According to Honda, the Ridgeline was not designed to steal sales from the more traditional trucks sold in North America, but was developed to “give the 18% of Honda owners who also own pickups a chance to make their garages a Honda-only parking area.
The first generation Ridgeline was a uniquely engineered vehicle with only 7% of its components shared with Honda’s global light truck platform and 5% shared exterior components. Its powertrain resembled that found in the 2006 Acura MDX but was heavily modified for hauling and towing.
The second generation Ridgeline took a different engineering approach modelling it after the 2016 Honda Pilot and modifying the components necessary to support truck type duties, while maintaining the features that made the first generation Ridgeline unique.
The Ridgeline was “Honda’s first foray into the true heartland of the American automotive way of lifeâ€. It was designed and engineered by Honda R&D Americas, led by Gary Flint, who took about four years and approximately $250 million US Dollars (USD) to develop the vehicle. The design was first revealed as the Honda SUT Concept at the 2004 North American International Auto Show. The final production ready version of the Ridgeline was unveiled at the same auto show on January 10, 2005 as a 2006 model year vehicle.
This week in Carsfera.com, 10 years later we are proud to test and evaluate the 2017 Honda Ridgeline AWD Black Edition. Yes, the Black Edition, the top of the second generation Ridgeline.
Cool, tough and athletic would define the aggressive look of our ride.
Our Ridgeline Black Edition is the real truck, with payload and hauling capabilities that rival the top competitors in the midsize pickup segment. This Ridgeline isn’t just about doing what other trucks can do; it’s about creating new value and new capability for the customer.
For many customers, their truck isn’t about the job site, it’s about their active, outdoor lifestyles. That means weekend sporting events and tailgates, runs to the desert or out to the country with your dirt bikes and family and friend excursions to the mountains or the lake with toys in tow.
For these buyers, the capabilities of a pickup, mainly hauling and towing dirty and bulky cargo, come with a whole bunch of fundamental compromises inherent to their body-on-frame designs.
So what do we mean by that? Lack of interior flexibility, everyday drivability, manoeuvrability and road manners, to name a few.
The reality is that most truck buyers spend the vast majority of their time on the road where body-on-frame construction is nothing but a punishment. Our Ridgeline comes to the rescue with a level of ride comfort, steering precision, manoeuvrability and handling that far surpasses the competition.
Under the hood our Black Edition is powered by a completely new 3.5-liter direct-injected SOHC i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), mated to a wide ratio 6-speed automatic transmission. 280 horsepower (+30HP over the previous model) and 262 lb.-ft. of torque (+15 lb.-ft.), along with a 78-pound average reduction in curb weight and a more aerodynamically efficient exterior design, combine to deliver the quickest acceleration and help the Ridgeline receive the highest EPA fuel-economy ratings: 18MPG city, 25MPG highway.
All-wheel-drive is a big deal in this new Ridgeline generation due to the use of the most advanced AWD technology, the Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4). This system offers reduced weight, improved all-weather traction and enhanced dynamic handling capability. The Honda i-VTM4 progressively distributes optimum torque between the front and rear axles and dynamically distributes engine torque between the left and right rear wheels, with the capacity to overdrive the outside rear wheel by 2.7 percent to create a yaw moment that improves cornering precision.
Outside our Ridgeline marries aerodynamic efficiency to a traditional truck profile, with the overall aggressive design of the Black Edition.
In front, the lenses of the LED daytime running lights (DRL) and available LED projector beam headlights are rakish and aggressive. The chiseled front fascia, air inlets and skid plate evoke rugged high performance. The hood and front fenders are likewise strengthened with sharp character lines that add a muscular and purposeful air.
The flush-mounted windshield is raked aggressively, lowering wind noise and improving fuel efficiency simultaneously. The flush side glass, now 43-percent thicker than on the previous Ridgeline, further reduces noise levels in the cabin. The body sides are clean and strong in appearance, with sculpted lower sills, a rising character line and bulging wheel openings all adding visual solidity. A wind tunnel-developed spoiler array at the rear edges of the passenger cabin and top of the flip/swing tailgate help to reduce drag at highway speeds.
