The 2016 SEMA show is the first for Honda’s second-generation Ridgeline and aftermarket companies are showing it plenty of attention. This iteration comes from Fox Marketing. It comes complete with a Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon ATV in the bed, too.
The Ridgeline might not be the quintessential definition of a pickup truck, but this unibody crossover-turned-pickup is anything but a lame duck. Offered with AWD and a peppy V-6 engine, the Ridgeline can haul 1,584 pounds in its multi-function cargo bed and AWD models can tow an impressive 5,000 pounds. That’s more than enough capability to haul this ATV up a mountain trail.
Every Ridgeline comes with Honda’s 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 with direct fuel injection. The engine generates 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
This particular Ridgeline is decked out with plenty of aftermarket goodies. Let’s have a look to see what Fox Marketing has done.
Continue reading to learn more about the Honda Ridgeline by FOX Marketing.
2017 Honda Ridgeline by FOX Marketing
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- Model: 2017 Honda Ridgeline by FOX Marketing
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Exterior
This Ridgeline most definitely won’t be the most outrageous vehicle at SEMA. In fact, the changes are subtle. It might make this truck lost in the noise, but the updates are something an actual Ridgeline owner might do.
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The truck started life as a 2017 Ridgeline RTL-E trim in black paint. Fox then gave the truck an Avery Diamond White Pear wrap job that includes red accents. Honda Factory Accessories provided the side steps, wind visors, and the bold fender flares. The truck rises on a 1.5-inch leveling kit that brings up the nose. Toyo Open Country ATII tires sized in 265/65 offer far better grip that the stock rubber. They are mounted on 18-inch KMC Wheels.
Up top, the Ridgeline has a cargo rack mounted to its stock roof bars. A LED light bar provides illumination for nighttime trail rides. A spare Toyo ATII tire rides up here since it’s much larger than the dinky compact spare hidden away in the in-bed truck.
Interior
Note: Standard Honda Ridgeline interior shown here.
Neither Honda nor Fox Marketing made mention of interior updates, so we’re guessing this Ridgeline is completely stock in this department.
Drivetrain
Like the interior, nothing is mentioned about the drivetrain. We think its safe to assume this truck came with AWD to fit Fox Marketing’s “outdoor sportsman” theme. As mentioned above, the Ridgeline is powered by Honda’s familiar 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine. This all-aluminum engine comes with direct injection, cylinder deactivation, and of course, Honda’s iconic variable valve timing known as VTEC.
Note: Standard Honda Ridgeline drivetrain shown here.
The VTEC system not only changes valve timing, but also modifies the lift profile and the duration of the intake valves. It’s basically like having multiple cam shaft profiles in a single engine. Other techy features include forged steel connecting rods that are “crack separated” to create a unique remounted surface when bolted onto the crank. This ensures the rod connection is strong, resulting in longer engine life. The aluminum engine block also has deep skirts with four-bolt main caps. A high-strength steel crankshaft controls all the in-block rotating parts.
All told, the 60-degree V-6 makes 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. AWD Ridgelines are rated by the EPA to get 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. Those numbers might drop a big with the larger tires and higher front suspension lift.
Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon
It’s impossible to miss the huge ATV sitting in the Ridgeline’s bed, so let’s talk about it. It’s a 2016 Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4x4 ATV with an Automatic DCT transmission, an independent rear suspension setup, and a 475-cc engine with fuel injection. It also comes with electronic power steering for easy control. The Automatic DCT comes with Drive and Low gearing. The transmission also allows for manual shifting. And despite being a 4WD ATV with hard-core shocks and underbody protection, Fox added a set of street-biased Toyo tires for on-road performance.
Read our full review on the Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon here.
Conclusion
The Fox Marketing Honda Ridgeline is a great example of what the average Ridgeline buyer might want to add to his truck. All the parts and accessories – perhaps minus the roof rack – are useful for everyday driving and adventure seeking. The truck’s additional ground clearance thanks to the leveling kit and all-terrain tires should give it better chops off road, although we were impressed with the Ridgeline’s off-road prowess during this year’s TAWA Truck Rodeo competition.
All told, this concept is one of the most logical and reasonable builds SEMA might host this year. We really love that aspect about it. Let us know what you think about the Fox Marketing Honda Ridgeline in the comments below.