When you think about weekend getaways and sightseeing trips, you probably think of a rugged SUV carrying an overhead kayak. While SUVs are great for this type of wanderlust, midsize trucks are also great options for this lifestyle. The plus to driving a truck over an SUV is that you get bed space while still being off-road-capable and carrying five passengers. The 2022 Honda Ridgeline, in particular, offers everything you need from an adventure vehicle––towing and hauling capacity, off-road capability, and a satellite-based built-in navigation system.
What we love most about the new Ridgeline is that it’s both outdoorsy and tech-friendly. You don’t have to choose between capability and convenience. Enjoy heated front seating, tri-zone climate control, and a 5,000-pound towing capacity all in one package. The Ridgeline also stands out against its truck-based competition, offering a lower price and better features than many competing models. Let’s take a closer look at why the 2022 Ridgeline is such a great model for wanderlusters.
#1 – Impressive Towing and Hauling Capability
If you’re into camping, kayaking, and hiking, you don’t want a large, heavy truck. While powerful, these full-size models are not realistic for navigating off-pavement. The 2022 Ridgeline is different from your typical half-ton or heavy-duty truck. It still offers a 5,000-point towing capacity, which means you can haul your fishing boat, camper, or ATV trailer with ease. The 2022 Ridgeline also offers a 1,583-pound payload capacity, giving you extra hauling capacity compared to SUVs such as the Honda Passport.
#2 – Off-Roading Capability
You may be hesitant about choosing a truck over an SUV due to vehicle weight. Most of us know that off-roading capability is affected by your vehicle’s curb weight––put simply, the heavier, the worse off you are. The good news here is that the Ridgeline doesn’t weigh any more than a midsize SUV would. In fact, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline weighs under 4,500 lbs––that’s less than a four-door 2022 Ford Bronco.
In addition to its lightweight design, the Ridgeline has a standard i-VTM4 AWD system with Intelligent Traction Management. Put simply, this means that the truck includes three drive modes for snow, mud, and sand and can adjust torque according to road conditions. You don’t have to manually enter AWD mode either; the system monitors conditions and adjusts accordingly on its own. Whether it’s a little slick outside or you find yourself on a steep, rocky incline, you can trust the Ridgeline’s AWD system to meet your needs.
Speaking of terrain selection modes, the 2022 Ridgeline is the only truck in its class to offer a terrain management system as a standard feature across all trims. The 2022 Ford Ranger has an optional add-on terrain management system feature, while the 2022 Chevy Colorado still doesn’t offer one at all.
#3 – Great Fun and Helpful Technologies
The downside to some off-roading vehicles is that they lack modern technologies. The manufacturers are so focused on capability that they often spend less money on convenience technologies. The 2022 Honda Ridgeline bucks this trend. You’ll get access to built-in navigation thanks to the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, where you can access real-time traffic views and route your desired location. This built-in navigation system offers voice command controls, along with local “point of interest” options for quick and easy routing. This is especially handy when you’re camping and need to find the nearest grocery store.
The new Ridgeline has a standard 8-inch infotainment system that provides access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and general phone connectivity. It also includes controls for the “Truck Bed Audio” feature, which is ideal for outdoor events. This available industry-first technology is a weather-safe exterior audio system located in the Ridgeline’s truck bed walls. Whether you’re tailgating, camping, or having a cookout, you can use this model as an outdoor speaker system. Speaking of audio, the Ridgeline’s RTL-E and Black Edition trims include an 8-speaker premium audio setup.
The 2022 Ridgeline also includes remote engine start as a standard feature across all trims. Remote start is used to help warm up or cool down your vehicle before you even get in, which is especially handy if you wake up cold in a tent. This feature is typically seen as an add-on or luxury item, and while it is available on competitors such as the 2022 Chevy Colorado, it’s not a standard feature on the Colorado or many other competing models.
#4 – Great Features for Safe Travels
It doesn’t really matter if you’re taking short weekend trips to local spots or if you’re traveling across the country with the family––staying safe is important. Honda models are well-prepared when it comes to safety, and the Ridgeline is no exception. It includes a standard Honda Sensing Safety Suite with several different safety technologies. Here are some of the safety features you will get at no additional cost:
- The Collision Mitigation Braking System – Detects potential accident hazards such as unexpected pedestrians and vehicles. Sends an alert when an accident is possible and applies brake pressure to help you stop on time.
- Road Departure Mitigation System – This lane-keeping technology can determine when you unintentionally lane drift, easing you back into the appropriate lane.
- Adaptive Cruise Control – Works like traditional cruise control technology but can keep a set distance between you and the vehicle ahead; it can even stop the Ridgeline completely when necessary.
- Lane Keeping Assist System – Instead of guiding you back into the appropriate lane, this technology keeps you from drifting in the first place. This lane-centering system will help you stay in the middle of your desired lane.
The best part about these technologies is that they’re present on every 2022 Honda Ridgeline trim level. In addition to the Honda Sensing Suite features, you’ll also get a Multi-Angle Review Camera for easier navigation. Parking sensors are the only safety features that are unique to higher trim levels and are only available on the RTL-E and Black Edition trims. Otherwise, the Ridgeline offers many helpful base-level safety technologies without additional pricing.
#5 – Handy Tailgate Cargo Features
The number one perk to having an adventure-ready truck is definitely its bed capacity. The 2022 Honda Ridgeline’s truck bed offers several functions that help you easily carry and handle your cargo. In addition to being able to haul up to 1,583 lbs, the Ridgeline’s bed offers a Dual-Action Tailgate, a Lockable In-Bed Trunk, and a Lay-Flat Truck Bed.
The Dual-Action Tailgate feature lets you open the tailgate the traditional vertical way, or you can open it sideways (like you would a regular door). You can also lock the Dual-Action Tailgate, which is handy if you opt for a tonneau cover. The Lockable In-Bed Trunk offers extra hidden space under the regular truck bed. Here, you’ll get 7.3 cu.ft. of water-proofed space to store more fragile items. The Lay-Flat Truck Bed is designed to haul up to 33.9 cu.ft. of cargo, including up to 8-foot long items.
The Composite Bed design makes sure your hauling experience is scratch-free and also sun-proof for when you’re not utilizing a tonneau cover. Of course, you also have the Honda Truck Bed Audio Feature, but you’ll also get a 400-watt truck-bed outlet that can power anything from your TV or computer to tools and cooking appliances. You can even power a hairdryer or scramble an egg if you’re more of the glamping type.
