The Honda Ridgeline (RL) is often praised as a versatile vehicle, but a recurring concern among enthusiasts and potential buyers is its ground clearance. For a vehicle marketed with some level of all-wheel-drive capability, the RL’s ground clearance often feels inadequate, especially when compared to vehicles like the Subaru Forester. This article delves into the details of ground clearance, comparing the RL to other vehicles and exploring what this dimension truly means for drivers.
The original author points out a critical flaw: the RL’s ground clearance feels more akin to a car like the Toyota Camry than a capable SUV or truck. The desire for “Subaru Forester capability,” which boasts approximately 2 inches more ground clearance, highlights a real-world need for increased space underneath the vehicle. Adding to the issue, the author notes that the RL often sits lower than its official specifications suggest, and the front air dam further reduces usable clearance. This plastic lip, while potentially contributing marginally to fuel efficiency in controlled lab settings, becomes a hindrance in everyday situations, even preventing a standard floor jack from fitting underneath.
When considering vehicles with better ground clearance, the Chevrolet Colorado is mentioned as a more easily modified alternative. The Colorado, with its various trim levels offering taller tires, showcases a fundamental principle: ground clearance largely stems from tire height. The author rightly questions the over-reliance on skid plates, arguing they often reduce ground clearance and are only truly necessary for extreme rock crawling or to compensate for poor driving or vehicle choice. While acknowledging extensive off-roading experience, the author suggests that for most situations, proper vehicle selection and driving technique are more crucial than skid plates.
However, the author concedes the significant trade-offs. The Colorado, while offering better ground clearance and off-road potential, lacks the sophistication and comfort of the Honda RL. This brings up a crucial question for consumers: is sacrificing 90% of on-road comfort and refinement worth gaining 10% in off-road capability? The answer is highly dependent on individual needs and priorities. The example of full-size pickup trucks with noisy mud tires, often seen in everyday driving, illustrates that some prioritize the look of off-road readiness or have specific needs like very long, muddy driveways, even if it compromises daily driving comfort.
The core issue, as the author succinctly puts it, is Honda’s need to “make space for taller tires” on the Ridgeline. Ideally, offering a trim level with increased ground clearance and appropriately calibrated speedometer would be the most comprehensive solution. However, even simply designing the vehicle to accommodate larger tires would be a significant improvement. The author cautions against aftermarket modifications like lifting the RL and fitting oversized tires, as this can negatively impact handling and cause rubbing issues. The advice is clear: if ground clearance is a primary concern, it might be best to choose a vehicle designed for that purpose from the outset.
Despite its ground clearance limitations, the RL is acknowledged to perform well in snow up to a certain depth (around 8 inches, according to the author’s experience in Maine) and on gravel roads. However, venturing “off-road” in the RL is described as a “mistake,” reinforcing its limitations in more challenging terrains due to its ground clearance. Ultimately, understanding the details of ground clearance and comparing vehicles based on this specification is crucial for buyers to make informed decisions aligned with their driving needs and expectations.
