2019 Honda Ridgeline SL — Carivo review carivo.co
Truck

2019 Honda Ridgeline SL

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $44,310–$59,382
Fuel Economy 17 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Truck
Est. Annual Fuel $3,088/yr

Key Specifications — 2019 Honda Ridgeline SL

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleTruck
Base Price$44,310–$59,382

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2019 Honda Ridgeline SL

The 2019 Honda Ridgeline SL is a truck that earns a Carivo score of 7.5/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.6/10, while Performance at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability stands out at 8.6/10. The Ridgeline SL nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. Safety lands at 8.2/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Performance at 6.7/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.9/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $44,310–$59,382, 17 MPG, seating 5, the Honda Ridgeline SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. The value score of 6.8/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Verdict: Nothing about the 2019 Honda Ridgeline SL will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on technology and value and performance if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good truck should — quietly and competently.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Trucks

The 2019 Honda Ridgeline SL ranks #186 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 64% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $44,310 starting price is about 26% above the segment's median of $35,138.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking →

Which Ridgeline SL Year Should You Buy?

Across the Ridgeline SL model years we've scored, the 2019 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 7.9/10$53,693 Read review →
2024 7.8/10$52,130 Read review →
2023 7.8/10$50,566 Read review →
2022 7.8/10$49,002 Read review →
2021 7.7/10$47,438 Read review →
2020 7.6/10$45,874 Read review →
2019 (this review) 7.5/10$44,310
2018 7.4/10$42,746 Read review →
2017 7.5/10$41,182 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2019 Honda Ridgeline SL

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 17 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

More Honda Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Honda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.