Black chrome trim surrounds the side windows for an aggressive appearance, with the chrome widening at the C-pillar, adding further substance. Standard 18-inch wheels, and in back, a larger tailgate and new LED taillight array further add to the Ridgeline’s substantial presence.
In the back the Ridgeline gets bigger, better in every imaginable way. The longer, wider bed, with the only 5-foot wide flat bed is ideally suited for hauling plywood or drywall. Add to that 350-pound tie downs and a new bed-side storage compartment with an available 400-watt A/C power port, to charge your power tools, your tailgate blender or a flat screen TV, whatever you’re in to. And you like to be original, Honda definitely went original with this Black Edition and they retained and improved the two most innovative and truck-exclusive features: the dual-action tailgate, and lockable In-Bed Trunk that adds a fully flat floor to make that post-game cleanup even easier. And keeping with the tailgate theme, we’ve got another industry first feature, the world’s first In-Bed Audio System. Now, you can’t see it, there are no speakers to get bashed and scraped when you’re hauling mulch or lumber. But you can hear it. Especially with its 540-watt audio system, it’s good old-fashioned Honda engineering magic.
The innovation continues on the inside, where our Black Edition offers a largest cabin space with a higher level of comfort and sophistication: Red-perforated black leather seating with contrasting red stitching, black headliner and upper cabin trim, red accent stitching on the doors, red LED ambient lighting and “Black Edition” logos stitched into the seatbacks and floor mats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and memory seating.
With its split-folding rear seat and class leading under-seat storage, our Ridgeline can handle just about any combination of people and cargo you can imagine.
Moreover, our Ridgeline offers all the latest and greatest tech including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Our Black Edition was designed to provide a high level of safety performance, starting with predictable and stable driving dynamics that help drivers maintain control over their vehicle in a wide variety of driving environments and circumstances, including emergency avoidance maneuvers.
Contributing to the Ridgeline’s active safety performance is a comprehensive range of features that include Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control, Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS), Brake Assist and 4-Channel ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution. The Ridgeline’s new i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system with dynamic torque vectoring adds an additional degree of handling prowess and all-weather traction.
To help mitigate the severity of a frontal collision and occupant injuries, the Ridgeline utilizes Honda’s next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, which works in concert with a new “3-bone” front floor structure and new hot-stamped steel door rings. Passive safety features including dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags (SRS), driver and front passenger side airbags, adjustable head restraints and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) also provide a high level of protection in the event of collision.
Combining these technologies, the 2017 Ridgeline AWD Black Edition targets the highest possible safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS: an NCAP 5-star Overall Vehicle Score and an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating and top marks (NCAP 5-star and IIHS GOOD) in all crash test modes.
Conclusion: The 2017 Honda Ridgeline AWD Black Edition elevates passenger comfort and convenience in the midsize truck category with an expanded range of standard and available welcoming features that make driving easier and more fun.
Photo Album: https://flic.kr/s/aHskN4wSTM
Following a record-breaking year for revenue and deliveries, Lamborghini is set to introduce new models in 2026 while continuing work on its first fully electric vehicle.
Lamborghini is heading into 2026 with strong momentum after posting the best financial results in its history. The Italian automaker generated €3.2 billion in revenue and delivered a record 10,747 vehicles in 2025, reinforcing its position as one of the most successful luxury performance brands in the world.
With demand remaining strong across key markets such as the United States, Lamborghini is now preparing a series of new product launches that will further expand its lineup and strengthen its global presence.
Lamborghini recorded its best year ever in 2025, delivering more than 10,700 vehicles worldwide.
New Lamborghini models are coming this year
The company has confirmed that several new products will debut during 2026, including unveilings at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July and Monterey Car Week in California during August.
While Lamborghini has not disclosed exactly which vehicles will be revealed, the new additions are expected to be derivatives of existing models rather than entirely new nameplates.
One of the strongest possibilities is a new version of the Revuelto. Since the V12 flagship entered production nearly three years ago, many enthusiasts have been waiting for a roadster variant to join the lineup.
At the same time, Lamborghini could introduce a more performance-focused version of the Urus SE, further expanding the appeal of its best-selling SUV.
New Lamborghini models are expected to debut at Goodwood and Monterey Car Week during 2026.
