8 Best And Worst Years For The Honda Ridgeline

The Ridgeline is one of the most famous trucks produced by Honda. It has been loved by many since its inception in 2006.

The Ridgeline is different when compared with conventional trucks. It utilizes a closed unibody frame rather than the traditional body-on-frame design.

With the truck in the market for more than a decade, some models have had more issues than others. That was certainly the case with the earlier years of the Ridgeline.

The truck’s first few years were not good. But Honda improved this significantly in the coming years. Let’s list down some of the best and worst years for Honda Ridgeline.

Best Years for Honda Ridgeline:

1. 2020
2. 2021
3. 2022
4. 2010
5. 2011
6. 2012
7. 2013
8. 2018

Worst Years for Honda Ridgeline:

1. 2006
2. 2017
3. 2008
4. 2007
5. 2009
6. 2019
7. 2018
8. 2014

After careful research and consideration, all of the above models have been included in the list.

They will be discussed in detail down below, so you can understand why they have received their respective positions.

List Of The Best Years For The Honda Ridgeline: What Years To Buy

We will be starting with the best years of the Honda Ridgeline produced to date.

Everything will be discussed, from reliability to features, so you can know which model will be suitable for you.

So, without any further ado, let’s get straight into it!

#1 Best Year: 2020 Honda Ridgeline

The clear winner among all models of the popular truck is 2020 Honda Ridgeline. Many people have highly rated this model due to many reasons.

Its drive is on a whole other level. This means that the manufacturer opted for an independent rear suspension, which has significantly boosted the handling of the truck.

This model has an all-wheel-drive functionality. It is perfect for use on all terrains. It does not end there. For cargo use, the truck has plenty of bed space.

You will not have to worry about running out of storage. The only thing that users disliked was that the infotainment system is not user-friendly.

#2 Best Year: 2021 Honda Ridgeline

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline has earned the second spot because not too many meaningful changes were made to it.

So, paying more for it over the 2020 model does not make much sense. Regardless, Honda did fix the infotainment system in 2021, which is a plus point of owning this model.

The rest of the truck is almost the same. Thanks to its beefy V6 engine under the hood, it has an excellent drive.

You won’t have to worry too much about bumps on the road and noise in the cabin.

It is a great option, but it does not make sense to pay extra over the 2020 model just to receive the same truck.

#3 Best Year: 2022 Honda Ridgeline

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline is yet another one of the same generation of trucks that was introduced in 2017. As of writing this article, this model is the latest one on the market.

It has earned the third spot because no changes were made apart from the model bump. After all, why would you fix something that is not broken.

The 2022 model has all the features found in the 2021 model. It has an amazing drive, thanks to its V6 engine. Its independent suspension allows for excellent handling.

The truck is also pretty comfortable. You will have a memorable experience driving the 2022 Honda Ridgeline.

#4 Best Year: 2010 Honda Ridgeline

The 2010 Honda Ridgeline is a fantastic option for people looking for a high-quality truck at an affordable price. The 2010 model is more than a decade old, but it holds itself pretty well.

This truck was solely designed to be as practical as possible. Honda did not do too much for the looks, but it did not turn out to be half bad.

The fuel economy of the 2010 model is not very impressive. It can reach up to 17 mpg, which is not great for a V6 engine.

Its acceleration is slower than other trucks in the same class, at nine seconds. It also has a 5000-pound towing capacity, which is pretty impressive.

#5 Best Year: 2011 Honda Ridgeline

Like the 2010 Honda Ridgeline, users did not like the truck’s performance. It was not bad, but its V6 engine was severely underpowered.

It has the same fuel efficiency of 15 to 17 mpg, which is average. 2011 Honda Ridgeline is jam-packed with safety features, making it extremely reliable on the road.

The drive on this model is great. It is smooth, and the cabin stays relatively noise-free. The interior is pretty decent and is easy to get used to. The cabin is also spacious, just like the bed.

There were complaints about high-quality plastic not being used, which caused squeaking noises. This is the reason the 2010 model takes the lead over it.

#6 Best Year: 2012 Honda Ridgeline

The 2012 Honda Ridgeline is very similar to 2011 one. There were no meaningful changes made, which is why it has earned the sixth spot o the list.

Honda did improve the fuel economy by a bit. It would touch 21 mpg on the highway, which slightly increases. The towing capacity, of 5000 pounds, has remained the same.

The 2012 Ridgeline, which is exactly a decade old, has top-of-the-line safety features. From airbags to the ABS, it has been designed to be as safe as possible on the road.

The truck also offers a pleasant driving experience, which is great.

#7 Best Year: 2013 Honda Ridgeline

The next model of the Honda Ridgeline has also made its way onto this article.

This model has earned a lower spot than its predecessors because there were complaints about the braking distance being considerably longer than the competition.

This could prove fatal in some cases.

The 2013 Honda Ridgeline is a fantastic option for consumers. It is not only affordable but is packed to the brim with features.

The fact that Honda has made it lightweight means that handling it will be easy, even when hauling around cargo. The bed is spacious enough for storage.

