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Tuesday, August 5, 2008
From the moment Honda introduced the 2009 Pilot it was just a matter of time before the Japanese automaker would refresh the Ridgeline pick-up truck. Designed to look more familiar with the new Pilot, the most noticeable change to the Ridgeline for 2009 concerns the restyled front fascia that gets a new bumper and headlight design along with a revised grille. The rear bumper and taillights have also been revised for 2009.
Inside, styling updates include the revised 3D-style gauges, a new steering wheel design, and enhanced HVAC, audio, cruise and headlight controls. Also new for 2009 is the addition of Bluetooth HandsFreeLink on the Ridgeline RTL equipped with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, a 115-volt power outlet on the Ridgeline RTL and an MP3/auxiliary input jack on the Ridgeline RTS and above. Moreover, the ’09 Ridgeline also gets active front seat head restraints and daytime running lights. -Continued
Power continues to come from the same 3.5-liter VTEC V6 engine but thanks to the addition of a new camshaft profile and higher-flowing dual-stage intake manifold, output is bumped by 3HP to 250 HP at 5,700 rpm and torque by 2 lb-ft to 247 lb-ft. at 4,000 rpm. Honda also revised the 5-speed automatic transmission’s gear ratios engineered to benefit from the additional engine torque for more responsive acceleration. The 2009 Ridgeline is expected to go on sale in the States in September.
