Rearview Camera Failure (Blue/Black Screen)
medium- Typically appears
- 40–70k mi
- Estimated repair
- $300 – $500
2019 Honda
RidgelinePickup
Pickup
The 2019 Honda Ridgeline is a midsize pickup built on a unibody platform — the same basic architecture as the Honda Pilot — rather than the traditional body-on-frame design used by most trucks. That choice defines everything about it: you get a notably smoother, car-like ride, a quieter cabin, and confident handling that outclasses every traditional midsize rival, but you give up heavy-duty towing, off-road capability, and the rugged feel some truck buyers expect. For 2019, the Ridgeline carries over Honda's proven 3.5L i-VTEC V6 paired with a 6-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. Standout features include a lockable in-bed trunk (a genuine game-changer for secure storage), a dual-action tailgate that swings both down and sideways, and a refined interior that matches Honda's Pilot and Passport in quality. The bed is shorter than most rivals at 64 inches, but daily usability is excellent. The Ridgeline suits buyers who want a truck for weekend projects and family hauling — not those who regularly tow over 5,000 lbs or wheel through serious mud. If your truck spends 80% of its time on pavement and 20% in light-duty work, this is one of the most practical and comfortable midsize trucks on the market.
Reliability
4/5
Verified data
Specs shown for Ridgeline FWD — the most common configuration.
Other trims may vary in engine, drivetrain, or fuel economy. Sign in to see your vehicle's exact specs.
Engine
[object Object]
Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel
Gasoline
MPG
19 city / 26 hwy / 22 combined
Seats
—
Doors
—
Body
Small Pickup Trucks 2WD
Length
210.0 inches
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2019 Honda Ridgeline is a midsize pickup built on a unibody platform — the same basic architecture as the Honda Pilot — rather than the traditional body-on-frame design used by most trucks. That choice defines everything about it: you get a notably smoother, car-like ride, a quieter cabin, and confident handling that outclasses every traditional midsize rival, but you give up heavy-duty towing, off-road capability, and the rugged feel some truck buyers expect. For 2019, the Ridgeline carries over Honda's proven 3.5L i-VTEC V6 paired with a 6-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. Standout features include a lockable in-bed trunk (a genuine game-changer for secure storage), a dual-action tailgate that swings both down and sideways, and a refined interior that matches Honda's Pilot and Passport in quality. The bed is shorter than most rivals at 64 inches, but daily usability is excellent. The Ridgeline suits buyers who want a truck for weekend projects and family hauling — not those who regularly tow over 5,000 lbs or wheel through serious mud. If your truck spends 80% of its time on pavement and 20% in light-duty work, this is one of the most practical and comfortable midsize trucks on the market.
Known for
- Smooth, car-like unibody ride quality
- Lockable in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate
- Reliable 3.5L V6 with Honda's i-VTEC variable valve timing
- Quieter cabin than body-on-frame competitors
- Standard AWD on most trims
Best for
- Commuters who occasionally need a truck bed
- Families wanting truck utility with SUV comfort
- Light hauling and home improvement runs
- Wisconsin winters where AWD traction matters on salted roads
- Buyers who prioritize long-term reliability over raw capability
Watch for
- 5,000 lb tow rating — well below body-on-frame rivals
- 64-inch bed is shorter than most midsize trucks
- Rearview camera failures reported on 2017–2019 models (TSB 18-063)
- Not suited for serious off-road use or deep mud
- Transmission shudder on acceleration reported on some units (TSB 18-001)
Common issues by mileage
6 knownTransmission Shudder on Acceleration
medium- Typically appears
- 20–50k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $350
Cold Start Idle Air Control System Performance
low- Typically appears
- 30–60k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $300
Fuel Pump Failure
low- Typically appears
- 60–90k mi
- Estimated repair
- $500 – $750
Catalytic Converter Efficiency (Bank 1)
low- Typically appears
- 80–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $900 – $1,400
VTC/VTEC Oil Pressure & Camshaft Timing Faults
low- Typically appears
- 80–150k mi
- Estimated repair
- $200 – $700
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 7,500 mi or 12 months Engine oil and filter change — 0W-20 full synthetic, 5.7 qts with filter
Honda's i-VTEC system relies on clean oil for camshaft timing actuators. Dirty oil is the leading cause of VTC rattle on cold starts and camshaft timing codes. Don't stretch this interval.
- 2 Every 12,000 mi or 12 months Tire rotation and pressure check
The AWD system works best when all four tires wear evenly. Uneven wear can stress the rear differential coupling. In Wisconsin winters, also confirm tread depth is above 4/32" before the first snowfall.
- 3 Every 30,000 mi or 36 months Air filter replacement (P/N 17220-R9P-003)
Wisconsin road dust and pollen load filters faster than many other regions. A clogged filter hurts fuel economy noticeably on the already-modest 22 mpg combined.