The future remains electrified
Although Lamborghini has postponed some of its original electric vehicle plans, the company insists that a fully electric model remains part of its long-term strategy.
The Lanzador EV project has evolved into a future plug-in hybrid model, while the next-generation Urus is now expected to arrive later in the decade with a hybrid powertrain instead of a fully electric setup.
In the meantime, Lamborghini continues to focus on hybrid technology across its lineup. The Revuelto, Temerario and Urus SE already represent the brand’s transition toward electrification without sacrificing the performance characteristics that define Lamborghini vehicles.
Executives have also confirmed that a fourth hybrid model is in development, highlighting the company’s commitment to balancing sustainability with high-performance engineering.
Lamborghini remains committed to launching its first fully electric vehicle later this decade.
Strong demand in the United States
The United States continues to be one of Lamborghini’s most important markets and will play a major role in the success of the company’s upcoming launches.
Events such as Monterey Car Week provide the perfect stage for Lamborghini to showcase new products to one of the world’s largest concentrations of luxury and exotic car buyers.
As the brand enters another year of growth, 2026 is shaping up to be one of Lamborghini’s busiest product years in recent memory, with new variants, expanded hybrid technology and the promise of an electric future still on the horizon.
Some vehicles are designed to impress during a test drive. Others earn their reputation after years of ownership.The Subaru Outback has long belonged in the second category.
For decades, it has attracted buyers who value reliability, practicality, and all-weather confidence over flashy styling or trendy marketing. While many manufacturers continue to blur the line between SUVs and crossovers, the Outback has quietly stayed true to its original mission: providing a versatile vehicle that can handle everyday life just as easily as weekend adventures.
After taking a closer look at the 2026 Subaru Outback Touring, it’s easy to understand why so many owners remain loyal to the nameplate year after year.
A Design That Prioritizes Function
The Outback has never been a vehicle that relies on dramatic styling to grab attention, and that’s part of its appeal.
Rather than chasing automotive fashion trends, Subaru has focused on creating a vehicle that looks purposeful. The wagon-inspired profile continues to offer practical advantages, including easier cargo loading and a lower center of gravity than many traditional SUVs.
Finished in Sapphire Blue Pearl, the Touring trim adds a touch of sophistication while maintaining the rugged character buyers expect from an Outback. It looks equally at home in a suburban driveway, a mountain town parking lot, or at a campsite miles from pavement.
There’s an honesty to the design that many competitors lack.
It doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not.
Confidence Comes Standard
One of the biggest reasons people shop for an Outback is confidence in all types of weather and road conditions.
That confidence starts with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which remains standard equipment across the lineup.
Unlike some competitors that reserve all-wheel drive for higher trims or optional packages, Subaru includes it as part of the Outback’s core identity. Whether facing heavy rain, snowy highways, gravel roads, or muddy trails, the vehicle feels prepared for conditions that might make other crossovers hesitate.
Power comes from Subaru’s well-established 2.5-liter BOXER four-cylinder engine paired with a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. While the powertrain isn’t designed to deliver sports-car acceleration, it provides smooth and predictable performance that suits the Outback’s mission.
What matters most is the confidence it inspires during everyday driving.
The Outback feels stable, composed, and reassuring, qualities that become increasingly important during long-distance travel or difficult weather conditions.
Another advantage is ground clearance.
With 8.7 inches between the vehicle and the ground, the Outback offers more off-pavement capability than many compact and midsize SUVs. For drivers who regularly encounter dirt roads, trailheads, snow-covered routes, or rough campsites, that extra clearance can make a meaningful difference.
One of the Most Comfortable Interiors in Its Class
The Touring trim represents the most refined version of the Outback, and the cabin reflects that.
Subaru has focused on comfort rather than unnecessary extravagance, creating an interior that feels welcoming and practical while still delivering a premium experience.
Nappa leather upholstery immediately elevates the cabin, while heated and ventilated front seats help maintain comfort throughout changing seasons. Heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel further enhance the experience for passengers.
What stands out most, however, is the overall seat comfort.
Long-distance travelers know that supportive seating matters more than flashy design details, and the Outback excels in this area. The seats provide excellent support for extended drives, making the vehicle particularly appealing to road-trip enthusiasts and families who spend significant time behind the wheel.
