Let's dive into the 2014 Honda Ridgeline Sport specs and explore what makes this truck a unique choice for those seeking a blend of practicality and ruggedness. The Ridgeline has always been a bit of an outlier in the pickup truck world, offering a car-like ride with truck-like utility. The 2014 Sport trim is no exception, sporting a distinctive look and a host of features that set it apart from the competition. Whether you're considering buying one or just curious about its capabilities, this in-depth review will cover everything you need to know.

Overview of the 2014 Honda Ridgeline Sport

The 2014 Honda Ridgeline Sport is a versatile and unique pickup truck that caters to drivers who need a blend of car-like comfort and truck-like utility. Unlike traditional body-on-frame trucks, the Ridgeline features a unibody construction, providing a smoother ride and better handling. The Sport trim adds a touch of aggression with its blacked-out exterior elements, including a black grille, black alloy wheels, and fog lights. The interior is well-appointed with features designed to enhance both comfort and convenience. It's a truck that doesn't try to be something it's not, instead focusing on delivering a refined and practical driving experience. For many, the Ridgeline stands out due to its innovative features like the In-Bed Trunk® and dual-action tailgate, making it a practical choice for various tasks, from hauling groceries to tailgating at sporting events. The Sport trim specifically targets those who appreciate a bolder, more distinctive look without sacrificing the core functionality that makes the Ridgeline so appealing. Moreover, the 2014 Ridgeline Sport remains a compelling option in the used truck market due to its reliability and unique design, proving that it can offer a different kind of truck ownership experience. Its strengths lie in its blend of comfort, utility, and distinctive styling, making it a standout choice for buyers who prioritize these attributes. With its unibody construction and focus on everyday usability, the Ridgeline Sport continues to appeal to a niche audience seeking a truck that doesn't conform to traditional norms. It’s a testament to Honda's innovative approach to vehicle design, offering a vehicle that is both practical and enjoyable to drive.

Engine and Performance

When it comes to the 2014 Honda Ridgeline Sport engine specs, you'll find a 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood. This engine delivers a solid 250 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for everyday driving and light-duty hauling. The engine is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, which offers smooth and responsive gear changes. The Ridgeline Sport also comes standard with Honda's Variable Torque Management (VTM-4) four-wheel-drive system, enhancing traction and stability in various driving conditions. This system automatically adjusts the torque distribution between the front and rear wheels, optimizing grip on slippery surfaces. On the road, the Ridgeline Sport offers a comfortable and composed ride, thanks to its unibody construction and independent rear suspension. It handles more like an SUV than a traditional truck, making it a great choice for daily commuting and long road trips. The V6 engine provides sufficient power for merging onto highways and passing other vehicles, while the five-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth and efficient power delivery. While it may not have the towing capacity of some of its competitors, the Ridgeline Sport is more than capable of handling light-duty tasks, such as hauling furniture or towing a small trailer. Its combination of a refined engine, smooth transmission, and capable four-wheel-drive system makes it a well-rounded performer in various driving scenarios. In summary, the performance of the 2014 Ridgeline Sport is characterized by its smooth ride, adequate power, and reliable four-wheel-drive system, making it a practical and enjoyable truck to drive.

Key Specifications

Let's break down the key specifications of the 2014 Honda Ridgeline Sport. This will give you a clear picture of what this truck offers in terms of dimensions, weight, and other important figures. The Ridgeline Sport has a wheelbase of 122 inches, an overall length of 206.8 inches, a width of 77.8 inches, and a height of 70.8 inches. These dimensions make it a mid-size truck that's easy to maneuver in urban environments. In terms of weight, the Ridgeline Sport has a curb weight of around 4,545 pounds. This relatively low weight contributes to its car-like handling and fuel efficiency. The truck bed measures 60 inches in length, 49.5 inches in width, and 20.7 inches in depth, providing a decent amount of cargo space for hauling various items. One of the standout features of the Ridgeline is its In-Bed Trunk®, which offers an additional 8.5 cubic feet of secure, weatherproof storage. This is a unique feature that sets it apart from other trucks in its class. The Ridgeline Sport has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, making it suitable for towing small trailers, boats, or other recreational vehicles. It also has a payload capacity of around 1,500 pounds, allowing you to carry a significant amount of cargo in the truck bed. Other notable specs include a fuel tank capacity of 22 gallons, providing a good driving range, and a ground clearance of 8.2 inches, allowing it to handle some off-road terrain. Overall, the specifications of the 2014 Ridgeline Sport highlight its practicality, versatility, and unique design features. It's a truck that's well-suited for both everyday driving and light-duty tasks.

Interior Features and Technology

Moving inside, the 2014 Honda Ridgeline Sport interior features are designed to provide a comfortable and convenient driving experience. The Sport trim comes standard with black cloth upholstery, which gives it a sporty and stylish look. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, making them suitable for long drives. The rear seats offer decent legroom and headroom for passengers, although it may feel a bit cramped for taller adults. The dashboard layout is clean and straightforward, with easy-to-reach controls. The instrument panel features a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and other essential information. The center console includes a storage compartment and cup holders. In terms of technology, the Ridgeline Sport comes standard with a CD player, AM/FM radio, and auxiliary input jack. It also has a USB port for connecting your smartphone or other devices. The audio system delivers decent sound quality, but it's not the most advanced system on the market. Other standard features include air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, and keyless entry. The Ridgeline Sport also has a rearview camera, which helps with parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. One notable feature of the Ridgeline is its dual-action tailgate, which can be opened down like a traditional tailgate or swung open to the side like a door. This makes it easier to access the truck bed and the In-Bed Trunk®. Overall, the interior of the 2014 Ridgeline Sport is functional and comfortable, with a focus on practicality and ease of use. While it may not have all the latest high-tech features, it provides a pleasant driving environment for both the driver and passengers.