Thanks to its user-friendly design, the interior is also easy to get used to.

#8 Best Year: 2018 Honda Ridgeline

Finally, coming in the eighth and final place is the 2018 Honda Ridgeline. It has the same shape and is significantly cheaper.

It is another fantastic option to consider for those who don’t want to spend extra money on buying a new one while not compromising on features.

Thanks to its independent suspension system, the 2018 model has an excellent ride. It also has all-wheel drive, which is great on all terrains.

Some complaints led to this model earning the last spot on this article. The touch screen has been poorly designed. The driving aid features are also very buggy.

Lastly, the front-wheel-drive variant does not have a good towing capacity, around 3500 pounds.

List Of The Worst Years For The Honda Ridgeline: What Years To Avoid

Moving onto the worst years of the Honda Ridgeline, it is recommended that you stay away from these models at all costs.

You should read this section of the article completely because it will help you understand exactly what is wrong with these Honda Ridgeline variants and why they are dangerous to keep.

#1 Worst Year: 2006 Honda Ridgeline

The 2006 Honda Ridgeline is what started it all. It was well-received by the public, but it was plagued with issues. Most of the issues were related to the engine.

Owners complained that the engine’s cylinders would go bad. That is not all. There were also reports of ticking and tapping sounds coming from the engine.

The 2006 model also had paint issues. Owners of this model reported about the paint fading away.

There were also complaints of the paint developing spider cracks, indicating poor application procedure.

This model also had a water leak issue where water would enter the interior. This model should be avoided at all costs.

#2 Worst Year: 2017 Honda Ridgeline

I can guarantee that you did not see this coming. After the Ridgeline was discontinued for some years, it was revived in 2017.

The new generation was plagued with issues during its first year, most of them related to the electrical and fuel systems.

Owners of the 2017 Honda Ridgeline complained about warning lights activating and doors failing, which would result in people not being able to enter their vehicles.

The fuel injectors were also prone to failing, resulting in a sudden shut down of the engine. You can imagine how dangerous this is.

Although there were no engine issues, this model still comes very close to 2006 one.

#3 Worst Year: 2008 Honda Ridgeline

2008 saw the release of the third model of the Honda Ridgeline. You would expect fewer issues, but that was not the case.

The 2008 Honda Ridgeline was plagued with paint and interior issues, which would reduce the pleasure of owning the truck.

Users complained that the clear coat would peel off, and the weather stripping around the door would rot away. This could result in water leakage, which some users reported.

The AC system would also fail, which is not good for people who live in extreme weather conditions. Even the seats on this model were prone to wear very fast.

Although most of these problems are fixable, it is recommended to avoid this model, so you don’t spend too much to keep your truck in good condition.

#4 Worst Year: 2007 Honda Ridgeline

The 2007 Honda Ridgeline came a year before and was better than its predecessor. Owners of this model of the Ridgeline had several complaints, all of which were spread out.

From body paint to the engine, there were issues with many truck parts. Similar complaints about the clear coating peeling off were reported in this model.

There were complaints about the body rusting, which is a serious matter. Rusting can severely reduce the lifespan of a truck.

Some owners of the 2007 Ridgeline also complained that their trucks would consume oil excessively.

The 2008 model had many more issues, so the 2007 one has earned the better spot.

#5 Worst Year: 2009 Honda Ridgeline

The 2009 Honda Ridgeline was a highly trusted model.

Many loved it, and although it did have issues, they were not that significant. The most common issues were related to brakes and the paint.

The brakes on the 2009 Honda Ridgeline would grind a lot. This could result in them wearing out sooner and failing unexpectedly.

That is not all. Just like the 2007 and the 2008 models, there was the issue of the vehicle’s clear coating peeling off.

Surprisingly, Honda did not fix this issue for so many years. Regardless, this model of the Ridgeline can be considered, but all issues must be fixed as soon as they appear.

#6 Worst Year: 2019 Honda Ridgeline

The 2019 Honda Ridgeline is part of the same generation of trucks released in 2017.

The fact that Honda uses unibody construction instead of a body on frame one means that it will provide you with an amazing driving experience.

With up to 5000 pounds of towing capacity, this truck will not let you down in any scenario.

This model is one of the latest ones, which means it is packed to the brim with the latest technologies.

There have been few reports of issues, such as the airbags not deploying, which is uncommon to see. Regardless, this is why the 2019 model has earned one of the last spots on this article.

#7 Worst Year: 2018 Honda Ridgeline

One Ridgeline model that you can consider from this list is 2018 one. This model came out a year after Ridgeline’s reintroduction in 2017.

Although the first one had issues, the manufacturer had ironed out most of them. There still are many problems, but they are fixable.

Users complained that the collision avoidance system would not work at times. The sensing system would not work properly. The rear-facing camera would also fail, making it unreliable.

One more issue that frustrated some owners was that the Honda Ridgeline had excessive wind noise when driving, which some may find unbearable.

#8 Worst Year: 2014 Honda Ridgeline

2014 Honda Ridgeline was the year after which the Ridgeline was discontinued, only to be brought back a few years later.

The 2014 model was pretty good and was praised by almost all people who owned it.

