If you’re in the market for a new midsize truck, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline is an excellent option. A few publications have ranked it higher than more popular models, like the Toyota Tacoma. Moreover, there are a few things the Ridgeline does really well. With unique features and more to best its opponents, it’s no wonder Honda’s truck is gaining more attention. Check out these three standout 2022 Honda Ridgeline features.

Standout 2022 Honda Ridgeline features: Cargo bed storage

According to MotorTrend, the Ridgeline has a five-foot-long cargo bed. However, folding the tailgate down extends the space in length to almost seven feet. As a result, the bed offers 33.9 cubic feet of storage volume; however, a hidden feature makes it even better. Underneath the floor, there’s a storage compartment that provides owners even more space for storing, well, anything.

The under-bed storage compartment is lockable, watertight, and equipped with a drain plug. MT says it measures 7.3 cubic feet of extra volume underneath the cargo bed. Furthermore, the publication says it was able to fit a set of golf clubs or two portable generators in this space. Since it’s drainable, it’s the perfect space to add ice to store cold drinks during a tailgate.

Why aren’t other automakers adding spaces like this under the bed of their midsize truck models? It seems like an excellent solution to a low-storage problem in pickups with a short bed.

Honda’s midsize pickup has truck bed audio

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline is the only midsize truck with truck bed audio. Did you like the idea of adding ice to the under-bed storage container to keep drinks cold during a tailgate? Then you’re really going to like this standout Ridgeline feature. A standard feature with the RTL-E and Black Edition models, truck-bed audio is one of the coolest things about the model. Owners simply need to press a button on the home menu screen to activate the audio functionality.

As a result, the in-cabin speaker deactivates, but the audio continues to play through the cargo bed. Even when the Ridgeline is turned off completely to save battery, the truck-bed audio system will continue playing. Drive-in movies, tailgate parties, and more have never been better than using this feature. Both side walls and the front of the box turn into speakers by vibrating with specialized speaker drivers.

Every Ridgeline has a V6 and AWD

For the 2022 model year, Honda dropped the front-wheel drive option from the Ridgeline lineup. As a result, it’s one of very few midsize truck models that offer only all-wheel drive. Moreover, it’s also one of few remaining to come with a standard V6 engine instead of a four-cylinder unit. For example, the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevy Colorado come with standard four-cylinder options.

To be more specific, the Ridgeline uses a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Next, it’s paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and AWD straight from the factory. This is true for all trim levels, from the $39,000 base model Sport up to the $46,000 Black Edition. MT says, “The Ridgeline is quick for a midsize truck, hitting 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, if you tap it just right.”

3 standout 2022 Honda Ridgeline features

In conclusion, the standout features for the 2022 Honda Ridgeline are its truck-bed storage compartment, in-bed audio system, and standard V6 with AWD. Although the Ridgeline has an upscale interior and many other features, these are unique to the Honda midsize truck. These are the things that help the Ridgeline stand out from other models in its class.