The thing is a flat out joke IMO.
Come on, how can this thing qualify as a "truck" when it has a FWD sidewinder tranny, unibody, and not a single solid axel to be seen?
Lets call it what it really is, a Honda Element that has a box on the end of it, or a minivan with the half the roof and half the gate.
$35,000 MSRP gets you a V-6, AWD, independent suspension, 1549lbs payload, and a whoping 5000 lbs trailer tow.
Wow, I'm impressed...
~$25,000 could get you a decently loaded Explorer with a V-8, Auto 4x4, and a 7000lb trailer tow, with IRS, and a 1500 lb payload.
$35,000 had better atleast get you a V-8, period.
Ridgelines power plant:
Horsepower: 255 at 5,750 rpm
Torque: 252 pound-feet at 4,500 rpm
What good is this type of Hp and Tq in a 4500lb vehicle???? You'd literally have to floor it to even make a simple pass at highway speeds. These type of numbers are good for a race car ricer type, not a un-aerodyamic box with 4 wheels.
Heck, the Ford 4.2l V-6 has better torque at 260 lb-ft at 3500 rpm, even though it only has 205 hp @ 4350 Rpms.
The Ford 4.0L SOHC v-6 in the Ranger and Explorers has 207 hp @ 5250 rpm, and 238 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Both motors would run laps around this Ridgeline towing any measurable amount lower than 5K lbs.
I'm sorry, but from my standpoint, Honda really missed the mark on this one. Sure it has nice features and ideas, but it is anemic as all get out, and barely squeaks out better mpg than a better equipped Avalanche or a F150 Supercrew.
my .02
Flame away...
