Latest news with #HondaRidgeline
ArabGT
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
Nissan to Potentially Build a New Honda Pickup in U.S
Honda already has a midsize truck in its lineup — the Honda Ridgeline — but it's never truly resonated with traditional truck buyers. Built on a unibody platform shared with Honda's SUVs, the Ridgeline offers comfort and practicality, yet lacks the ruggedness, towing strength, and off-road capability that many American truck customers expect. As a result, it has consistently lagged behind body-on-frame rivals in both sales and perception. Images shown in this article depict the current Honda Ridgeline and do not represent the potential new pickup under discussion. This market gap appears to be motivating Honda to consider a major strategic shift. The company is reportedly in talks with Nissan to produce a new Honda pickup in the U.S., with manufacturing potentially taking place at Nissan's facility in Canton, Mississippi. The move would allow Honda to offer a more traditional, body-on-frame truck — likely based on the Nissan Frontier — without having to design and build a new model from scratch. The Canton plant currently builds the Frontier and the Altima. With the Altima nearing the end of its production run and delays affecting Nissan's electric vehicle plans, the facility has available capacity. That makes it a prime candidate for a manufacturing collaboration that could benefit both brands. For Honda, this partnership would open the door to a new kind of Honda pickup — one that's better suited to the expectations of conventional truck buyers. It also allows Honda to increase its domestic production footprint, which would help minimize tariff exposure and strengthen supply chain resilience. For Nissan, the deal would improve efficiency at a plant that's currently operating well below full capacity. Adding volume through a new production arrangement could make a meaningful impact on the plant's profitability and long-term sustainability. While no official confirmation has been made, a rebadged or slightly modified version of the Frontier carrying Honda's name seems to be the most likely outcome. Whether this new Honda pickup would replace the Ridgeline or be sold alongside it remains to be seen. In either case, the collaboration signals a strategic evolution. Honda gains access to a proven truck platform, while Nissan capitalizes on underused resources. Together, they could deliver a product that fills a critical gap in Honda's U.S. lineup — and finally gives the brand a foothold in the fiercely competitive world of traditional pickups.
Miami Herald
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Motormouth: Are valve seals to blame?
Q: I had a beautiful VW Scirocco that used oil at an increasing rate. Finally, a VW mechanic told me that the problem was probably the valve seals. He took out the seals and they looked like bacon bits. The new seals looked like big gray Cheerios. Oil consumption went from a quart every 300 miles to a quart in 2,500 miles. Later VW did a recall, and a friendly parts manager helped me with reimbursement. R.L., DeKalb, Illinois A: I used to replace valve stem seals so regularly and quickly that my boss bragged that I could probably do the job with the engine running. (It's impossible.) But that was some time ago and as for Volkswagen, they stopped producing the Scirocco in 2018. VW is using improved rubber now. Seal technology has come a long way, but you point out a possibly overlooked source of oil loss. Q: I am looking to get a new SUV soon. I was told by my mechanic that he would not work on hybrids since they could shock people. I am wondering if this is true. N.S., Colorado Springs, Colorado A: Yes, they could shock people. But the high voltage flows through fat cables with bright orange cover insulation. Aside from the electric propulsion system, electric vehicles have traditional 12-volt stuff like lights, radio and so on. Q: I noticed that the past two cars I bought do not have automatic transmission dipsticks. One vehicle was a 2013 Durango. It had a tube that appeared to lead to the transmission. That tube was sealed with a cap. My current car is a 2024 Grand Cherokee. That vehicle doesn't even have a tube. The dipstick was a great way to check the health of the transmission. In addition to checking the fluid level, you can check for discoloration or burn odors. Have all manufacturers eliminated transmission dipsticks and why? C.R., Morton Grove, Illinois A: Most carmakers have switched to long life synthetic transmission fluid that is expected to go the life of the vehicle. Of course, mechanics still need a way to check the fluid level and condition. There is a removable plug on the side of the transmission case. To check the fluid level, they simply remove the plug, and some fluid usually drips out when full. If there is a dipstick tube, aftermarket dipsticks are available to replace the cap. D.H., Colorado Springs, Colorado Q: I have a 2023 Honda Ridgeline that I bought new two years ago. I drive about 5,000 miles a year, normally about three times a week. Last