Honda Releases 2017 Ridgeline Prices

American Honda has released pricing information and specifications on its 2017 Ridgeline midsize unibody pickup.

Honda Ridgeline

It may look more like a traditional pickup, but the 2017 Ridgeline, unveiled earlier this year at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show, retains the unibody construction of the first generation model that was discontinued after the 2014 model year. Honda, however, remains convinced that quite a number of buyers in the midsize pickup segment are more concerned about utility than off-road prowess.

This led Honda to eighty-six the first-generation flying buttress and integrated-box look for the new model's more conventional "three-box" construction.

"We've advanced the best and most beloved elements of the original Ridgeline and combined them with an outstanding new platform and the most advanced technology to create new value in the midsize pickup segment," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division. "The result is an amazingly versatile Honda truck with uncompromised capability."

For Honda, the second time around could prove to be perfect timing. For years, both Toyota and Nissan have found the full-size pickup truck segment to be a tough nut to crack. With renewed interest in midsize trucks largely due to the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon twins from GM, this could be the opportune time for Honda to get back into the game.

2017 Honda Ridgeline

The 2017 Ridgeline shares its architecture with the current Honda Pilot and Odyssey and is powered by the same 3.5-liter, direct-injected i-VTEC V-6 engine and conventional 6-speed automatic transmission found in both those vehicles.

Like the Pilot, the new Ridgeline will also be available, for the first time, with an all-wheel-drive configuration that features Intelligent Terrain Management with Normal, Sand, Snow and Mud modes.

Inside, three-zone climate control, push-button start, a color TFT center meter and a 60/40-split and folding second-row seat are all standard. Like the Fit and the HR-V, the back seat bottoms fold up, giving it the capability to carry bulky items upright including a 55-inch flat screen television or even a mountain bike with the wheels intact.

Cargo-hauling and towing capabilities have also been taken into consideration and depending upon the trim and drivetrain chosen, Ridgeline has a payload capacity of up to 1,584-pounds and can tow up to 5,000-pounds.

2017 Honda Ridgeline prices and availability

The 2017 Ridgeline will start arriving at dealers tomorrow (June 21^st, 2017) and will be available in a total of 7 trim levels: RT, RTS, Sport, RTL, RTL-T, RTL-E and Black Edition. Each will be available in either front-wheel- or all-wheel-drive configurations. Manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRPs) are as follows:

RT: Starts at $29,475

RTS: Starts at $31,515

Sport: Starts at $33,015

RTL: Starts at $33,780

RTL-T: Starts at $35,930

RTL-E: Starts at $41,370

Black Edition: Starts at $42,870