Skip to main content
A custom white Honda Ridgeline has had some offroad upgrades, like fender flares, a roof rack, and a lift kit.

Is the 2017 Honda Ridgeline a Good Truck?

The Honda Ridgeline is one of the most compelling options in today’s pickup truck class. Although, the Ridgeline’s higher base can be a put off which is why many drivers opt to buy this truck used. The 2017 Honda Ridgeline is one of the most appealing model years to choose from, but there are few flaws you should …

The Honda Ridgeline is one of the most compelling options in today’s pickup truck class. Although, the Ridgeline’s higher base can be a put off which is why many drivers opt to buy this truck used. The 2017 Honda Ridgeline is one of the most appealing model years to choose from, but there are few flaws you should consider first.

First, what it’s like to drive the used 2017 Honda Ridgeline 

The year 2017 marked the first new Honda Ridgeline since 2014. Compared to previous model years, the 2017 Ridgeline featured a more conventional style, but it still has an odd shape. Ridgelines got their power from a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280-horsepower 262 lb-ft of torque.

Critics celebrated the revived Ridgeline for its exceptionally smooth ride quality that’s reminiscent of a car. It also got extra points for its fuel efficiency. The V6 found on the Ridgeline has better fuel economy ratings compared to rivals like the Chevy Colorado. Front-wheel-drive and all-wheel drive was available on the 2017 Ridgeline. However, there was no four-wheel-drive option. 

The Ridgeline might also disappoint you with its towing capacity. This pickup can only tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Ridgeline also isn’t ideal for off-roading adventures either.

RELATED: 2017 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition: The Right Truck at the Right Time

The Ridgeline provides an upscale cabin and plenty of storage

A custom white Honda Ridgeline has had some offroad upgrades, like fender flares, a roof rack, and a lift kit.
Custom 2017 Honda Rubicon TRX500 | Fox Marketing

Ridgelines get credit for offering some of the most upscale cabins in the midsize truck class. Its Crew Cab body style provides an abundance of interior space for its passengers, and its seats are also supportive. The Ridgelines also offers excellent visibility. Cloth seats came standard on this model with items like leather upholstery and heated seats available as upgrades.

The Honda Ridgeline's truck bed on display
The Honda Ridgeline | JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

Honda also fitted the Ridgeline’s interior with convenient storage spaces. Consumer Reports specifically liked the Ridgeline’s front-row bin and its large door panels. Another bright spot is that Ridgeline has a functional trunk bed with under-bed storage that outrivals others in its class. 

Tech features 

The interior of a 2017 Honda Ridgeline pickup truck
2017 Honda Ridgeline interior | Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images

As far as standard infotainment features go, the 2017 Ridgeline is pretty basic. The most notable here is a 5-inch touchscreen display and Bluetooth. If you want connectivity options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you’ll have to shop for the RTL-T trim models. Advanced safety equipment was also a selling point of the higher trim levels.

RELATED: 3 Trucks With Some of the Best Infotainment Systems

Safety and reliability 

2017 Honda Ridgeline is on display at the 109th Annual Chicago Auto Show
The Honda Ridgeline | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2017 Ridgeline a perfect crash-test safety score. Consumer Reports gave the 2017 Ridgeline an average predicted reliability score. While these are solid ratings, you should know that the NHTSA recalled the 2017 Ridgeline twice. One recall related to the truck’s electrical system and the other to its fuel system.

RELATED: What to Consider When Buying a Car That Might Need Recall Work

So is the 2017 Ridgeline a good truck?

Even though the 2017 Ridgeline had two NHTSA safety recalls for serious concerns, it’s still considered a good truck, especially its excellent safety ratings. If this model is what you want, make sure to address the potential trouble spots with your auto dealer. Depending on the mileage, you can get a Ridgeline for around $25K.

Related

The 2021 Nissan Frontier Finally Received Interior Upgrades