There are several modified Ridgelines at the 2016 SEMA show, but only one is decked out with Honda Genuine Accessories. Appropriately named, this Ridgeline showcases many of the automaker’s dealer add-on parts. This gives potential Ridgeline customers an idea about what Honda offers through its U.S. dealership network. Best of all, these parts are likely covered by the Ridgeline’s factory warranty and are financeable if the parts are added at the time of purchase.

The truck isn’t as wild as some of the other Ridgeline concepts at SEMA, including the one from MAD Industries and Fox Marketing. Nevertheless, the truck still shows what’s possible through Honda.

Aside from the parts, the Ridgeline is completely stock. Everything from is unibody platform to its 3.5-liter V-6 – everything is factory-fresh. That’s not a bad thing though, as the all-new Ridgeline offers plenty of goodies, like its In-Bed Audio system, Dual-Action tailgate, fold-up second row bench, crossover-like dash, and an available AWD system.

Despite it not having a traditional ladder frame, the Ridgeline can carry 1,584 pounds in the bed and tow a 5,000-pound trailer. AWD models are also surprisingly agile off-road, in spite of the road-biased tires.

Anyway, let’s dive into what Honda Genuine Accessories has brought to the 2016 SEMA show.

2017 Honda Ridgeline with Honda Genuine Accessories

Specifications
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  • Model: 2017 Honda Ridgeline with Honda Genuine Accessories
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

This Ridgeline is fitted with plenty of dealer-added parts. The list includes a bed extender, body side molding, fender flares, a hard tonneau cover, roof rails with cross bars, running boards, a sport grille, and 18-inch Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels. There are also a couple prototype accessories, including a custom light bar by Cibie and LED fog lights by Valeo. We’re guessing the light bar wasn’t installed for this photo.

Aside from those add-ons, the Ridgeline is stock.

Interior

Note: Standard Honda Ridgeline interior shown here.

Honda made no mention of interior modifications or accessories parts. That’s not to say Honda won’t offer items like all-weather floor mats, seat covers, or smoker’s packages. If you’re really interested, call your local Honda dealer.

Drivetrain

This Ridgeline’s greasy bits have all be kept as stock. That means the 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission have been left alone. That’s all good, since the combination results in 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. That power is helped generated by a Honda’s iconic VTEC system. Not only does the VTEC variably operate valve timing, it can also vary the lift profile and the duration of the valve, giving the engine a much wider power band.

The 60-degree V-6 is constructed from aluminum, both the heads and block, and features deep skirts, four-bolt main caps, forged steel connecting rods, and a high-strength steel crankshaft. Tech wise, the engine has direct fuel injection and cylinder deactivation to help conserve fuel while making appropriate power.

The EPA estimates the AWD Ridgeline will get 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. Those numbers improve by one mpg in each category for FWD models.

Conclusion

The 2017 Honda Ridgeline is a huge step forward for the Ridgeline nameplate. Honda has definitely done its homework in the improvements it made over the first-generation Ridgeline. The truck now looks more… truck-ish… without the sail panels connecting the cab to the bed. The front is also more angular and aggressive than before. All the good features of the first-generation Ridgeline still carry over, including the Dual-Action tailgate, the in-bed storage trunk, and the high-mounted second-row bench that folds up to reveal a nearly flat load floor.

Honda will undoubtedly sell a ton of these, and it’s nice owners can opt for dealer add-on parts to customize and further accentuate the truck’s utility. Let us know what you think of this up-optioned Ridgeline in the comments below.