While not as brawny, nor as versatile, nor nearly as tough as some of the domestic behemoths, the 2010 Honda Ridgeline midsize pickup is Honda’s toe-in-the-water approach to the U.S. truck market. Unchanged from 2009, the Ridgeline comes in three trim levels, the base RT, mid-level RTS, and high-end RTL. Curiously, the RTL with an available voice-activated navigation system is often listed as a separate trim. All trims are equipped with standard full-time four-wheel drive. Unable to travel too far off the beaten path or haul more than 5,000 pounds on its standard integrated Class III trailer hitch, the Ridgeline is, nevertheless, a snappy-looking light-duty crew-cab pickup that handles like a car, seats five, and features a 5-foot, steel-reinforced composite bed with a sizable trunk beneath.

The sole drivetrain available for the 2010 Ridgeline consists of a 3.5-liter SOHC V6 and five-speed automatic transmission, together capable of putting out 250 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. The EPA estimates a not-so-inspiring 15/20 mpg for this perky, but far-from-hefty combination. All Ridgeline trims are equipped with Honda’s standard Variable Torque Management 4-Wheel Drive System (VTM-4) which is described as “full-time on-demand four-wheel drive.” In an interesting quirk, the rear differential can be manually locked at a dead stop in snow or mud for extra traction, then automatically unlocks at about 18 mph for normal driving.

As for standard appearance, comfort, and convenience features, the 2010 Ridgeline RT boasts 17-inch styled steel wheels, a power-operated sliding rear window, front bucket seats, cloth upholstery, center console, power door locks, windows, and mirrors, remote locks, cruise control, air conditioning, a Class III trailer hitch (though wiring is optional), and a single-CD player with six speakers. The RTS adds standard 17-inch alloy wheels, a remote anti-theft alarm, the aforementioned trailer wiring harness, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, steering-wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, and a 160-watt, 6-CD changer with seven speakers, including a subwoofer. The Ridgeline RTL offers 18-inch alloy wheels, a power moonroof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a universal garage door opener as standard equipment.

Options for the 2010 Ridgeline include 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, Bluetooth hands-free communications technology, running boards, rear-seat DVD entertainment, and backup sensors for the two lower trims. The RTL can be equipped with the voice-activated DVD navigation system, which features a rear-view camera and programmable multi-informational driver’s display.

For 2010, the Honda Ridgeline offers such standard safety features as four-wheel disc ABS, traction and stability control, dual front side-mounted airbags, and front and rear head curtain airbags. Foglights, daytime running lights, rear parking sensors, a remote anti-theft alarm, and the rear-view camera system are available options that vary by trim level.

Owners of the 2009 Honda Ridgeline have some issues with its five-speed automatic, which occasionally has a tendency to search blindly for the right gear. Other irksome details include uninspired cabin materials, a somewhat unfriendly layout of the dashboard and controls, stingy rear-seat legroom, and a disappointing lack of torque. On the positive side, owners praise the Ridgeline’s overall quality, handling characteristics, and reliability, with the under-bed trunk space and two-way-opening tailgate in particular drawing special kudos. In short, value is what motivated owners to choose the Honda Ridgeline in ’09.