year, the battery died, and the dealership replaced it. Then last week the truck wouldn't start; dead battery. I got it started, but the next day it was dead again. The dealership told me that the battery checked out fine, nothing wrong with the truck. I was told that new cars have to be driven at least every 3-4 days. If not, all the systems on the car drain the battery. So, it turns out it was my fault for not driving the car enough. It was suggested to me that I should buy a trickle charger if I wasn't planning on driving the truck for 3-4 days. Can this really be the case or was the dealer just blowing smoke up my tailpipe? A: Short trips don't allow the battery to charge enough while driving. You may need 20 minutes or so on the road. So, even if you drive the truck every few days, it's not enough. A battery maintainer (nee trickle charger) is in your future. Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Auto Blog
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
I Test Drove the 2025 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport: A Gentle First Step Into the World of Trucks
As real a truck as any other I grew up in a 'real truck' household. We've had our share of SUVs, some classic muscle cars, and a few motorcycles every now and again. But one thing my family always had at the ready was a 'real' truck. A large pickup truck was always in the driveway, parked at the curb, or in the garage to help my dad complete his next crazy project. He's always told me that a truck is like a good pair of shoes—you don't always wear them, but when you need them, you're really glad you have them. 0:00 / 0:09 Nissan's revolutionary self-driving tech hits Japan's streets Watch More So, when I had the 2025 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport delivered, I heard my dad's voice in my head telling me it wasn't a real truck. It only has a 3.5-liter V6, it was AWD instead of 4WD, the bed is only 64 inches (just over five feet, for those who don't like math), the towing rating is only 5,000 lbs, and it costs only $45,380 MSRP. If you look at the front end, it's identical to the Pilot. So, essentially, my brain was telling me, 'It's just a Pilot with a bed attached to it.' I'll admit, I went into reviewing the Honda Ridgeline Trailsport a bit prejudiced. I remember the memes posted on truck pages about them. I'm here to admit I was wrong. Very, very wrong. It's so much more than that. 2025 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport — Source: Kristen Brown By definition, it's almost a 'real' truck If you ask Google, 'What's the proper definition of a truck,' you'll get a few different answers, but the most common are: it's designed to prioritize hauling goods over people, it has a body-on-frame construction, and has a decent towing capacity (to fit within the whole 'hauling goods' frame). The only criterion the Honda Ridgeline Trailsport doesn't meet is the body-on-frame rule—it's a unibody frame. This is fine for a truck of that size since it can help keep it rigid, reduce overall weight, and improve ride quality. So, while it's not as rugged and tough as a Ford F-150 or a Ram 1500, towing 5,000 pounds is a respectable amount for that segment. The Ford Ranger has a towing rating of around 7,500 pounds when properly equipped, and the Toyota Tacoma can tow up to 6,500 pounds under the right conditions. Compared to its competition, it's right within that sweet spot of being bulky enough to be used for most truck things, but not so tough that it's a chore to drive. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 2025 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport — Source: Kristen Brown You'd likely assume that the 3.5-liter V6 making 280 horsepower is the same powerplant that's in the Pilot, but it's not—it's the single overhead cam version, which is an older model of that dependable V6. The Pilot has a double overhead cam engine. The transmission isn't the same, either. It's a nine-speed automatic, while the Pilot is a 10-speed, and it's a tougher automatic. It can be cleverly tuned to be more mileage-friendly in 'Eco' mode, it can be more aggressive in 'Sport,' and of course, 'Towing' helps employ all the torque it needs to tow whatever's hooked up. There are a few terrain settings to choose from, too, like Snow, Sand, and Mud, and it's ready to go thanks to General Grabber A/T truck tires from the factory. It has literally everything to make it as close to a real truck as possible, without sacrificing the niceties of the Pilot SUV, including leather seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, an updated and surprisingly punchy sound system, and heated seats. The Ridgeline is a good fit for just about anyone, even parents Since it shares so much Pilot DNA, the Ridgeline TrailSport was pretty cozy, especially from the driver's seat. The rear seats were a little tight, but both the front and the rear-facing car seats were fairly easy to install. Be aware, though, that securing the upper tether is a bit of a task with front-facing seats. The piece you click the tether onto is actually underneath the seat, and you have to route it behind the backrests to secure it. It took me a while to figure it out (I'll admit it—I looked it up on YouTube). The rear-facing seat, though, was a piece of cake. Once both seats were installed, getting them in and out of the Ridgeline was a breeze. My youngest loved having the rear sliding window open, too. My oldest, naturally, loved riding up high and waving at everyone through the big windows. 