Best & Worst Honda Ridgeline Years

We have ranked all Honda Ridgeline models for each generation so you can avoid picking the worst Honda Ridgeline years and pick the best year.

Eyeing a Honda Ridgeline?

Intelligent, but choose wisely – not all years are winners. I’ve crunched the numbers from NHTSA and Edmunds to spotlight the best and worst Ridgeline years.

We’ll cover dependability, safety, common issues, and recalls. By the end, you’ll know which models are worth your money and which to avoid.

Ready to discover your perfect Ridgeline?

Let’s dive in.

Related:Best & Worst Honda CR-V YearsBest & Worst Honda Pilot Years

Table of ContentsShow

Honda Ridgeline Generations

The Honda Ridgeline burst onto the scene in 2006, shaking up the midsize pickup world. This wasn’t your grandpa’s truck – Honda went bold with a unibody design that drove more like a car than a traditional pickup.

What set the first Ridgeline apart? Think comfortable rides, a tailgate that swings two ways, and a trunk concealed right in the bed. Talk about thinking outside the box (or truck bed, in this case).

Here’s a concise look at the Ridgeline’s evolution since 2004:

GenerationYears
1st Generation (YK1)2006-2014
2nd Generation (YK2/YK3)2017-Present

Knowing these generation shifts is crucial. Each leap forward often means better tech, smoother rides, and fewer headaches down the road. Keep this in mind as we dig into the best and worst years.

Honda Ridgeline Best, Neutral, and Worst Years

When it comes to picking the cream of the crop (or avoiding the bad apples) in Honda Ridgeline models, I don’t just flip a coin. My analysis dives deep, considering:

  • What owners say about reliability (because who knows better than the folks behind the wheel?)
  • How much you’ll shell out for annual maintenance
  • Safety ratings (because your family’s protection matters)
  • Consumer Reports’ reliability scores (these folks know their stuff)
  • How satisfied owners are, according to Consumer Reports
  • NHTSA’s tally of recalls, investigations, and complaints (the official word on safety)
  • Ratings from real owners on Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB), VehicleHistory, and Cars.com

Next up, I’ve got a chart that pulls all these ratings together. It’s like a comprehensive report card for every Ridgeline model year:

Honda Ridgeline Car Smite Score Combined Overall Score

Based on this mountain of information, I’ve sorted each Ridgeline model year into two categories: the best and the worst.

GenerationBest YearsWorst Years
1st Generation (YK1)2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2006
2007
2008
2nd Generation (YK2/YK3)2020
2021
2022
2023
2017
2018
2019

Interestingly, we don’t have any “neutral” years for the Ridgeline. It’s either a hit or a miss – no middle ground here.

Remember, things like NHTSA recalls can really sink a vehicle’s dependability score. More complaints and recalls? That’s a red flag for potential problems down the road.

Ready to see which Ridgeline years emerge on top?

Let’s break it down.

Best & Worst Years for Honda Ridgeline 1st Generation (2006-2014)

Honda Ridgeline 1st generation 2006 model
The 2006 Honda Ridgeline

The Ridgeline’s debut in 2006 was like a breath of fresh air in the pickup world. Its unibody frame was a game-changer, offering a ride that felt more like a comfy SUV than a clunky work truck.

In this first generation, the primary years stretch from 2009 to 2014. But watch out for those initial models from 2006 to 2008 – they’re the ones you might want to skip.

The Best Years: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

Why do these years shine? Simple: fewer owner complaints and solid scores from Consumer Reports on both reliability and owner satisfaction. If you’re eyeing a first-gen Ridgeline, these are your best bets.

Under the hood, you’ll find a 3.5L J35Z5 V6 engine. It’s no slouch, pumping out about 250 horses and 247 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 5-speed H5 PSFA automatic transmission, it delivers that smooth Honda drive we all know and value.

Fuel economy? It’s decent for a pickup, clocking in at around 15 mpg in the city and 20 on the highway.

Trim levels ran from the basic RT to the upscale RTL. Spring for the higher trims, and you’ll enjoy luxuries like leather seats (heated up front) and a sound system that’ll make your commute feel like a concert.

