2018 Honda Ridgeline comes with fewer variants this time, price starts at $35,070

The Honda Ridgeline pickup turned out to be a success when it first came out in the market. In the first half of 2017, the company has already delivered over 18,000 units. So to keep customers interested in the model, Honda gave the 2018 model year some upgrades.

Instead of the twelve trims that Honda offered for the Ridgeline before, they have reduced this to just nine variants for the 2018 model year. The company took out the base RT with the all-wheel-drive setup, as well as the RTS with AWD too. So now, the new entry level model has become the Ridgeline Sport with the all-wheel-drive setup that has a starting price of $35,070 - that already is a $3,695 increase from the lowest-priced model you could get of the previous generation.

If you fancy a front-wheel-drive, then you can go for the cheaper $29,630 model. For the sake of comparison, it is $155 more expensive than the 2017 model. The most expensive trim one could get is the Black Edition AWD that has a $43,120 price tag.

All models of the 2018 Ridgeline come with the same powertrain - a 3.5 liter V6 engine that generates 280 horsepower (208 kilowatts) and 262 pound-feet (355 Newton-metres) of torque, returning as much as 22 miles per gallon (for the FWD) and 21 mpg (with the AWD). Like the current model, the 2018 model year has a payload capacity of 1,584 pounds (718.5 kilograms), and can tow up to 5,000 pounds (2,268 kilograms).

The Sport trim gets more exterior colour options, unlike the other trims - the White Diamond Pearl and Lunar Silver Metallic, apart from the Crystal Black Pearl that’s already available.

The Ridgeline was given a score of 5-Star Overall Vehicle safety by the NHTSA. This is because it is equipped with the Honda Sensing safety system that includes: collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and some others. It is also equipped with technology like back-up sensors and automatic dimming mirrors. Optional features like a heated steering wheel, a kayak attachment, and a camping tent can be added for an extra cost.

Below is a rundown of the prices for those who are interested:

• 2018 Ridgeline FWD RT: $29,630
• 2018 Ridgeline FWD Sport: $33,170
• 2018 Ridgeline AWD Sport: $35,070
• 2018 Ridgeline FWD RTL: $33,930
• 2018 Ridgeline AWD RTL: $35,830
• 2018 Ridgeline FWD RTL-T: $36,080
• 2018 Ridgeline AWD RTL-T: $37,980
• 2018 Ridgeline AWD RTL-E: $41,620
• 2018 Ridgeline AWD Black Edition: $43,120

PRESS RELEASE

Functional, Flexible and Fun 2018 Honda Ridgeline Arriving at Dealerships Just in Time for Summer Tailgating Season

The powerful and refined 2018 Honda Ridgeline arrives in dealerships nationwide tomorrow with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP1) starting at $29,630. The 2017 Honda Ridgeline was named North American Truck of the Year, and is the only pickup truck to earn a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating2 from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (2018 model not yet rated by IIHS). In addition to its superior sophistication and functionality Ridgeline continues to receive class-leading EPA3 fuel economy ratings of 19/26/22 (city/highway/combined) for 2WD and 18/25/21 for AWD models.

The Honda Ridgeline is the ultimate tailgate vehicle for sporting events, picnics and other gatherings with industry-first and exclusive features that are sure to keep the party going with a Dual Action Tailgate that provides easy access to an In-Bed Trunk® that doubles as a cooler and an available factory-installed Truck Bed Audio System.

The 2018 Ridgeline offers customers an array of standard and available premium features and technologies in a cabin outfitted with high quality, soft-touch materials that are a step above the competition. Available advanced technologies include an 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ compatibility, HD Radio®, SiriusXM® 2.0, up to four USB ports and Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™.

The 2018 Honda Ridgeline is powered by a 3.5-liter direct-injected SOHC i-VTEC™ V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) mated to a wide ratio 6-speed automatic transmission, with peak engine outputs of 280 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net). All-wheel-drive models utilize Honda's most advanced AWD technology – Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ (i-VTM4), providing excellent all-weather performance and enhanced dynamic handling capability.

For the new model year, Ridgeline's trims have been streamlined from 12 to nine, including all-wheel drive and two-wheel drive variants, to better suit the needs of midsize truck buyers and providing a more compelling value. The 2018 model comes with two additional exterior color choices for the Sport trim, with White Diamond Pearl and Lunar Silver Metallic joining Crystal Black Pearl.

The Ridgeline has the largest and most flexible cabin in the midsize pickup truck class and with its powerful yet sophisticated design, the vehicle offers capabilities for both recreational and work users requiring a higher degree of utility and versatility. Ridgeline's cargo-hauling and towing capabilities include a class-leading maximum of 1,584-pound (718.5 kg) payload capacity (varies by trim) and up to 5,000-pound (2,268 kg) towing. All Ridgeline's incorporate a button-operated Intelligent Traction Management System that enables up to four different operating modes: Normal, Snow, Mud and Sand for the AWD models, as well as Normal and Snow for 2WD vehicles.

The 2018 Ridgeline received a best possible 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Ridgeline also continues to offer the comprehensive Honda Sensing® suite of advanced safety and driver assistive features including Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

A broad range of Honda Genuine Accessories specifically designed for Ridgeline is available for customers to personalize their pickup truck. The accessories are covered by Honda's 3-year, 36,000-mile limited warranty obtained at the time of purchase.