The 2017 Ridgeline’s status as a modern, rugged, capable and sophisticated truck extends to its audio and connected-vehicle technologies, which are among the most advanced and intuitive in its competitive class. New available features include an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen Display Audio connectivity interface with Android operating system and an all-new Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ developed in cooperation with the experts at Garmin®. The available Display Audio system is compatible with the Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ platforms, giving customers seamless integration of key smartphone features and functions, including smartphone-powered GPS navigation and voice-controlled search capabilities. The Ridgeline RTL-E and Black Edition also offer a standard Truck Bed Audio System, a world’s first technology that makes the new Ridgeline the world’s greatest tailgating machine.
New Available Ridgeline Audio and Connectivity Features
- 8-inch touchscreen Display Audio system with Android operating system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- New-generation “2.0” SiriusXM® Radio
- Pandora® interface
- HD RadioÔ
- SMS Text Message function
- HondaLink™ connected-vehicle system
- Truck Bed Audio System
Ridgeline 5-Inch Display Audio
The Ridgeline RT, RTS, Sport and RTL have a standard 200-watt AM/FM radio audio system with seven speakers including a subwoofer and a USB port to allow the connection of other compatible devices. The system can play AM/FM, as well as content from a compatible device via the USB port, or wirelessly, via Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®. The audio system has a 5-inch (diagonal) display screen and conventional knobs and buttons to control the various functions. A CD player is available as a dealer-installed option.
Ridgeline 8-Inch Display Audio Touchscreen
The new Display Audio system, standard in the 2017 Ridgeline RTL-T, RTL-E and Black Edition, is the most advanced system ever offered by Honda. The intuitive and easy-to-use 8-inch touchscreen lets you swipe, tap and pinch—just like on a tablet or smartphone—to control the vehicle’s audio system, display settings and other advanced features.
Icons resembling smartphone apps are displayed on the high-definition, capacitive touchscreen, making the interface intuitive and easy to use. Interfaces for standard internet-sourced music and media options, such as Pandora can be displayed and controlled on the Display Audio interface, with the ability to create personalized stations, tap to “like” songs, and view album artwork directly from the touchscreen. Display Audio also integrates touch operation of the menu and return functions for a modern and sleek look.
The 8-inch Display Audio system offers all of the audio sources found in the 5-inch Display audio system, and adds SiriusXM, HondaLink content and HD Radio. The system is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A compact disc player is offered as a dealer-installed option. The 8-inch Display Audio system also includes fully integrated and fully featured Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with continuously updated traffic information.
On the RTL-T trim, the 225-watt audio system has seven speakers including a subwoofer. The RTL-E and Black Edition trims get a 540-watt system with 8 speakers including a subwoofer; they also have a standard industry-first Truck Bed Audio System.
Apple CarPlay
Ridgeline RTL-T models and above offer standard Apple CarPlay compatibility. By connecting the iPhone to the car using the phone’s USB cable (supplied with the phone) and the Ridgeline’s 1.5-amp USB port, CarPlay features can be accessed. (Note that the CarPlay system will not work using the USB port located inside the Ridgeline’s center console.)
CarPlay takes the most popular functions and features of the user’s compatible iPhone and puts them on the Ridgeline’s Display Audio touchscreen display. You can get directions, send and receive messages, listen to audio books and music, all in a way that allows you to stay more focused on the road. CarPlay features Siri voice control and is specially designed for typical driving scenarios. It also works with the Ridgeline’s controls – both on the audio touchscreen and the steering-wheel mounted controls, so you don’t need to pick up your phone. A curated selection of available CarPlay apps are designed for use in the Ridgeline, and are specially designed to help minimize the potential for driver distraction.
CarPlay includes access to Apple Maps, which can provide turn-by-turn directions, traffic conditions, and estimated travel time. CarPlay can also predict where you most likely want to go using addresses from your email, text messages, contacts, and calendars.
CarPlay is compatible with iPhones that feature the small Lighting connector, not older iPhones with the larger 30-pin connector.
