Though only in the game a short time, Honda is quickly getting a handle on this whole pickup truck thing. Scarcely a year after its introduction for 2006, tuner and concept versions of the all-new Ridgeline pickup are scattered across the SEMA show floor, such as this All Terrain Concept Ridgeline.

Finished in Toner Green metallic paint, the All Terrain Concept Ridgeline looks more formidable than the version available from local dealers. That’s due in part to aggressive 265/70R17 BF Goodrich T/A all-terrain tires and an experimental spring and strut suspension that increases ground clearance by 1.5 inches. Also adding some toughness to the Ridgeline’s appearance is black chrome used on the wheels, lower body panels, and grille. Gunmetal metallic covers the wheel flares and light covers, and aluminum skid plates are bolted on up front. Inside, there’s brown leather, suede, and wool upholstery with copper interior accents, and topping the cargo area is a custom rack system for transporting toys and necessities off of the beaten path.

It’s unlikely that this model will ever see the light of day from a production standpoint, though bits and pieces look promising. But if nothing else, Honda’s Ridgeline experimentation shows that the company is definitely in tune with what the light truck buyer wants.

By Thom Blackett