Honda has reinvented the modern pickup truck with a contemporary design that focuses on how consumers use trucks most of the time. Derived from the light-truck platform that begat the Honda Pilot, this family-focused vehicle emphasizes car-like characteristics through its fully independent suspension, yet boasts enough truck-grade toughness for weekend adventuring with seating for five, along with a five-foot cargo bed for toys like ATVs. The unibody Ridgeline will be powered by the 3.5L VTEC V-6, producing about 255-horsepower with cylinder deactivation available. In an "oh my!" answer to the complaint of most truck owners, Ridgeline has included a unique "trunk" under the bed that allows covered storage roomy enough to hold a 72-quart insulated cooler and other gear. On the safety front, the Ridgeline features vehicle stability assist, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, and four-wheel ABS. Production will be at the Alliston, Ontario, plant alongside the Pilot and Acura MDX.