Android Auto
Ridgeline RTL-T models and above offer standard Android Auto compatibility. By connecting a compatible Android phone to the car using the phone’s USB cable (supplied with the phone) and the Ridgeline’s 1.5 amp USB port, the Android Auto platform is enabled.
Android Auto puts some of your phone’s most useful Apps on the Ridgeline’s audio display. You can get directions, send and receive messages, listen to audio books and music, all without the need to pick up your phone. Android Auto works with the Ridgeline’s controls—both on the audio touchscreen and the steering wheel-mounted controls—so it’s simple and intuitive to use.
Android Auto’s voice control is specially designed for typical driving scenarios. A curated selection of available Android Auto apps are designed for use in the Ridgeline, and are designed to help minimize the potential for driver distraction.
Android includes access to Google Maps, which can provide turn-by-turn directions, live traffic conditions, lane guidance and more.
Android Auto is designed to work with Android phones running 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher.
SiriusXM Radio
A new generation 2.0/3.0 version of SiriusXM Radio is a standard feature in the RTL-T and above trims, and it provides more than 165 channels of digital programming with near CD-quality sound. The SiriusXM signal is beamed from two broadcast satellites positioned in geostationary orbit above Earth. The beams from these two broadcast satellites combine to span the entire continental United States and some of Canada.
SiriusXM Radio programming includes channels devoted to music, sports, talk, traffic, weather, children’s programming and entertainment. When the audio system plays SiriusXM Radio, the audio system displays the current category, station, song title or artist’s name.
This latest generation of SiriusXM includes many all-new features, including pause, fast forward and rewind. There is also an instant replay feature and the ability to hear all songs from the beginning on preset channels. The new Sports Flash feature lets you listen to your favorite (non-sports) programming, and if your favorite team makes a big play in a live game that is being broadcast on SiriusXM, you will receive an on-screen alert. With a touch of a soft key you can hear up to 30 seconds of audio before and including the big play.
Pandora Compatibility
Ridgeline RTL-T and above trims and above are designed to provide a convenient interface for Pandora, a free music service that allows users to open an account online and create up to 100 personalized internet “radio stations” that are based on favorite songs or artists. Users can choose among their stations and listen via computer, and can also download a free smartphone Pandora app, which allows users listen to the same list of personalized stations via their compatible phone. Although Pandora is free, phone data charges apply.
An iPhone or compatible Android phones can be connected wirelessly, using Bluetooth HandsFreeLink. To use Pandora, the Pandora app is launched on a compatible connected smartphone and the vehicle’s audio source is set to Pandora. The audio screen shows Pandora information and album art, and the audio controls allow listeners to choose from among existing stations, pause, resume, skip forward, and mark a track with “Like” or “Dislike” ratings. Some functionality of the Pandora app is locked out when using the Ridgeline’s Pandora interface.
HondaLink
The Display Audio system in the RTL-T, RTL-E and Black Edition features next generation HondaLink that allows the customer’s digital lifestyle to seamlessly integrate with the vehicle and provides access to a world of cloud-based information. The all-new application-based platform connects customers to online content both inside and outside the vehicle. The connection between the system and the user’s smartphone is made through the Bluetooth HandsFreeLink wireless interface. A HondaLink phone app provides convenient access for many services including location searches, local weather, messaging, Maintenance Minder alerts, service scheduling by phone, and access to the vehicle Owners Guide.
HondaLink Assist
An additional new feature on Ridgeline RTL-T and above is HondaLink Assist, which can help request emergency assistance for drivers. If a compatible phone is paired through Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, there is a cellular connection and an airbag deployment sensor is triggered, the system is designed to automatically attempt to notify an operator, report the vehicle’s current location, and allow occupants to talk directly to the operator. The operator can then contact emergency services if needed.
Siri Eyes Free
Adding another new premium feature, Ridgeline RTL-T, RTL-E and Black Edition integrate Apple’s Siri Eyes Free mode. Compatible iPhone® users will be able to operate Siri through familiar voice commands by pressing and holding the TALK button on the steering wheel when their iPhone is paired via Bluetooth. Using Eyes Free mode, Siri takes hands-free functionality even further and helps to minimize the potential for distraction by keeping the iOS device’s screen from lighting up.