It’s the kind of comfort you appreciate more after four hours on the highway than during five minutes in a dealership showroom.
Technology That Enhances Daily Driving
Modern buyers expect advanced technology, and the Touring trim delivers a comprehensive package.
The centerpiece of the cabin is Subaru’s large 12.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Together, they create a modern and easy-to-use driving environment.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, eliminating the need for cables during daily commutes. Wireless charging adds additional convenience, while the Harman Kardon premium audio system provides excellent sound quality for music, podcasts, and long road trips.
The technology feels integrated into the driving experience rather than overwhelming it.
That’s an increasingly rare quality in today’s market.
Safety Remains a Core Strength
Safety has always been one of Subaru’s strongest selling points, and the 2026 Outback Touring continues that tradition.
The latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology includes a wide range of active safety and driver-assistance systems designed to reduce stress and improve awareness on the road.
Features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Reverse Automatic Braking, and Driver Monitoring Technology all work together to create a comprehensive safety package.
For families, commuters, and long-distance travelers, these systems provide an additional layer of confidence without feeling intrusive.
It’s one of the most complete collections of standard safety technology available in the segment.
Fuel Economy That Makes Sense
Practicality remains one of the Outback’s defining characteristics, and fuel efficiency is part of that equation.
EPA estimates rate the 2026 Outback Touring at 25 mpg in city driving, 31 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg combined.
Those numbers are particularly impressive considering the vehicle’s standard all-wheel-drive system and generous ground clearance.
For buyers who regularly commute during the week but also enjoy road trips and outdoor adventures, the Outback strikes an effective balance between capability and efficiency.
Ownership costs remain reasonable, which is one reason the Outback continues to appeal to long-term owners.
Is the Touring Trim Worth It?
With an MSRP of $46,845 including destination charges, the Touring trim sits near the top of the Outback lineup.
That price places it in direct competition with many well-equipped crossovers and entry-level luxury SUVs.
The difference is that the Outback delivers its value in a unique way.
Rather than focusing on prestige or performance, Subaru invests in comfort, safety, capability, and practicality. Buyers receive virtually every premium feature available in the Outback range while retaining the versatility that has made the model successful for decades.
For drivers who plan to keep their vehicle for years and use it regularly for travel, family transportation, and outdoor recreation, the Touring trim makes a compelling case.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Subaru Outback Touring isn’t trying to be the fastest vehicle in its class.
It’s not trying to be the flashiest, either.
Instead, it focuses on doing countless everyday tasks exceptionally well.
It offers the comfort needed for long road trips, the capability required for changing weather and rough roads, the safety technology families want, and the practicality that active lifestyles demand.
In a market filled with vehicles that often prioritize style over substance, the Outback continues to succeed because it understands what many buyers actually need.
That’s why it remains one of the most trusted and respected vehicles in its category.
For years, buying a pickup truck often meant making compromises. You gained cargo capacity and towing power, but you also accepted a larger footprint, a stiffer ride, and fuel economy that wasn’t always ideal for daily commuting.
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz takes a different approach
Instead of trying to compete with traditional midsize and full-size pickups, Hyundai has created something that sits comfortably between an SUV and a truck. After spending time with the Santa Cruz Limited AWD, it’s easy to understand why it continues to attract buyers who want versatility without committing to a conventional pickup.
The Santa Cruz isn’t designed for construction sites or heavy-duty workloads. What it does offer is a practical solution for people who need occasional truck capability while still wanting the comfort, technology, and drivability of a modern crossover.
Performance That Exceeds Expectations
Under the hood, the Limited trim comes equipped with Hyundai’s turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 281 horsepower. Power is sent through an 8-speed automatic transmission, while Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system comes standard.
On paper, those specifications look strong for a compact pickup. Behind the wheel, they feel even more impressive.
Acceleration is quick and confident. Whether merging onto a busy interstate, navigating mountain roads, or passing slower vehicles on a two-lane highway, the Santa Cruz responds immediately when called upon. There is no sense of hesitation or struggle that sometimes accompanies smaller trucks.
The turbocharged engine delivers power smoothly, making the vehicle feel more energetic than many first-time shoppers expect.
For buyers wondering whether they’ll have enough power for everyday driving, the answer is an easy yes.
