2012 Honda Ridgeline Preview

First pick-up truck was never Honda's off-road, construction site powerhouse such as Ford, Chevy, Dodge and even Toyota and Nissan. Built on top of a front-wheel-drive car chassis with independent suspension and a V-6 engine as the sole powertrain was intended more for hauling groceries in the city than in the back construction 40. For weekend warriors, the Ridgeline full-time four-wheel drive, car-like handling and flexible storage solutions are exactly what they need.

For 2012, the Ridgeline gets a sports package for highlighting the on-road persuasion: bold, black-out 18-inch alloy wheels and a honeycomb grille give an aggressive look. Only the engine of the Ridgeline, a 3.5-liter 250 horsepower V-6 engine, struggling to back up the sporting image. Variable Torque Management four-wheel drive under all wheels come standard, like a five-speed automatic transmission.

For the benefit of the Ridgeline, its fuel economy, at 15/20 mpg city / highway, is one of the best in the pickup truck class. But this compact size truck comes to a full-size price: $ 29,150 starting price has not garnered him many fans. The Ridgeline, Honda is a unique way of looking at the pickup truck segment - a compact car that is innovative because innovation programs - and this may be her biggest problem against its competitors.

Body: Truck

Engine: 3.5-liter V-6

Transmission: five-speed automatic

Models: RT, RTS, RTL, RTL with Navigation

A Sport package debuts for 2012, making the Ridgeline a blackout effect: black wheels, dark headlights and taillights, and a new honeycomb grille ensures a level of sportsmanship.

The Ridgeline has a unique look, it's square-off with a faux-macho attitude, but his short bed with high, sloping walls serve to deemphasize its truck like nature. The medium is much smaller than most full-size trucks on the road today. Features like in-bed lockable trunk, power folding mirrors, and a tailgate that drops down or swings out a number of clever storage options.

The interior carries on the square, rugged theme of the exterior. All air conditioning and radio controls are separated into their respective areas on the near-vertical dash. Only the column characteristics Ridgeline Honda's shifter, an old-school touch. A flip-down CD changer definitely feels dated, but USB and MP3 functions are standard. The 60/40 split rear seats flip up for storage underneath or larger items such as bicycles.

Only the engine of the Ridgeline is a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission. Variable Torque Honda's Management (VTM) system varies power to all four wheels based on the circumstances. The automotive construction and independent suspension on all four wheels means that the Ridgeline drives a lot more like a car than a traditional truck. Unfortunately, like pulling a car. Maximum load capacity of the Ridgeline's towing capacities of 1100 pounds and 5000 pounds and are useful, but far below the competition.

Both the driver and passenger have dual-stage front airbags and side airbags with passenger detection, and a rollover sensor. Front seats with active head restraints for whiplash protection. Anti-lock brakes, stability control and tire pressure monitoring as standard.

15 mpg city/20 mpg highway