Honda hits the right mix with its 2010 Ridgeline

When somebody says they’re “not a truck person,” I seldom take this as a snooty response to the idea of driving a “work” vehicle, but see this as one (or all) of three complaints:

• They’ve seen the interior of their roofer’s stained and cigarette-burned 1978 F-150 and can’t imagine being cradled in such “luxury.”

• It’s hard enough to manoeuvre and park in today’s plaza and shopping mall lots without the added chore of finding a berth for the automotive equivalent of a Cunard liner.

• Buck-a-litre gas.

Need I say more?

One great way to get around all this is the 2010 Honda Ridgeline.

It’s easy to dismiss the notion that current truck interiors don’t deliver sedan-like comfort and amenities, especially when checking out some of the “limited” editions that can include power heated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, premium sound systems, navigation and more.

It’s difficult, however, to counter the arguments against size and fuel economy — especially when some of today’s full-size pickups are approaching, and even exceeding, 20 feet in length, not to mention slurping buckets of fuel in real world driving.

With these competing factors in mind, I approached the 2010 Honda Ridgeline wondering if it really could do just about anything a car, crossover or half-ton can do.

And after a week behind the wheel, I was not disappointed.

Perhaps the Ridgeline’s best-known feature is its lockable and weather-resistant “in-bed trunk” that provides 241 litres of space below the cargo bed. It’s surprisingly deep and provides enough space for three golf bags or a large load of groceries.

Throughout the Ridgeline’s interior, there are a plethora of bins and cubbies, on the dash, roof liner, doors and between the seats.

Standard safety items include dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor and a tire pressure monitoring system with location indicators.

The Ridgeline’s construction also contributes to its smooth ride, feeling of solidity and its minimum of squeaks and rattles.

All in all, the Ridgeline is an ideal balance between everyday comfort and practicality, and all-around utility.

2010 Honda Ridgeline