Safety wasn’t an afterthought either. With stability control, anti-lock brakes, and side-curtain airbags, these Ridgelines earned their stripes in crash tests.

The Worst Years: 2006, 2007, 2008

Now, let’s talk about the years you might want to steer clear of: 2006, 2007, and 2008. These initial birds caught some worms, and not in a positive way.

The biggest headaches? Electrical gremlins and transmission troubles. Many owners found themselves sweating over more than just the Florida sun when their A/C systems went on the fritz.

But the real kicker was a nasty corrosion issue in the transmission cooling line. When coolant and transmission fluid start mixing, it’s a recipe for disaster – and expensive repairs.

These models also racked up a laundry list of recalls. We’re talking airbag issues, short circuits in the HVAC system, fuel leaks, and fuel pump failures. It’s like a greatest hits album of car problems.

Want to explore deeper?

Check out the NHTSA reports for the 2006, 2007, and 2008 Ridgeline models. They’re enlightening, to say the least.

Best & Worst Years for Honda Ridgeline 2nd Generation (2017-Present)

Honda Ridgeline 2nd generation 2017 model
The 2017 Honda Ridgeline

Honda hit the reset button in 2017, rolling out a Ridgeline that was keener, smarter, and more capable than ever. But not all years are created equal in this new generation.

The worst offenders? That’d be the 2017-2019 models. But don’t worry, there’s good news too – from 2020 onwards, the Ridgeline really hits its stride.

The Best Years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

If you’re shopping for a second-gen Ridgeline, these are the years to highlight on your calendar. Here’s why they stand out:

Power comes from a beefed-up 3.5L J35Y6 V6 engine, now churning out 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to an improved 9-speed ZF 9HP automatic transmission, making for a smooth and swift drive.

Fuel economy is pretty impressive for a truck this size. Expect about 19 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway if you go for the AWD version.

Trim levels run from the base Sport all the way up to the upscale Black Edition. Splash out on the higher trims, and you’ll get nifty features like a truck-bed audio system (perfect for tailgating) and Honda’s full suite of safety tech.

Speaking of safety, these models come loaded with features like collision mitigation braking, road departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control. It’s like having a protective angel riding shotgun.

The Worst Years: 2017, 2018, 2019

Now, let’s talk about the years you might want to think twice about. The 2017, 2018, and 2019 Ridgelines had a few gremlins in the system.

What went wrong? For starters, electrical problems were a common headache. Owners reported flickering instrument clusters and infotainment systems that seemed to have a mind of their own.

Transmission troubles also reared their hideous head, with some drivers experiencing shuddering and braking problems. And let’s not forget the dreaded “Emissions System Problem” light – often triggered by failing fuel injectors.

These models also saw their fair share of recalls. We’re talking about rearview cameras going dark, unexpected stability assist activations (thanks to water leaks), and even potential engine damage from worn connecting rod bearings.

The 2019 model added a couple more to the list: potential timing belt failures and fuel pump issues. Not exactly what you want to hear about your truck, right?

Want the full scoop?

Check out the NHTSA reports for the 2017, 2018, and 2019 Ridgeline models. It’s a revealing read.

Honda Ridgeline Resale Values

Curious about how well the Ridgeline holds its value? Take a look at this graph:

Honda Ridgeline Average List Price

Conclusion

So, there you have it – your guide to the greatest and worst Honda Ridgeline years. For first-gen models, target 2009-2014 for reliability and features.

Prefer newer? Go for 2020-2023 models with the latest tech and fewer issues. Steer clear of 2006-2008 and 2017-2019 – they might seem like bargains but could cost you more in the long run.

Owned a Ridgeline?

Share your thoughts in the remarks below!

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Jonathan Eckert

Jonathan is an ASE-certified mechanic with over 22 years of hands-on experience in the automotive industry. His expertise spans a wide range of vehicles, but he specializes in diagnosing and repairing Japanese cars. His previous workplace highly commended his meticulous attention to detail, and that's exaclty what he uses at Car Smite to craft the best guides for each purpose.