Doug is the type of guy who brings his cooler into the store to get ice

Whistlin Diesel be like...I gotta lie, I’m really impressed.

The Reason for the Tachometer priority is so you can watch the VTEC kick in yo

If my Ridgeline came home with those wheels on, I'd ground it for a month.

"Crossover in the front, Pickup in the back" So an automotive Mullet.

“Truckyness” “Off-roadie-er” Gotta love these “Dougisums!

I had a 1st gen ridgeline and it really suprised me offroad. The all wheel drive system works incredibly well. I climbed a few enbankments that my trd tundra 4x4 didnt make it up. Also drove in bumper deep snow and drove circles around solid axle 4x4 trucks.

I find it interesting that everyone talks shit about the Ridgeline and says it’s not a real truck, but yet Ford and Hyundai build a slightly smaller version of the Ridgeline and people love it.

“Truck for non-truck people” perfect explaining for the ridgeline

Ah yes, the Houston Police Department edition

I’m always surprised there is not more demand for pickups to hold 4’ x 8’ plywood/drywall. Wouldn’t a minivan like a Chrysler Pacifica or Kia Carnival offer more utility for a lot of home construction contractors? Also better for 8 foot boards to build a deck etc. But I guess at that point you might also buy a work van.

My dad just got one of these…one fun quirk that you would have enjoyed, the higher end trim levels have a Trunk Bed Speaker system that is really weird and works pretty well actually.

The best thing about this truck is the tailgate and bed storage area.

“If you’re looking for a real truck this isn’t it… but if you’re looking for factory gold rims….”

Something I didn't notice mentioned was the towing capacity at 5,000lbs. That's a decent figure and would be a factor if I wanted to buy this truck.

A cool feature @Doug didn't mention ( or find) is that if you drop your key in the lockable trunk, it will NOT close. It'll just keep popping back open. Also just to note: Doug is reviewing the 'Sport' package which is essentially the bottom of the totem pole when it comes to features. My 2017 RTL-T has all of the bells and whistles he is complaining about the truck not having, including: heated seats, electronic seats, lighted mirrors, rear chargers, and Apple CarPlay 4 years ago.

Those fender flares are a crime against humanity.

The truck 80% of all truck owners really need.

8:10 Doug: "There is no speedometer." 8:20 Also Doug: "Here is the speedometer"

It definitely looks a lot better. Love the hidden trunk, and that it’s a Honda.

All I learned today is that Doug has never in his life purchased a bag of ice

We have 35 acres of farm/woods. I had a Sierra then two Silverados. Now have a Ridgeline. Now I wish my vehicle was larger a few times a year rather than wishing my vehicle was smaller every day. The Ridgeline obviously does not have the load or towing capability, but is better in almost every other way for my needs.

Me: Mom, can I have TRD? Mom: No, we have TRD at home. TRD at home: HPD

As many reviewers have said, the Ridgeline is the truck that 90% of truck buyers ACTUALLY need.

“HPD “, “TRD”. They’d make everything aggressive except the engine.

HPD actually develops the IndyCar engines and Acura NSX GT racing engines.

I just Bought 2021 Ridgeline RTLE highest trim $45K and I got everything. Heated seats, Leather seats, Sunroof, power seats, tonneau cover, premium sound, in bed sound system and power outlet and visor mirror lights lol

I still have my 2006 that I bought in July 2005, one of the first off the line. I'm not a rancher or a construction worker so it has been perfect for me. Never once used the trunk as a cooler.

My grandpa has a ridgeline just because owning a pickup truck was on his bucket list. Never once has he used it as a pickup truck. Describing it as a truck for non-truck people is the perfect way to put it.

Doug’s back to wearing two t-shirts!

HPD has been building IndyCar engines for years. Their credentials are real.

Doug is the type of guy whom keeps the rear-middle seat's headrest up, in case someone needs a sudden ride along.

