TORRANCE, California — Honda says it has added '50 significant changes and new features' to the 2009 Ridgeline, including 'a bolder look and feel.'

That's why they call it 'public relations.'

In fact, while Honda has revised the Ridgeline's grille, bumpers, headlamps and taillamps for '09, the net visual impact is virtually nil. But we appreciate the score card.

Inside, you'll find a new steering wheel and updated switches, gauges and displays, as well as a 115-volt power outlet on the Ridgeline TRL and an iPod jack on the RTS and RTL.

Under the hood, Honda has tweaked the truck's 3.5-liter SOHC V6, nudging output from 247 to 250 horsepower and torque from 245 to 247 pound-feet. Honda says its engineers broadened the torque curve and boosted power by adding larger intake valves, a new camshaft profile and a revised, high-flow intake manifold. It also revised the gears in the five-speed automatic transmission.

While the '09 Ridgeline may realize a modest improvement in performance, its EPA fuel economy ratings remain unchanged at a paltry 15 mpg in city driving and 20 on the highway.

Honda says new features include a standard trailer hitch on every model, a rearview camera on RTL models equipped with navigation, plus active front-seat head restraints and daytime running lights on all models. A motorcycle bed extender and a bed-mounted bicycle attachment are among the new accessories for '09.