- 4 Every 30,000 mi or 36 months Cabin air filter replacement (P/N 80292-SDA-A01)
Humid Wisconsin summers promote mold growth in clogged cabin filters. A musty smell from the vents is the first sign — don't wait.
- 5 Every 3 years or as needed Brake fluid flush — DOT 3
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, lowering its boiling point. This matters especially in hilly or stop-and-go conditions. Wisconsin salt seasons also accelerate corrosion in brake lines.
- 6 Every 90,000 mi or 72 months Transmission fluid change — Honda DW-1 ATF only, 7.6 qts
Use only Honda DW-1. Off-brand ATF is a documented cause of the transmission shudder issue on this generation. A fluid change with the correct fluid often resolves early shudder complaints without further parts.
- 7 Every 5 years or 60,000 mi Coolant replacement — Honda Long Life Type 2 (Blue)
Mixing coolant types or running degraded coolant can damage the aluminum heads and water pump. Capacity is 7.5 qts — make sure the system is fully bled after service.
- 8 Every fall (before temps drop below 20°F) Battery load test and terminal cleaning
The Ridgeline's stock battery is sized for moderate climates. Lake Geneva winters regularly hit sub-zero temps that drop cold-cranking amps dramatically. A battery approaching 4–5 years old should be tested, not assumed good.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$600 – $1,000
Fuel
At 22 mpg combined and ~15,000 mi/year, expect roughly $2,000–$2,500/year in fuel at current Midwest regular unleaded prices. The V6 requires regular (87 octane) — no premium needed.
Insurance
Midsize pickup rates in Wisconsin typically run $1,200–$1,700/year for full coverage on a 2019 Ridgeline, depending on your driving record and coverage levels. The Ridgeline's strong safety scores can help keep rates competitive.
The Ridgeline is one of the cheaper midsize trucks to maintain annually. Honda's service intervals are reasonable, parts are widely available, and nothing about this truck requires specialized labor. The biggest wildcard costs are a rearview camera replacement (~$300–500) and catalytic converter if it eventually goes (~$900–1,400). Avoid dealer ATF up-sells for the transmission — just make sure DW-1 fluid is used and you'll likely avoid the shudder issue entirely.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Load test the battery every fall — sub-zero Lake Geneva temps will expose any weak battery fast. Replace proactively at 4–5 years old.
- Switch to winter-rated tires if you use the Ridgeline off pavement or on unplowed roads. The AWD helps traction, but all-season tires lose grip below 32°F.
- Flush washer fluid reservoir and top off with -30°F or colder rated fluid. The under-hood reservoir is exposed to cold soak and standard fluid will freeze in the lines.
- Rinse the undercarriage weekly or after major salt events. The Ridgeline's unibody frame has fewer crevices than body-on-frame trucks but brake lines, suspension points, and in-bed trunk hinges are all salt magnets.
- Check the in-bed trunk drain and tailgate seals before winter — a frozen or clogged drain can trap standing water that accelerates corrosion.
- Keep the gas tank at least half full during cold snaps to reduce moisture condensation in the fuel system and prevent fuel line issues.
Summer
- Check tire pressure every few weeks in summer — tires gain roughly 1 PSI per 10°F of temperature increase and overinflation causes center tread wear.
- Test the A/C system in May before peak heat. This V6 is prone to heat soak at idle in slow traffic; a weak A/C will struggle noticeably.
- Inspect the cabin air filter after spring pollen season — a clogged filter reduces A/C airflow and can grow mold in humid conditions.
- Check coolant level and condition at the start of summer. The 7.5-qt cooling system works hard towing in high heat; low or degraded coolant risks overheating.
- Inspect brake pads and rotors after winter — salt and freeze-thaw cycles accelerate rotor rust and pad wear. Summer is the right time to address borderline brakes before the next season.
Comparable vehicles
2019 Toyota
Tacoma
The benchmark midsize truck for resale value and off-road credibility. More capable on dirt, but a rougher ride, smaller cabin, and lower tow rating than many expect. Better choice if you go off-road regularly.
2019 Chevrolet
Colorado
Body-on-frame midsize with higher tow ratings (up to 7,700 lbs with the diesel). More traditional truck feel, but a noticeably less refined cabin and rougher daily ride than the Ridgeline.
2019 Ford
Ranger
Returned to the US market in 2019 after a long absence. Capable body-on-frame design with a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder. More off-road ready than the Ridgeline, but the cabin and feature set lag behind.
2019 GMC
Canyon
Colorado's premium twin with slightly nicer interior touches. Same capability story — better towing on paper, but the Ridgeline wins on daily comfort, storage cleverness, and long-term reliability data.