The New Ridgeline is the Ultimate Tailgating Companion
Kerry McClure, chief engineer of the 2017 Ridgeline, explained the old Ridgeline to be “polarizing, a little bit odd…the styling wasn’t for everybody.” These claims aren’t to go unexplained, as the Ridgeline sales peaked in 2006 at 50,193 units, and when compared to a mere 13,389 units in 2014, Honda knew change was imminent.
The introduction of the 2017 Ridgeline couldn’t have come at a better time, as demand for midsize pickups grew 16% through April of this year, and the new upscale allure that casts it as a thinking person’s truck should attract some of that demand.
A Bed Made for Tailgates
The new 2017 Ridgeline offers fans a new pre-game experience with a 400-watt power inverter and an in-bed audio system. The power inverter can power a flat-screen TV or other devices and is available on the upper trim areas, with the in-bed storage compartment being offered for lower trim levels. Each of the sidewalls has exciters mounted behind them. They transform the sidewalls into audio speakers, and the entire system is waterproof.
The towing capacity is one area of the truck that is lacking when compared to other pickup’s as it can only tow up to 5,000 pounds. However, the 2017 Ridgeline was made for the commuter lifestyle with weekend entertainment in mind. 5,000 pounds still gives you the capability to tow a large camper, a couple of ATVs, or a nice boat, so that camping trip will still work with this truck. You can even hold more of your chilled beverages of choice with the 7.3 cubic-foot-in-bed trunk that has a newly flat floor and drain plug.
2017 Ridgeline Specs
Right off the bat, the Ridgeline offers you the option of all-wheel drive or front-wheel. The front-wheel drive limits towing to 3,500 pounds, but returns fuel economy of 19 mpg with city driving and 26 mpg on the highway.
Along with this a 3.5-litre single-overhead-cam V-6 engine that generates 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque through a six speed automatic transmission powers all seven trim levels. All Ridgelines are equipped with high capacity radiator fans and a trailer hitch with 7-pin coupler.
The 2017 Honda Ridgeline is the industry’s most refined and fun-to-drive midsize pickup, and offers you the opportunity to live the city life while also enjoying the weekend party. Come see for yourself what this great truck can offer you. If it isn’t your ideal vehicle, we’ll help you find the right one at Henley Honda.
