What are the names that come to mind when you think of a pickup truck? Ford? Chevrolet? GMC? That’s understandable—these are the brands that you’re most likely to see on the road and in television commercials or hear talked about around the water cooler. One name missing from this conversation is Honda. The Japanese manufacturer is certainly well known for its economical sedans, SUVs, and motorcycles, but strangely enough, one doesn’t hear its line of trucks being mentioned all that often. Perhaps this is the year that changes, and the model to bring about this change? The 2022 Honda Ridgeline. Already receiving a high rating for its safety features, the Ridgeline has four different trims coming out in 2022 that are guaranteed to turn heads towards its direction.
2022 Honda Ridgeline Sport
Even the most harmonious of quartets begin with a single member. The Sport edition of the Ridgeline might be the introductory model, but there’s nothing minimal regarding its attributes and features. With a starting MSRP of just under $37,000, Honda gives you quite a bit for your money. A 280 HP V6 equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission comes standard, as does AWD. A combined 21 MPG fuel economy rating makes for a truck that’s affordable, economical, and still possesses the necessary power to get the job done. Out of all the trims that Honda is releasing for the 2022 model year, the Sport has the largest payload capacity at 1,583 lbs.
Honda has equipped all four of its trims with the standard J-series V6 engine. One of the most versatile engines around, this motor has powered minivans, cars, SUVs and trucks since it entered production back in 1996. Its multi-point fuel injection has been highly effective in boosting performance and lowering emissions. Therefore, the difference you’ll find in the different trims has less to do with performance and more about the amenities and features of each model.
Aesthetically speaking, Honda doesn’t skimp out on style. Standard 18″ Shark Gray alloy wheels go hand in hand with a stylish interior. By modeling the cabin to be more like an SUV, Honda has provided the Ridgeline with an uncanny bit of comfort. Tri-zone climate control will certainly make any road trip comfortable to individual taste—be it yours or your passengers’.
2022 Honda Ridgeline RTL
Much like the Sport, the Ridgeline RTL features standard AWD and a V6 suited for performance. Where the RTL and Sport differ from one another comes down to creature comforts and other features. With a starting MSRP of just under $40,000, Honda gives you some added incentives as far as purchasing the RTL. First and foremost, many of the amenities you’ll be enjoying are normally reserved for luxury sedans.
The RTL trim features a leather-trimmed interior that extends to the steering wheel. A power sliding rear window and one-touch power moonroof are included on this upgraded edition, as are heated front seats for when the elements decide to nip at you. The aesthetics on the exterior of the truck are just as noticeable. Standard Pewter Gray wheels give the truck a more refined look, and heated side mirrors ensure you’ll be able to keep an eye on your surroundings. Speaking of which, the RTL trim also comes equipped with blind spot and rear cross traffic monitoring for assisting you and yours with maintaining your safety on the road.
2022 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E
While the RTL will afford you comforts you might not normally associate with a pickup truck, the RTL-E goes that extra mile to provide you with the high-end pampering you deserve. No matter where your journeys may take you, the worries of the outside world are drowned out completely with a sound system composed of 8 speakers and a subwoofer for 540 watts of earth-shaking volume. Standard HD radio and a truck bed audio system guarantee a variety of choices to be accentuated by maximum volume.
The RTL-E is more formulated for the truck owner who enjoys the finer comforts. Programmable remote entry, LED truck bed lights, ambient LED cabin lighting, and a heated steering wheel are just a few more of the perks one gets from this trim line. Of all the standard features on the RTL-E, it’s Honda’s satellite-linked navigation system with voice activation that really boosts the trim line into superstardom. Linked with Honda’s digital traffic program, this voice-activated GPS system is one of the more advanced of its kind. With its creature comforts and a wide array of extras, the RTL-E is ideal for the truck owner who likes going the extra distance in style and comfort.
Thanks to Honda’s 3 year/36,000 mile basic and 5 year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties, you’ll have complete peace of mind when you’re planning that next road trip. With all of the amenities that the RTL-E has to offer, you’ll be safe on the road and more comfortable than ever before. Starting MSRP for the Ridgeline RTL-E is just under $43,000—which means luxury that’s accessible and affordable.
2022 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition
This is it. We’ve ascended to the very top of Mt. Olympus and now can gaze upon a chariot worthy of the gods themselves. On paper, the Ridgeline Black Edition might not seem all that different from the RTL-E. They both share many of the same features, including driver assistance and a stereo system that puts the competition to shame. However, this trim is reserved for an elite class of truck owners—ones who defy practicality and simplicity and are only satisfied with the very best.
Elite is the operative word in describing the Black Edition, which, true to its name, is draped in a jet-black hue that epitomizes sophistication and distinction. A suave black leather interior is among one of its features, as is red LED cabin lighting for that driver who craves the aesthetic. The Ridgeline’s 5-star NHTSA safety rating is more than evident in a plethora of features to help you maintain a safe distance from the problems on the road. Adaptive cruise control will help you deal with any sudden change in the elements, and the collision mitigation braking system allows you to overcome any hazards that might impede a safe trip.
Although the Black Edition is the top of the line as far as the different trims of the Honda Ridgeline are concerned, this is luxury that’s affordable to the average consumer. With so much to offer, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that the Black Edition’s MSRP starts at under $45,000. It’s easy to see the value that Honda is offering. While competitors are charging more and more for luxury and performance, Honda is practically giving it away to consumers. A standard V6 with AWD is usually reserved for top-tier makes and models, but every trim of the Ridgeline is equipped with both.
Final Verdict
All too often, performance or creature comforts must be sacrificed by the average consumer because owning an ideal vehicle is just out of reach. While the Ridgeline might not have the popularity of its competition, Honda offers an alternative that’s affordable, reliable, and packed with the features many would like to have, but most of the time have to go without.
