The stylish, luxurious and rugged Ridgeline Special Edition. Image courtesy of http://www.honda.comHonda may not be the biggest name on the market for truck buyers, but that doesn't stop the company from producing one of the most compelling products for those who need to haul cargo and family members in nearly equal amounts. The company's 2014 Rigdeline is up to the task, with a cabin that's big enough to hold five passengers, and a truck bed that can handle most of the cargo and equipment that today's consumers need to transport. Combined, this truck is the right combination of utilitarian functionality and refined driving experience, with the right amount of utility to meet any hardworking homeowner's tough requirements.Interior and Exterior Styling: A Truck for the Modern FamilyAll models come with an integrated Class III trailer hitch. Image courtesy of http://www.honda.comWhen Honda designed the Ridgeline, its goal was to cater to those consumers who needed the convenience of extra hauling space, but didn't want to sacrifice the backseat in the process. Growing families appreciated this, and made the Ridgeline one of the company's most popular choices for those looking for something beyond a compact sedan. The truck uses a traditional crew cab design, which allows it to have four doors instead of the standard two door design paired with most competing truck models. Its truck bed is capable of hauling even larger items, like construction materials and power equipment, though it's certainly not as big as the truck beds found on heavy duty models designed more for working than for family trips.Despite its combined truck bed and four door cabin, the Ridgeline is actually quite compact. The truck measures no larger than standard, heavy duty truck models from other manufacturers. Thanks to adept styling by Honda's engineers, the vehicle doesn't look like a mashup of two vehicle ideologies from the curb. Instead, smooth lines and subtle angles easily integrate the truck bed into the passenger cabin, creating a look that's part SUV, part truck, and decidedly stylish.Inside, the cabin is quite spacious. This is actually a departure from normal: Most trucks with any type of back seat area have a fold-down bench that's generally used only as a last resort. The Ridgeline comfortably seats five passengers in its two rows of available seating, with optional luxury features that enhance climate control, seat materials, entertainment options, and more. From inside the truck, passengers would never know that they weren't riding in one of Honda's top ranked SUV models.Trims and Styles: A Look at Available Ridgeline Features and UpgradesAs with all Honda models, the 2014 Rigdeline comes in a number of different trim levels. Interestingly, however, Honda makes a few key features universal: There is no extended truck bed option, no two-door option, and all vehicles come with a V6 engine, four wheel drive, and a five-speed automatic transmission. From this universal set of features, the trim levels available add luxurious amenities inside and out. A total of five trim upgrades are available, ranging from the base level RT to the high end SE.The RT trim comes with full power accessories, cruise control, and a trip computer, for drive convenience. The truck also sports a rearview camera that adds safety when parking. 17-inch steel wheels are standard, as is a 60/40 split rear seat, a controllable rear window, and under seat storage features for added cabin utility. Those wishing to upgrade from the RT to the next level of trim can opt for either the RTS or Sport badge.The Sport model features larger wheels, at 18 inches, and comes with fog lights, rear window privacy glass, chrome exterior accents, steering wheel controls for in-car audio, and a headphone line-in hack for smartphone music streaming. A leather wrapped steering wheel is also standard on this trim. The RTS, by contrast, sticks to the 17 inch wheels and does not come with chrome styling, but does include the other features found in the Sport trim. It also adds a 7 speaker sound system and a multi-CD changer to the console. Those looking for the larger 18 inch wheels can choose the RTL trim, which also comes with leather seats.The fully upgraded Ridgeline SE model comes with a unique, 18 inch wheel design, unique chrome and other exterior design accents, and a large navigation system in the central console, as well as all features found in lower trims. The SE also features full Bluetooth connectivity.Performance and Economy are a Good Fit for FamiliesThe Ridgeline's interior is designed with a world-class level of refinement, comfort and ease of use. Image courtesy of http://www.honda.comThe V6 engine found in the Ridgeline is fully capable of quick acceleration on highways, producing up to 250 horsepower. The truck is also more than capable in city driving, and does moderately well on fuel economy tests. Combined fuel economy for this mode is 17 miles per gallon, with 15 in the city and 21 during highway driving. That's not as good as some competing truck and SUV models, but it's important to remember that this truck features a roomier cabin and a unique, family oriented design. Given those considerations, this fuel economy should certainly be in line with expectations.Excellent Capability for Families Hauling Kids and CargoWith an extra-wide flat cargo bed and innovative features like a dual-action tailgate and lockable In-Bed Trunk, the Ridgeline does things no other pickup ever dreamed of. Image courtesy of http://www.honda.comThe 2014 Honda Ridgeline is designed to blend the need for extra cargo space with the necessity of backseat seating in the cabin for a growing family. It performs this task capably and, with an extensive list of trim levels and upgrades, the truck adds a number of high end features that will make longer trips easier, more navigable, and more useful, for every member of the family.