2025 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport — Source: Kristen Brown As a parent, I loved all the clever storage bins and cubby holes, as well as the different ways the truck could be configured. The rear seats can be folded up and out of the way or removed completely to provide more storage space. The center console and glovebox are a lot deeper than you could imagine, making it easy to keep things away from grabby toddlers. My favorite storage compartment, however, was the storage cubby in the bed. The entire week I had it, I used it to keep my groceries in it since my rear seats were occupied by my children's car seats, and it's such an underappreciated feature. It was especially comforting to know that if my gallon of milk were to spill, which it wouldn't, since it's contained as opposed to sliding around in the bed, there's a drain plug on the bottom I can open up. If it rains, thick and robust weatherstripping would keep water out, and the all-weather flooring throughout made it easy to clean up after my kids. If it's not being used to haul groceries, it could easily be used to store camping gear, and it would be safe there because that compartment can lock. Pictures don't do it justice, either. It has a volume of 7.3 cubic feet, measuring 43 inches long, 15.5 inches wide at the bottom, and 15.25 inches deep. So, you can store a bunch of stuff in the bed and still have cargo in the storage compartment. Honda says you can even stuff it full of ice and use it as a cooler, thanks to the drain plug. There are bag holders inside it, too, or guides for dividers. If you have trouble opening it once it's locked, it's easy to access if you open the bed horizontally instead of vertically. 2025 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport The bed is quite crafty, too. When I had the Ridgeline, my husband and I used it to haul a few things to the dump. Every time my husband thought, 'There should be a tie down here,' there was one, since there are eight throughout the entire bed. He was impressed by how thoughtfully designed the bed was, and found it incredibly easy to place and secure items in the bed compared to bigger trucks, due to its lower ground clearance and entry point. The anchor points for a camper shell were obvious, and the bed even features a 150-watt/400-watt outlet for tools, electronics, or, if you're camping, electric grills or lights. Honda offers a plethora of roof or bedtop accessories for your bikes. kayaks, skis, and even rails to stretch across the bed to accommodate a tent. All these features show that the Ridgeline can fit within any lifestyle. No wonder they're incredibly popular in Bend, Oregon. It was great off-road, too The best privilege of living in Central Oregon is how many trails are at my disposal. After a 30-minute jaunt, the TrailSport was off the road and gliding through the region's silty, light brown sediment. The torque-vectoring AWD system in the Ridgeline TrailSport is responsive and effective, and the all-terrain tires inspired a lot of confidence once the going got tough. While it was off-road, it was also impressively comfortable. My youngest daughter fell asleep on the way to my favorite trail to test cars on, and she wasn't jostled awake once. Once on the trail, the Ridgeline rode much smoother than I expected. It doesn't have electronically adjustable suspension, but the TrailSport trim does feature retuned suspension compared to other trims, and it was smooth enough to keep your spine intact, but stiff enough to not translate the knocks and bumps back into the cabin. Both my husband and I enjoyed it. 2025 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport — Source: Kristen Brown The Ridgeline has a ground clearance of 7.6 inches, which is moderate compared to its competition. It's not made to rock crawl or cross deep water, but it would be excellent to use it the way I did—perusing local trails, or heading to a campsite that's down a mild dirt or gravel road. It's not meant to tackle the same trails as a Jeep Wrangler, but I'd definitely put it in the same league as my Subaru Forester, which handled some surprisingly tough trails. The Ridgeline did everything I asked it to, and it proved to be more than capable (and flexible!). Like other off-road-ready trucks in the segment, the Honda Ridgeline has cameras on the side mirrors, the grille, and the tailgate as part of the Multi-View Camera System (MCVS) that are engaged when you select one of the terrain modes. The newest car I own is from 2011, so I don't utilize these cameras on a regular basis, and for the Ridgeline, I feel like the only camera needed is for the tailgate. The