Is the Honda Ridgeline a real pickup truck?

The Honda Ridgeline is a unique vehicle that blurs the lines between a traditional pickup truck and a crossover SUV. While it shares some characteristics with full-size pickups, its design and capabilities have been the subject of debate among automotive enthusiasts and experts.

What is the Honda Ridgeline?

The Honda Ridgeline is a mid-size pickup truck that has been in production since 2005. It is built on a unibody chassis, which is a departure from the body-on-frame construction typical of most pickup trucks. This design gives the Ridgeline a more car-like ride and handling, as well as improved fuel efficiency compared to traditional body-on-frame pickups.

Pickup Truck Capabilities

The Honda Ridgeline is equipped with a V6 engine and can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is on the lower end of the spectrum for mid-size pickups. It also has a payload capacity of around 1,500 pounds, which is respectable but not as high as some of its competitors. The Ridgeline's bed is also smaller than that of a full-size pickup, measuring 5 feet in length.

Debate Over "Truckness"

The Honda Ridgeline's unibody construction and car-like characteristics have led some to question whether it can be considered a "real" pickup truck. Proponents argue that the Ridgeline's capabilities, such as its towing and payload capacities, are sufficient for many buyers' needs, and that its unique design offers advantages in terms of ride quality and fuel efficiency.

Critics, on the other hand, contend that the Ridgeline lacks the ruggedness and off-road capabilities of traditional body-on-frame pickups, and that its smaller bed and lower towing capacity make it less suitable for heavy-duty tasks. They also argue that the Ridgeline's car-like handling and unibody construction disqualify it from being considered a true pickup truck.

Conclusion

The debate over whether the Honda Ridgeline is a "real" pickup truck is likely to continue, as opinions on the matter are divided. Ultimately, the Ridgeline's status as a pickup truck will depend on individual buyers' needs and preferences, as well as their definition of what constitutes a "true" pickup. Regardless, the Ridgeline remains a unique and innovative offering in the pickup truck market.

Is the Honda Ridgeline built on a truck frame?

Most trucks are built with a body on frame design. This means the body is mounted onto a separate chassis, primarily so that the vehicle can have a higher payload. In unibody construction, as with the Honda Ridgeline, the vehicle's body and frame are integrated into a single structure.

Are Honda Ridgelines real trucks?

Yes, the Honda Ridgeline is a truck, specifically classified as a midsize pickup truck that combines truck versatility with the comfort of an SUV. It features a truck bed for hauling cargo, has a dual-action tailgate, and offers towing capabilities.
 

• Classification: It is categorized as a midsize pickup truck, often referred to as a half-ton truck based on its capacity, according to Honda Automobiles and the Honda Info Center. 
• Truck features: The Ridgeline includes a truck bed with 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space, plus an additional 7.3 cubic feet in the lockable In-Bed Trunk®. 
• Versatility: It is designed to be a capable and versatile vehicle, offering a blend of truck functionality with car-like comfort for everyday driving. 

Why do people say the Ridgeline isn't a truck?

The simple fact that the Ridgeline is a unibody disqualifies it from the definition of a truck. The Ridgeline is a SUT, a SUV with a bed instead of a passenger area.

Why are Ridgelines not selling?

Honda Ridgelines are not selling well due to a combination of factors, including a high price for its capability, a lack of off-road and towing prowess compared to competitors, and a perceived lack of innovation in its design and technology. The vehicle's unibody construction, while providing a comfortable ride, limits its towing capacity to 5,000 lbs and does not appeal to traditional truck buyers who prioritize body-on-frame capability. Additionally, its price point puts it in a difficult position between less-expensive, more capable rivals and more capable full-size trucks, making its value proposition unclear for many buyers.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the reasons why Honda Ridgeline is not selling well: 54sNextRideHQYouTube · Oct 25, 2025
Key reasons for low sales

• Limited capability for the price: The Ridgeline's 5,000-lb towing capacity is lower than many competitors, and its unibody design limits its appeal to those who need more rugged capability. This is a major drawback for a truck, and when combined with its price, it leaves it stuck in a market segment where buyers expect more capability for their money. 
• High price and poor value proposition: The vehicle is perceived as expensive, especially when factoring in the cost of higher trims and packages. Buyers are forced to pay for features they may not want, which can drive up the price to the point where it competes with more capable full-size trucks. 
• Stagnant design and technology: While competitors have been updating their designs with more aggressive looks and advanced technology, the Ridgeline has remained relatively stagnant. Its interior and tech features, such as its infotainment system, backup camera, and adaptive cruise control, are considered outdated or poor-performing by some reviewers compared to competitors. 
• Market perception: The Ridgeline's unibody design makes it more of a utility vehicle with SUV-like characteristics, which does not align with the expectations of many traditional truck buyers who prefer the ruggedness of body-on-frame construction. 
• Potential production issues and availability: Some dealerships have reported low inventory and a lack of available models to test drive, which can make it difficult for customers to purchase the vehicle even if they are interested. 

This video explains how the design of Honda Ridgeline affects its sales: 1mFuel ForceYouTube · Jul 20, 2024