Go exploring beneath the truck's 5-foot-long bed and you'll find a hidden lockable trunk with a drain plug that allows it to pull double duty as a cooler. The Ridgeline offers no shortage of interior storage compartments, and additional cargo space is available by flipping up its 60/40-split rear seat. There's more rear legroom than you'll find in many midsize pickups, but if you're a rear passenger, don't expect too much in the way of comfort. Still, some drivers might be irked by the absence of a telescoping steering wheel. Slide into the Honda Ridgeline and you'll find front bucket seats that are firm, well-shaped and comfortable.

The Ridgeline earned a perfect five out of five stars for its protection of occupants in both frontal and side-impact crashes in tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Traction control and stability control are also standard. Investigate the Ridgeline's list of standard safety features and you'll find antilock disc brakes with brake assist, seat-mounted side airbags for front occupants, and full-length side curtain airbags. The 2008 Honda Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds and is capable of hauling payloads of up to 1,550 pounds. Buyers also get a standard all-wheel-drive system (which Honda has labeled VTM-4, or Variable Torque Management four-wheel drive). The V6 is paired with a five-speed automatic that's equipped with a transmission cooler. Underneath the hood is Honda's 3.5-liter single-overhead-cam V6, which in this application generates 247 horsepower and 245 pound-feet of torque. A navigation system with an integrated MP3 auxiliary audio unit is available as an option, but only on the Ridgeline RTL. Splurge on the premium RTL trim and you'll get a sunroof, heated outside mirrors, leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio and HomeLink. Move up to the RTS and you get a power driver seat and an upgraded stereo with an in-dash CD changer. The picture gets more appealing with the RTX, which adds alloy wheels, towing preparation and a chrome grille. Go with the RT for 17-inch steel wheels, a cloth interior, air-conditioning, a CD player, powered accessories, keyless entry and cruise control. Buyers have the luxury of choosing from four trim levels: RT, RTX, RTS and RTL. With room for five, the 2008 Honda Ridgeline is a midsize pickup truck offered only as a crew cab. This is Joe Tunney from Infiniti of Kirkland spending a few minutes going over the features and options of the cars we carry at our dealership.

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