seating position is high enough to see the corners of the hood, it's easy to know where your tires are, but the bed's blind spots are, well, blind. For larger cars like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the cameras were a must. Not in the Ridgeline. But, it's nice to know they're there if you don't have a spotter. The price compared to what you get is hard to beat As I mentioned before, the Ridgeline Trailsport is priced fairly. It starts at $45,380, which puts it ahead of the competition monetarily. The Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter, for instance, starts close to $56,000 (though the TRD Off-Road is closer to $44,000), the Ford Ranger Lariat starts at just over $47,000, and the Chevy Colorado ZR2 has a price just shy of $50,000. The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is closer to $56,000. There are more affordable options, like the Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT or the Nissan Frontier PRO-4X, but you don't get nearly as many features as you do in the Honda. 2025 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport — Source: Kristen Brown I only had the Ridgeline TrailSport for a week, but every time I thought, 'If only the truck had [feature],' the feature showed itself. After using it as both a truck and an SUV, it's the perfect middle ground between the two categories. You get the comfort and conveniences of an SUV, but the utility and craftiness of a smaller truck. It's a potent option for those who have truck-ish needs, like hauling bags of feed, flower pots, the occasional run to the dumps, Goodwill donations, bikes, camping gear, or for moving. It would be great for hauling a small camper, too, since most people don't usually haul more than 3,500 pounds, even with 'real' trucks. Final thoughts As someone who actively participated in Honda Ridgeline slander in my youth, I learned that there is so much more to the Ridgeline than what meets the eye. It's an incredibly versatile, willing, clever, and capable little truck. It's not going to move mountains for you, but it'll get you there and back without any hiccups, and carry all of your gear and passengers comfortably. My husband, who has never ridden in a Honda Ridgeline before, noted that it's a great gateway drug to the world of trucks. The Ridgeline is the perfect way to dip your toes into the truck world, and once you're comfortable enough to swim, you can upgrade to the F-150 or Ram 1500. It's best for those 'truck curious,' if you will. Or for those who like SUVs and want a truck, but don't want a truck that rides like a truck. 2025 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport — Source: Kristen Brown As parents who consider ourselves very outdoorsy people, we both gave the Ridgeline a fat thumbs up. When it's time to replace my Forester with something a little more useful, we'll be seriously considering making the switch to Honda for the Ridgeline, especially when it gets a hybrid powertrain. Since the Pilot is due for hybridization, we're sure the Ridgeline will be partially electrified, too. About the Author Kristen Brown View Profile
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Yahoo
Texas man arrested after high-speed chase and crash in Haralson County
The Brief A Texas man led authorities on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle, ending with a crash and foot pursuit in Haralson County. The suspect, Tristan Ty Griffin, fled on foot after crashing the stolen Honda Ridgeline and was later apprehended after getting into a pickup truck. Griffin faces multiple charges, including reckless driving, theft by receiving stolen property, and felony fleeing or attempting to elude police. BREMEN, Ga. - A Texas man is facing multiple charges after leading authorities on a high-speed chase that ended with a crash and foot pursuit in Haralson County, officials said. What we know According to the Haralson County Sheriff's Office, deputies were alerted on Thursday about a stolen Honda Ridgeline traveling eastbound on Interstate 20 from Cleburne County, Alabama. Members of the Crime Suppression Unit positioned themselves near Exit 9 and began following the speeding vehicle. Deputies confirmed the tag was listed as stolen and attempted a traffic stop. The driver accelerated, weaving through traffic before veering off the road and crashing into a tree, the sheriff's office said. The suspect fled the scene on foot and was chased by deputies. Law enforcement from the Haralson County Sheriff's Office, Bremen Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, and other agencies joined the search and set up a perimeter. Authorities said the man was later seen crossing back over I-20 and getting into a pickup truck. Deputies stopped the vehicle and took him into custody. What's next The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Tristan Ty Griffin of Katy, Texas, is charged with reckless driving, theft by receiving stolen property, and felony fleeing or attempting to elude police. The Source The Haralson County Sheriff's Office provided the details and images for this article.