Imagine paying extra money for a package that makes your vehicle look more ugly.

Should've done a fully loaded one, with the in-bed sound system.

I have a 2021 Sport with the HPD package that is my daily driver. I use it for work, and it’s been one of the best “work” vehicles I have ever owned. The in-bed storage bin and the 2 way tailgate were huge selling points for me. The interior room with the rear seat folded up was amazing also. It’s very likely, I’ll buy another one when it comes time to trade again. It’s also one of the only mid-sized trucks eligible for the Section 179 tax credit on “business equipment”.

Smack talk all you want, this is one of the most in-demand vehicles on earth. I work at a Honda dealership and if we actually get one that hits the lot, meaning that it is not pre-sold from the factory, it usually lasts about 24 hours because we have a long waiting list of people that want to buy one as soon as it hits the ground. They ride and drive better than anything else with a truck bed, Ford is even trying to copycat Honda with their new Maverick vehicle because they know how high the demand is for this kind of vehicle.

The truck that most people need but won't admit and make fun of instead.

It's a real shame they didn't give you a higher trim version to check out. The in-bed audio system is a truly interesting quirk/feature.

Just came across this. I’ve owned a 2023 ridgeline sport for a couple months now. I use the truck as a truck to haul construction materials. The bed is very functional and easy to strap down materials. The inverter opening is great for storing your straps. I don’t have the inverter. The trunk is great for storing my jumper / air box along with tools / supplies I don’t want flying around in my back seat. Just have to load first before filling the bed. Keeps your backseat a lot cleaner. Drives very smooth and gets decent highway mileage. I’ve driven many Chevy and ford trucks. As long as you don’t need more towing capacity it does everything a truck needs to do pretty well.

This truck is exactly what I'm looking for. A daily driver that I can haul some plywood or mulch from the home improvement store. Heaviest thing I'd tow would be my lawn mower.

Doug’s the type of guy to bring popcorn to watch dentist waiting room movies

No Doug, that bed doesn't look like any other truck bed. It's almost perfectly flat with no fender well protrusions

"They don't have a vehicle to TRD-iffey" That phrase will stick with me all day. Thanks Doug.

I’m a truck guy and I look for those features you mentioned. I think your absolutely right at that price point these items should be standard.

wish that the front grille had H O N D A lettering instead of the emblem

Nothing says “off road” more than wheels that stick out further than the tires.

I got my 2021 Honda Ridgeline Sport for $35,800 and my 2016 Sonata was traded in for $8500. Love my Ridgeline and its the best small truck on the market id say. Most are just too afraid that people wont take them seriously with one. This is the biggest cabin in the midsize truck segment also so get a full size if you really need alot of room. This engine is great, reliable, gets better mileage and better power than all but 1 truck which only gets better power. The AWD system is excellent as well

I don’t know, man. I drive the 2020 model, in a higher trim level. It is my primary work vehicle for my cabinetmaking business. It’s the best truck I’ve ever driven. I’ve seen all the others higher on your list, and even own a 2020 model of one of them, and this is MILES better than any of them. And I paid 35K for a pretty loaded model.

If some random guy sees HPD, and the town he's in' Police Dept. in' Initials for the PD HPD, he's gonna think your a cop.

It’s been four months and Doug is still referring to the $62,500 LX470 sale as a recent sale.

I bought a 2021 Ridgeline and have used it for a year so far. I'm in my upper 60s. I haul plywood and lumber. I love the tailgate! I can get into it easier. I hunt with it with no issues. I haul a trailer with 2 round bales with no issues. It has wiring for trailer breaking system. The clearance to the ground isn't high making it easier to get in and out. We've taken this truck on long trips and has been great. Some of the "quirks" are not quirks. Example is the storage compartment on the side wall of the bed. I put tie down straps there. I like it. This truck definitely serves me well.

