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The 2019 Honda Ridgeline proves that a unibody frame can deliver nearly all the capability of a traditional body-on-frame mid-size pickup, while offering superior ride comfort, innovative features, and top-tier safety. For the average buyer whose truck duties rarely involve maximum towing or extreme off-roading, the Ridgeline is not just a capable alternative but often a smarter, more refined choice than competitors like the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado.
The core controversy surrounding the Honda Ridgeline stems from its unibody construction. Unlike traditional body-on-frame trucks, where the body is bolted onto a separate ladder-like frame, a unibody design integrates the body and frame into a single, rigid structure. This is the same architecture used by most modern cars and SUVs. The immediate benefit is a significantly smoother, quieter, and more car-like ride on pavement. The common criticism that this makes it "less of a truck" is largely overstated for daily use, as the Ridgeline is engineered to handle typical truck tasks with ease.
Under the hood, every 2019 Ridgeline is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 280 horsepower, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. This powertrain provides confident acceleration for merging and passing.
Where the Ridgeline truly shines is in its daily drivability. The unibody chassis eliminates the jittery ride often associated with body-on-frame rivals. When it comes to practical utility, the Ridgeline is more than equipped:
The following table compares key specs with main competitors from our 2019 Mid-Size Pickup Challenge:
| Model | Engine | Max Towing | Payload | IIHS Top Safety Pick (2019) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Honda Ridgeline | 3.5L V-6 | 5,000 lbs | ~1,580 lbs | Yes |
| 2019 Ford Ranger | 2.3L Turbo-4 | 7,500 lbs | ~1,860 lbs | No |
| 2019 Chevrolet Colorado | 2.8L Turbo-Diesel-4 | 7,700 lbs | ~1,570 lbs | No |
Sharing its platform with the Honda Pilot SUV and Odyssey minivan contributed to the Ridgeline's standout achievement: it was the first pickup of any size to earn a 2019 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award. This speaks volumes about its rigid passenger safety cell and advanced safety features.
Inside, the cabin is quiet and well-appointed, more akin to a premium SUV than a utilitarian truck. Features like available heated leather seats, a spacious rear seat, and a sophisticated infotainment system make it a comfortable vehicle for long commutes and family trips. Based on our assessment experience, this combination of car-like comfort and truck utility is the Ridgeline's strongest selling point for urban and suburban drivers.
Absolutely. The 2019 model represents a solid value on the used market. Its robust mechanicals and Honda reputation for reliability are significant assets. When shopping, look for well-maintained examples like an RTL or Black Edition trim. As of this writing, prices for a 2019 Ridgeline with around 35,000-40,000 miles often range from $27,500 to $28,000, making it a competitively priced option against similarly aged rivals.
For most people shopping for a mid-size truck, the 2019 Honda Ridgeline is a compelling and often superior choice. Its unibody construction delivers a smoother ride, its innovative bed features add unmatched practicality, and its top-tier safety credentials provide peace of mind. While dedicated off-roaders or those requiring maximum towing capacity above 5,000 pounds may need a body-on-frame truck, the Ridgeline confidently handles the vast majority of real-world tasks. When evaluating a used 2019 Ridgeline, prioritize a vehicle history report and a pre-purchase inspection to ensure its condition matches its strong reputation.