Exterior Design

The exterior design of the 2014 Honda Ridgeline Sport sets it apart from other trucks with its unique unibody construction and distinctive styling cues. The Sport trim features a blacked-out grille, black alloy wheels, and fog lights, giving it a more aggressive and sporty appearance. The Ridgeline's overall design is modern and aerodynamic, with a sloping roofline and integrated bed. The front fascia features a bold Honda logo and sleek headlights that flow into the grille. The side profile is characterized by its clean lines and subtle curves. The rear of the Ridgeline features a dual-action tailgate, which can be opened down like a traditional tailgate or swung open to the side like a door. This innovative design makes it easier to access the truck bed and the In-Bed Trunk®. The truck bed is made of a durable composite material that is resistant to scratches and dents. It also has several tie-down points for securing cargo. The Ridgeline Sport comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, which enhance its sporty appearance. It also has body-colored door handles and side mirrors. Overall, the exterior of the 2014 Ridgeline Sport is both functional and stylish, with a focus on aerodynamics and practicality. Its unique unibody construction and distinctive styling cues make it stand out from other trucks in its class. The blacked-out elements of the Sport trim add a touch of aggression and sportiness to its overall design. The integrated bed and dual-action tailgate are practical features that enhance its versatility. In summary, the Ridgeline Sport's exterior design is a testament to Honda's innovative approach to truck design.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety, the 2014 Honda Ridgeline Sport is equipped with a range of features designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, and a suite of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags. The Ridgeline also has a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), which alerts the driver when tire pressure is low. One notable safety feature is the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system, which helps to prevent skidding and loss of control in challenging driving conditions. The VSA system uses sensors to monitor the vehicle's speed, steering angle, and yaw rate, and it can automatically apply the brakes to individual wheels to help the driver maintain control. The Ridgeline also has a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle when backing up. This helps to prevent accidents and makes parking easier. In government crash tests, the 2014 Honda Ridgeline received good scores for its overall safety performance. It earned a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with four stars for frontal crash protection and five stars for side crash protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also gave the Ridgeline good ratings in its crash tests. Overall, the 2014 Ridgeline Sport's safety features and crash test scores demonstrate its commitment to occupant protection. Its combination of active and passive safety systems helps to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. The Ridgeline's solid safety performance makes it a safe and reliable choice for drivers and passengers.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced perspective, let's look at the pros and cons of the 2014 Honda Ridgeline Sport.

Pros:

• Smooth Ride: The Ridgeline's unibody construction provides a smoother and more comfortable ride compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks.
• Car-like Handling: It handles more like an SUV than a truck, making it easier to maneuver in urban environments.
• In-Bed Trunk®: The unique In-Bed Trunk® provides secure, weatherproof storage.
• Dual-Action Tailgate: The dual-action tailgate makes it easier to access the truck bed.
• Reliable Engine: The 3.5-liter V6 engine is known for its reliability and durability.
• Standard Four-Wheel Drive: The VTM-4 four-wheel-drive system enhances traction and stability.

Cons:

• Lower Towing Capacity: Its towing capacity of 5,000 pounds is lower than some of its competitors.
• Outdated Technology: The technology features are not as advanced as some newer trucks.
• Limited Bed Size: The truck bed is smaller than some other mid-size trucks.
• Fuel Economy: Fuel economy is average for its class, but not exceptional.
• Rear Seat Space: Rear seat space can be cramped for taller adults.

Overall, the 2014 Honda Ridgeline Sport is a unique and versatile truck that offers a blend of comfort, utility, and reliability. Its smooth ride, car-like handling, and innovative features make it a great choice for drivers who want a truck that's easy to live with. However, its lower towing capacity and outdated technology may be drawbacks for some buyers. In conclusion, the Ridgeline Sport is a solid option for those seeking a practical and dependable truck with a distinctive design.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2014 Honda Ridgeline Sport is a unique and versatile pickup truck that offers a compelling blend of comfort, utility, and reliability. Its unibody construction provides a smoother ride and better handling compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks, making it a great choice for everyday driving. The Sport trim adds a touch of aggression with its blacked-out exterior elements, while the interior is well-appointed with features designed to enhance comfort and convenience. The Ridgeline's innovative features, such as the In-Bed Trunk® and dual-action tailgate, set it apart from the competition. While it may not have the towing capacity of some of its rivals, it's more than capable of handling light-duty tasks. The 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers ample power, and the five-speed automatic transmission provides smooth and responsive gear changes. The standard four-wheel-drive system enhances traction and stability in various driving conditions. Overall, the 2014 Honda Ridgeline Sport specs make it a well-rounded and practical truck that's well-suited for a variety of needs. Whether you're looking for a comfortable daily driver or a capable work truck, the Ridgeline Sport is worth considering. Its unique design, innovative features, and solid performance make it a standout choice in the mid-size truck market. If you value comfort, reliability, and practicality over outright towing capacity, the Ridgeline Sport is definitely worth a look. It's a truck that doesn't try to be everything to everyone, but it excels at what it does, offering a refined and enjoyable driving experience.