2011 Honda Ridgeline

Review

The Honda Ridgeline last received a few changes in 2009. The 2011 Honda Ridgeline will see a redesign for 2011. Its exterior is expected to see changes, and the vehicle should be more aerodynamic and get better gas mileage. It is a four-door truck with a crew cab and a long bed. The full details of the redesign have not been released yet, but photos have begun to surface. Expect the vehicle to be released in late 2010. For an initial review, read on:

Specifications

This is what we know about the specs of the 2011 Honda Ridgeline:

• Pricing: car pricing won’t be available until shortly before its release date. The current Ridgeline starts with an MSRP of $28,450 and an invoice of $25,783. Prices are likely to go up a little; depending on what changes are made in the redesign, it could go up more.
• Fuel economy: current fuel economy is 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway. The 2011 Honda Ridgeline will be a lighter, more aerodynamic vehicle, and will get better gas mileage. How much is unknown at this point.
• Engine: current engine is a 3.5-liter V6. The engine may be replaced during the redesign.
• Car safety features: safety features are likely to be carried over or improved upon into the new design. Antilock brakes, stability control, side curtain airbags, and front seat side impact airbags are likely to continue as features.
• Suspension: current model has an independent rear suspension; it may carry over into the new model.
• Warranty: three-year/36,000 mile basic warranty and five-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty are likely to continue unchanged.

Exterior Features

Exterior photos of the new design of the Ridgeline have been seen. The grille design is different, but the vehicle remains a four-door crew cab truck. Actual details will be made available as the release date approaches, but some features that are likely to be taken into the new design include daytime running lights, dual power remote mirrors, a bed liner, and rear step bumper. Heated door mirrors are likely to be included on upper trim levels.

Interior Features

The interior of the 2011 Honda Ridgeline is likely to change as well, and features may be different. More than likely, the Ridgeline will continue to see standard features such as air conditioning, cruise control, and a CD/mp3 sound system with an auxiliary audio input. Two-zone automatic climate control, powered seats, fog lights, leather upholstery, satellite radio, and Bluetooth should be available on upgraded trims. Navigation, Bluetooth, and a backup camera should be available, either as options or on an upgraded trim. As part of the redesign, trim levels, and features that are included in each model, may see changes. More details are likely to be released later on in the year.

Performance

The performance of the 2011 Honda Ridgeline could change dramatically as a result of its redesign. A lighter weight could result in stronger performance, unless the change is accompanied by a smaller, more fuel efficient engine. It will be difficult to tell how the new Ridgeline will perform until the vehicle made available for road testing.