[
I've examined a lot stuff up to now at three completely different places in two states that you simply'll forgive me if I generally overlook which automobiles I've examined and which I haven't. I had already examined the Subaru Ascent with out pondering and I did it once more. So in case you're questioning what number of of my luggage match within the Honda Ridgeline's nifty under-bed trunk, let me inform you about mine in Could of 2021.
Now, whereas such duplicate outcomes will depart me with nothing to report this week, fortunately we're speaking in regards to the 2024 Honda Ridgeline. And I used to be nonetheless in a position to take full benefit of its distinct and distinctive expertise.
As you may see above, the trunk underneath the mattress got here in fairly useful after I found the native backyard heart was promoting the precise tree I used to be searching for at half value. good luck! There's no means such a tree would slot in a big SUV, and if I put it within the mattress of a truck, it could just about blow over. That is dangerous information for the tree and its needles, however I’ve to safe it to one thing utilizing ropes or bungees or mattress hooks. However ridgeline? No, I can merely open the trunk lid, drop the tree into the 7.9-cubic-foot cavity, and fix it to a smaller tree companion. The Ridgeline stored warning me that the trunk was open, as if I used to be in a deal, however it was hardly a “buckle your seat belt!” Alert degree.
Entry to the trunk is actually solely doable because of the Ridgeline's distinctive twin motion tailgate that swings out and drops down. There's no means you may attain the underside of the trunk or entry the spare tire with out utilizing the swing-out performance. However, tilting it outward additionally makes it simpler to achieve the mattress when bent over, in addition to utilizing the lower out license plate bumper as a ladder to climb up.
Or, , whereas stuffing 12 luggage of mulch on the mattress. There's loads of sliding and plastic bag scraping that I didn't must do as a result of I might stand very near the mattress whereas loading.
Nonetheless, there’s a draw back to the tailgate right here: These luggage present a fairly good instance of how shallow the mattress is. The partitions aren't that top, which suggests midsize vans with comparatively lengthy 5-plus-foot beds can be extra practical. However, the shallow depth and low mattress sides made it straightforward to raise the luggage from the highest and sides.
Right here's one other draw back: The normal downward tailgate operate just isn’t impaired. It simply falls down immediately. I'm guessing it's not doable to flick to the left besides via a swing-out hinge?
Initially, I used to be shocked that the Ridgeline's tailgate couldn't be locked. Not with a key, nor with the truck's central energy lock performance. Other than the old style key gap, the trunk apparently had central locking, however the tailgate didn’t. That may't be proper.
Seems, that wasn't the case. After consulting the guide I discovered the above display that allows you to disable the locking of the tailgate. Why would you do that? I have no idea.
On the highest proper, you may see the glovebox change that allows power-locking of the trunk. Why does the tailgate lock have a touchscreen whereas the trunk lock has a change? James shrugs.
Whereas solely three of my baggage take a look at luggage might match within the trunk, the remaining three have been in a position to match contained in the cab because of the flip-up seat backside and flat flooring. The seat backside trick is a standard truck function, however the flat flooring is often one thing you'll discover in full-size crew cabs. Mid-sized vans have plastic bins and different helps underneath the seats, making it not possible to load such as you see above.
Additionally, not like the Ford Ranger, which has a single-piece seat backside, the Ridgeline is cut up 60/40. This implies you need to use one portion for storing baggage whereas nonetheless utilizing the seat. Or with out the necessity to take away the kid seat, as you may see above.
The flip-up seat and flat flooring additionally make a big, snug canine mattress doable! I often desire to leash my canine utilizing a specifically designed automobile harness, however once they can sit comfortably on the ground like this, I make an exception.
This thorough take a look at highlights that the Ridgeline wouldn’t solely be the best truck for me, but in addition a really perfect household automobile. I'm extra seemingly to make use of the mattress for numerous house tasks than the third row of some bigger SUVs, whereas the trunk (and a mattress cowl if I’ve that factor) makes it extra appropriate for SUV-like jobs like hauling groceries or Makes it higher for the highway. hauling journey baggage in comparison with a standard truck. If push got here to shove, I might see myself shopping for a Ridgeline.