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Honda decided to enter the lucrative North American pickup truck segment in 2006 with its Ridgeline. Many were skeptical, journalists and the general public alike, but the vehicle won several awards in its first year. For 2009 onward, the Ridgeline received a modest update to freshen its appearance and improve features.

The biggest changes are up front with an all-new, Pilot-inspired grill, a reworked bumper cover and two extra sets of lights down low — one set acting as daytime running lights, the other as fog lights.

The rear of the updated Ridgeline boasts a freshened set of tail lights, a new lower bumper that now flows into the fender flares and a backup camera lens next to the handle on the tailgate.

Unlike most pickup trucks on the market, the Ridgeline comes only in a one-size-fits-all configuration with four doors, seating for five and a five-foot-long cargo bed.

A unique feature of this cargo bed is a small covered trunk inside. It can be accessed via the tailgate, which both folds down, like other pickups, but also swings to the side for easier access.

Despite its car-like unit-body construction, the Ridgeline can handle off-road duty thanks to its standard Variable Torque Management four-wheel-drive system (VTM-4) and locking rear differential.

The four wheels are driven by a 3.5-liter 250-horsepower V6 engine through a five-speed automatic transmission. A heavy-duty transmission cooler is available.

Expect 15 miles to the gallon in city driving and 20 on the highway.

Three trim levels are offered: the base RT, RTS and top-of-the-line RTL.

Standard features on the Ridgeline RT include an integrated trailer hitch, pre-wiring for 7-pin trailer wiring, trip computer with instantaneous and average fuel economy; air conditioning; tilt steering wheel; power windows and door locks; power sliding rear window; cruise control; keyless entry; automatic heated wiper zone; a six-speaker, 100-watt audio system with CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability; and 60/40 split lift-up rear seat with underseat storage.

The Ridgeline RTS adds alloy wheels; a 7-pin trailer wiring connector; body-color painted door handles; painted inner grille surfaces; a seven-speaker 160-watt audio system with sub woofer and six-disc in-dash audio system; steering wheel-mounted controls; an auxiliary audio input jack; dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support; privacy glass; and all-weather floor mats.

The RTL adds a leather-trimmed interior with heated front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels; fog lights, moonroof, a 110-volt power outlet, XM Satellite Radio, HomeLink remote system, carpeted floor mats, and a compass in the rear view mirror. A Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition is available (and replaces the rear-view mirror interior compass). Vehicles equipped with the navigation system also include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and a multi-information display.

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