Honda Ridgeline shamed by more efficient full-size Chevy pickup

[niky]

The older version of VCM only activated under very, very light load. The newer version seems to activate more often (or maybe my foot has gotten lighter in the interim)... and with active engine mounts to quell vibrations (on the Accord), they've managed to throw out four-cylinder mode... so it goes straight from six to three, instead of going six-four-three.

[Cobb]

There is a recall for many of the v6 powered Hondas with VCM as its lugging the engine too much causing excess oil consumption.

[Hersbird]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

The Ridgeline and El Camino 3.8L engines have almost identical torque ratings, with the Ridgeline having 10 more ft/lbs. I'd rather have the extra power available even if I have to rev the engine.

The Honda has sold about 12,000 Ridgelines this year, while Chevy has sold zero El Caminos. Shall we continue to compare a 30 year old vehicle with the Ridgeline?

Sure! From a quick search it looks like a Ridgeline supercharger kit gives about 325hp and costs $6000. So how about this complete kit for $6800 to drop a modern fuel injected 325 HP 5.3 in your El Camino? http://www.summitracing.com/parts/na...make/chevrolet
That same motor that pulls a Suburban and a 8000 pound tow rating. This could be done for a fraction of the cost with plentiful junkyard parts as well. Point is, cherry picking the most anemic Chevy small block in the most pathetic smog form for a 25 year run of El Caminos is misleading to the capability these had. GM still is making the El Camino with both the direct injected 3.6 or 6.0 with 6 speed autos as the Holden Ute. Although scheduled to end at the end of 2016 that is a year longer then the Ridgline. Oh and it had a 65 year run going there. The Ridgeline is like the Aztec of Hondas.
.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

After all the Ridgeline vs. El Camino stuff, focusing back on what matters: if the Chevy full-size fitted with a V8 still fared better than the Ridgeline in the MPG, it makes me wonder how a V6 would do, considering that it would have less internal frictions and being slightly lighter. A manual transmission would be also cool...

[star_deceiver]

The Silverado XFE package was a 2wd AFM 5.3L with a 3.08 rear and a few aero mods up front. Very low production, nobody wanted them.

This whole debate about the mileage Silverado vs. Ridgeline is really for not anyways...

Real world FE for the 2012 Ridgeline on Fuelly: 18.6 with many in the 19-20 range
Real world FE for 2012 Silverado on Fuelly: 15.5 and most in that region

Ridgelines have an oil burning issue with software... AFM 5.3L GM engines have that issue as well.

[Xist]

Is Honda planning a replacement for the Ridgeline?

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Xist

Is Honda planning a replacement for the Ridgeline?

If they would offer it with that 2.2L turbodiesel available for some overseas versions of the CR-V and the Accord, in order to make it more attractive for export markets, it would make sense to think about a new Ridgeline, instead of making it in relatively low numbers to be only a niche product in America.

[Cobb]

They mentioned they may offer suv and larger vehicles with the new dual electric motor hybrid drive system. Since most trucks do not haul or tow, it should be a perfect match. Then the odd case you tow, you flip a switch and it disables the ima system and goes fuel only.

[redpoint5]

Speaking of useless trucks, I actually went with a friend back in 2002 when he purchased a new Ford Lightning. He said yes to every option, including gap insurance and extended warranty; did no bargaining.

Here's a refresher of what useless looks like

Originally Posted by Cobb

...Then the odd case you tow, you flip a switch and it disables the ima system and goes fuel only.

Engineers would not rely on a person to flip a switch at the correct moment. Vehicles nowadays manage everything, with the driver simply needing to avoid solid objects. Even that duty is starting to be taken over by the vehicle.

Anyhow, I see no reason why the IMA would be disabled for towing. It would boost the performance specs and make the customer happy.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

I see no reason why the IMA would be disabled for towing. It would boost the performance specs and make the customer happy.

I wouldn't actually expect it to have an outstanding tow rating, but would also not expect it to get the IMA disabled for a tow/haul mode.