Small Update (close to 3k miles)
Overall Driving
I've still been getting used to the wider steering radius after driving small cars for so long. It's still really easy to drive and the cab is really quiet. I've pushed it a few times merging with traffic and the engine power and throttle response is nice. The older 6-spd transmission shifts well. Since it's been getting colder the remote start, heated steering wheel, and heated seat toggle have been greatly appreciated. The first longer trip of 2.5 hours left a nice fuel economy without putting it in 'eco' mode and left us with about 24mpg. The seats are very comfortable.
Sound System / Infotainment
The sound system has been really nice. The smaller cab with the high-watt sound system with sub are really nice to have. I still don't really like the busy infotainment UIX compared to the MK7 Golf Sportwagen or even my MK6 GTI. The Garmin-based navigation is ok, but i hate the cartoon-y look. I noticed that the volume change response from the steering wheel specifically isn't nearly as good as responsive as the VW systems, which i don't like. I didn't use the volume knob on the GTI because my preference for how the I/O icon is placed, so the lack of volume knob hasn't been a big deal for me; it's actually a lot easier to clean without the knob.
Rear Camera and Backing up/parking
It's off-center (annoying to use the projection lines when parking) and it's exposed to the elements. When you drive in inclement weather the camera lens gets covered. I've been getting used to the smart rear camera setup of the VW Sportwagen where it's hidden until you use it, protecting it from the elements. I wish more manufacturers hid the rear camera. The side mirror adjustment is nice since when you reverse and switch it to the driver or passenger side mirror flips down to assist you parking and i use this quite a bit.
2-person memory seating/mirrors/keys
having a memory seating associated with different keys is really nice. the wife drives the Ridgeline occasionally and her seating/mirror position being associated with the key she uses is nice; neither of us really have to think about adjusting the positions when we get in the Ridgeline.
I helped a person in my work garage jump her car the other day. i noticed that half of the battery is under the intake piping (negative terminal). Luckily the positive terminal wasn't difficult to get to, but if i ever need a jump in the Ridgeline it could get interesting... [wrong - I should've said if I were jumping again]
I still enjoy the comfort and ease of the Ridgeline and the driving experience excitement is still non-existent. I enjoy driving the z3 more, but if/when i ever get rid of the z3 i'll reconsider Ridgeline ownership.
Overall Driving
I've still been getting used to the wider steering radius after driving small cars for so long. It's still really easy to drive and the cab is really quiet. I've pushed it a few times merging with traffic and the engine power and throttle response is nice. The older 6-spd transmission shifts well. Since it's been getting colder the remote start, heated steering wheel, and heated seat toggle have been greatly appreciated. The first longer trip of 2.5 hours left a nice fuel economy without putting it in 'eco' mode and left us with about 24mpg. The seats are very comfortable.
Sound System / Infotainment
The sound system has been really nice. The smaller cab with the high-watt sound system with sub are really nice to have. I still don't really like the busy infotainment UIX compared to the MK7 Golf Sportwagen or even my MK6 GTI. The Garmin-based navigation is ok, but i hate the cartoon-y look. I noticed that the volume change response from the steering wheel specifically isn't nearly as good as responsive as the VW systems, which i don't like. I didn't use the volume knob on the GTI because my preference for how the I/O icon is placed, so the lack of volume knob hasn't been a big deal for me; it's actually a lot easier to clean without the knob.
Rear Camera and Backing up/parking
It's off-center (annoying to use the projection lines when parking) and it's exposed to the elements. When you drive in inclement weather the camera lens gets covered. I've been getting used to the smart rear camera setup of the VW Sportwagen where it's hidden until you use it, protecting it from the elements. I wish more manufacturers hid the rear camera. The side mirror adjustment is nice since when you reverse and switch it to the driver or passenger side mirror flips down to assist you parking and i use this quite a bit.
2-person memory seating/mirrors/keys
having a memory seating associated with different keys is really nice. the wife drives the Ridgeline occasionally and her seating/mirror position being associated with the key she uses is nice; neither of us really have to think about adjusting the positions when we get in the Ridgeline.
I helped a person in my work garage jump her car the other day. i noticed that half of the battery is under the intake piping (negative terminal). Luckily the positive terminal wasn't difficult to get to, but if i ever need a jump in the Ridgeline it could get interesting... [wrong - I should've said if I were jumping again]
I still enjoy the comfort and ease of the Ridgeline and the driving experience excitement is still non-existent. I enjoy driving the z3 more, but if/when i ever get rid of the z3 i'll reconsider Ridgeline ownership.
'19 Golf R
Intro
J Ray's Top Ten
Previous: '99 BMW Z3 2.8L | 2019 Honda Ridgeline | 2010 VW GTI | 2008 CBR 600RR | 2005 Nissan Titan SE King | 2003 Honda CBR 600RR | 1998 Integra RS | 1998 Suzuki GS500e | 1999 Honda Civic Si | 1986 VW GTI 8v
Intro
J Ray's Top Ten
Previous: '99 BMW Z3 2.8L | 2019 Honda Ridgeline | 2010 VW GTI | 2008 CBR 600RR | 2005 Nissan Titan SE King | 2003 Honda CBR 600RR | 1998 Integra RS | 1998 Suzuki GS500e | 1999 Honda Civic Si | 1986 VW GTI 8v