Auto Blog
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Shopping for a Honda Ridgeline? Here's What Experts Say You Should Look at Instead
The Honda Ridgeline is an excellent choice for a pick-up truck, but it may not be the best choice for everyone. The best of both worlds When it comes to the mid-size truck category, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline is undoubtedly one of the best choices for drivers who want a truck but don't really need one. We say that because the Ridgeline looks like a truck and does everything a truck needs to do, but it drives more like a minivan. Its comfortable ride and refined driving dynamics make it a go-to choice for those who only use its truck features around five percent of the time. 2025 Honda Ridgeline — Source: Honda Let's face it, the other 95 percent of the time, those drivers are using their trucks for mundane tasks like driving to the grocery store, dropping the kids off at school, or other activities. In that case, the Ridgeline is perfect with its accommodating rear seat area, in-bed trunk, and clever storage options. The Honda Ridgeline is also very powerful with its 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. With that kind of power, the Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds and nearly 1,600 pounds of payload, which is on track with its rivals. However, for the truck lovers who want a little more off-road capability, at the expense of a smoother ride, there are better options in the class. Here are four other options that are worth checking out if the Honda Ridgeline is too soft. 2025 Honda Ridgeline — Source: Honda Toyota Tacoma The 2025 Toyota Tacoma is easily one of the most popular trucks in the segment as well as the entire automotive market. Opting for the Tacoma will give buyers the same equipment found on the Honda Ridgeline, but in a rougher, tougher package. The Tacoma utilizes a body-on-frame architecture for added rigidity, which helps it navigate over rocky terrain while maintaining composure under normal driving conditions. Furthermore, the Tacoma underwent a makeover for the 2024 model year, which included a new look, more features, and updated powertrains. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 2025 Toyota Tacoma SR5 Instead of a V6, the Toyota Tacoma is now propelled by a standard turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower and sends it to either the rear wheels or all four, depending on the configuration buyers choose. There is also an upgraded 278-horsepower i-Force hybrid variation for those seeking more power and fuel efficiency, as the upgraded engine is more fuel efficient than the V6 found in the Ridgeline (19 city/24 highway). With that kind of power, the Tacoma is able to tow up to 6,000 pounds and up to 1,680 pounds of payload. Inside, the Tacoma boasts seating for five and plenty of in-cabin tech, including an available 14-inch infotainment system that's connected to a JBL premium audio system, heated and ventilated seats, and plenty of safety features. The Tacoma also has many different trim levels to suit a variety of budgets, including a Trailhunter trim that comes well-equipped with plenty of off-road-ready features. Ultimately, it's a formidable competitor in the mid-size truck category and should not be overlooked. Nissan Frontier 2025 Nissan Frontier — Source: Nissan The 2025 Nissan Frontier is another rugged choice that can run circles around the Honda Ridgeline in an off-road setting. The Frontier strikes a good balance between off-road capability, comfort, and affordability. It's powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, which makes it more powerful than the Honda Ridgeline. The Frontier has also been updated for the 2025 model year with new exterior enhancements, like a new front bumper and grille, as well as new wheel choices on the PRO-X trim level and a new orange color. More importantly, the Frontier now comes with an optional 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and a new 360-degree camera system, which the Ridgeline doesn't have. It can also tow up to 7,150 pounds and has an available six-foot bed length, which is longer than the one in the Ridgeline as well. Lastly, the Nissan Frontier undercuts the Ridgeline in price by nearly $10,000 at every trim level, which makes it a stellar choice for truck lovers on a budget. Ford Ranger 2024 Ford Ranger Lariat The Ford Ranger poses a threat to the Honda Ridgeline with its compelling blend of performance, technology, and versatility. The Ranger offers a range of potent engine choices, which include a base 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 that makes 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter V6 that makes 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. With all that power, the Ranger can tow up to 7,500 pounds and carry up to 1,805 pounds of payload. Inside, the Ranger features a user-friendly cabin that boasts a range of advanced technologies, including a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, and wireless phone integration. It also has plenty of safety and driver-assist features to keep everyone safe and on the road. If all of those features aren't convincing enough, it's worth noting that the Ranger starts at around $33,000, which is much cheaper than the Honda Ridgeline, making it a great value at every trim level. Chevrolet Colorado 2024 Chevrolet Colorado — Source: Chevrolet The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado is a robust entry in the pickup truck segment because it excels in performance and technology. The Colorado is powered by a standard 2.7-liter TurboMax engine that delivers 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination allows the Colorado to tow up to a whopping 7,700 pounds. Power aside, the Chevrolet Colorado also has a tech-rich cabin that comes equipped with an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless phone integration, and an 11-inch digital gauge cluster to give the driver all the pertinent information. It also has plenty of safety features and comes in a number of trim levels, including the Trail Boss and ZR2 trim levels, which come with rugged off-road features like lifted suspensions, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. Pricing for the Colorado also starts at around $33,000, which is far less than the Ridgeline's $40,000 starting price. Final thoughts Although the 2025 Honda Ridgeline is undoubtedly a safe choice for truck buyers who need a truck but don't intend to do much truck-worthy things like rock crawling or advanced off-roading, there are more capable options in the market. Trucks like the Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, and Ford Ranger are all better equipped for towing, hauling, and off-roading, and they even cost less than Honda's pickup, Of course, this doesn't mean that buyers should completely cross the Ridgeline shopping list as it's still a good option and deserves a look for anyone that's in the market for a mid-size pickup truck. About the Author Joe Santos View Profile