There were a few issues, but they were not that major. Users complained that the truck would use excessive oil. The engine would also hesitate, which could mean a serious issue.

The infamous rodents chewing the wire insulation problem was also present on this model, which would result in damage that took thousands of dollars to repair.

This model can be considered, but some steps have to be taken to prevent expensive repairs.

What Are The Most Common Problems With The Honda Ridgeline?

Now that we are done with all of the important years of the Honda Ridgeline, we should focus on the common problems that users have faced.

Some of these issues are pretty serious, so I urge you not to skip over this section.

1. Denso Fuel Pump Failure

This problem was one of the most common ones faced by owners of the Honda Ridgeline.

This was seen in the 2019 model only. The model contains a fuel pump that is designed by the company Denso. The impellers that were used in these fuel pumps were prone to breaking.

The breakage of these impellers results in less fuel reaching the engine and greatly reducing the vehicle’s performance, with a high possibility of stalling while driving.

The issue was so serious that Honda had to recall around 700000 vehicles. That is a huge number of vehicles. It must be noted that only the 2019 model of the truck is eligible for the fix.

Honda has also pledged to reimburse people who have already paid to get their fuel pumps fixed.

2. Honda Sensing System Failure

When you read about the Honda sensing system online, it will come across as a revolutionary feature that has been designed to make driving a vehicle easy and safe.

The system is designed to detect things that one might miss while driving. That same system has been known to malfunction often, making it dangerous and unreliable.

There have been reports of the system applying brakes unexpectedly, without any reason. Owners complained that the system would see something that was not there.

This is dangerous because sudden braking can lead to hitting the vehicle that is behind you.

There were reports of the cruise control system not working as intended and needing calibrating. The calibration procedure is pretty expensive and can cost up to $3000.

3. Rodents Chewing Soy Wiring

They always say being environmentally friendly is a good thing. Well, that was certainly not the case when Honda made the jump.

They started to use soy-based wiring, which is eco-friendly and cheaper. Well, soy-based wiring attracts rodents. They chew the wires and hence shut down the electrical system.

Getting all the wires replaced can be anywhere from $1000 to $3000. Owners found solutions on their own, such as spraying coyote urine or wrapping the wires in capsaicin-laced tape.

Although many of you may not find this solution ideal, there is no doubt that it works. Honda’s reputation was affected when it declined to repair vehicles affected by this issue.

Regardless, this rodent issue is a serious one, and if you have one of the latest models of the truck, you should implement one of the solutions mentioned above as soon as possible.

Related: Why Won’t My Honda Ridgeline Start?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How Many Miles Can I Get Out Of A Honda Ridgeline?

You will be impressed by the answer. Regardless of the model you choose, you can expect the truck to last for 300000 miles. That is very impressive.

Honda has built a durable truck, and despite its issues, it is extremely durable. So, you will be able to enjoy its driving experience for a long time.

You can push the 300000-mile limit even further, but that is only possible with constant maintenance.

Q2. Is The Honda Ridgeline Selling Well?

The Ridgeline had excellent sales when it was released, in 2006, despite it having a ton of issues.

In fact, before 2010, the truck had the highest sales, with more than 50000 units sold annually.

The more recent models that have been introduced after the discontinuation in 2014 do not have strong sales, with the number hovering around 30000.

That is still a lot of trucks being sold on an annual basis.

Q3. Which One Is Better, Tacoma Or Ridgeline?

There are many things to consider before one can decide. The Ridgeline is the clear winner when it comes to safety.

That is not all. The Ridgeline also has a larger payload capacity when compared to Tacoma.

The only competition where the Tacoma takes the lead in bed options. Ridgeline does not offer any bed options. Other than that, Ridgeline is the winner among both.

Q4. Will A Sheet Of Plywood Fit In A Honda Ridgeline?

With a bed with a cargo space of 34 cubic feet, I can assure you that carrying a sheet of plywood will not be a challenge for the Honda Ridgeline.

Honda outdid itself when designing the bed for the Honda Ridgeline. They designed it in such a manner that it can carry anything.

Why plywood, some of you may ask?

Most trucks on the market are not wide enough to carry it.

Q5. Is The Honda Ridgeline Good In Snow?

The Ridgeline is an excellent snow vehicle.

It has a full-time all-wheel-drive system, and the four-wheel-drive can be engaged at any moment, which means you don’t have to turn it on to use it.

You can drive on snow or in wet areas without ever having to worry about losing control over the truck.

If you settle for an older model, make sure to buy the all-wheel-drive variant if you frequently travel in snowy areas.

Conclusion

The Honda Ridgeline has had some ups and downs. In the first few years, various issues frustrated many users. But Honda improved the truck and made it extremely reliable and safe.

The Ridgeline has proven to be an excellent truck. Out of all of the models that have been discussed today, the 2020 variant is the clear winner.

It checks all the right boxes and has been proven to be the winner in comparing the best and worst years for Honda Ridgeline.

I hope this article helped you decide which model is suitable for you.