Honda’s Ridgeline brings to the mid-size pickup truck class the SUV-like ride quality, styling cues and interior refinement but still offers truck’s utility and respectable towing capacity. With Pilot SUV-based underpinning and engine, this unique truck delivers class unmatched handling and riding experience but trades those for limited off-road capability and towing capacity compared to other mid-sized trucks.
Recently redesigned Ridgeline also comes in many variations but in the four-door crew cab configuration only. The model will return with some revisions in trim features for the 2018 model year and the 2018 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition will be at the top of the lineup. This version brings uniquely themed exterior and interior combined with the V-6 engine and standard all-wheel drive system.
2018 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition: Black-themed exterior
All Ridgeline models come with four-door Crew Cab cabin and styling which follows similar design principles as the popular Pilot SUV. Two models also share the same unibody architecture which provides the class leading ride quality for the Ridgeline models. However, compared to the Pilot SUV, the Ridgeline has received the infusion of the additional high-strength steel in the key areas and also has beefed suspension in order to offer improved capability.
Styling wise, the Ridgeline adopts brand’s latest design language with many seminaries with the Pilot SUV except model rides on the stretched wheelbase and has cargo bad. Unique in the class is also the dual-action tailgate which opens like the conventional tailgate or like the barn door.
On the other hand, what stands out the 2018 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition from other versions in the lineup in the unique black-themed styling. This version comes painted in the Crystal Black Pearl color and with other enhancements. The model also has black-toned power mirrors and door handles combined with the black grille and bumpers. Unique 18-inch wheel finished in black also add to the look of this model.
Interior, Features:
The black theme also dominates inside the cabin. The model has black leather-trimmed seating and steering wheel. The black upholstery fits nice with the red contrasting stitching and ambient lighting.
The model, on the other hand, offers the same features like the RTL-E trim. It comes with LED headlights, 10-way power driver seats, heated front seats, driver memory setting, tri-zone climate control, etc.
The Black Edition model also has an 8-inch display based infotainment interface with Apple Car Play and Android Auto support. Standard on this model is also the 540-Watt Premium sound system with eight speakers.
Honda also provides more relaxed ride with the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistant systems. The model can rely on the Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
2018 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition: Performance
Under the hood of every Ridgeline is a direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 engine which also powers the Pilot SUV. This efficient engine can deliver 280 hp and torque reaches 262 lb-ft. The engine works in the combination with the six-speed automatic gearbox.
The 2018 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition combines this power hardware with the all-wheel drive system which raises the towing capacity to 5, 000 pounds compared to 3, 500 pounds with the two-wheel drive. The driver terrain management system is also the part of this combination and includes the modes for Normal, Mud, Snow and Sand.
With this setup, the Black Edition model should return 21 mpg combined fuel economy.
2018 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition: Arrival, Price
If the unique 2018 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition would be your choice be ready to pay about $43, 000. The arrival is expected early next year.