As fun as it is to get a sparkling new truck, it is always wise to compare the new release to the used models as you can often save money buying a used model and still get great benefits. You can do this from the convenience of your home while shopping and comparing used trucks online.
Take the 2020 Honda Ridgeline, for example. It was reintroduced into the mid size truck line by Honda in 2017. So, unlike some rivals, there are only three years of models — 2017, 2018 and 2019 — that are worth analyzing.
What are the advantages of purchasing a Honda Ridgeline?
Interior
This truck is more like an SUV inside, which makes it great if you have a family or frequently have adult guests along for the ride. The Ridgeline’s interior is a step above most other cabins in terms of space and quality. There are lots of standard features, and the bed offers some things you can’t get with other mid-sized competitors.
Exterior
This is the only truck on the market to have an in-bed compartment that functions as a trunk. Of course, it can also be a large cooler when you want to fill it with ice. Then there’s a handy drain for when the ice melts. The bed length on the 2020 model with the tailgate up is 63.6. The bed of the used models measures 64 inches long with the tailgate up and 50 inches wide from wheel well to wheel well. Measured with the tailgate down, the truck bed of the 2019 of the Honda Ridgeline becomes 83 inches long and 60 inches wide.
Performance
There’s just one high-powered engine. This is a treat compared to the four-cylinder engines that try to power cheaper midsize truck rivals. The Honda Ridgeline comes with a powerful V6 engine and is considered to be one of the most comfortable rides in compact pick-up trucks.
Safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2019 Honda Ridgeline a five-star overall safety rating, which included five stars each for frontal, side, and side pole crash ratings. The perfect score is not complete only due to unavailable standard safety features. Forward collision and lane departure features are available only in upgrades.
Overall, the Honda Ridgeline exhibits excellent safety ratings, especially with regards to collision-related features including restraints and airbags. Its high safety rating and reliability makes it a good choice for a family pickup.
Is there a disadvantage to the Honda Ridgeline in comparison to competitors?
The only noted drawback to the Ridgeline compared to competitors like the Ford Ranger or Toyota Tacoma, is that it doesn’t have towing and hauling as a top priority. The Ridgeline has lower capacities in both towing and hauling than its competitors. However, the towing capacity is still 3500 to 5000 pounds.
What is new or special about the Honda Ridgeline 2020?
There’s a new nine-speed transmission on the 2020 Ridgeline. U.S. News and World Report has placed it at the number one spot for best compact pickup trucks for 2020. There are more safety features. Android Auto is now standard for Android phone users. Apple CarPlay is now on board for iPhone users.
What is the Takeaway?
I’d call it a tie. Truck shoppers can purchase the 2017, 2018 or 2019 models without experiencing much difference between the used models and the new 2020 Honda Ridgeline, when it comes to space or capability. That means you can get the same amount of truck but get it cheaper by buying used.
On the other hand, the 2020 Ridgeline upped its list of tech standards, and that’s what makes a vehicle competitive. If you are buying, not leasing, the new Ridgeline is worth the extra cash as a long term investment.
So, the best advice, really, is to split the difference. You should start your search by looking for a used Ridgeline that has the safety features offered on the new one. That will save you money and all you will be lacking is that extra Android/Apple connectivity. You probably won’t miss that too much. If you can’t find a used one that is really going to make a difference in your overall car payments, the new one is for you.
