The 2022 Honda Ridgeline fills a big hole in the pickup truck world. It sits on the smaller side of the midsize pickup segment, making it one of the few manageably sized pickup trucks on the market.
Unlike a traditional pickup, the Ridge uses a unit-body design rather than a body-on-frame setup. The design allows for more versatility, such as the in-bed storage box, a better ride, improved handling, and good crash test scores. Towing for all the Ridgeline trims maxes out at 5,000 pounds.
The Ridgeline’s available features are bundled by trim in typical Honda style, with very few options outside the factory equipment.
2022 Honda Ridgeline Sport
The 2022 Honda Ridgeline Sport is shown here driving in Radiant Red Metallic.
At nearly $40,000, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline Sport isn’t your typical entry-level model. It uses the same 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine as the other Ridgeline trims and comes standard with Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system. The Ridgeline features variable cylinder deactivation (helps improve fuel economy), remote start, hill start assist, and idle stop/start.
Every Sport comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite of driver assists. They include collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, and road-departure mitigation that vibrates the steering wheel when sensing the vehicle departing the road.
Lane-keeping assist works to keep the car centered in its lane at all times. At the same time, lane-departure warning alerts the driver with an audible and visual cue when the Ridgeline crosses over a white lane marker without the turn signal activated. The adaptive cruise control maintains a set distance between the Ridgeline and the traffic ahead, slowing and speeding up with traffic patterns. Forward collision warning monitors what’s in front of the Ridgeline and warns the diver of a possible collision. If the driver takes no action, collision mitigation braking can bring the vehicle to a stop before an accident can take place.
A standard system such as electronic traction and stability control, complete airbag protection, a multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, and a tire-pressure monitor further bolster the Ridgeline’s commitment to safety.
The Sport rides on 18-inch Shark Grey alloy wheels wrapped in all-season tires. It features LED low-beam auto-on/off headlights, LED taillights, variable intermittent wipers, and LED fog lights. Power side mirrors, rear privacy glass, and Honda’s Smart Entry proximity key fob with push-button start are all standard.
The Ridgeline’s bed features eight heavy-duty tie-down cleats, built-in bed lighting, a lockable in-bed trunk with a drain plug, and a dual-action tailgate that can either fold down or swing out. An integrated Class III trailer hitch and a 7-pin connector are also standard.
The Ridgeline Sport’s front seats are nothing special, covered in black cloth and manually operated. A push-button transmission selector sits where a traditional shift lever resides, with an electronic parking brake button behind it. The rear seats feature a 60/40 split lift-up design with under-seat storage.
Notable comfort and convenience items include power windows with one-touch up/down front windows, power door locks and tailgate lock, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, sliding sun visors, and a rear window defroster. Tri-zone automatic climate control helps keep everyone comfy.
Infotainment and connectivity features begin with Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and streaming audio. An 8-inch color touch screen includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, plus HondaLink, while the standard audio is an impressive 215-watt 7-speaker setup, including a powered subwoofer.
The Ridgeline Sport provides two 12-volt outlets and two USB ports.
The only factory options for the Sport are several appearance and utility upgrade packages, offering such valuable features as in-bed trunk dividers, truck bed cargo nets, black roof rails, crossbars, and running boards.
In-bed trunk – This hidden compartment below the bed allows valuables to be locked away from prying eyes and can even double as a mobile ice chest thanks to a removable drain plug.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – Allow easy smartphone integration into the car’s infotainment system, granting access to apps, messages, navigation, and music.
Honda Sensing – This impressive suite of driver assists helps the driver keep control in emergencies.
Dual-action tailgate – This clever locking tailgate can drop down like a traditional pickup tailgate or swing out like a hinged door.
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2022 Honda Ridgeline RTL vs. Ridgeline Sport
The 2022 Honda Ridgeline RTL is shown here in Modern Steel Metallic.
Given its modest price increase, we think the features included in the RTL make it more desirable than the Sport.
To the Sport’s long list of standard safety and convenience features, the RTL adds a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, an acoustic windshield to lessen interior cabin noise, a power sliding rear window, and a power sunroof. The 18-inch wheels get upgraded to an exclusive Pewter Grey alloy design.
The RTL has leather-covered seats, with the driver getting a 10-way power-adjustable seat with power lumbar and two-position memory. A 4-way power passenger seat and heated front seats are also included.
The RTL’s cabin gains LED map lights, illuminated driver and passenger vanity mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. SiriusXM satellite radio is added to the infotainment system’s standard features but requires a subscription after the 3-month trial period ends.
Power sliding rear window – Allows a portion of the back window to open, improving airflow and allowing long items (think skis) to fit in the cabin.
10-way power driver’s seat – Allows drivers of all shapes and sizes to find a comfortable driving position. Included are power lumbar support and memory for the seat and mirrors.
Leather upholstery – Looks and feels rich, plus is easy to clean up.
Blind-spot monitor – Detects traffic driving in the Ridgeline’s blind spots and alerts the driver of a potential collision when changing lanes.
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2022 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E vs. Ridgeline RTL
The 2022 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E is shown here in Modern Steel Metallic.
The RTL-E ups the Ridgeline’s style content with LED daytime running lights, auto high-beam headlights, and LED truck bed lights. Also in the mix are front and rear parking sensors and a programmable remote entry that automatically locks the doors when you walk away. In the truck bed, the RTL-E gains a 150-watt/400-watt power outlet.
Moving to the cabin, the RTL-E gets a heated steering wheel, a conversation mirror with sunglass holder, front door courtesy lights, illuminated cup holders, and blue ambient lighting.
Rear seat passengers enjoy two USB charge ports. At the same time, the RTL-E’s infotainment gains HD radio, Honda satellite-based navigation with turn-by-turn directions, and a 540-watt premium audio system with eight speakers and a powered subwoofer. The audio upgrade extends to the truck bed, where plastic bed wall liners get transformed into giant waterproof speakers. A wireless charging pad and built-in compass round out the RTL-E’s additional features.
Satellite navigation – Doesn’t rely on a cell phone signal, so it works anywhere a satellite can see it. Includes voice recognition capability and Honda digital traffic that monitors traffic incident data to help map less congested routes.
In-bed audio – An excellent idea for tailgate parties or just sharing music when out adventuring. The system is waterproof and quite loud.
150-watt/400-watt power outlet – Provides AC power from 150 to 400 watts, providing power for charging power tools, running a blender, and even watching a 55-inch flat-screen TV.
Heated steering wheel – Once you’ve experienced it, you’ll never want to go another winter without a self-warming steering wheel.
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2022 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition vs. Ridgeline RTL-E
The 2022 Honda Ridgeline is shown here in the limited Black Edition.
At the top of the Ridgeline’s trim ladder is the Black Edition.
Building off the RLT-E’s equipment list, the Black Edition adds black exterior accents and 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels.
The Black Edition’s cabin gains special Black Edition leather seats with red inserts and matching stitching, a black headliner, and red ambient lighting. Red lighting also occupies the cup holders, door handle cutouts, and storage pockets. There’s even unique red backlighting for the infotainment touch screen.
With the $1,225 destination fee, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition costs $45,545. On a 60-month loan at 3% with zero down, the monthly payment comes to $818.
18-inch gloss black alloy wheels – Strong and stylish, these wheels give the Ridgeline an ominous appearance.
Black Edition leather seats – Look stylish with deep red inserts and stitching, finished off with a Black Edition stitched logo.
Red ambient lighting – Creates a unique environment befitting the Black Edition’s sinister appearance.
