2014 Honda Ridgeline

NEW FOR 2014:

- New Special Edition trim level.

While we thought 2013 would be its final year in production, Honda’s Ridgeline has been given a stay of execution. The axe will fall on the curious midsize pickup truck that was designed for folks who couldn’t stand pickups when production ceases midway through 2014. But don’t worry – Honda has already confirmed a new model will debut sometime in the next two years.

The Ridgeline uses a 3.5-litre V6 with five-speed automatic transmission. Unusual for a pickup truck, its standard four-wheel drive system runs primarily in front-wheel drive. When needed for acceleration or extra traction, the system sends torque to the rear wheels.

Trim lines are the DX, Sport, SE, and Touring. The VP trim has been dropped.

Features on the DX include 17-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, rearview camera, dual-action tailgate, integrated trailer hitch, seven-pin trailer connection, pre-wiring for trailer brake controller, black door handles, heated mirrors, front and rear tow hooks, eight tie-down cleats, in-bed trunk, variable intermittent wipers, heated wiper park zone, active front head restraints, six-way manual driver’s seat, 60/40 lift-up rear seat with under-seat storage, composite cargo bed, illuminated vanity mirrors, exterior temperature gauge, multi-functional centre console, power-sliding rear window, auto up/down driver’s window, keyless entry, cruise control, and CD/MP3 stereo.

The Sport adds 18-inch black-painted alloy wheels, body-colour door handles and mirrors, black honeycomb grille, and black headlight and brake light housings fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, auxiliary input jack and rear privacy glass.

The Special Edition builds on the Sport’s styling goodies and adds leather upholstery, and a 10-way power driver’s seat with heating. It also gets 18-inch wheels copped from the range-topping Pilot SUV.

The Touring builds on the Special Edition with different 18-inch alloy wheels, security system, dual-zone automatic climate control, power sunroof, security system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 115-volt outlet, ambient console lighting, garage door opener, six-CD/MP3 stereo, XM satellite radio, navigation system, rearview camera and Bluetooth connectivity.