I must admit, over time the Ridgeline's exterior design has grown on me, but not to the point I would call "appealing." For my

Over time the Ridgeline's exterior design has grown on me, but not to the point I would call "appealing." (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

liking, too many "Mad Max" genes seem to have contaminated the design pool, leading to a tank-like appearance emphasized by heavily framed windows, squared-off wheel openings, a high-sided box and lower-body washboarding.

But credit where credit's due, at least Honda chose to be daring. The heavy industrial theme continues inside the Ridgeline, where Honda has assembled a very comfortable, functional full-size cab living up to its high standards of fit and finish. Even in top-of-the-line dress, the interior is quite business-like, comprised largely of durable, high-quality, textured hard plastic surfaces.

Where comfort is important - in the seats - Honda has gone the distance. The leather-clad, heated front buckets in my tester

Although the Ridgeline's spacious cab may be a shade tighter than the Avalanche's, it doesn't cramp those seated in the rear. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

were remarkably supportive and fatigue-free. They provided a high seating position, which enabled excellent forward visibility along with plenty of leg and headroom. Although the Ridgeline's spacious cab may be a shade tighter than the Avalanche's, it doesn't cramp those seated in the rear. Head and legroom there is ample for a vehicle in this segment. And that's really the concept behind the Ridgeline: offer purchasers all of the comfort and hauling forte of a full-size, half-ton, four-wheel drive (4WD) four-door pickup, but in a smaller, more nimble and fuel- efficient package. Based on manufacturer's ratings, the Ridgeline gets more than 20 percent better fuel economy than an Avalanche equipped with a 5.3-litre (325 cu in) V8.