Ah yes! I’m so glad you’re reviewing the Ridgeline Doug! I really truly think the Ridgeline was and is the best ‘truck’ on the market. Freaking love my Gen 1 beefy boy, and love this 2021 model, although you’re absolutely right - the newer models lost their ‘inventive design’.

"This truck is less trucky than other trucks that have more truckiness" Got it!

Yes, we all remember transmitting HPD in college...

I like this updated front end on the Gen 2 Ridgeline but I agree with Doug - the Gen 1 overall style was unique and very cool. I really miss that utilitarian simplicity, and I really miss my 2006 Ridgeline.

As a 2019 Ridgeline sport owner, I will be first to say those fender flairs look absolutely terrible. The front end is a rather decent upgrade though. By the way- I've never liked a vehicle more than my ridgeline. All function and is a joy to drive.

Drive that in a city that starts with an “H” and they’ll think you’re a cop.🤦‍♂️😂

"Pick up the cooler and walk into the store" for the ice. Huh?

Some cool practical features. Fold up back seats , great for lots of stuff. Interesting tailgate , and very handy bed storage , great job.

Doug, I absolutely agree with you in this video. The 1st gen has the same features but had it's own design. There is more room in the back and front seats and if you add a lift and off-road tires, you have an awesome truck.

My dad had an ‘08 ridgeline and loved it. When looking for a replacement after 240,000 miles, he thought about the tacoma, gladiator, and the new ridgeline. He almost got the gladiator because of the stock manual but the deciding factor came down to the fact that you can’t fit a standard piece of plywood in the back of any other midsize pickup. You can in the ridge

"Old school traditional gauge display" Someday I should get a car that's newer than a decade old. I still think the little display on my 2001 Corvette is pretty fancy.

SOOOOOO late to the show, but I love the Ridgeline and have been waiting for Doug's take.

I have a 2020 Ridgeline. Same price as this and mine has all the little features (moon roof, heated seats, rear charge ports, power rear window, power seats) Only difference is the HPD package and the face lift. 18 city 24 Highway (easy) i regularly get 26 mpg Highway. It's perfect for the person who needs a pickup 20% of the time and a car the other 80%.

“Mostly cosmetic stuff, like they’re trying to be off roady” *stares at toyota*

the original Ridgeline was literally the most original - agree with Doug here I wish they kept that going...

The in bed trunk realease is a little silly when you could just stack cinderblocks there and no one could get out. Also, don't kidnap anybody.

The design of Ridgeline was better suited to meeting my needs than any other midsize truck. However, it has 2 fatal defects. First it is not an off-road truck, so the standard AWD only adds complexity, decreases fuel economy, and adds $3,000 to the price when compared to the completion. If you live in a snow belt then disregard that comment. Second, it has one of the last remaining interference timing belt engines. Apparently, Honda has no problem saving $10-15 per vehicle when they know every customer will spend $1,300 between 60,000 and 100,000 miles to change the timing belt and water pump. And the HPD package is more than a $3,000 option for some graphics and tire package. Try buying a Ridgeline for less than $40,000.

The Ridgeline is basically a Pilot with a box on the back

Doug's the type of person to cancel a doctor's appointment because hes sick

As a late comment and a recent purchaser of a 22', if DD had driven an RTL he would have had the power leather/heated seats and sunroof for the same money as that HPD package. I love mine and Doug is spot on for buyers that cross shopped the Tacoma/Rangers/Gladiators which I did. This has plenty of capability, a MUCH better ride, more interior space and way more comfortable seats. Plus, that rear trunk? So good. As far as off-road chops....watch some other reviews that do just that. Everyone is impressed. Sure it can't hit the higher limits but you can still do some impressive trailing. There's a great aftermarket for going even a bit further.

Just got an RTL today. I think it's fun to drive. Feels more powerful than my straight 6 328xi was. In lower gears anyway. Only had it on the highway coming home from the dealership so far.

