Let's dive into the 2022 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E, a truck that's been turning heads with its unique blend of comfort, capability, and innovative features. If you're in the market for a mid-size pickup that doesn't compromise on the finer things, the RTL-E might just be your perfect match. We'll break down everything from its performance specs to its interior comforts, so you can see exactly what this truck brings to the table.

Performance and Powertrain

When it comes to performance, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering a robust 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission, providing seamless acceleration and efficient highway cruising. The intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) all-wheel-drive system comes standard, ensuring optimal traction and control in various driving conditions. Whether you're navigating city streets or tackling off-road trails, the Ridgeline RTL-E offers a confident and capable driving experience.

One of the standout features of the Ridgeline is its unibody construction, which sets it apart from traditional body-on-frame trucks. This design contributes to a smoother ride, improved handling, and enhanced overall comfort. The independent rear suspension further enhances ride quality, making the Ridgeline a comfortable daily driver. With a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a payload capacity of around 1,583 pounds, the RTL-E is well-equipped for hauling gear and equipment for work or play.

The Ridgeline's Intelligent Traction Management system offers selectable modes for snow, sand, and mud, optimizing performance for different terrains. This system adjusts the vehicle's drivetrain and stability control settings to provide the best possible grip and control. Fuel efficiency is also respectable, with EPA estimates of 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, making it a practical choice for everyday use. The Ridgeline RTL-E strikes a balance between power, efficiency, and versatility, making it a compelling option in the mid-size truck segment.

Interior Features and Technology

Stepping inside the 2022 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E, you'll find a well-appointed cabin loaded with premium features and advanced technology. The RTL-E trim comes standard with leather-trimmed seats, providing a touch of luxury and comfort. The front seats are heated, and the driver's seat offers 10-way power adjustability with power lumbar support, ensuring a comfortable driving position for long journeys. The passenger seat also offers 4-way power adjustability, enhancing comfort for your co-pilot.

The 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen is the centerpiece of the infotainment system, offering intuitive controls and smartphone integration. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come standard, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The RTL-E also includes a premium audio system with eight speakers, delivering crisp and clear sound throughout the cabin. Honda's satellite-linked navigation system is also included, providing turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic updates.

One of the most innovative features of the Ridgeline RTL-E is the truck-bed audio system. This unique system uses exciters to turn the entire truck bed into a giant speaker, perfect for tailgating or outdoor activities. The system is controlled via the infotainment screen and can be easily turned on or off as needed. Other convenient features include a wireless phone charger, a multi-angle rearview camera, and a one-touch power moonroof. The RTL-E also comes with a range of advanced safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a blind-spot information system.

Exterior Design and Bed Features

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E boasts a distinctive exterior design that blends ruggedness with modern styling. The bold front grille, sleek headlights, and muscular body lines give the Ridgeline a confident and capable appearance. The RTL-E trim adds several premium exterior features, including LED headlights, fog lights, and chrome door handles. The dual-action tailgate is another standout feature, allowing you to open it down like a traditional tailgate or swing it open to the side for easier access to the truck bed.

The Ridgeline's bed is designed for maximum versatility and functionality. It features a scratch-resistant composite construction, making it durable and easy to clean. The in-bed trunk is a unique and practical feature, offering 7.3 cubic feet of secure, lockable storage. This watertight compartment is perfect for storing tools, gear, or groceries, and it even has a drain plug for easy cleaning. The bed also includes eight tie-down cleats, making it easy to secure cargo of all shapes and sizes. The RTL-E also comes standard with a 115V power outlet in the bed, allowing you to power tools or other electronic devices.

The Ridgeline's bed is also designed to be highly functional, with features like bed lights and a wide, flat floor. The absence of traditional wheel wells maximizes cargo space, making it easier to load and transport large items. The RTL-E's exterior design and bed features combine to create a truck that is both stylish and highly practical, making it a great choice for work or play.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

When it comes to safety, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance features. Honda Sensing, a suite of safety technologies, comes standard on the RTL-E, providing added peace of mind on the road. This suite includes features like collision mitigation braking system (CMBS), road departure mitigation system (RDM), lane keeping assist system (LKAS), and adaptive cruise control (ACC).

The Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) helps to reduce the severity of a frontal collision by automatically applying the brakes when it detects an imminent collision. The Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) helps to keep the vehicle from unintentionally drifting out of its lane by providing steering assistance and braking if necessary. The Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) helps to keep the vehicle centered in its lane by providing gentle steering adjustments. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) allows you to set a desired speed and following distance, automatically adjusting the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

In addition to these advanced safety features, the Ridgeline RTL-E also includes standard safety equipment like anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and a multi-angle rearview camera. The RTL-E also features a blind-spot information system with cross-traffic monitor, which alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots and when backing out of parking spaces. The Ridgeline has earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), making it a safe and reliable choice for you and your family.

Pricing and Value

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E offers a compelling value proposition in the mid-size truck segment. With a starting MSRP of around $42,000, the RTL-E comes well-equipped with a range of premium features and advanced technology. While it may be priced higher than some of its competitors, the RTL-E offers a unique combination of comfort, capability, and innovation that sets it apart from the crowd. The standard all-wheel-drive system, unibody construction, and innovative features like the in-bed trunk and truck-bed audio system make the RTL-E a standout choice.

When considering the overall value, it's important to factor in the Ridgeline's reliability and resale value. Honda has a reputation for building durable and long-lasting vehicles, and the Ridgeline is no exception. The RTL-E's standard features, advanced technology, and premium amenities make it a well-rounded package that offers excellent value for the money. Compared to other mid-size trucks, the Ridgeline RTL-E offers a more refined and comfortable driving experience, making it a great choice for those who use their truck as a daily driver.

The Ridgeline's unique features, such as the dual-action tailgate and in-bed trunk, add to its overall value and practicality. These features make the Ridgeline more versatile and functional than traditional trucks, making it a great choice for a wide range of needs. The RTL-E's combination of performance, comfort, and innovation make it a compelling option for those looking for a mid-size truck that can do it all. Considering its reputation for reliability, advanced features, and overall versatility, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E offers excellent value for the money.

Conclusion

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E is a standout choice in the mid-size truck market, offering a unique blend of comfort, capability, and innovation. With its powerful V6 engine, standard all-wheel drive, and unibody construction, the Ridgeline delivers a smooth and refined driving experience. The RTL-E trim is packed with premium features, including leather-trimmed seats, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a truck-bed audio system.

Safety is also a top priority, with the Ridgeline RTL-E coming standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance features. The Honda Sensing suite provides added peace of mind on the road, while the RTL-E's top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS make it a safe and reliable choice for you and your family. The Ridgeline's unique features, such as the dual-action tailgate and in-bed trunk, add to its overall versatility and practicality.

While the Ridgeline RTL-E may be priced higher than some of its competitors, it offers a compelling value proposition with its combination of performance, comfort, and innovation. If you're in the market for a mid-size truck that doesn't compromise on the finer things, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E is definitely worth considering. Its unique features, refined driving experience, and comprehensive safety features make it a standout choice in a crowded segment.