We expected to see the new Ridgeline at Detroit ever since Honda previewed it as a Baja race truck at SEMA.



After seeing a couple of teaser images and the whole truck converted into a racer, we kind of had an idea how the final product will look like. So, no surprises here, as the mid-size sport utility truck appears to be a straightforward, no-nonsense vehicle.

Set to debut today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the new pickup truck is wider and longer than the previous generation, measuring an additional 5.4 inches (13.7 centimeters) in width and 4 inches (10 cm) in length – sporting a four-foot wide flat bed, with a fully flat-floor which can withstand and a maximum payload capacity of 1,600 pounds (725 kilograms).

To top it off, the bed is apparently scratch-resistant and comes with a dual action tailgate, a 400-watt AC power inverter and an in-bed audio system that uses six exciters placed inside the bed wall in order to release sound coming from the truck’s audio system for a total output of 540 watts.

The 2017 Ridgeline will be powered exclusively by a 3.5-litre V6 mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, which Honda says it will ensure best-in-class acceleration and fuel economy, and will be available in both front and all-wheel-drive configurations. The AWD system will incorporate Honda’s Intelligent Terrain Management, providing several modes: Normal, Sand, Snow, and Mud.

As expected from a brand new model, it will be available with a plethora of safety equipment, including Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Keeping Assist. Moreover, all of the models will get a multi-angle rearview camera as standard.

PHOTO GALLERY