2017 Honda Ridgeline Towing Test

Honda's small truck versus a big trailer. How does it stack up?

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[phillipyeager]

I have FW drive RTL-T and I got the heavy duty transmission cooler on it. I only tow a 18' walleye boat that weighs about 2700 lbs. No problem whatsoever. I have an 8' utility trailer and that's is no problem either. My previous truck was a the GMC Sierra SLE 4WD and the Ridgeline tows nearly as effortlessly as the V-8. It comes down to realistic expectations. I'm not expecting to tow anything up I-70 W and over the divide in 100 degree weather. Completely satisfied with the Ridgeline. I validated my manhood in Vietnam with the 3rd MarDiv in 1966-67. I don't need a jacked up Hemi mudslinger to feel good about myself, so all of you haters out there, don't bother insulting me with all of the "chick truck" BS.

[Garlander]

Damn so many people are puffing their chests when saying this is not a real truck. OK, it not a truck. It's a car that the weekend warrior could use to to snowboarding with, go to the paintball field, drive to Lowes, do a dump run, head to a camp sight, drive to work. I don't need my 2014 Z71 silverado. Its 5 inches too long to fit in my garage and I rarely tow with it. It's a bitch to park sometimes and isn't the smoothest ride. It's about your needs and what you actually do with it. It's not about the definition of being a truck. Quit measuring dicks about it not being a truck.

[organicskincare]

Ridgeline for the price, fuel savings and safety makes this the best value for any small family vehicle. Most people will never exceed the capability of this amazing truck.

[housepianist]

I'm thinking a vast majority of buyers for this truck won't be towing anything. You could probably say that for full size pickup truck owners too.

[kslvlkdfhkvhkfviwehbhjhj]

2:43 Any vehicle towing more than it's rated capacity will breath hard climbing hills. Also towing 5000lbs with no trailer brakes is just plain stupid (not to mention illegal in most states).

[mylifeisJDM]

3:51 Hands down one of the best and most succinct conclusions about the Ridgeline I’ve heard. Great video guys.

[spatoine]

What is this guy talking about? There is a problem with the disk brakes and their ability at stopping a 5, 000lb trailer? Have you never heard of a thing called trailer brakes? Anyone hauling 5, 000lbs would be pretty stupid to not have trailer brakes, regardless of the truck they were towing it with.

[rik]

A key issue with a trailer that tall and long is towing in windy conditions. That huge trailer needs a heavy tow vehicle to control it in gusty winds from the side. Having higher towing capacity than your trailer means you can put weight in the pickup bed that helps with sway in the wind.

[fundrive]

5000 pound trailer no trailer brakes?
Ah that is a really bad thing. Usually anything over 1500 pounds needs brakes.
Ridgeline and Diesel SuperDuty owner here.
They each do a different job but the Ridgeline is excellent in all regards including towing.
If anyone has a bias of the Ridgeline not being a real truck it would be me a long term SuperDuty Diesel guy.
Your opinions are just that until you drive and use one.
I will get rid of my SuperDuty well before the Ridgeline..

[JohnMcCagueSells]

Who remembers the El Camino? Was it a truck? Was it a car? Neither. It was an El Camino. The Ridgeline is the modern day El Camino...only better. Who cares if it’s a truck? If you like it...buy it. If you don’t...who cares? Choice is good. And it’s perfect for my needs. Enough said.

[drewthompson]

Just something to add. The Ridgeline is 6" wider than a Ranger, which would likely help with the standard side view mirrors when towing.

[brayvdb]

I always wanted to have a car with a load capability for my motorcycle. So this ridgeline Is perfect for hauling light stuff on the road. Idk why everyone has to by so angry about calling this a truck..

[nicklarson]

Real good towing review. I love the new Ridgeline & Honda is my favorite automotive company, but the Ridgeline does have flaws that if we're worked out could offer a bit more capable and powerful truck. Having said that I think many people own too much truck! I know I have and the Ridgeline offers great off-road, trailering, and best in class ride comfort. I love it with some of the new leveling pics I've seen too. makes it look just a little more beefy with out sacrificing any practicality. plus 2 inches more clearance. The new Ridgeline in my opinion is an awesome step by Honda!!! needs minor adjustments, but I know they know that and will adjust through the years.

[stewstryker]

The author's closing remark says it all "one of the best-handling mid-sized trucks on the market"

[stemnozzel]

People who need to tow 25 ft, 5000 lb empty trailers don't buy a Ridgeline. They don't buy Colorado's, Canyons, Tacos, or Frontier's either. Unless they like towing 5000lb trailers they can fill up with only 1000-2000 lbs of gear. Most full size trucks don't do much better, maybe the F150 when configed for 10, 000 lbs; but most are in the 8000-9000 range. If you are hauling around a 25', 5000 lb trailer with 5000 lbs of gear in it you'll need a heavy duty truck. What you can tow with 5000 lbs are bass boats, jet ski's, large motorcycle trailers, small travel trailers, or another car.

[acornblue]

Instead of complaining about the lack of a factory installed brake controller, why don't you point out that the RL comes pre-wired for one. One can easily be sourced for $50. Owner's choice as to which one they prefer. Testing without a brake controller is plain dumb.

[InChristJesus]

Ugh it doesn't feel like a Honda Accord. It feels completely different. It's a truck and a great one at that!

[JBM]

Gee... The Fast Lane Trucks took a Ridgeline with a 4, 800-pound trailer up I-70 to the top of the Eisenhower Tunnels in Colorado (elevation 11, 000+ feet), and it performed so well, they were even able to set it to 60 MPH with cruise control, and it made it up just fine. OK, it's not a V-8, and it's not huge in torque, but for people who can't afford both a car/sedan and a pickup, this will more than meet most of their needs: a great daily commuter (especially in top trim levels) with decent towing capability when needed for small campers, ATV trailers, or dragging rental equipment and some lumber from home improvement stores.

[Emslander]

I love the Ridgeline. I’ve owned “trucks” and loved them, too. The Ridgeline is the best car I’ve owned and it also does most of what I used “trucks” for. Mostly, I have my family in my car and they’re all comfortable.

[jamesseaver]

first of all this man does a great job with reviews and is articulate and has common sense, unlike the people that respond to his reviews, i would fish with him anyday, smallmouth up north...