Owners can direct Siri to perform a number of specific tasks while they keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. Capabilities include:
- Send text messages and e-mails
- Read incoming text messages and emails
- Set up calendar entries, reminders, and alarms
- Check the weather
- Turn-by-turn voice navigation (when the audio system is set to Bluetooth Audio or iPod mode)
- Sports scores and stock quotes
SMS Text Messaging
The Ridgeline RTL-T and above trims have a standard SMS text message function that can read incoming texts aloud over the audio system, and allow the driver to reply with any of six factory preset messages. The system works with SMS-capable cell phones that have an active data plan and the Message Access Profile (MAP), such as the Blackberry, Droid X and others. Apple iPhone models do not support this feature, but Siri Eyes Free Mode (iPhone 5 and 6 at time of launch) offers the ability to initiate, hear and respond to text messages via voice commands.
Once a compatible phone is paired with the Ridgeline’s Bluetooth HandsFreeLink system, the text messaging function is enabled. When the phone receives a text message, an alert appears on the audio touchscreen. Using the touchscreen, the driver can choose to have the message read aloud, can select among the preset reply choices, or can call the sender – all without touching the phone.
To help avoid driver distraction, the text of the incoming message is not displayed on screen unless the transmission is in Park.
Available factory preset text replies:
- Talk to you later, I’m driving.
- I’m on my way.
- I’m running late.
- OK
- Yes
- No
Bluetooth HandsFreeLink
The Bluetooth HandsFreeLink interface is designed to offer hands-free operation for many Bluetooth®-enabled mobile telephones. Standard on all Ridgeline models, the system wirelessly connects the driver’s cell phone to the vehicle’s audio system. This allows the driver to make or answer cell phone calls without removing hands from the steering wheel. The system is compatible with Bluetooth-enabled cell phones that have the Hands Free Profile (HFP). A list of compatible phones can be found at handsfreelink.com or honda.com.
Bluetooth HandsFreeLink enables audio files to be played through the vehicle’s audio system wirelessly with a feature called Bluetooth Audio. If an audio compatible device is paired it will be added as an auxiliary source on the audio screen. This allows the Bluetooth device’s media to be played wirelessly by the audio system. Cell phone devices that support the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) and Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) 1.3 allow the display of metadata for artist, album and track name on the audio screen. The vehicle’s audio controls for “skip forward” and “skip backward” allow for navigation from track to track.
Bluetooth HandsFreeLink is designed for easy use. After the driver completes a simple one-time “pairing” process to link the cell phone with the vehicle, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink can communicate wirelessly and securely with the driver’s cell phone when the phone is within about 33 feet of the vehicle. Once the driver enters the vehicle, the phone can be stored in a pocket, briefcase, purse or a storage bin inside the vehicle’s cabin as the call transfers information through the wireless telephone interface. Certain compatible cell phones can also transfer the cellular phonebook into the vehicle through the Bluetooth HandsFreeLink system. After the cellular phonebook is transferred, calls can be made by making selections from the registered phonebook on the Ridgeline’s display screen.
- Pressing the steering wheel-mounted “Pick up” button answers the call and mutes the audio system
- The caller is heard through the audio-system speakers
- An overhead microphone picks up the driver’s voice while minimizing background noise and echoing
- Numbers with voice tags may be stored in the system’s memory
- To make a hands-free call, the driver first activates the system using the steering wheel-mounted fingertip controls, then speaks a preset voice tag
- Numbers can also be dialed by speaking the telephone number
- Automatic import of phone book and call history with compatible phones
- Up to six different compatible mobile phones can be paired with the Bluetooth HandsFreeLink system
Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition and Honda HD Digital Traffic
Standard on the Ridgeline RTL-T, RTL-E and Black Edition with the 8-inch Display Audio system, the integrated Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System uses GPS technology to provide drivers with turn-by-turn guidance to their chosen destination. This all-new navigation system, developed in cooperation with Garmin, offers many improvements, including enhanced graphics, live search, speed limit display, customized vehicle icons, 3D buildings and terrain, and more. The system includes free map database updates for up to five years (initial purchase plus one yearly update each year for four years). The system includes the HD Digital Traffic feature, which alerts the driver to current traffic conditions and can display alternate routes around gridlock. It features expanded coverage including many surface streets within the U.S., allowing the driver to choose faster, less congested routes. HD Digital Traffic is subscription-free.
