The Honda Ridgeline, redesigned in 2017 after a brief hiatus, continues to be a compelling option for pickup truck enthusiasts seeking a blend of utility and safety. For those considering the Honda Ridgeline 2019, understanding its safety performance is paramount. This detailed analysis, based on rigorous testing, provides a thorough overview of how the 2019 Honda Ridgeline stands up in various crash scenarios and safety evaluations.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side
The driver-side small overlap front crash test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts an object. In this demanding test, the Honda Ridgeline 2019 achieved a “Good” rating, the highest possible.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | G |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | G |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/Thigh | G |
| Driver injury measures – Lower Leg/Foot | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
Action shot taken during the driver-side small overlap frontal crash test, showcasing the structural integrity of the Honda Ridgeline 2019.
The structural integrity of the Honda Ridgeline 2019 held up exceptionally well in this test. Measurements of occupant compartment intrusion were minimal, indicating a robust safety cage. Crucially, all driver injury measures were rated “Good,” meaning low risk of significant injuries to the head, neck, chest, hip, thigh, lower leg, and foot in a similar real-world crash. The restraints and airbags performed optimally, contributing to the high safety rating.
Post-crash dummy position in the Honda Ridgeline 2019 driver-side small overlap test, demonstrating excellent survival space maintenance.
The dummy’s position after the test confirmed that the driver’s survival space was well-maintained. The frontal and side curtain airbags effectively protected the head from contacting hard structures or external objects.
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Airbag deployment effectiveness in the Honda Ridgeline 2019 driver-side small overlap crash, highlighting head protection.
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Lower leg and foot injury risk assessment in the Honda Ridgeline 2019 driver-side small overlap test, indicating low risk.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side
The passenger-side small overlap test is equally critical in evaluating overall vehicle safety. The 2019 Honda Ridgeline received an “Acceptable” overall rating in this evaluation. While structure and safety cage maintained a “Good” rating, and driver injury measures were also “Good,” the passenger injury measures presented some concerns, leading to a lower overall score compared to the driver-side test.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | A |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Passenger injury measures – Head/Neck | G |
| Passenger injury measures – Chest | G |
| Passenger injury measures – Hip/Thigh | G |
| Passenger injury measures – Lower Leg/Foot | M |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | M |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | G |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | G |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/Thigh | G |
| Driver injury measures – Lower Leg/Foot | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
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Action shot during the passenger-side small overlap frontal crash test of the Honda Ridgeline 2019.
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Dummy positioning post-crash in the Honda Ridgeline 2019 passenger-side small overlap test, showing maintained survival space.
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Airbag performance issue in the passenger-side small overlap test of the Honda Ridgeline 2019, leading to dashboard contact.
The passenger dummy’s head protection was rated “Marginal” because it slid off the frontal airbag and contacted the dashboard. Additionally, lower leg/foot injury risk for the passenger was also rated “Marginal” due to higher forces recorded in this area.
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Assessment of passenger leg injury risk in the Honda Ridgeline 2019 passenger-side small overlap test, indicating potential issues.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test
In the moderate overlap front crash test, which simulates a more common type of frontal collision, the Honda Ridgeline 2019 once again demonstrated excellent protection, earning a “Good” overall rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | G |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | G |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/Foot, Left | G |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/Foot, Right | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
Technical measurements confirmed minimal occupant compartment intrusion, and all driver injury measures were rated “Good.” This test, conducted by Honda and assessed by the Institute, reinforces the robust frontal crash protection of the Honda Ridgeline 2019.
Side Impact Crash Tests
The Honda Ridgeline 2019 underwent both the original and updated side impact crash tests. In both evaluations, the vehicle achieved a “Good” overall rating, demonstrating strong side-impact protection.
Original Side Impact Test
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | G |
| Driver injury measures – Torso | G |
| Driver injury measures – Pelvis/Leg | G |
| Driver head protection | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Head/Neck | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Torso | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Pelvis/Leg | G |
| Rear passenger head protection | G |
Updated Side Impact Test
For the updated side impact test, using a heavier barrier and assessing more potential injury areas, the Honda Ridgeline 2019 maintained a “Good” overall rating. However, the structure and safety cage rating was downgraded to “Acceptable” in this more stringent test. Driver pelvis injury measure was also rated as “Marginal” in the updated test, while all other metrics remained “Good.”
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | A |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | G |
| Driver injury measures – Torso | G |
| Driver injury measures – Pelvis | M |
| Driver head protection | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Head/Neck | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Torso | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Pelvis | G |
| Rear passenger head protection | G |
Roof Strength Test
The roof strength test measures the vehicle’s ability to withstand forces in a rollover crash. The Honda Ridgeline 2019 achieved a “Good” rating in this test, with a strong strength-to-weight ratio of 5.62.
| Overall evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 4,216 lbs |
| Peak force | 23,697 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 5.62 |
Head Restraints & Seats
Evaluating the front seat and head restraint design for whiplash protection in rear-end collisions, the Honda Ridgeline 2019 received a “Good” overall rating. Both dynamic rating and seat/head restraint geometry were rated “Good.”
| Overall evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | G |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | G |
Headlights
Headlight performance is crucial for nighttime safety. The Honda Ridgeline 2019 has varying headlight ratings depending on the trim level.
RTL-E and Black Edition Trims (LED Projector Headlights)
These trims are equipped with LED projector low beams and halogen reflector high beams and earned an overall “Good” rating. High-beam assist is included in these trims, compensating for some low-beam limitations.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
| Overall rating | G |
RT, SPORT, RTL, and RTL-T Trims (Halogen Projector Headlights)
Lower trims with halogen projector low beams and halogen reflector high beams received a “Poor” overall rating. Visibility was inadequate in various test scenarios for these headlight types.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | Halogen projector |
| High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | No |
| Overall rating | P |
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
The Honda Ridgeline 2019, when equipped with the optional Honda Sensing Package and Collision Mitigation Braking System, achieves a “Superior” rating for front crash prevention. In both 12 mph and 25 mph tests, the vehicle avoided a collision, and it meets forward collision warning requirements.
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
|---|---|
| System details | Optional Collision Mitigation Braking System |
| Package name | Optional Honda Sensing Package |
| Forward Collision Warning | Yes |
| 12 mph crash avoidance | Avoided |
| 25 mph crash avoidance | Avoided |
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
For child seat installation ease, the LATCH system in the Honda Ridgeline 2019 was rated “Acceptable”. While the vehicle has three rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware, some anchors are located deep in the seat and may be hard to find.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | A |
| Vehicle trim | RT (tested trim) |
| Seat type | cloth |
Conclusion
The Honda Ridgeline 2019 demonstrates strong safety performance in most IIHS crash tests, earning mostly “Good” ratings. Key highlights include “Good” ratings in driver-side small overlap, moderate overlap, both original and updated side impact tests, roof strength, and head restraints & seats. The front crash prevention system is “Superior” with optional equipment. Areas for potential improvement include passenger-side small overlap protection, and headlight performance on lower trims. Overall, the Honda Ridgeline 2019 is a safe and reliable pickup truck choice, particularly when equipped with the Honda Sensing package and higher trim headlights. Prospective buyers should consider trim levels carefully to ensure they benefit from the best available safety features, especially headlight performance.
