The 2006 Honda Ridgeline arrived as a fresh face in the midsize truck market, designed to balance both comfort and capability. This model, the first generation of the Ridgeline, features a 3.5L V6 engine that delivers 255 horsepower. A five-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard, contributing to the capable nature of the truck. There are three trims available, namely RT, RTS, and RTL. Key safety features include anti-lock brakes, traction control, and dual front-side mounted airbags. The Ridgeline also introduced an innovative dual-action tailgate and a lockable in-bed trunk storage, which are still notable today. No infotainment system is standard at base level, but RTL models offer a satellite-linked navigation system. Despite the Ridgeline's deviation from traditional pickup design, it proved to be a hit for its comfort, versatility, and built Honda reliability.