The navigation system can be controlled by voice or through the 8-inch electrostatic touch-screen audio display utilizing its tap, pinch and swipe functionality. The voice-activation system can respond to more casual command phrases that require less user familiarization, in addition to the previous capability of being able to understand spoken city and street names. For example, a voice request for “Radio 98.3 FM” can now be spoken in approximately a dozen different ways ranging from “change the radio station to 98.3” to “98.3 FM.” This logic applies to audio functionality of the audio/information screen. The navigation system can also be controlled by voice with conventional navigation commands like, “Find nearest Chinese restaurant” or “find nearest ATM.”
The audio system is automatically muted when the “Talk” button is pressed. The voice-recognition technology allows the driver to simply speak city and street names aloud, and the system responds by displaying the matches available in the database. Points of interest on the map – such as restaurants or grocery stores – can be displayed with brand logo icons or you can have the system provide turn-by-turn navigation, all by voice command. The massive point-of-interest (POI) database includes telephone numbers that can be dialed by using the Bluetooth HandsFreeLink system when the driver’s cellular telephone is connected to the system.
The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System uses GPS in combination with detailed information from the vehicle’s mapping system to pinpoint the vehicle’s location and to provide a host of useful mapping and route guidance features. The system’s antenna receives positioning information from a network of 24 global positioning satellites. If the antenna is obstructed by a tunnel, a parking garage or a tall building, an internal gyroscopic system and a speed sensor track the location of the vehicle so that the map information remains current and reliable. The vehicle clock is independently controlled by GPS data, so when time zones are crossed while driving, the clock will automatically set itself to the current time.
Truck Bed Audio System
The RTL-E and Black Edition trims get a 540-watt audio system that includes the world’s-first production Truck Bed Audio System. The system features a total of six completely weatherproof audio exciters (or transducers), two located in each bed side wall and two located inside the bed rear wall. The exciters transmit vibrations to the bed walls, turning them into resonant speakers.
Truck Bed Audio is controlled via the audio system touch screen, and can play any of the available audio sources. To conserve electrical power during operation with the engine off and the ignition in ACC mode, the touch screen turns off, putting the system into low power mode. A touch anywhere on the screen will turn the display screen back on.
For the system to operate, the vehicle must moving at less than 10 mph or be stopped with the transmission in Park. The vehicle can be running, or the system can operate in ACC mode. In ACC mode, the system is timed to run for three hours, provided the battery state of charge is adequate. If the battery charge drops below a set level, the system automatically shuts down to preserve adequate charge to insure that the engine can be restarted. When the system shuts off due to low battery charge, or due to three hours of operation since the ignition has been placed in the ACC position, the audio exciters emit an audible beep tone 30 seconds before the system shuts down.
Depending on the ambient temperature and other electrical loads, the battery may be able to operate the Truck Bed Audio System for more than 11 hours total before requiring the engine to be started to recharge the battery.
USB Ports and Power Outlets
In RT, RTS Sport and RTL trims, 12-volt power outlet is positioned above the phone pocket at the base of the center stack, with another 12-volt power outlet, a 1.0-amp USB port and auxiliary jack positioned inside of the center console. RTL-T and above trims retain the 12-volt power outlets, while a 1.5-amp port is added above the phone pocket. Also, a pair of 2.5-amp USB charging ports at the rear of the center console are provided for use by the second-row passengers.
Audio and Connectivity Features