have always been a fan of the Ridgeline, but as stated, the styling cues are definately dated. The new model, pictured above, does make it look even better, but it unfortunately still looks dated.

xioix

But when you have a full load in the back of the truck bed, its hard to get to the locking trunk

Dodge did it right by having it accessible side trunk

TripleL

I do like the look of the sport model

But I also agree with others, the Ridgeline is in need of an update.

edgeucated

iTrader: (4)

I just can't ever consider this car as long as the Tacoma TRD version is available. The two models are very similar in horsepower and capacity but the tacoma just looks much better IMO and priced a little bit cheaper too

caddyowner

How does the interior room in the Taco compare to the Ridgeline? I've read that the Ridgeline is more passenger-friendly.

caddyowner

Yeah, no kidding. You have to plan ahead.

"Hey, this load looks like it could use another ratchet strap. Were did you say those were?"

LexFather

Yet its slower than a real truck and no sportier.....Sad....much like the lame TSX special edition, some wheels, some paint and a kit.....That was cool in the 1990s

Lil4X

I could get by without the hauling capacity, the tow rating, even the funky look, but if I'm going to pay a premium price and still get no better than average fuel economy, the question becomes, "WHY?"

lamar411

I think it looks good and it's perfect for a family who makes a lot of Home Deport runs.

Toys4RJill

Honda is wasting their time with the Ridgeline junk. But with how bad their sales are going, I can see why Honda is keeping it around a little longer.