While the Ridgeline has to be praised for its functionality, it is after all a Honda. But it also has a few "how'd they ever think of that" features, too. One of the oddest of these is the dual opening tailgate. It drops down like a normal tailgate or it can also swing out to the street side for easy loading of the forward part, which helps greatly. The lift over from the side can be awkward because of the Chev Avalanche-like walls on the cargo bed.
The Ridgeline has a very durable, very practical interior and cargo box all of which can be easily cleaned with a sponge and water. None of your leathery, boulevardier stuff here. This will certainly help establish the Ridgeline's credibility with tradesmen and working people as will the three 12V power outlets -- two front, one rear.
There's also a tarted-up Ridgeline model available. This one has your alloys, leather, fabric floor mats and, for all I know (or care), a DVD entertainment system. Who needs that stuff in a pick-up truck anyway? It's a working vehicle, for heaven's sake, not your living room.
In any event, do check out the new Ridgeline before you automatically re-up for a new Silverado or Ram 1500. You'll be surprised and very pleased by what you find.