Does It Feel Like a Pickup Truck?
One of the most common questions potential buyers ask is whether the Santa Cruz drives like a traditional truck.
The simple answer is no.
And for many shoppers, that’s exactly the point.
The Santa Cruz shares much of its DNA with Hyundai’s SUV lineup, and that becomes apparent almost immediately. Steering feels precise and predictable. The suspension does a good job absorbing rough pavement, and the overall driving experience feels composed and refined.
Parking lots, tight city streets, and crowded shopping centers are areas where the Santa Cruz shines. Unlike larger pickups that can sometimes feel cumbersome in everyday situations, the Hyundai remains easy to maneuver and surprisingly approachable.
Drivers transitioning from an SUV will likely feel comfortable within minutes.
For commuters who spend most of their week navigating traffic and urban environments, that everyday usability becomes one of the Santa Cruz’s biggest advantages.
Interior Quality Impresses
Step inside the Limited trim, and it’s clear Hyundai wanted to elevate the experience beyond what buyers might expect from a compact pickup.
The cabin feels modern, upscale, and thoughtfully designed.
Leather seating surfaces, heated and ventilated front seats, a fully digital instrument cluster, integrated navigation, wireless smartphone connectivity, wireless charging, and Hyundai’s Digital Key system all contribute to a premium atmosphere.
The available Bose premium audio system delivers strong sound quality, while the overall fit and finish throughout the cabin reflects the attention Hyundai has invested in recent years.
Nothing feels cheap or out of place.
In fact, buyers cross-shopping upscale compact SUVs may be surprised by just how refined the Santa Cruz feels once they get behind the wheel.
Practical Utility Without the Bulk
A truck ultimately needs to provide utility, and the Santa Cruz offers enough capability for the vast majority of lifestyle-focused buyers.
The bed may not be as large as those found in traditional pickups, but it has been designed intelligently.
Features such as the lockable integrated tonneau cover, under-bed storage compartment, cargo management rails, bed lighting, and a 115-volt power outlet add genuine functionality. These features make it easier to transport tools, bicycles, camping equipment, gardening supplies, or weekend adventure gear.
For many owners, that’s exactly the type of flexibility they’re looking for.
Can it handle serious truck tasks?
To a reasonable extent, yes.
When properly equipped, the turbocharged Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 pounds. That opens the door for towing small boats, personal watercraft, utility trailers, lightweight campers, and recreational equipment without issue.
While dedicated towing enthusiasts may still prefer a larger pickup, most recreational users will find the Santa Cruz more than capable.
Fuel Economy and Ownership Considerations
The turbocharged Limited AWD prioritizes performance over maximum efficiency, but fuel economy remains competitive for the segment.
EPA estimates are rated at 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
Those numbers won’t set any records, but they strike a reasonable balance considering the available horsepower and standard all-wheel-drive system.
Another factor worth considering is Hyundai’s warranty coverage, which continues to be among the strongest in the industry. For buyers planning long-term ownership, that additional peace of mind adds meaningful value.
Is It Worth the Price?
With a tested price of approximately $45,185, the Santa Cruz Limited AWD enters territory occupied by well-equipped SUVs and some traditional pickup trucks.
That naturally raises the question: Is it worth it?
For the right buyer, absolutely.
The Santa Cruz delivers a combination of comfort, technology, utility, performance, and ease of use that few vehicles currently offer. It fills a niche that many consumers didn’t realize existed until they experienced it firsthand.
Rather than trying to be the biggest truck or the most capable workhorse, it focuses on being exceptionally good at the tasks most owners encounter every day.
That’s a different value proposition, and one that makes a lot of sense in today’s market.
Final Verdict
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited AWD isn’t built for buyers who need a heavy-duty pickup capable of handling demanding commercial work.
Instead, it’s designed for people whose lives require flexibility.
It’s a vehicle that can comfortably handle the daily commute, haul home improvement supplies on the weekend, carry outdoor gear for a camping trip, and still provide the comfort and technology expected from a modern crossover.
For many consumers, that balance may be more valuable than maximum towing figures or oversized dimensions.
The Santa Cruz continues to prove that not everyone needs a traditional pickup truck. Sometimes, the right amount of truck is exactly enough.
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