If you're contemplating a multi-use or commuter pickup, the Honda Ridgeline should top the shopping list, assuming you can embrace its unusual styling. From its look to its tailgate and storage innovations to its combination of body-on-frame isolation and unibody stiffness, the Ridgeline borders on revolutionary. It's reasonably priced, and should be reasonably economic to operate. Ridgeline is pleasant to drive in all circumstances, and as much truck as many buyers will ever need.

NewCarTestDrive correspondent Jim McCraw filed this report from San Diego, with J.P. Vettraino reporting from Detroit.