The 2008 Ridgeline is sold in four different trim levels, with each model adding more standard equipment. There are no exterior badges to distinguish models.
All Ridgelines are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 247 horsepower, with a five-speed automatic transmission and Honda's VTM-4 all-wheel-drive system. This full-time all-wheel-drive normally proportions 60 percent of the power to the front wheels, but if conditions indicate it will automatically send as much as 70 percent of the engine torque to the rear wheels. Ridgeline also incorporates a limited-slip differential with lock feature.
The Ridgeline RT ($28,000) is the base model. It comes standard with black door handles; steel wheels; manually adjusted front seats, air conditioning; power windows and locks; cruise control; and a 100-watt, six-speaker, XM-ready stereo with CD.
The RTX ($28,500) adds gray-finish alloy wheels, body-color door handles, a unique Sport grille, and a towing package.
The RTS ($30,425) adds power front seats with manual lumbar support; a160-watt, seven-speaker stereo with six-CD changer and steering-wheel mounted controls; dual-zone automatic climate control; outside temperature gauge; a security system; and new machine-finish alloy wheels. It does not come with the tow package, and reverts to the standard grille.
The RTL ($33,090) adds still more standard features, including leather upholstery, heated front seats, power lumbar support for the driver, power moonroof, compass and HomeLink remote integrated into the rear-view mirror, heated side mirrors, and all the hardware for XM Satellite Radio.
The RTL can be equipped with Ridgeline's only factory installed option: Honda's DVD-based navigation system with voice recognition ($2,000). It also offers a dealer-installed DVD entertainment system. But there are dozens of dealer-installed accessories available for all Ridgeline models, including roof rails, the tow package, and even the RTX model's neater-looking grille.
Safety equipment is comprehensive. It includes multi-stage front airbags and side-impact airbags for front passengers, front and rear side curtain airbags for head protection and LATCH child-seat anchors for the three rear seats. Anti-lock brakes, traction control, vehicle stability assist and a tire-pressure monitoring system are also standard.