New engine for Ridgeline?

[buckfever 1]

Rumors about a new diesel 6 cylinder engine for the Ridgeline?  Are they true?  From a milage stand point the full size trucks make about the same MPG.  This has to hurt the midsized class.  If they had a diesel that they made better MPG and pulled like a small V-8 they are back in a strong position.  Thoughts?    Buckfever

[james25889]

I haven't herd any rummer's about it and i work for Honda plant that will be making the ridgelines in a few months.

[OLDHandgunner]

The only thing that I can tell you is that when my wife leased her 2007 Ridgeline the salesman told us that when she get's ready to trade up in 2010 she might have a diesel motor to choice from. He told us that Honda was working on putting diesel power in a few of there models.
My only thought to that is diesel fuel is about a dollar more a gallon than gas right now, so where would the savings be. ( Diesel motors are alot more in price for a factory option ). Our Ridgeline has plenty of power for what we use it for and has been a great vehicle for us to tow our Coleman ( Utah ) pop-up camper. On our trips to Maine camping ( 360 mile trip ) we average about 16 MPG. I didn't think that was too bad.
I own a 2000 Dodge Ram, 3/4 ton Heavy Duty diesel, this was made to be a work truck.

[buckfever 1]

Old hand gun...  How much does your popup camper weight fully loaded when you pull it on trips?   Thanks  Buckfever

[Graybeard]

Back in the day when diesel cost less than gas and fuel mileage was usually better with them it kinda made some sense to go diesel. But today Mileage claims don't seem much if any higher for diesel engines. Fuel is around a buck or more a gallon higher for diesel and it costs $3000-$5000 more to buy new than a gas engine. Maintenance costs are much higher as well.

Unless something changes I think the day of the diesel is passing.

[OLDHandgunner]

buckfever1,

The book say's GVWR is 3,700 lbs. This camper is the biggest pop-up that Coleman makes. It is 28 ft long when all popped up. With slide out for the dinning table and 2 king sized beds. Plus all the weight that we add with everything packed for a 2 week stay. Back of the truck is also packed to the max., along with the front storage of the camper. Not sure what the total weight is with everything packed. After towing the camper to Maine with the Dodge diesel, I was a little concerned about how the Ridgeline would tow. I put on a really good trailer brake kit and that made a big difference. To tell the truth   " I was impressed " with how it towed and handled. It lacked a little power on the hills, but after towing with a Dodge diesel what wouldn't. I was really impressed with the gas mileage while towing at about 16 MPG. It gets around 20-22 MPG on a regular trip ( not towing ).
The biggest things that we like is how the Ridgeline rides, room for 5 full sized adults, the extra large locking storage compartment under the truck bed & the 2 way tailgate.
The other campers enjoy our Ridgeline more    after hearing the big Dodge Cummings diesel ( all the years before ) fire up at 4:30 am    so the wife and I can take an early morning ride to look for deer & wildlife or go into Acadia Natl. Park.

[Ahab]

Rumors about a new diesel 6 cylinder engine for the Ridgeline?  Are they true?  From a milage stand point the full size trucks make about the same MPG.  This has to hurt the midsized class.  If they had a diesel that they made better MPG and pulled like a small V-8 they are back in a strong position.  Thoughts?    Buckfever

Not gonna happen. I tow a 22' Airstream SS travel trailer which weighs in just over 4000# with my '06 Ridgeline and regularly above 7000'. I average 16mpg and have no problems. Honda has said it stopped development on a diesel.

[30-30man]

A diesel engine is like a 6-$7000 option in the big three trucks.  I just don't see why anyone would want one.

[torpedoman]

a lot of pick-up are just large cars that never are used for serious hauling or towing and the first manuf. that comes with a 6 or even 4 cyl turbo diesel will make a killing. just look around in rush hr traffic all the empty trucks going home to surburbia