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2022 Honda Ridgeline - Hot New Truck of the New Year

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline follows the 2021 refresh in which the truck was given a more rugged exterior to better compete against Chevrolet and Toyota's offerings. In contrast to full-size pickups with fancier options, the truck doesn't have quite as many features as the Toyota lineup of pickup trucks, for example. However, for those who need a vehicle capable of occasional towing and hauling, but also reliable transportation to and from work, the Ridgeline is an excellent choice.

Appearance

The Ridgeline pickup may not be considered rugged enough for those who need a truck for regular heavy work, as it does not handle well for serious off-roading or high-end towing capacity. However, there are several advantages to the Honda Ridgeline over its rivals. In addition to the features standard on most midsize pickup trucks, it has a rear suspension that provides a smoother ride than other trucks in its category, and better handling on bumpy roads than most midsize trucks in the same class. It handles corners well, but the quality of its ride suffers when it is towing. If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle a variety of driving conditions, this one is a good choice.

Interior

Taking a closer look at the 2022 Ridgeline's interior, Honda appears to have put some effort into its design. On both rows, front and back, there is a good amount of legroom, which is a few inches ahead of competitors like Chevrolet. Seats can be lifted in the back of the vehicle if more space is needed in the cabin. Despite the truck's smaller size, the cabin is spacious thanks to foldaway seats and a tailgate that can be lowered or swung open. The materials used in the upholstery are of high quality, and the cabin is kept comfortable by a powerful climate control system.

Exterior

The Ridgeline is no smaller than other midsize trucks, though some might be looking for a longer bed length. The pick-up truck's bed is only about five feet long, but the tailgate folds down to add two feet of storage space, giving it some extendability. You can store a portable generator inside the watertight, lockable storage compartment under the floor that provides an additional seven square feet of storage space on top of the vehicle's standard thirty-four square feet of cargo volume. Maintaining its rugged and durable design, the pickup has a heftier appearance than other midsize trucks, more like some of its more notable competitors, like the Silverado or the F150.

Carrying and towing

It doesn't matter if this truck isn't used for a lot of off-roading or rough hauling; it still has the ability to tow and haul. This year's Ridgeline can tow about 5000 pounds—not quite as much as some of its competitors, but it's still strong enough to tow smaller or mid-sized campers and most trailers. In comparison to other trucks, the payload capacity is in the range of 1500 pounds, which makes it a little less rugged, but it's still not a slouch.

Fuel efficiency and technology

Concerns about gas consumption and performance will be high on the minds of new car buyers as gas prices continue to rise. Its 3.5-liter V6 engine puts out 262 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty for the Honda Ridgeline. A speed of 96.5 kph can be reached in about six seconds with the automatic transmission, which has nine gears for all four wheels. Road tests for the 2022 model show that it performs similarly to the 2021 model, which is 7.6/10.2 kilometers per liter in the city and highway.

If the vehicle is towing or hauling, the fuel economy will be reduced to a certain extent. As far as technology is concerned, all Ridgeline models come standard with an eight-inch touchscreen that can be accessed by the driver and front-seat passenger and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With a seven-speaker surround sound system and a powerful air conditioning and defogger system, the interior of the pickup is well-equipped for comfort and style.

Safety measures

In addition to fuel efficiency, new car buyers are also concerned about safety ratings and features. To ensure the 2022 Ridgeline received a five-star rating and high marks in side-impact and front crash tests as well as rollover tests, Honda incorporated quite a few features. Anti-lock brakes and OnStar are among the many optional features available on the truck. In terms of safety, the truck outperforms some of its rivals.

Is it for you?

An 8.1 out of 10 rating from MotorTrends is given to the new Honda Ridgeline in several categories, including performance and efficiency, as well as innovation in the truck's technology and systems. If you're a lifestyle enthusiast who occasionally needs the capabilities of a pickup truck, but won't be using it for heavy work or regular hauling and towing, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline is a solid choice. As a vehicle that can tow a camper or trailer, help someone move furniture, and occasionally hit the backroads in an SUV-like pickup, the Ridgeline is a worthy consideration for enthusiasts. As a whole, this is a respectable pick-up truck that will serve its owner well for many years.