2009 Honda Ridgeline Overview
The 2009 Honda Ridgeline receives a more masculine exterior look, a few minor interior updates and a little more horsepower. It still retains its sedan-like platform, and unique exterior design, which ensure a smooth ride as well as overall functionality. Ridgeline features a unit-body frame, all-wheel drive and four-wheel independent suspension. It is available in three trim levels- RT, RTS and RTL.
Exterior
For 2009, Ridgeline's exterior receives a new grille. Apart, Honda has also reshaped its headlights, enlarged the front and rear bumpers, and added some extra flare to the wheel arches. The updated taillights give the new Ridgeline a more masculine appearance. Here are a few more notable exterior features of the 2009 Ridgeline:
- Integrated trailer hitch with seven-pin trailer wiring.
- New daytime running lights.
- 18-inch wheels on RTL trim.
- Windshield wipers with a heated wiper zone.
- A dual-action tailgate that opens up and down for access to the cargo area or to the side for easier access to the lockable In-Bed Trunk.
- A motorcycle bed extender and a bed-mount bicycle attachment.
Interior
Inside, Ridgeline is upgraded with a new look for the instrument panel, improved switch controls, new cloth seating materials and a new steering-wheel design. Honda also adds a new trip computer and an auxiliary input jack for portable music players input jack. The stereo system on RTS, and RTL has been updated to allow MP3/WMA compatibility. All Ridgelines come equipped with an integrated trailer hitch. Some more interior features of the new Ridgeline include:
- Power sliding rear window.
- 160-watt, seven-speaker, six-CD changer sound system (RTS, RTL).
- Heated front seats (RTL).
- Leather seating (RTL).
Under the hood
Honda has made some improvements to the Ridgeline's engine, by boosting horsepower and torque. Despite updates to its engine and transmission, Ridgeline's fuel economy remains unchanged. Here are some under the hood specs of the sport utility truck:
- 3.5-liter, single-overhead-cam VTEC V6 engine.
- Rated at 250 horsepower, 247 pounds-feet of torque.
- Five-speed automatic transmission.
- Heavy-duty transmission cooler, heavy-duty radiator with twin 160-watt fans.
- Variable Torque Management four-wheel drive system that runs mostly in front-wheel drive and continuously sends torque to the rear wheels during acceleration and low traction situations.
- Locking rear differential.
Safety
All new Ridgelines are equipped with advanced safety systems, including a Vehicle Stability Assist system, side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, a tire pressure monitoring system, dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows of seats, antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist. New safety features for 2009 include:
- New front-seat active head restraints.
- New integrated rearview camera (RTL with navigation system).