Doug say " El cOjon" instead of "El cAjon". The difference between testicle and box. Jajaja 😅

The Ridgeline walked so the Maverick and Santa Cruz could run

This Ridgeline is literally a cross-over, of a crossover😂

After seeing Doug's lackluster review, I love this truck even more which I thought wasn’t possible.

It’s a shame they gave him a sport and not an RTL-E or a black edition…so many more quirks…used to sell them he didn’t even get to see the in bed speaker

I gotta lie, I'm really impressed

I worked at a Honda dealer and we have this black edition I drive around with leather and lol that and one feature I like that wasn’t included in the truck you reviewed was the bed speakers. Pretty cool to tailgate and go along with that compartment to add ice and drinks

I test drove the Ridgeline and it's main competitors such as the Tacoma, Gladiator, Ranger, and Colorado. The Ridgeline drives much better and has a smoother feel on the road. I also find it has more utility for most people. The trunk bed liner is included in all versions and is made of a very strong and scratch resistant composite material. It's also much nicer in the cabin and spacious just like the pilot. As for the looks , the 2021 Ridgeline doesn't look like a pilot at all aside from the interior which is not a bad thing. For 2021 Honda completely redesigned the front end and added dual exaust pipes to give it a little bit of a brawnier look. Look Honda knows what it's doing by targeting an overlooked market of people who want the utility of a truck for those times when they need it and the driveability of car when they don't. I bet 99% of truck owners rarely drive off pavement and just want something that is a little more flexible and macho looking than an SUV or Mini van. Ridgeline ticks those boxes for most people. For now the Ridgeline is in a class of it's own till the Ford Maverick and the Hyundai Santa Cruz hit the market. Checkout other Ridgeline reviews on youtube and don't listen to this guy. He seems like he has a hate on for Honda.

fun fact: this engine is also in the honda odyssey, passport, and prev gen acura tlx, the screen and rear seatback are from the pilot, and the whole interior is the pilot

Why does Doug sound like he’s having a stroke every time he says the word “tough”

Hey Doug. "HPD" has been around for a while. Is a part of Honda thats in santa clarita that works specifically on honda LeMans engines.

Doug is the type of guy who says “bless you” after sneezing.

Doug el cajón means "the drawer", el cojón (the way you pronounce it) means "the testicle" LOL

I've said it before and I'll say it again: this is exactly why Honda needs the reinvigorate the Element. Make it a bit more off road-y and it will explode. IT IS TIME.

Doug´s explanation about speedometer shows how little familiar he is with Hondas.

I can't believe Doug is still impressed by button outlines that depict the car its used in, should be a given by now

Doug Is the type of person to leave a review at every restaurant with a listing of it's Quirks and Features, and a Doug score

Doug is the kind to calculate 3x9 as he drives

Just bought one. This headline is spot on. I don't want a truck but sometimes I need a truck bed.

Adaptive cruise and manual seats, what a time to be alive.

I think this is a truck that's more honest than other trucks. Tons of people buy the insane top trim off-road beasts and never use even a fraction of their potential. At least this one emphasizes the things people will ACTUALLY use their trucks for. Daily driver with a little bit of capability thrown in.

6:08 "You don't have to pick up the cooler, walk into the store..." Is this... is this how Doug thinks you get ice 😟

Take a drink every time Doug says “truck”. 🥴🤣

I’ve never heard of anyone ever taking their cooler into a store to fill it with ice. In San Diego, don’t you just buy bags of ice like everyone else in the country?

You know those black fender flares gonna be fading to gray in no time like most Chevy Avalanches.

WhistlinDiesel: I bought a Ridgeline to demolish it proving it’s a minivan. Doug: THISSSSSSS

The way Doug describes the Ridgeline that it’s similar to a UTE, El Camino, or SSR.

I have a 19 2wd.. just drove 1,000 miles and averaged 31.7mpg w/200lbs in the bed and 3 people inside. The MPG is consistent and significantly better than the stated rating.