Honda Ridgeline I (facelift 2009) 3.5 V6 24V (250 Hp) 4WD Automatic


Overall Rating

7.9 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 3.8 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Honda Ridgeline:

The Honda Ridgeline is a mid-size pickup truck manufactured and marketed by Honda since the 2006 model year, over two generations in a unibody, crew–cab, short-box configuration with a transverse-mounted engine.
The first-generation Ridgeline went on sale in March 2005 as a 2006 model year vehicle. The Car Design Yearbook called it "Honda's first foray into the true heartland of the American automotive way of life—the pickup truck. " An engineering team from Honda R&D Americas, led by Gary Flint, designed the vehicle. According to the author of Driving Honda, the automaker wanted to target buyers who were looking to move to a pickup from sedans, minivans, and sport utility vehicles....(Read more on Wikipedia)

I (facelift 2009) Overview:

Honda Ridgeline (I (facelift 2009)). With 335 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2043 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. A vehicle with an open cargo bed at the back, suitable for transporting goods. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

3.5 V6 24V (250 Hp) 4WD Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The 3.5L V6 (J35Z5) provides a respectable 250 Hp, offering smooth and adequate power for daily driving, light towing, and off-road excursions. While not a powerhouse, it's well-suited for the Ridgeline's versatile nature.

Fuel Economy

With a combined fuel consumption of 13.8 l/100 km (approx. 17 MPG), the 3.5 V6 is typical for a 4WD V6 pickup of its era. It's a reasonable trade-off for its utility, but not class-leading in efficiency.

Best Use Case: Ideal for individuals or families seeking a comfortable, reliable, and versatile vehicle for mixed-use, including daily commuting, recreational activities, and light-to-moderate hauling or towing.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Unibody construction provides superior ride comfort and handling compared to traditional body-on-frame pickups.
  • • Innovative in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate enhance versatility and storage options.
  • • Standard 4WD system (VTM-4) offers confident traction in various conditions.
  • • Honda's reputation for excellent reliability and durability.
  • • Spacious and practical interior for a mid-size pickup.

Cons:

  • • Fuel economy, while typical for its class, can be a concern for some buyers.
  • • Towing and payload capacities are lower than full-size, body-on-frame competitors.
  • • Only one engine option (3.5L V6) limits choice and specialization.
  • • Styling can be polarizing, not appealing to traditional truck buyers.
  • • Not designed for heavy-duty off-roading like some competitors.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I: 2005 - 2009).

General:
Brand:Honda
Model:Ridgeline
Generation:I (facelift 2009)
Modification (Engine):3.5 V6 24V (250 Hp) 4WD Automatic
Start of production:2009
End of production:2014
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Pick-up
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:250 Hp @ 5700 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:72 Hp/l [5mm more]
Torque:335 Nm @ 4300 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:J35Z5 More details about the engine J35Z5
Engine displacement:3471
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC, VTEC
Engine oil capacity:5.3 l
Coolant:8.1 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:89 mm mm
Piston Stroke:93 mm mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Maximum engine speed:6300 rpm.
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:15.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:11.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:13.8 l/100 km
Emission standard:ULEV-2
Weight-to-power ratio:8.2 kg/Hp, 122.4 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.1 kg/Nm, 164 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:2043
Max. weight:2744
Max load:701
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:241 l
Fuel tank capacity:83.3 l
Size:
Length:5258 mm mm [5mm more]
Width:1976 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1786 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:3099 mm mm [1mm less]
Front track:1704 mm
Rear (Back) track:1699 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):208 mm
Approach angle:24.5°
Departure angle:22°
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears5
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs, 320.04 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc, 332.74 mm
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Tires size245/65 R17; 245/60 R18
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension

Does the Honda Ridgeline live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!