2019 Honda Ridgeline: Winner of the 2019 Mid-Size Truck Challenge

Introduction

The 2019 Honda Ridgeline emerged victorious in the 2019 Mid-Size Truck Challenge, outperforming the 2020 Jeep Gladiator, 2019 Ford Ranger, and 2019 GMC Canyon. This article delves into the reasons behind its success, exploring its driving comfort, innovative cargo box, stellar value, and more. Whether you're a truck enthusiast or a casual shopper, this comprehensive review will provide valuable insights into why the Ridgeline stands out in the competitive mid-size truck market.

2019 Mid-Size Truck Challenge Overview

The 2019 Mid-Size Truck Challenge was a rigorous evaluation of four top contenders in the mid-size truck segment. The competition included:

• 2019 Honda Ridgeline
• 2019 Ford Ranger
• 2020 Jeep Gladiator
• 2019 GMC Canyon

These trucks were judged on a variety of criteria, including driving comfort, cargo capacity, fuel efficiency, and value for money. The testing process involved street loops, bed size measurements, payload tests, and fuel economy evaluations. The results were clear: the Honda Ridgeline came out on top, albeit by a narrow margin.

Driving Comfort

One of the standout features of the Honda Ridgeline is its exceptional driving comfort. The cabin environment is spacious and well-designed, offering ample legroom and wide seats for both front and rear passengers. The Ridgeline's airy greenhouse design makes the interior feel larger than its competitors, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The Ridgeline's construction, based on a front-wheel-drive platform (with optional all-wheel drive), contributes to its superior ride quality. It absorbs bumps effectively and avoids the bouncy ride often associated with traditional body-on-frame trucks. This makes it an excellent choice for urban drivers who prioritize comfort and utility over off-road capabilities.

Innovative Cargo Box

The Ridgeline's cargo box is a game-changer in the mid-size truck segment. Unlike its competitors, the Ridgeline's bed is free of wheel well intrusions, allowing for full-width cargo storage. The tailgate offers dual functionality, folding down conventionally or swinging open like a door, making loading and unloading easier.

Additionally, the Ridgeline features a lockable trunk under the bed floor, complete with a drain, perfect for keeping items fresh or chilled. The bed also houses a unique speaker system that vibrates the composite walls, delivering surprisingly high-quality sound. These innovative features set the Ridgeline apart from its rivals, making it a versatile and practical choice for various needs.

Stellar Value

The Honda Ridgeline not only excels in comfort and utility but also offers exceptional value for money. The RTL-E trim, packed with features, comes in at just under $43,000, making it more affordable than the Ford Ranger and significantly cheaper than the Jeep Gladiator. Its fuel efficiency is also commendable, with a tested average of 23.3 mpg, nearly matching the Ranger's 23.7 mpg.

Moreover, the Ridgeline comes equipped with a host of safety and driver-assistance features, including automatic distance-keeping cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind spot warning with cross-traffic alert. These features, combined with its competitive pricing, make the Ridgeline a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Areas for Improvement

While the Ridgeline excels in many areas, it does have a few shortcomings. The multimedia system, Honda's older Display Audio interface, lacks knobs or buttons and can feel clunky and slow. The interior ergonomics of the displays were also noted as dated and busy, requiring an update to match the standards of Honda's latest offerings.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the Ridgeline's overall performance and value proposition make it a strong contender in the mid-size truck market. Its emphasis on comfort, utility, and affordability over traditional "truckiness" appeals to a wide range of buyers.

Conclusion

The 2019 Honda Ridgeline's victory in the 2019 Mid-Size Truck Challenge is a testament to its well-rounded capabilities. Its driving comfort, innovative cargo box, and stellar value set it apart from competitors like the Ford Ranger, Jeep Gladiator, and GMC Canyon. While it may not be perfect, the Ridgeline offers a compelling blend of features and affordability, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile and comfortable mid-size truck.