Honda Ridgeline shamed by more efficient full-size Chevy pickup - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

MetroMPG · 12-13-2009, 03:07 PM

Honda says they're going to try improving the fuel economy of the Ridgeline.

(Image from thread: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...nomy-7552.html )

Quote:

...with the [Ridgeline] weighing about 650 pounds less than a full-frame, V8-powered Chevy Silverado but actually managing slightly lower fuel economy than the XFE edition of GM’s larger truck.

Silverado XFE crew cab (15/21 mpg city/highway)
Ridgeline (15/20 mpg city/highway)

They're aiming for efficiency gains through lower weight and better aero, according to a company rep.

Source: Next Ridgeline Aims For Improved Fuel Economy - PickupTrucks.com News

Related thread: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...nomy-7552.html

darcane · 12-14-2009, 03:00 PM

And you can't get a manual in either. Blech!

It seems like it would be a no-brainer for Honda to get best in class mileage for the Ridgeline. It's lighter, shorter, narrower, and has a smaller engine. They've got everything going for them, and yet, disappointing results.

I also thought the Element should have better mileage. It's similar to the '03 Saturn Vue I've got for my wife, but the Vue (4cyl manual) gets better mileage than a comparable Element.

Mike

MetroMPG · 12-14-2009, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darcane

It seems like it would be a no-brainer for Honda to get best in class mileage for the Ridgeline. It's lighter, shorter, narrower, and has a smaller engine. They've got everything going for them, and yet, disappointing results.

They didn't make fuel economy a priority in the outgoing model (and admitted as much).

We know it's not rocket surgery.

On the positive side, it's good to see yet another example of manufacturers competing for increased efficiency instead of (in addition to?) all the other crowns they've been chasing all these years.

Cobb · 09-21-2014, 12:14 PM

Any known updates? I think I heard this next model year was going to be even better mpg.

Hows the over all performance in 2 and 4wd? I think I read it does something funky where it's in 4wd at slow speeds, then it slips over to front wheel drive unless there is slippage, then it reverts to 4wd for a few and back to front wheel drive or something unusual like that

PaleMelanesian · 09-22-2014, 09:50 AM

The Ridgeline is build on the same platform as the Odyssey, with one key drivetrain difference: a shorter final drive gear. Higher rpm is NOT good for mileage.

With the new Odyssey rating 19/28 mpg, there should be some room for improvements just by sharing components.

ksa8907 · 09-22-2014, 01:43 PM

I didn't even know they still made these. I cant imagine they're making money at it...

redpoint5 · 09-22-2014, 07:30 PM

My grandpa has wanted to buy a Ridgeline for many years now, but just can't justify the stagnation in design that has taken place. The Ridgeline is essentially unchanged from the release in 2005. The 2014 model is EPA rated at 15 city 21 highway and 17 combined. Apparently the brakes or stopping distance is also unimpressive.

The 2015 Chevy Colorado 4x4 is EPA rated 17 city 24 highway and 20 combined. That's an 18% improvement over the Ridgeline.

I'm still waiting for a diesel Taco to visit The States.

War_Wagon · 09-22-2014, 10:55 PM

I honestly thought the Ridgeline would be done by now. The only reason they sell is they say Honda on the back IMO. A mostly full time 4wd, only available in automatic, "big" truck that doesn't have a full frame, nor rear wheel drive, so towing is not really it's thing. And the box is tiny. I get that they are a truck for people that will never use them as one, but Honda could have done a lot better with them. I'd like to see an Element based small pickup rather than this dog. Too bad they killed the Element in 2009.

ksa8907 · 09-22-2014, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by War_Wagon

I honestly thought the Ridgeline would be done by now. The only reason they sell is they say Honda on the back IMO. A mostly full time 4wd, only available in automatic, "big" truck that doesn't have a full frame, nor rear wheel drive, so towing is not really it's thing. And the box is tiny. I get that they are a truck for people that will never use them as one, but Honda could have done a lot better with them. I'd like to see an Element based small pickup rather than this dog. Too bad they killed the Element in 2009.

I agree completely with the "honda" thing. It gets beat in mpgs by trucks that are both bigger and far more capable.

War_Wagon · 09-23-2014, 12:01 AM

It's no secret I'm a Honda fan, but at the same time these trucks are just a bad idea ha ha. It was built to take advantage of a customer base that wanted to drive a truck, without ever needing to use it for anything heavy duty, and wanted a Honda. Apparently that is a lot of the vehicle buying population as they are still selling. The Subaru Baja lasted 4 years, I guess that's the difference between Subaru and Honda's reputation as far as people just assuming their stuff is good and wanting it.