It’s not anything compared to a dual-range 4WD system, but it's the most capable crossover AWD system off road. The ability to lock up rear diff completely goes a long way. 

I’m sure it uses enough of the VW parts bin that most maintenance and repair parts wouldn't be hard to find. Fixing it after an accident might be a very different story, though. 

But not VW. It would cease to function as soon as the warranty was up.

I reckon they want you to look at the suspendy bits and believe that the Ridgeline is just a set of taller shocks and springs away from being a Baja runner.

So, it’s got a torsen front diff on the i-VTM system? ‘Cause that one can lock its rear diff, too. I think size is the real difference maker here, though.

Some niche conditions, proudly provided by Honda, all of which I’d consider automatics:

I’ll save ~$45k and buy one of those 25+ year old 4WD vans you can import from Japan now. Just put some nice wide wheels/tires on it for sand driving, and you’re golden.

If you’re in the market for a minivan, something tells me a Golf isn’t gonna have the space you’re looking for. Because that’s what minivans are good for — being huge boxes on wheels that get you and a fuckton of your stuff from A to B with okayish efficiency and respectable performance.

Leave the engine running when it’s cold to heat your tent. You’ll be warm for the rest of your life!

Hear, hear! But let’s take it a step further, to amortize the cost of them there diesels (and hopefully make them cheaper ‘cause scale), and shove them into every damned vehicle possible. Not just BOF suvs, but crossovers as well! Sedans of all sizes! Pickups! Hatchybacks! Let’s make America smoggy again!

I think I recall that the big, square passenger-side airbag that doesn’t have to fit in a steering wheel center is supposed to cover middle and passenger sides.

This was the solution my parents went with in their 2007. They make cross-country trips towing their travel trailer, and never wanted to be in a situation where they had to choose to tow with the donut or leave the trailer on the side of the road. So far, they’ve been lucky, but they’re prepared.

I’ve got my own beard. My transportation doesn’t need one.

The Honda mill is rated at 280, likely makes more like 305-310 based on dynos done on other models, as it approaches it’s rated HP at the wheels. Anyway, if it’s as quick as the Pilot, it’ll pull 60 in or just under 7s, which ain’t appreciably slower than all but the thirstiest big V8s.

::Raises hand::

The tailgate can take the weight, especially that of a couple of dirt bikes, which aren’t heavy.

And it can larger family. My parents have fit three Britax Marathon 70s side-by-side across the rear bench without issue when they took my kids on a trip in their 2007 Ridge. I doubt the new truck is less capacious.

“you don’t understand the truck thing. But don’t take it too hard, not everyone is a car guy.”

My poor, poor peanut brain thinks your thinkerator is fucky, and you’re just spoiling for something to complain about.

I need to get my eyes checked, I think.